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Storage tips
Moving? Home Realty has the experience and service-oriented agents to help you.
Packing Boxes:
- Distribute the weight evenly in your boxes, not all on one side.
- Boxes should be filled completely and lids closed.
- Boxes should be tightly sealed with packing tape.
- Place heavy items on the bottom, lightweight items on the top.
- Heavy items should be packed in small boxes for easier lifting. Lightweight items can go in larger boxes.
- Pack all your items as tight as possible. Avoid leaving open space where items can shift. A good rule of thumb is to pack the unit one quarter at a time.
- Store fragile items in dresser drawers
Packing Your Unit:
- Do not store items directly on the ground. Use pallets or other ground covering.
- Place frequently accessed items at the front of your unit.
- Use shelving to organize your items and fully utilize the height of your unit.
- Create an aisle to get to the back.
- Place heaviest boxes on the bottom to avoid damage.
- Stack boxes of similar size together.
- Create an inventory of your storage items.
Labeling:
- Label all sides of the boxes for easy identification.
Tables and Chairs:
- Apply furniture oil to wooden pieces before storing for added protection.
- Disassemble if possible, wrapping legs with paper pads or bubble wrap to avoid scratching.
- Place any hardware in a plastic bag and tape to the underside of the table.
- Wrap the table top with cloth or paper pads and place against the side of the container, not on the bottom.
Upholstered Items:
- Pack couches 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.
Electronics:
- Original boxes work best.
- Keep all corresponding cords wrapped and stored with the equipment.
Mattresses:
- Place mattresses and box springs in a protective bag, and place along the side of the container. Do not place directly on the ground, use a crate to keep off the cement.
Rugs:
- Vacuum rugs before storing.
- Sprinkle with moth flakes.
- Store rolled up, tied with a rope, and pad with paper pads.
Lamps:
- Wrap both the shade and the base.
- Shades should be placed in individual boxes with wadded-up paper in the empty spaces.
Beds:
- Tie bed rails together.
- Use mattress covers for mattress and box springs.
Bicycles and Tools:
- Clean the item.
- Cover with a sheet or moving blankets to protect your other items from being torn.
- Small tools can be placed in a box together.
- Long handled tools should be taped together.
Clothing:
- Wardrobe boxes are best for storing clothing.
- Place shoes and folded items in the bottom and use the metal bar to hang others on the top.
- If storing wool items, use cedar chips and/or mothballs to prevent moth damage.
Mirrors and Pictures:
- Wrap mirrors and pictures in paper and bubble wrap and pack in a mirror packing box.
- Do not lay mirror boxes flat, store on end.
- If possible, place between a mattress and box spring, or place on the side of your container.
- Mark them as fragile.
Appliances:
- Clean thoroughly before storing.
- Drain all water and leave doors slightly ajar to prevent mildew.
- Tape down all moving parts.
- Store all cords with the applicances. Tape loose cords down.
Books and Papers:
- Pack in small boxes for easy lifting.
- Pack books flat to avoid damaging their spines.