Storage Tips

Fabric items like clothing, curtains and drapes are best if stored on hangers. If hanging cartons are not available, such items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers or cedar chests along with bedding and linens.

Clean refrigerators, freezers, and other appliances thoroughly using baking soda or vinegar to remove odors, then allow them to dry completely for 24–48 hours before storage. Secure any loose cords and moving parts, and always store appliances with their doors propped open to prevent mold—a sealed fridge is almost guaranteed to develop it.

You can store lightweight items inside large appliances, but be sure to note this on your inventory list so nothing gets forgotten. Boxes may also be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators, and freezers, as long as everything is clean, dry, and stable before packing.

Line the bottom and top of any box containing glassware with cushioning, and wrap each item individually. Nest cups and bowls together, and store plates, saucers, and platters vertically on their edges. For highly fragile or valuable items, use a double-box or “box-in-box” method for added protection. Place wrapped glasses toward the top of the carton, and be sure to fill all empty space with packing paper—any movement inside the box increases the risk of breakage.

Clearly label these boxes “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP,” and always keep them in the top layers of your storage stack. Never place heavy items on top of boxes containing delicate contents.

Start by placing a pallet, corrugated cardboard mat, or plastic barrier on the floor to protect furniture from moisture, and elevate all upholstered items to keep them off the ground. Disassemble everything possible—beds, tables, and other large pieces—to save space and reduce strain. Store mattresses and sofas vertically when you can, and wrap all furniture properly using a moving blanket as the first layer and a breathable cover as the second. Avoid placing plastic directly on wood, as it can trap moisture and cause damage.

For pieces that can’t be disassembled, add padding to the floor and position tables on their tops with legs facing upward. Wrap table legs in paper, use dresser tops for stacking cartons, and place linens or delicate items inside drawers. Lightweight chairs can be stacked seat-to-seat or placed upside down on sturdy surfaces. Finally, position frequently used furniture near the front of the unit so you can access it easily without having to shift everything around.

Pack books flat to protect their spines and avoid overloading boxes. Use acid-free boxes for long-term document storage, and consider adding desiccants inside each carton to help control moisture—especially important in damp environments. Avoid sealing items in plastic bags, as they can trap humidity and lead to damage over time.

Do not mix fragile items with heavy books, and always fill empty spaces in boxes with packing material to prevent shifting. Keep all boxes elevated off concrete floors using pallets or skids to reduce moisture absorption. For irreplaceable items, opt for climate-controlled storage whenever possible, and digitize critical documents before storing them for added security.

Save the original cartons that contained delicate ornaments. Pad the ornaments with packing paper or newsprint. Wrap strings of lights around a piece of cardboard before placing in a carton lined with packing paper.

These items should be stored on edges, not flat. We offer a selection of mirror/picture boxes that can be purchased at our office.

Metal tools should be cleaned and wiped with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to prevent rust. Long handled tools such as rakes, shovels and hoes should be clean, lightly oiled and tied in bundles.

To prevent rust, apply a light coat of machine oil or a rust inhibitor to all metal surfaces. Wrap items in cloth rather than plastic to avoid trapping moisture, and always store them off the ground on pallets or shelving. Bundle long tools securely for stability, and if you’re storing them long-term, check on them every few months to catch any signs of corrosion early.

Make a timeline leading up to moving day for cleaning out, labeling, and organizing your life before you move. Take a little time each week or day to check off the list, one room or closet at a time.

Taking time to carefully load your storage space will ensure the best results for your belongings.

Leave air space around the perimeter to aid ventilation. Boxes of the same size make for easy stacking.

Leave a walkway to the rear of your space for convenient access to all items.

Using plastic storage containers is a great option for accessibility without the hassle of packing tape.

Use high-quality packing boxes designed for the job, ideally double-walled for long-term storage, and standardize box sizes to improve stacking stability. Avoid reused grocery boxes, as they weaken quickly, and consider plastic bins for moisture-sensitive items. Pack contents with proper materials—use packing paper instead of newspaper for delicate items, bubble wrap for fragile belongings, and breathable furniture covers (not airtight plastic) for wood pieces. Finally, seal every box completely with packing tape using the H-pattern method to keep contents secure.

Create a clear system before you pack by making a storage map of your unit—sketch the layout and label specific zones so everything has a designated place. Build a master inventory list (keep both a digital version and a printed copy) and use a consistent numbering system for your boxes—for example, Box #12 = “Kitchen – Utensils.” 

Label each box clearly, and consider color-coding by category for even faster reference. Taking photos of box contents can also save time when you need to locate something later.

As you prepare, gather plenty of sturdy, corrugated cartons, packing paper, bubble wrap, sealing tape, and marker pens, along with any furniture covers or shelving you plan to use. Schedule your move in phases rather than cramming everything into one hectic day, and approach your storage unit like a mini-warehouse—organized, mapped out, and easy to navigate—instead of a dumping space.

