Storage Tips To Help Protect Your Property
- Prepare your storage unit by placing a plastic sheet or pallet on the floor beneath your goods
- Leave an air space around the units’ perimeter to aid in ventilating
- Use uniform sizes of boxes and stack them shoulder high to maximize your total storage space
- Wedge appliance doors open. Always clean your stove before storing.
- Freezer, refrigerator, washing, Dryer cartons are excellent for packing bedding, linens and clothing
- Pack books flat to protect their spaces. Do not place boxes directly on the floor. Book are heavy in bunches, pack in smaller cartons for easy lifting. Line all book with plastic. (Garbage bags make good liners)
- Store records on edge, they are quite heavy so be sure you do not pack to many in one box
- Place frequently used items near the front and leave a walkway to the rear of the unit
- Store mirrors, windows and screens on edge, not flat. Crate them in a mirror pack if possible or package them individually with strong cardboard. Mark them so they will not accidentally be bumped.
- Take time when packaging dishes and glassware. Place a layer of packing paper inside the bottom and top of cartons. Plates and glasses should be wrapped individually. It is best to stack plates on edge.
- Wipe the surface of bicycles, tools, and other items with a slightly oily rag to prevent rusting
- Save holiday decoration cartons which contained delicate ornaments to repack. Pad the ornaments with packing paper or newspaper.
- Protect furniture and mattresses with specially designed plastic covers. Place a pallet, cardboard mat or plastic sheet on the floor and stand sofas and mattresses on end.
- Store small expensive items like stereos, televisions etc.. in the back of the storage space in an unmarked box with pieces of large furniture in front of them. This will make it more difficult for thieves to gain access to them.
- Cover all of your stored possessions with a light plastic sheet. In humid areas allow for ventilation.
- Make a complete list of all goods sorted, including brand names, product features and serial numbers. Keep the list in a safe place away from the storage space.
- To prove ownership, keep proof of purchase documentation, receipts, owners manuals or warranties. Take photos or video of your goods. A digital camera is an excellent way to document your possessions. Keep this material in a safe place away from the storage space.
