Packing Tips

Additional Storage and Packing Tips

Clean appliances thoroughly before storing.
Tape doors shut for moving.
While in storage, keep refrigerator and freezer doors slightly ajar to prevent mildew and odor.
Tape down all moving parts.
Store light items inside appliances with proper padding.

Clean, dry and lightly wipe with oil for added rust protection.
Cover with cloth or paper pads for protection and to prevent staining other items.

Winterize for storage. Check the recommendations in your owner’s manual. Contact the manufacturer or check their website for advice if you no longer have the manual.
In general, remove all fuel and other fluids to avoid spills and reduce flammability.
Thoroughly clean and detail including compounding, waxing and vinyl cleaning.

Pack heavier items, such as books and paper files, in smaller boxes. Weight quickly adds up and can make boxes difficult to move. Boxes of similar size stack easier.
Stack record albums and CDs upright to prevent warping. Use smaller boxes for easier lifting.
Store important photographs between layers of cardboard and tape them together to prevent your photos from curling.
Archive or “banker’s” boxes (from office supply stores like Office Depot or Staples) are ideal for storing files and heavier items. You assemble these 10” x 12” x 15” boxes and lids yourself. They are inexpensive, very sturdy and have openings on the sides to make lifting easier. Label the outside of each box to identify the contents. It will make it easier to retrieve documents later.
Wrap mirrors and picture frames in bubble wrap or in special picture boxes and store them upright.
Store valuable papers inside plastic sleeves or Ziploc bags. Keep all important records with you during your move.
Place heavier boxes on the floor of your gobox.
Place lighter boxes on top of stacks to prevent collapse of those underneath.
Fill empty space in boxes with packing materials for added support.

Use a dish-pack or glassware-pack boxes for greater protection.
Wrap each item separately with foam wrap, paper sheets or newsprint. Kitchen linens can be used to wrap less fragile items.
Stack dishes on their side and glasses upright.
Fill empty space in your boxes with crumpled paper or Styrofoam peanuts. This ensures a tight fit and keeps items from shifting.
Mark each box as fragile.
Place heavier items on the floor of your gobox and lighter items on top of stacks.

Wardrobe boxes are ideal for storing clothing. Shoes and folded items can be placed in the bottom. Use plastic hangers on the bar provided to hang clothes.
Garbage bags or the new extra-large Ziploc bags are also useful for storing these items.
Store clothing, linens and draperies with fabric softener sheets to keep them smelling fresh and to absorb moisture.
If you’ll be storing wool items, pack them with cedar chips or mothballs to prevent potential moth damage.
Bundle unused hangers and tie or tape them together.
Bundle together curtain attachments in Ziploc bags and pack with appropriate draperies.

Ideally pack electronics in their original boxes if you still have them.
If you don’t have the original box, wrap each item separately with bubble or foam wrap and electric shock reduction wrapping. Fill empty spaces in your boxes with crumpled newsprint. Don’t use Styrofoam peanuts (which can breakdown and get into openings causing damage) unless the electronic item is completely wrapped up first.
Tape or tie down moveable parts. Twist tie cords and label or pack in the same box.
Mark boxes as fragile and do not stack heavy boxes on top of them. Pack these valuable items at the rear of your gobox.

Disassemble if possible. It takes less space. Be sure to bundle all screws or assembly items together in a Ziploc bag and label it. Tape or tie it to a piece of the furniture it belongs with. Wrap disassembled pieces of furniture to prevent damage and tape or tie together in easily moveable bundles.
Cover furniture with cloth or paper pads to protect from damage.
If you stack furniture, place pads, blankets, sheets or towels between items to prevent scratching.
Some wooden furniture is sensitive to moisture. Consider waxing or using Pledge on your wood items before storage. Handle waxed furniture cautiously as it may be more slippery.
Many sofas can be stood on one end to make the best use of space. Use pads to protect armrests. Hide-a-bed sofas should not be stored vertically since it can damage their frames (lay flat and stack lighter items on top of it).
Stack chairs seat to seat (one upside down on top of the other).
Dresser drawers can be used to store delicate or breakable items.
Place mattresses and box springs in a protective cloth or plastic bag. If using plastic, keep the top open to permit air flow. Store mattresses and box springs upright with something underneath to allow for air circulation.

Clean, dry and polish before storage. For items prone to rusting, wipe with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to retard rust.
Wrap with bubble wrap or newsprint to protect the metal finish. Make sure any packing material used is chemical free. Larger items can be wrapped with a tarp and secured with rope or heavy tape. Label each covered item if it is not obvious what it is.
If the item is fragile, mark the box as fragile and do not place any heavy boxes on top of it.
Winterize machinery for storage as recommended in the owner’s manual. Contact the manufacturer or visit their website for advice if you no longer have the manual.
In general, remove all fuel and other fluids to avoid spills and reduce flammability.