Interior Design & Decor

BASICS

At a local office supply store or the storage facility, get packing materials. Consider what you are packing and the supplies you’ll need. For example, you might need cardboard boxes, wardrobe boxes, bubble wrap, Styrofoam stuffing, newspaper, rope, packing tape, and permanent markers.

If possible, heavy items should be packed in their own boxes so they can be handled easier. For example, computers, electronic equipment, or camera equipment can be packed in their purchased boxes.

Fill the remaining boxes you pack to capacity, but do not overfill them; the box could rupture and break open. Fill any empty space in your boxes with newspaper or Styrofoam stuffing. After the items are packed, label the boxes for easier identification. Plan out your storage space for easy access to the things you’ll need most.

MAJOR APPLIANCES

It is important that refrigerators, freezers, washers, driers, and stoves are clean and dry before they are packed and stored. When storing these items, the doors should be closed. Fridge and freezer doors may be left slightly open to avoid molding, however make sure to child-proof the door so it cannot be opened all the way. During the move, if you chose to discard any appliances, make sure to remove the door completely so a child cannot enter and close the door.

HOME FURNISHINGS

If possible, remove the legs from items of furniture to avoid damage and save space. Before storing it, vacuum your furniture and remove any loose change from chairs or sofas.

Empty dressers or trunks and pack all clothing into appropriate wardrobe boxes. Secure furniture doors and drawers with tape or strong ribbon. Use mothballs or other similar products to protect your packed clothing from insects and other pests.

KITCHEN CHINA, GLASSWARE, FRAGILE ITEMS

These items need to be packed in a way so they won’t fall against each other. Avoid this by packing newspaper or Styrofoam in the free space between your items.

Place packing material in the bottom of the box. Wrap each item by itself with tissue paper. Lastly, seal the box with tape. Mark the box as “fragile” and identify which room they belong in. To avoid crushing, make sure you don’t place heavy boxes on top of them.

SILVER, GOLD, BRASS, AND OTHER METAL OBJECTS

For these items, wipe all surfaces clean. Wrap these items individually, in materials that won’t damage the finish, such as bubble wrap; make sure that any packing material you use is chemical free.

Place packing material in the bottom of the box, mark the box as fragile, and identify what room it belongs in. To avoid crushing, be sure not to place heavy boxes on top of these items.

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (COMPUTERS, HOME ENTERTAINMENT EQUIPMENT, CAMERAS)

If possible, pack these items in their original box and packing materials. However, if you no longer have the original box, pack it carefully. Put packing material in the bottom of the box and wrap each piece in bubble wrap by itself. Place newspaper or other packing material in the voids of the box and seal it with tape. Mark the box as “fragile” and identify their correct room. For additional tips on computers, see our section at www.123movers.com.

THINGS IN YOUR SHED (GARDENING AND OTHER MECHANICAL DEVICES)

The best advice is in your owner’s manual or from the original manufacturer. Generally, remove all of the fuel, check or avoid lubricant to avoid spillage. Instead of putting these items in boxes, wrap them in plastic or cloth and secure them with heavy rope or tape. Label each item after covering them. Make sure not to place heavy items on top of your mechanical items.

PLANNING THE USE OF YOUR STORAGE SPACE

If you plan carefully, you can easily get the most out of a small storage area. Do not place heavy items on top of fragile ones. Divide the storage area by item type. Be sure to give yourself easy access to the items you need to get to most by placing them near the opening of the storage unit. Leave walkways around other items so you can easily get to them.

USING RENTAL SELF-STORAGE FACILITIES

Always read the agreement and make sure to abide by the rules and regulations of the facility you’re using. Ask the facility managers for advice if need be. Do not store hazardous items, chemicals, or illegal items.