Moving or you just need more space? A self storage unit can make your move smooth as silk, providing you with a temporary storage space until you can move into your new home.
Self storage units are also great for seasonal stuff that is cluttering up your garage, basement and attic.
Follow these simple tips to take the stress out of the process.
Packing Tips
- Invest in plastic boxes as they are not susceptible to moisture. Cardboard boxes work fine, but will break down and degrade over time. This ensures your valuables are well protected and dry.
- When packing lightweight items, use large boxes. For heavier items, use small boxes.
- Always fill up your boxes to the brim and fill in any gaps with packing material such as bubble wrap or newspapers. A snug box ensures nothing gets jostled during the move, so nothing gets damaged.
- Fragile items such as picture frames and mirrors must be properly packed. Tape an “X” across the glass, then wrap them in bubble wrap. Make sure to purchase fitted cardboard corners to protect the edges.
- Furniture: Place a pallet on the floor and stand sofas and mattresses on end.
- When disassembling beds and tables, wrap table legs in paper. Use plastic bags to store the nuts and bolts, and secure it to the piece of furniture with tape.
- Upholstered fabric chairs, sofas, and mattresses should be wrapped in cloth or cotton sheets to protect your furniture when moving and while in storage. Never use plastic bags or poly tarps, as they trap moisture which leads to mold and mildew (damaging your furniture).
- Wash and dry everything prior to packing – including clothing, sheets, blankets, curtains, and even furniture. This will deter any deterioration during storage.
- Wipe down the surfaces of every piece of furniture. Wood polish for wood items, conditioner for leather, and rust preventative for metal items.
Tips for Packing Commonly Stored Items
- Appliances: A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. All stoves and cooking equipment must be thoroughly cleaned prior to being placed in storage.
- Bedding, Clothing, Curtains, Drapes and Linens: Clothing, curtains and drapes should be stored on hangers. When hanging items is not possible, carefully fold and stow in dresser drawers or cedar chests along with bedding and linens.
- Books: Pack books flat to protect their spines.
- Dishes and Glassware: Individually wrap every plate, dish, and cup. Stack them in the box with like-sized items to avoid cracking or chipping during the move. All glass must be individually wrapped (nest cups and bowls and stand plates, sauces, and platters on edge).
- Holiday Decorations: Save the original cartons that contained delicate ornaments. Wrap strings of lights around a piece of cardboard before placing it in a carton lined with packing paper.
- Lamps: Wrap large lamp bases in padding, wrap smaller lamps then place them in boxes. Pack delicate lamp shades separately. Do not use newsprint to wrap lamp shades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink stains.
- Mirrors & Pictures: These items should be stored on edges, not flat.
- Records and Photographs: Records should be stored on edges to prevent warping.
- Motorcycles & ATVs: Before putting your machines in storage, it’s best to properly prepare for storage.
- Outdoor furniture: Outdoor furniture is durable but is susceptible to damage from the elements of sun, heat, water and freezing rain. Proper care can make your outdoor furniture last for summers to come.
- Tools: Metal tools should be cleaned and wiped with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to retard rust.
Moving & Storing Tips
- Label every box in detail, going beyond just labeling by room. Give a short list of what is in the box.
- Create a map detailing what is in each box and where it is located in your storage unit.
- Keep these items together as much as possible when stacking them into the moving truck.
- Do not stack items on top of mattresses, as the weight can break springs or leave permanent indentations.
- Take apart items like bed frames and tables, and remove lampshades from lamps. This will help protect them from breaking and make them easier to move.
- Put the least used items in the back of the unit and the most used in the front.
Make sure you’re using the right size storage unit for your needs. Get a unit that is a little bit bigger than your items, so you have room to access things when you need them.
Need more advice? Give us a call and we’ll help make your move as smooth as possible.
About Montgomery Self Storage
Montgomery Self Storage is your local neighborhood mom and pop self storage center. Making people’s lives easier for 15 years.
Montgomery Self Storage offers indoor and outdoor units. Book a unit online or give us a call. All Units are cleaned and ready for storage.
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.
Please stay safe during your move.
Montgomery Self Storage
9 Factory Street, Montgomery, NY 12549
Phone: (845) 457-6229
SelfStorageMontgomeryNY.com