Preparation is key to making your pack a successful one. Make sure you have all the necessary packing materials before you get started.
- Storage boxes
- Bubble wrap,
- Cloth dust sheets.
NEVER use plastic tarps or bags to stow away bedding, sheets or blankets. Plastic traps moisture which can breed bacteria and mold.
Storing Tips
- Use the same size packing boxes so that when stacking and organizing your items they are balanced and secure.
- Make sure your boxes are not too heavy when packing them. Boxes should be no more than 40 pounds per box. Otherwise they will be too heavy to lift.
- Use packing material so create a snug fit when the box is closed up, that way nothing gets jostled around when you move your valuables.
- Stack heavy boxes near the items bottom and lighter boxes near the top. This ensures that nothing gets damaged.
Follow these specific packing steps for the many different items you plan on putting in storage.
Storing Furniture
Furniture takes up a lot of space, be sure to:
- Make sure furniture is cleaned thoroughly prior to putting in storage.
- Break down headboards, bed frames and remove table legs. Put table leg screws and nuts in a plastic bag and attach it to the table so they won’t get lost.
- Fold and cover umbrellas prior to placing them in the storage.
- Store table tops vertically.
- Stack patio furniture chairs on top of one another to gain extra storage space.
- Cover all furniture with old sheets, quilts, or towels to keep out dirt, dust, and moisture.
Storing Mattresses
A good quality mattress lasts for more than a decade. It’s an investment. The best way to store a mattress is to maintain the shape of the mattress.
- Store your mattress flat and don’t stack anything on It Storing your mattress upright can damage the coils and springs and can shift and cause the mattress fabric to sag.
- Be sure to lay a tarp down on the floor before placing the mattress on top.
- Never store items on top of the mattress as objects can damage the springs and cause cuts or permanent dents in the cushioning. No exceptions.
Storing Appliances
- Refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, washers, and dryers must be cleaned thoroughly prior to storage.
- Remove all hoses and drain all water from all appliances before putting in storage.
- Leave refrigerator doors slightly ajar to improve circulation and avoid mold.
- And much like electronics, never place anything heavy on top of your appliances.
Storing Electronics
Electronics like computers. TVs, video game consoles, phones, and tablets can seize up and sometimes become damaged. Before stowing away any electronic component be sure to:
- Back up all the files on the equipment whenever possible.
- Remove all cords and cables from your devices and place them in separate bags.
- Never stack anything heavy on top of your components.
- Cover equipment with cloth sheets to keep out dust and dirt.
Electronics Packing Tip: Don’t forget to remove batteries! Batteries can leak or degrade in storage, and are particularly susceptible to damage from temperature fluctuations.
Storing Clothes
- Fold or roll clothes and loosely place them in sealed plastic containers, trunks, or boxes.
- Add silica packets, oxygen absorbers or fabric softener sheets to prevent mold growth.
- Store expensive clothes like suits or dresses in garment storage boxes on hangers.
Storing Blankets & Comforters
- Store bedding by weight. If you fold blankets and put them on a shelf, keep the heavier blankets on the bottom.
- Don’t store anything on top of down comforters.
- Roll the bedding into a ball and tie it into place using a ribbon. This option is ideal because the blankets won’t be crushed by the weight of other blankets.
- Do not roll bedding tightly so that you don’t cause wrinkling
- Roll down-comforters loosely and store them vertically to prevent compression.
- Dryer sheets. Place a few sheets inside the folded bedding or in the tote before storing.
- Cotton storage bags protect against bugs,dust, and allow airflow.
- Comforter hangers allow air to pass through the fabric.
Storing Books
When not stored properly, books can become warped, stained, and damaged by mildew.
- Air out your books in a dry room before packing them, then wrap them in acid-free archival paper.
- Avoid spine warping by packing books flat, not with the spine or binding pointing up.
- Books can be heavy, when packing them use smaller boxes so they are easy to lift.
Storing Holiday Decorations
- Plastic containers provide the best protection for your fragile decorations and ornaments from moisture and dust.
- Make sure to keep your decorations grouped together to stay organized. Use separate boxes based on the tree or window the decorations will be placed.
- Get rid of empty spaces, by adding filler such as tissue paper or packing paper so that each box is snug and safe to store the ornaments. This ensures things won’t break or become damaged.
Maintain peace and tranquility by safely storing your valuables in self storage.
Montgomery Self Storage has all the boxes and packing materials you’ll need on site. Not sure what size self storage units you need, check out our Storage Unit Size Guide for help. Give us a call.
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