A month before you move is a great time to clean house. Plan a trip to your local donation center with old clothes, toys or sporting equipment, garage and lawn gear. If something is broken, expired, or no longer of use, lighten your load and throw away what you won’t be taking with you.

Pack as much as you can in the same size boxes. Fill boxes tightly, but take care to neither overpack nor underpack. (Bulging cartons tip when stacked, while half full boxes tend to collapse). Use wadded up newsprint, bubblewrap, rags, towels, or blankets to fill in empty spaces. For maximum protection seal cartons with tape.

Pack heavy items like books and tools in small boxes only, keeping each carton at 30 lbs. or less for safe, easy handling. Use larger boxes for lighter items such as linens and pillows, and always fill any empty space to prevent shifting or crushing during transport. Avoid mixing fragile items with heavy ones, as this increases the risk of damage. If a box bends or feels unstable when lifted, it’s a sign to repack it before moving.

Clearly label boxes so you know their contents, and keep a list (as well as pictures and descriptions) at your home or office for reference. Mark clearly all boxes containing fragile items.

Clean and dry appliances before storing. Secure all movable parts with paper, or wedge and wrap a paper pad around each item for protection. During transport tape all doors shut, but remember to wedge them open for storage.

Use a professional layout system when organizing your unit. Create a central aisle at least 2–3 feet wide so you can easily access everything. Place frequently used items at the front and rarely used items toward the back for efficiency.

Stack strategically by keeping heavy boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top, and take advantage of vertical space with stable, secure stacks only. Approach your setup like a “library system,” where everything is ordered and accessible—not a pile where items are difficult to reach.

For specialty items, tailor your storage approach to the material to keep everything in good condition. For clothing and fabrics, use wardrobe boxes or vacuum-seal bags for short-term storage only, and add cedar blocks or moth deterrents to protect against pests. Holiday decorations should be stored in their original boxes when possible, and wrap string lights around cardboard to prevent tangling and damage. For mirrors and artwork, always store them upright rather than flat, and use corner protectors to prevent chips, cracks, or frame damage during handling and stacking.

• Buy packing supplies 
• Start packing boxes as soon as possible 
• Send address change cards 
• Get copy of school records 
• Have clothing dry cleaned 
• Check on items in repair shops 
• Notify utilities and telephone companies 
• Set a date for utility disconnection and hookup 
• Return borrowed items and things you’ve lent out

When packing a storage unit, it’s just as important to know what not to store. Never place food of any kind in storage, as it quickly attracts pests, and avoid storing any perishable items that can spoil or create odors. Flammable materials such as paint, gasoline, and other combustible substances should also never be placed in a unit due to serious safety risks.

In addition, avoid leaving batteries inside devices, as they can leak and cause corrosion over time. Pressurized containers should also be kept out of storage, since temperature changes can increase the risk of leaks or rupture. Keeping these items out of your unit helps maintain a safe, clean, and damage-free storage environment.

For long-term storage maintenance, plan to visit your unit every 2–3 months if possible to ensure everything remains in good condition. During each visit, check for signs of moisture, pest activity, or any collapsing or weakened boxes that may need attention.

Take time to rotate, restack, or adjust items as needed to maintain stability and airflow throughout the unit. Regular check-ins like this help prevent small issues from becoming major damage and keep your storage system organized and reliable over time.

Use bureau drawers to store small, fragile items. Secure items in drawer by filling empty spaces with towels or packing paper.

Protect chair legs by wrapping them in packing paper. Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic chair covers.

Use lots of paper to pack dishes and glassware. Place a layer of packing paper inside the bottom and top of cartons. Wrap each dish and glass separately and cushion them with crumpled paper. Plates are best stacked on edge. Pad mirrors and paintings with paper. Place them in special mirror packs or large boxes; mark boxes.

Wrap large lamp bases in padding and wrap smaller lamps completely before placing them in boxes. Pack delicate lamp shades separately. Do not use newsprint to wrap lamp shades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink stains. You can purchase unprinted wrapping paper, foam wrap or bubble wrap at our location to help protect delicate items. Do not store heavy items on top of cartons containing lamps or lampshades.

Never place boxes directly on concrete floors—always use pallets, shelving, or plastic barriers to prevent moisture contact. In climates like Alaska, where condensation is a constant risk, it’s safest to assume moisture is always present. Protect your belongings by adding moisture absorbers such as silica packs or DampRid, and consider climate control for sensitive items like electronics, documents, wood furniture, and fabrics. To further reduce dampness and improve air circulation, leave 2–4 inches of space between stored items and the walls.

• Discard all flammables, such as paint and gasoline
• Finish packing. Leave out items for moving day
• Empty and defrost refrigerator and freezer
• Have everything packed, except bedding
• Pick up ice and beverages
• Strip beds. Cover mattresses with mattress bags unless they are going in storage
• Turn water and lights off
• Lock windows and doors