The Do It Right Guide To Packing Your Self Storage Unit

Self storage is a smart solution for staging your furnishing during a home move, to get your stuff organized or to reduce clutter and create space in your home. 

Use this easy guide with helpful tips and advice for packing your storage unit the right way. 

First things first, determine how much storage space you will need. Self storage units come in many sizes including: 5′ x 5′, 5′ x 10′, 10′ x 10′, 10′ x 15′, 10′ x 20′ and 10′ x 30′. Not sure how much space you need? Check out our Storage Unit Size Guide for help. 

Once you know what size unit you will need, it’s time to map out the best way to pack your storage unit. Follow the steps provided in our Tips for Organizing Your Storage Unit. 

Prepare, to make things perfect. Now that you know how to pack your unit, it’s equally important to know the best way to box up your valuables. The following tips will ensure that your valuables will be safe and secure during storage.

Prepping the Refrigerator for Moving & Storage

1. Defrost the refrigerator at least 3 to 5 days before moving.
2. Drain and thoroughly dry the ice maker and water supply lines.
3. Clean all surface areas both inside and outside of the refrigerator with a mild detergent.
4. Dust or vacuum the coils on the back or bottom of the refrigerator.
5. Tape the refrigerator and freezer doors shut while in transit. When moving the refrigerator, transport upright covered in a tarp or moving blankets.
   

Prepping the Dishwasher for Moving & Storage

1. Thoroughly clean the dishwasher (once unplugged). 
2. Disconnect and clean the hoses. Once these are dry, wrap them in towels or newspaper for protection. Place the hoses inside the dishwasher for easy access.
3. Leave the dishwasher door open for a little bit of time before moving to let the air circulate inside and out of the appliance.
4. Let the dishwasher air dry for at least 24 hours before moving.
5. Tape cords onto the side of the dishwasher and cover it with a tarp or moving blankets prior to transit. 

Prepping the Washer / Dryer for Moving & Storage

1. When shutting down the washer, run a clean rinse to remove any detergent in the washer. 
2. When shutting down the dryer, remove any debris and lint left over from the last load of laundry.
3. Remove and wash the lint traps and other removable parts from the dryer using a mild mixture of soap and water.
4. Remove the hoses from the wall and place them within the appliances. 
5. Place electrical wiring inside the appliance so you will not lose them in transit.
6. Leave the washing machine door open for a few days to ensure it is completely.
7. Allow the washer and dryer to thoroughly dry for about a week after cleaned.  
8. Wrap the washer and dryer in moving blankets prior to transport on a moving dolly.
   

Prepping the Microwave Oven for Moving & Storage

1. Remove the glass turntable inside the microwave and thoroughly clean the interior and exterior microwave surfaces.
2. If possible, move and store the microwave in its original packaging. Alternatively pack the microwave in a sturdy cardboard box with lots of filler material (newspaper, bubble wrap, or linens) for extra protection.

NOTE: If you are not placing the microwave in a box, tape the glass door shut during transport with the cords taped on the side of the appliance. Wrap the appliance in a tarp or moving blanket for added protection during moving.

Prepping the Mattress for Moving & Storage

1. Thoroughly clean your mattress by using upholstery cleaner and vacuuming both sides.
2. Take the bed set apart before moving it, keeping all the nuts, screws and miscellaneous pieces in a plastic bag taped to the headboard for safe keeping. 
3. Cover the headboard and bedframe with old blankets to protect them from damage during transport.
4. Buy a mattress cover. These breathable, plastic covers are made specifically to protect your mattress while it’s in storage. 
5. Lay the mattress and box spring flat in storage. Never store a mattress propped up on its side as this can damage the coils and other inner materials as they shift over time. 
6. You can transport your mattress on its side in the moving truck, but when you place it in your storage unit, lay it on the ground on a tarp or on top of flat furniture.
7. Don’t place any heavy items on top of your mattress. This can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the mattress material and damage the springs. 

Prepping Patio Furniture for Moving & Storage

Prepare outdoor chairs and patio furniture properly, to ensure they can easily be set up and used again when needed. As with any outdoor items, including outdoor grills, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning and storing.

1. Examine the outdoor chairs, tables, cushions and patio umbrella to see if anything is broken or needs to be repaired before placing it in storage.
2. Clean the outdoor furniture with warm water and mild soap.
3. Wash wicker, mesh or plastic furniture and wrought iron chairs with a solution of mild dishwashing soap and water. Clean wooden furniture with wood oil soap. 
4. Make sure the furniture and all fabric and cushions are completely air dry before you move it into your self storage unit.

Prepping a TV or Electronic Component for Moving & Storage

Refer to your electronic device’s manual and product information, if you don’t have it look it up online to ensure you’re following the proper procedures for moving and storage.

1. Clean the device thoroughly, refer to the cleaning instructions outlined in the manual. 
2. If possible, move and store the electronic component in its original packaging. Alternatively pack the electronic unit in a sturdy cardboard box with lots of filler material (newspaper, bubble wrap, or linens) for extra protection.
3. If you plan on moving the device without packing, make sure to completely wrap your device with a moving blanket or some type of protection that will guard against scrapes, dings or even finger prints. 

NOTE: The slightest scratch to your television screen will damage the set. Take extra precautions to ensure the screen is protected.  When lifting and moving a TV, as well as when storing it must always keep in an upright position. Never place your television flat on its back in storage as it can severely damage the internal wiring and structure of your television.

Prepping CD’s, DVD’s, Video Games & Vinyl Records for Moving & Storage

1. Organize your collections first. Separate CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, Vinyl records and video games by category and media. 
2. If you’re storing your movies and albums in their original cases, make sure to put them in sturdy, sealed boxes with plenty of packing material to keep the contents from shifting around during transport. Heavy duty cardboard or plastic containers work well.
3. Carefully mark each box with a clear description of what’s inside. 
4. Create a master list so that you can easily find the movie, album or game much easier.

NOTE: Physical media is sensitive to extreme heat, cold and humidity. A climate controlled or indoor self storage unit is recommended.

• Exposure to extreme heat or even direct sunlight could lead to warping or damage.
• Avoid vents, windows or other sources of heat. 
• Humidity and moisture, on the other hand, can cause CD’s, DVD’s, LP’s and video games can damage your media. 

Vinyl Records 

• Buy standard paper inner sleeves or poly inner sleeves to reduce scratching your vinyl records.
• Never stack your records for a prolonged period of time as this lead to irreparable record warping. 
• Stand your records up tall on a shelf or bookcase. 
• Avoid packing records tightly. If you can’t pull out a single record without disturbing the albums on either side, you’re packing them too tightly.

Montgomery NY Self Storage has many drive-up storage units to make loading easy. Clean, Convenient, and Low Cost. We hope you found this guide to packing your self storage unit helpful. If you have an item that you are not sure how to pack, visit our website for more information or give us a call.

About Montgomery Self Storage

Please stay safe during your move. Montgomery Self Storage follows state and federal guidelines for social distancing and sanitation. The health and safety of our customers and employees is our highest priority. We clean each unit and sanitize all locks prior to renting our units. 

Montgomery Self Storage can rent you a unit by leaving your lock and contract in your unit. Simply sign and drop off your papers and payment. We take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of everyone who rents a unit. 

Montgomery Self Storage is a family run business. They are on the premises where your valuables are stored. They routinely look after your valuables and monitor the storage units with 24/7 security cameras. 

Montgomery Self Storage offerings indoor and outdoor units. They are conveniently located right off of route 84 and route 17K just minutes from Stewart Airport in the village of Montgomery. The community is super safe as are your valuables.