PACKING TIPS

Preparing items to pack

• Clean all clothing, blankets, drapery or furniture before packing.

• Treat leather items with a conditioner before storing.

• Polish wood before you pack to provide extra protection from the elements.

• Wipe metal objects with machine oil or another type of rust preventative.

• Take apart items bed frames and tables, and remove lampshades from lamps.

Boxes

• Uniformed size boxes helps in stacking. Stack like size boxes together.

• Fill each box completely to prevent the top or sides from getting smashed. Fill in gaps with crumpled paper.

• Don’t overfill boxes too full. They may split open.

• Notice the weight of the box. Big boxes light items. Small boxes heavy small items.

• Consider specialty boxes: wardrobe, dishes, pictures and framed art with boxes that have protective corners.

Packing

• Stack books; don’t stand them on end as this could damage the spines.

• Wrap framed art in bubble wrap. Look for protective cardboard or plastic corners at your packing supply store.

• Criss-cross masking tape across the face of mirrors or glass-covered art.

• Store framed mirrors, photographs and artwork vertically rather than flat.

• Store photographs flat to avoid curling.

• Label boxes on more than one side. Use a general description like kitchen goods. Mark breakables as fragile.

Appliances, motors, gas and electric tools

• Remove all fuel out of any fuel tanks.

• Tape up cords.

Unit selection

• When choosing a storage unit, factor in a little more room than your belongings take up in order to allow space for you to walk between stacks of items.

• Leave a little room between the walls and the stored goods to improve ventilation.