Essential Storage Tips for Safe and Efficient Organization

Discover expert storage tips to keep your belongings secure and well-organized. From packing delicate items like glassware and furniture to optimizing space in your storage unit, our guide ensures your items stay in top condition and are easy to access.

To keep fabric items like clothing, curtains, and drapes in top condition, store them on hangers to avoid creases and wear. If hanging storage isn’t available, neatly fold these items and place them in dresser drawers or cedar chests along with your bedding and linens for organized storage.

When storing a refrigerator or freezer, make sure it’s completely dry and leave the door slightly ajar to avoid any unpleasant smells. You can store smaller items inside larger appliances, but be sure to make a note of what’s inside. Stoves, refrigerators, and freezers can also support stacked boxes on top once they have been cleaned and dried thoroughly.

To protect fragile glassware, place a layer of packing material at both the top and bottom of the boxes. Wrap each piece of glassware individually and nest smaller items like cups and bowls together. Stand larger items such as plates, saucers, and platters on their edges for added security. Place wrapped glasses near the top of the boxes and ensure the space is filled with packing material to prevent any shifting. Label boxes containing glassware clearly and avoid placing heavy items on top.

Before storing furniture, place a pallet, cardboard mat, or plastic sheet on the floor to protect your items. If possible, stand sofas and mattresses on their ends to save space. Disassemble beds and tables, and wrap table legs in protective paper. If a table cannot be disassembled, place padding on the floor, then position the table upside down with the legs pointing upward. Use dresser tops to stack boxes, and utilize dresser drawers for small, delicate items or linens. Keep upholstery off the floor to avoid damage. Most lightweight chairs can be stacked "seat to seat" or placed upside down on non-disassemble tables. Finally, cover your furniture with a light cotton dust cover, like a bed sheet, for added protection.

Pack books lying flat to protect their spines from damage. Avoid placing boxes directly on concrete floors to prevent moisture absorption—use pallets or skids as a barrier. Fill any gaps in the boxes with packing material and avoid packing fragile items alongside books. Be sure not to overload the boxes to avoid damage.

If you have delicate ornaments, it’s best to save the original boxes they came in. Wrap ornaments with packing paper or newsprint for protection, and coil strings of lights around a piece of cardboard before storing them in a box lined with packing material.

These items should always be stored on their edges rather than flat to prevent cracking or breaking. We offer specialized mirror/picture boxes for purchase at our office, which are perfect for safely storing these fragile items.

To prevent rust, wipe all metal tools with a rag dampened with a few drops of machine oil. Long-handled tools, such as rakes and shovels, should be cleaned, lightly oiled, and bundled together for easy storage.

For metal items like bicycles, it’s important to wipe down all surfaces with a rag soaked in machine oil to prevent rusting.

Create a moving timeline leading up to the big day. Organize, label, and clean out items in stages, taking the time each day or week to sort through one room or closet at a time to keep the process stress-free.

Carefully loading your storage unit will ensure the best protection for your belongings. Rushing can lead to poor organization and potential damage to your items.

Allow for ventilation by leaving space around the perimeter of your storage unit. Boxes of similar size stack better and make for an organized space.

Make sure to leave a clear path to the back of your storage unit. This will allow you to access all your belongings with ease, even if you need to retrieve something in the future.

Plastic storage containers are an excellent option for accessibility without the hassle of packing tape. They're durable and easy to stack, making your items easy to access when needed.

When packing, be sure to use high-quality boxes designed for storage. Seal each box with packing tape to ensure that it stays securely closed while in storage.

Create a detailed list of labeled boxes for quick reference. You can also color-code or number each box for easy identification. Be sure to gather all necessary packing materials, including sturdy cartons, packing paper, bubble wrap, sealing tape, marker pens, and any furniture covers or shelving units you'll need for storage.

A month before your move is the perfect time to declutter. Sort through your belongings and donate any old clothes, toys, sports equipment, or lawn gear. Dispose of broken or expired items that you no longer need. This will help lighten your load and make the move easier.

Pack items into boxes of similar sizes to maximize space and organization. Fill boxes as tightly as possible, but avoid overpacking or underpacking. Bulging boxes can tip when stacked, while half-filled boxes may collapse. Fill any empty spaces with packing materials like newsprint, bubble wrap, towels, or blankets, and secure with tape.

For easier handling, pack heavy items such as books and tools in small boxes. Limit the weight of all boxes, regardless of size, to 30 lbs. or less to make lifting and carrying easier.

Clearly label each box with its contents, and maintain a list (or photos) of the items inside for quick reference. Be sure to mark boxes containing fragile items, so they are handled with extra care.

Clean and dry appliances before storing them. Secure any movable parts with paper, and wrap or wedge items with paper pads for extra protection. When moving, tape doors shut but remember to wedge them slightly open for storage.

Store frequently accessed items near the front of your storage unit for easy retrieval. When packing your storage unit, create a central aisle to allow access to everything.

Purchase packing supplies
Begin packing boxes early
Mail out change-of-address notifications
Obtain copies of school records
Take clothing to the dry cleaners
Pick up items from repair shops
Inform utility and phone providers of your move
Schedule utility disconnection and new service setup
Return borrowed items and collect any you’ve loaned out

Utilize bureau drawers to store smaller, fragile items. Fill any empty space with towels or packing paper to keep things secure during transit.

Wrap chair legs in packing paper to protect them from damage. Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic chair covers to keep them in good condition.

For dishes and glassware, use ample packing paper. Wrap each item individually and cushion them with crumpled paper. Stack plates on the edge for added protection, and use special mirror packs or large boxes for fragile items like mirrors and paintings.

Wrap lamp bases carefully in padding, and protect lamp shades by packing them separately. Avoid using newspaper to wrap lampshades, as the ink may damage delicate items. You can purchase unprinted wrapping paper or bubble wrap at our location for added protection.

Avoid placing boxes directly on concrete floors. Use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption and help protect your belongings from potential damage.