We've made a list of tips and hints, which we hope will help you protect those valuables you are packing, moving and storing. When storing items, do not place cardboard boxes directly on the floor. Use pallets or 2x4's to keep off the floor. This allows air to circulate under the boxes, removing moisture that may be absorbed from the concrete. Cover all furniture with a plastic drop cloth to prevent dust from accumulating.
Appliances (small).
Pack in factory boxes whenever possible and cushion with wadded, not shredded, newspaper. (Shredded paper can get into the machines and cause damage.)
Appliances (large).
Since you'll be using your refrigerator, freezer, stove, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, and air conditioner up until the last day, they should be packed last and loaded first on moving day. Consult your user's manual, then follow these simple instructions. Empty and defrost your refrigerator and freezer, and drain the water from your washing machine. Wipe and dry the interiors. Remove all fittings and accessories and pack in plastic bags. Fill interiors with linens, clothes and stuffed toys. Stuff towels between the washing machine sides and tub to keep the tub from rotating. Tape or tie down all moveable parts and doors. Finally, cover appliances with pads and tie with rope. Remember to move large appliances in an upright position. Watch out for external coils on the back of major appliances. Never put the hand truck strap on top of coils.
Beds.
Disassemble beds and mark pieces so they're easy to put back together. Tie bed rails together with rope or tape. Protect mattresses by leaving sheets on, or wrap them in mattress covers and pack your sheets.
Books.
Pack them
flat in small cartons that weigh no more than 30lbs. Alternate bindings,
and cushion with wadded newspaper.
Chairs.
Wrap arms and legs with newspaper or bubble wrap. Leave slipcovers on and cover with furniture pads.
Clothing.
Hang clothes
in wardrobe boxes. Leave small garments in bureau drawers.
Collectibles.
Wrap fragile
items like figurines and ceramics with bubble wrap and tape securely.
Curtains.
If you have
draperies dry cleaned, leave them in the wrapping and hang them in a wardrobe
box. Put curtain rod hardware in plastic bags and tape securely to rod,
then you'll have the right pieces when you need them.
Dishes.
Never stack
dishes flat. Wrap each piece in bubble wrap. (If you use newspaper, put
each piece in a plastic bag first to save dishwashing time later.) Pack
dishes, saucers and platters on their edge. Nestle cups and bowls. Cushion
with dishtowels, potholders, or paper.
Glasses.
Wrap separately
in bubble wrap and use newspaper for cushioning.
Kitchenware.
Pots, pans,
colanders, etc. can be nestled and cushioned with newspaper between each
piece. Set aside the most essential cookware for the first few days in
your new home. Label this box as the first to be opened once you arrive.
Lamps.
Pack shades
in individual boxes with bubble wrap, (newspaper can stain them.) Wrap
bases in bubble wrap and pack them in boxes or in freezers and washing
machines.
Mirrors
and artwork.
Small mirrors
can be wrapped in newspaper and packed in boxes. But large mirrors and
paintings should be wrapped in newspaper and covered with cardboard.
Outdoor
furniture.
Disassemble
any pieces that are screwed or bolted together. Place hardware in plastic
bags and tape to the piece; then tie pieces together.
Plants.
Try to sell
them at your garage sale, or give them away as gifts. If you move them,
put them in plastic bags with air holes and then in boxes. Water them
before you leave.
Tables.
If you can,
remove legs and extra leaves. Pad them and tie them together. Tape hardware
(in plastic bags) to the underside of table tops.
Tools
and gardening equipment.
Pack hoses
and small tools in boxes. Tie rakes, shovels and long-handled tools together.
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©Exit 17 Self Storage 2006