Tips & Guidelines

Storing Tips

• Use quality boxes that are strong enough to hold the items stored.
• When selecting the right box, keep in mind the weight as well as the size of the items you are packing. Use small boxes for heavier items such as books. Larger boxes for lighter items such as blankets and pillows.
• Label all of your boxes well when packing to make it easier for you to find things when you need them. Remember to mark all boxes containing delicate items as "fragile".
• All fragile or delicate items should be wrapped individually in paper, bubble wrap or foam wrap for added protection.
• Dishware and glassware should be wrapped in paper or a bubble or foam wrap before being packed in sturdy boxes for added protection.
• Framed pictures and mirrors can be stored in specially made cardboard containers.
• When packing hanging clothes, use a wardrobe box with a hanging bar.
• Folded clothes can be packed in boxes or suitcases.
• If you are planning on storing appliances, make sure that they are clean and dry.
• Wrap small appliances when packing them and position them securely in a box to keep them from shifting during your move.
• If you no longer have the original box and packing to your electronic equipment, you can purchase specially made electronics and television boxes. Use bubble wrap or other padding to wrap the components before boxing them.
• Increase your own storage capacity by using the inside of dressers, bookcases and large appliances to store lightweight items.
• If you disassemble any furniture, place the nuts, bolts and screws in a small zip lock bag. You can tape the bag on the inside or bottom of the furniture to keep all pieces together.
• Remove furniture legs if possible, and wrap in bubble wrap.
• Remove or fold the handles on lawnmowers and other garden equipment. Please note the importance of draining all gasoline or other combustible materials prior to storage.

Storing Guidelines

Standard Storage Sizes

5 x 5	This is approximately the size of a closet. It will typically hold one or two small furniture items or several boxes. This size unit is also often convenient for college students who are interested in storing their belongings over the summer.
5 x 10	This is approximately the size of a closet. It will typically hold one or two small furniture items or several boxes. This size unit is also often convenient for college students who are interested in storing their belongings over the summer.
10 x 10	This unit size will typically hold four rooms of furnishings and goods or the contents of one apartment. This size is also convenient for businesses wishing to store records.
10 x 15	This unit size will typically hold five rooms of furnishings and goods or the contents of one small house.
10 x 20	This unit size will typically hold six to eight rooms of furnishings and goods or the contents of a three bedroom home. As an exterior unit, this size is often convenient for automobile storage.
10 x 30	This unit size will typically hold the contents of a large house. As an exterior unit, this size could also be convenient for boat or small RV storage.