Packing Tips
Prime Security Storage Packing Tips
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24/7 Storage Access
Secure Facility
What to Do Before Storing Your Items in Our Facility
Organizing and efficiently packing your items will take time and concentration. However, the up-front effort will be well worth it when you're able to easily unload and organize your items at Prime Security Storage. Here are some tips for packing:
Investing in Supplies:
Use boxes, not plastic bags. Boxes are sturdier and stack well, taking up less space. Many moving companies require that goods be packed in boxes for transport. Also, sealed plastic bags can trap humidity which can cause damaging mildew.
Invest in good quality, sturdy boxes and packing materials. Boxes should be sturdy enough to hold up for years under the weight of the stack. You may be tempted to get boxes for free from supermarkets and liquor stores; however, the mismatched shapes and sizes will impede your ability to organize most effectively. You can buy standard-sized boxes and specialty boxes for items such as TVs, videotapes and pictures.
For wrapping breakables, paper will do, but bubble wrap can be used repeatedly, is cleaner, and because it is transparent, makes identifying contents easier.
Most people end up needing more tape than they thought they would when packing. Your self-storage manager can help you estimate how much tape you'll need for the number of boxes you'll be packing. Some places sell tape that is pre-labeled.
For your convenience, packing supplies such as boxes, bubble wrap and tape are available for purchase at the storage facility.
Packing in Boxes:
Box up everything that you can. Anything left unboxed in a self-storage facility can get dusty.
Fill boxes to capacity. The contents in half-empty boxes can shift during transport or lifting. Corners and sides can collapse if there's nothing to support them. Foam peanuts are handy for filling in the gaps in boxes.
Distribute the weight in packed boxes evenly. Make sure they are not too heavy for you and others who may be lifting them.
Wrap all fragile items and breakables such as dishes, glasses, ornaments, etc. separately. Pack these items tightly into strong or reinforced boxes, filling any gaps with paper or filler. Mark "Fragile" on any boxes containing breakable items.
Clearly label all boxes on more than one side so you can easily identify the contents.
Pack books flat to avoid damaging their spines.
Packing Other Items
- Invest in a wardrobe box with a built-in hanging rod to store your clothes.
- Prepare large appliances carefully before putting them up for storage. Defrost your refrigerators and freezers, drain your washing machines and wipe the appliance with baking soda to ensure they are dry. Tie them down with hoses and cords so they don't come open during transportation. Enclose the exposed back area of the appliances to prevent vermin.
- Wrap mirrors, lamp shades and lamp bases in bubble wrap and photographs between clean cardboard strips and mark them as fragile.
- Use vacuum-sealed bags for packing draperies, bedding, and clothing.
- Purchase covers for mattresses and sofas for additional protection.
- Disassemble beds, tables, and other furniture before you store them.
- Spray good quality furniture polish on all your wood furniture to give them added protection. Use leather conditioner for leather items.
- Wipe your metal items with some oil before packing to avoid them gathering rust.
- It would be recommended that you have your awkward or heavy pieces of items like exercise equipment packed by professionals.
Make a list of each item you send for storage, and make sure you have an estimate handy. Contact Prime Security Storage
for more details.
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