Storage Tips

Choosing a storage place: Use all the space available, including the height. Place a pallet on concrete floors to guard against dampness. Any concrete floor may become cold and damp. Leave a walkway in your space for easy access. Place frequently used items near the door. Label your boxes and seal them with tape. Heavy items should be packed in smaller boxes so they are easier to lift. Protect your fragile goods with packing (i.e. bubble -pack) and place them near the top of your storage.

Bedding, Clothing, Curtains: It is a good idea to store curtains and clothing hanging on non-rusting hangers. You can buy moving boxes for this, they are called wardrobe boxes. You can use drawers to store some items and to conserve space. If storing wool items, use cedar chips and or mothballs to prevent moth damage.

Furniture: It might be a good idea to wax wood furniture before storing it. Some woods can be sensitive to moisture. Consider using climate-controlled self storage. Disassemble bed frames and tie them together. Use zip-lock bags to store screws and bolt and tape them to the items that they belong to. If you stack furniture items, place pads, blankets. Or towels between them to prevent scratching. Don’t use plastic to cover items in non-climate self storage as moisture can condense under it. Consider using sheets or cotton cloth. Stand mattresses on end, as well as sofas with pallets or cardboard under them. It is a good idea to wrap mattresses in mattress bags or cover them with paper or cloth. Stand mattress on something to allow airflow and to prevent moisture from getting to them. Walls may develop condensation; therefore it is not advised to lean items against the walls.

Dishes and Glassware: All glass items should be individually wrapped. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of the cartons. Do not place heavy items on boxes containing glassware.

Appliances: A refrigerator or freezer should be dry and stored with the door slightly open. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances and boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators, and freezers.

Bicycles and other Metal Items: To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.

Books and Documents: Pack books flat to protect their spines. Don’t place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption.

Pictures and Mirrors: Wrap pictures that are small and stand them on end in boxes. For larger ones, buy special picture moving boxes. Consider using foam or bubble wrap.

Natural Treats: Freezing can be a problem. Do not store items that might break if frozen in non-climate controlled self storage units. Do not store food items in boxes or plastic since rodents can easily tear through these.

PROHIBITED STORED GOODS: Never store, perishables, liquids, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials, or other items that need a controlled environment.

PACKING TIPS DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED TO HOPEFULLY HELP YOU WITH YOUR PACKING, MOVING, AND STORAGE NEEDS. IT IS OFFERED “AS IS” AND NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED IS OFFERED. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE RESULTS AND PERFOMANCE OF THE TIPS IS ASSUMED BY THE USER. NO ORAL OR WRITTEN INFROMATION OR ADVICE GIVEN BY OAK CREST STORAGE, ITS AGENTS OR EMPLOYEES SHALL CREATE A WARRANTY AND YOU MAY NOT RELY ON ANY SUCH INFORMATION OR ADVICE.