Packing Tips

A crash course on how not to crush your stuff during loading
You may know this already, but it’s always good to have a little reminder of the best way to go about doing things.

• Place heavy items on the bottom and lightweight items on the top
• Distribute the weight evenly in your container, not all on one side
• Heavy items should be packed in small boxes for easier lifting
• Lightweight items can be packed in larger boxes
• Store fragile items in dresser drawers
• Boxes should be filled completely and lids closed
• Pack your belongings as tight as possible to avoid shifting
• Use packing materials like paper, bubble wrap and moving blankets to protect your items
• Prop the door open while you are loading to keep it from closing unexpectedly
• Secure the container with a strong commercial-grade lock
• Park your car in front of the door for extra security
• Use the Storage Valet inventory list to keep track of your items

Tables & Chairs:
If possible, take tables and chairs apart. Wrap table top and legs with protective padding to avoid scratching. Put any hardware
in a plastic baggie and tape it to the underside of the table or chair. Disassemble if possible, wrapping legs with paper pads to
avoid scratching. Place any hardware in a plastic bag and tape to the underside of the table. When packing tables, place the
top against the side of the container, not on the bottom.

Upholstered Pieces:
Couches can be packed on their feet, with a second couch inverted on top of the other for protection. A single couch can be
placed on end, using paper pads to protect the arm rests.
Mattresses & Box Springs:
Use a protective bag and pack along the side of the container.

Beds:
Tie bed rails together. Put any hardware in a plastic baggie and tape it to the rails.
Rugs:
Thoroughly vacuum your rugs and sprinkle with moth flakes. Roll, tie and pad with packing paper.

Lamps:
Small lamp bases can be packed in dresser drawers with paper or cloth padding. Larger bases should be packed in boxes
with packing materials filling any empty space. Shades should be placed in individual boxes with packing materials filling any
empty space.

Bicycles and Tools:
Clean and cover with a paper pad or moving blankets to protect your other goods from being torn. Small tools can be placed in
a small box for easy lifting. Long-handled tools should be taped together.

Clothing:
We suggest using wardrobe boxes. Place shoes & folded items in the bottom and use the metal bar to hang others on the top.
Mirrors and Artwork:
Wrap mirrors and pictures in paper and bubble wrap and pack in a mirror packing box. Do not lay mirror boxes flat. If possible,
place between a mattress and box spring or on the side of your container.

Appliances:
Clean thoroughly before storing. Drain all water and leave doors slightly ajar to prevent mildew. Tape down all moving parts.
Lightweight items can be stored inside appliances with proper padding.

Books:
Pack in small boxes for easy lifting.