Helpful Storage Tips
Click on any of the topics to see more about that tip. Be sure to note the things never to place into storage below!
Things You Should Never Place in Storage:
- Explosive or flammable items like fuel, paint or aerosols.
- Food or Drink. These can attract vermin into even the cleanest facility.
- Anything living. Plants and animals will not survive in storage.
- Pack in such a way that you leave yourself access to items you might need from time to time. Accessing boxes can be made even easier by labeling them.
- Use pallets/skids if possible to keep contents off the floor.
- Store items you may need to access at front of unit.
- Worn boxes can collapse and lead to damage. Use similar size boxes so they pack easy and make better use of space. Try to fill boxes to maintain sturdiness and stack lighter boxes on top. Pack heavy things in small boxes and lighter things in larger boxes.
- Rubbermaid bins make excellent moisture-resistant storage containers. They will also resist buckling better than standard boxes.
- Anything important should be wrapped or boxed in storage to protect from dust and dirt.
- Never pack material or upholstered items in sealed bags or bins, especially during spring and summer. Humidity present during these seasons can cause condensation leading to must and mildew. If you do wrap beds and sofas, they should be stored on end if possible with the top end left unsealed. Upholstered items and beds should be kept off the ground.
- Old bed sheets, towels and comforters make excellent padding to protect furniture.
- To save space and possibly money, disassemble any large furniture such as beds, tables. It is a good idea to keep all screws, bolts, and the like, in one accessible container or bag.
- Cover all furniture and disassemble, if possible.
- Wrap table legs with packing paper as scratch protection.
- Lay down blankets or a pallet between the furniture and the floor of the storage unit.
- Place assembled tables top down on floor with legs pointing towards the ceiling.
- Stack chairs seat-to-seat with cloth or paper separating them.
- Avoid stacking or leaning furniture against outside walls.
- Use file boxes. They are the best containers for your important documents.
- Pack books flat and fill any empty space to minimize movement.
- Avoid overfilling cartons. Books are heavy.
- Keep pallets free of moisture by placing plastic sheeting on top of them.
- Avoid excessive wrinkling to your clothes by employing wardrobe boxes.
- In outdoor units, refrain from placing boxes of clothes directly on the floor. They can make attractive homes for rodents. It can be wise to place mouse traps when clothing or upholstered furniture is being stored in shed-style storage.
- Wrap plates, saucers, and bowls individually before placing them in a china carton.
- Use a china carton divider kit for increased security.
- Fill paper into bottom, top and empty spaces in the carton.
- When storing appliances, be sure they are defrosted and empty of water as moisture and humidity will damage your valuables. Refrigerator and freezer doors should be propped slightly open to prevent odor build-up. An opened box of baking soda can be placed inside for added odor prevention.
- Valuable storage space inside appliance’s can be used for small items.