Expert Packing and Storage Tips: Your Guide to a Smooth Move

Welcome to Nova Storage’s guide to stress-free packing and storage! We know that moving and organizing can be overwhelming, so we’ve compiled these expert tips to help you make the most of your storage experience. Let’s dive in and get you organized!

Planning Your Move

Moving and storing your belongings should be a smooth experience, not a chaotic rush. That’s why planning is key! Start by creating a timeline leading up to moving day. Break down tasks like packing, cleaning, and organizing into manageable chunks. Tackle one room or closet at a time; it’s like breaking a big project into bite-sized pieces. Don’t rush! Taking your time when loading your storage space will prevent damage and ensure everything is well-protected.

A month before your move, take time to declutter. Implement the “Keep, Give, Trash” method. Donate old clothes, toys, sporting equipment, garage and lawn gear to your local donation center. If something is broken, expired, or no longer of use, lighten your load and throw it away. This step alone can significantly reduce the amount you need to pack and store.

Create a detailed list of labeled boxes for easy reference, and consider color-coding or numbering them for added organization. Gather all the necessary supplies: sturdy cartons, packing paper, bubble wrap, sealing tape, marker pens, and any furniture covers or shelving you plan to use.

Think outside the box! Plastic storage containers are fantastic for accessibility and eliminate the hassle of packing tape, especially for items you’ll need to access frequently. High-quality packing boxes are also essential, so invest in boxes designed for the job and seal them completely with packing tape.

Beyond packing, remember these crucial preparations: Buy packing supplies well in advance, start packing boxes as soon as possible, send address change cards, get copies of school records, have clothing dry cleaned, check on items in repair shops, notify utilities and telephone companies, set dates for utility disconnection and hookup, and return borrowed items.

Storing Your Belongings: Item-Specific Tips

Proper storage techniques vary depending on the item. These guidelines will help you pack and store specific belongings with care.

Bedding, Clothing, Curtains, Drapes and Linens

Let’s talk about your fabrics. You know how wrinkles set in when clothes are folded for too long? That’s why hanging your clothing, curtains, and drapes is ideal. If you don’t have hanging cartons, carefully fold these items and store them in dresser drawers or cedar chests. For bedding and linens, ensure they’re clean and dry before storing. A little lavender sachet tucked in can keep them smelling fresh, too!

Appliances

Appliances can take up a lot of space, but they can also be storage heroes! Make sure your refrigerator and freezer are completely dry—we’re talking bone dry—and leave the doors slightly ajar to prevent mildew. You can actually store smaller items inside larger appliances, but make a detailed note of what you put in there; you’ll thank yourself later. Boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators, and freezers, but ensure everything is clean and dry first. Trust us, you don’t want to find a forgotten casserole months later!

Dishes and Glassware

Ah, the breakables! Start by lining the bottom and top of your boxes with plenty of packing paper. Wrap each glass item individually; think of it like swaddling a baby. Nest cups and bowls, and stand plates, saucers, and platters on their edges. Wrapped glasses should go near the top of the box. Fill any empty spaces with more packing paper to prevent shifting. Label these boxes clearly as ‘Fragile’ and don’t stack heavy items on them. Safety first!

Furniture

Furniture can be tricky, but we’ve got you covered. Place a pallet, cardboard mat, or plastic sheet on the floor to protect your furniture from potential moisture. If possible, stand sofas and mattresses on end to save space. Disassemble beds and tables, and wrap those table legs in paper—it’s like giving them little paper booties! For tables that won’t come apart, pad the floor and place them upside down. Use dresser tops and drawers for storing smaller items and linens. Keep upholstery off the floor, and stack lightweight chairs seat-to-seat or upside down on tables. Don’t forget a light cotton dust cover, like a bed sheet, to keep everything clean.

Books and Documents

Books and documents need to be packed with care. Lay books flat to protect their spines. Don’t place boxes directly on concrete floors; use pallets or skids to prevent moisture damage. Fill any empty spaces in the boxes with packing paper, and don’t mix fragile items with books. And remember, keep the weight down to avoid straining yourself!

Holiday Decorations

Holiday decorations are precious, so treat them that way! Keep those original cartons for delicate ornaments, and pad them with packing paper or newsprint. Wrap strings of lights around cardboard to prevent tangling. It’s like giving your holiday cheer a little spa treatment.

Mirrors, Windows, Glass Sheeting and Screens

These items are best stored on their edges, not flat. We offer special mirror and picture boxes at our office to make this easier. It’s like giving them their own little protective homes.

Tools

Keep your tools in top shape by cleaning them and wiping them with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to prevent rust. Long-handled tools like rakes and shovels should be cleaned, lightly oiled, and tied together in bundles.

Bicycles and Other Metal Items

Just like your tools, wipe down metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to prevent rust. It’s a simple step that goes a long way.

Preparing Your Items for Storage

Packing correctly is crucial for protecting your belongings during storage. Start with quality materials: invest in sturdy, corrugated cartons designed for packing, and seal them completely with packing tape. Pack efficiently by filling boxes tightly, but avoid overpacking or underpacking. Use wadded newsprint, bubble wrap, rags, towels, or blankets to fill empty spaces and prevent shifting.

Manage the weight of your boxes by packing heavy items like books and tools in small boxes. Regardless of size, limit the weight of each carton to 30 lbs. for easier handling and to prevent strain. Clearly label all boxes with their contents and mark any boxes containing fragile items. Consider keeping a list or taking pictures of the contents for easy reference later.

Carton boxes and interior items in room.

When packing furniture, protect chair legs by wrapping them in packing paper. Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic chair covers for added protection. For lamps, wrap large lamp bases in padding and smaller lamps completely. Pack delicate lamp shades separately, using unprinted wrapping paper, foam wrap, or bubble wrap to prevent ink stains. Avoid using newsprint for lampshades or other items that may be damaged by ink.

Before storing appliances and other items, clean and dry them thoroughly. Secure any movable parts with paper or padding. During transport, tape appliance doors shut, but remember to wedge them open once in storage to prevent mildew. By following these packing tips, you’ll ensure your belongings are well-protected and organized for their time in storage.

Organizing Your Storage Unit

Efficiently organizing your storage unit is essential for maximizing space and protecting your belongings. Begin by placing pallets or skids on the floor to prevent moisture absorption. Avoid placing boxes directly on the concrete floor.

Create a center aisle or walkway to the back of your unit, ensuring easy access to all your items. Think of it as creating a mini-highway within your space. Store frequently needed items at the front for quick retrieval.

When stacking boxes, leave some air space around the perimeter of your unit to aid ventilation. Using boxes of the same size makes stacking easier and more stable, preventing them from toppling.

If you are storing furniture, use bureau drawers to store small, fragile items, filling empty spaces with towels or packing paper to secure them and prevent shifting.