Packing  and  Storage  Tips

1.                    Plan your storage space.  Place those items you need to access most often in the front.  Allow for walkways as needed.

2.                    Place your items on 2” x 4” boards, pallets or plastic sheeting to guard against dampness .  Any concrete floor may become cold and damp.

3.                    Caution : It is against the law to store materials that are hazardous or combustible such as gasoline, kerosene,  propane, solvents, paint, etc.  Drain all remaining gasoline from lawn mowers, boats, power tools, etc.

4.                    Make an inventory of your stored items and keep it in a safe place.

5.                    List contents of boxes on the sides and top and seal with masking tape .

6.                    Use standard size boxes for easy stacking. Be sure they can hold 25-30 lbs. fill boxes tightly.  Be careful not to either under or over pack boxes. Bulging cartons tip when stacked while half full boxes tend to collapse.  Use newspaper, rags, towels, etc to fill in empty boxes.

7.                    Place books on their sides to protect their spines.  Line boxes with plastic and fill in empty areas with packing paper.

8.                    Stack light boxes on top of heavier ones.

9.                    Dishes and glasses should be wrapped in packing paper and placed in dish pack boxes.

10.                Hang clothes and draperies in wardrobe boxes.  Add mothballs or cedar for extra protection.

11.                Furniture with drawers can be utilized as storage places for small fragile items.  Wrap them in towels.

12.                Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in mirror crates, marked “fragile” and stacked on end.

13.                Larger appliances make excellent packing places for blankets, sheets, table cloths and misc. clothing.

14.                Shovels, hoes, rakes, hoses, etc. can be stored in empty trash cans. Stack extra cans inside one another.

15.                Tables with removable legs should be taken apart to save space and protect the legs.

16.                Sofas and loveseats  can sometimes be stored on end and “nested” to save space. A protective cover should be placed under the end on the floor.  Cushions should be wrapped in  plastic and placed on top.

17.                Cover stuffed furniture with dust covers.

18.                If  you stand mattresses on end, be sure to help prop them up or they will sag and become lumpy.