How Best to use a Storage Unit [Milestone #11]

Written by Frank…Your Contributing Relocation Ally

Self-storage is an excellent option for storing items during a relocation.  If you are aware of some basic packing and storing procedures that the professional follow, you’ll end up with a lot less damage once you’re ready to unpack.

What are some of the steps you need to take?

Ask about Climate Control

• When comparing facilities, ask about the availability of climate control.  Controlling the temperature within the storage unit is essential. Make sure they use central air and heat to maintain a temperature within the unit of 50-80 degrees and reduce humidity. Some facilities have a dehumidifier as well — usually for units on the first floor or subterranean levels.

Relocation Ally Quick Tip: Transporting your antiques or art from the truck to your unit can open up opportunities for damage. Consider looking for a drive up unit, or an inside unit on the ground floor. If your unit is on an upper level, be sure there’s an elevator. Many facilities have dollies and carts available for your use at the facility as well.

Pack with Care

• Wrap mirrors and pictures in protective covering such as thick blankets, bubble wrap or felt, and mark them as “Fragile.” Clear plastic wrap can be used instead of tape to secure packing materials – it comes on rolls sold at office and packing supply stores. Cardboard corners can be purchased to protect the sharpest, weakest areas of frames. Boxes specifically designed for packing mirrors or large paintings can be purchased at packaging supply stores. Some storage facilities sell quality packing supplies including these boxes for your convenience.

Relocation Ally Quick Tip: High value oil paintings and other art require special wrapping material to avoid damage.  Many of your possessions  may need the added protection of a wooden crate for transport and storage. Oversized glass table tops and mirrors also require special preparation for a move.

Handle Furniture Correctly

• If you’re storing upholstered products such as mattresses and sofas, consider investing in covers, bags or sheeting for additional protection. Storage and moving facilities often sell large heavy-duty bags for this purpose.

• Disassemble weak or heavy pieces of furniture, such as a mirror attached to a dresser, or a headboard from a bed frame. Wrap and cover the separate sections, clearly marking them as parts of a whole.

Relocation Ally Quick Tip: Keep assembly components such as screws and bolts together in a plastic bag and tape the bag to bubble wrap or plastic wrapped around the appropriate piece of furniture. Create a “Parts Box” to store TV remotes, power cords and manuals.  Clearly mark the box for easy identification at a later date.

Milestones are compiled and added into our new “widget” feature coming soon to Alliance Relocation Services website for movers and companies.  Will be featured articles all summer.

Tags: Milestones, Military Moves, moving with kids, organization, packing, tips