I run a mobile storage company and once in a while I get to see what customers are storing in their units -- and I've seen everything, from the hilarious to the tragic. Often times people are willing to pay money to store their belongings and keepsakes but don't take the time or effort to properly protect or pack their belongings. Moisture is usually the biggest contributor to damage and there are a couple ways to combat it. Here a series of tips to keep your valuables safe:
- Appliances: A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. Some items can be stored inside large appliances. Cartons can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators and freezers. Make sure that stove and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.
- Bicycles and other metal items: To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil. One of the best features of wooden containerized storage (mobile storage) is that they are covered and weather proof when outside and then when the storage units are returned to the warehouse, wood breathes so the moisture can escape from the unit.
- Books and documents: Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not place boxes directly on the floor. Use pallets or skids to prevent moisture. Use packing to fill out empty pockets in the cartons. Do not pack fragile items in the same carton with books. Do not overload.
- Bedding, Clothing, Curtains, Drapes & Linen: Clothing, curtains and drapes should be stored on hangers. If hanging facilities are not available, such items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers or cedar chests along with bedding and linen. Some facilities sell wardrobe style, cardboard cartons which help protect you clothes. Food crumbs or stains should be removed before storage. Avoid storing anything that will attract rodents.
- Dishes and Glassware: Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and top of the cartons containing glassware. Label all cartons. All glass items should be individually wrapped. Nest cups and bowls and stand plates, saucers and platters on edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed toward the top of the carton.
- Furniture: Place a pallet, cardboard mat or plastic sheet on the floor and stand sofas and mattresses on end. Disassemble beds and tables and wrap the legs in paper. If a table will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with the legs pointing up. Use dresser tops for stacking cartons and dresser drawers for linens or small, delicate items. Keep upholstery off the floor. Most lightweight chairs should be stacked "seat to seat" or placed upside down on tables which cannot be disassembled. Place a light dust cover over your furniture.
- Holiday Decorations: Save original cartons which contained delicate ornaments and 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.
- Lamps: Wrap large lamp bases in padding. Wrap smaller lamps and place them in cartons. Pack delicate lamp shades separately. Do not use newsprint to wrap lamps shades or any other goods which may be damaged by ink stains. Do not store heavy items atop cartons containing lamps or lamp shades.
- Mirrors, Windows and Screens: These items should be stored on edge not flat.
- Records and Phonographs: Records should be stored on edge to prevent warping. When moving a record player, the tone arm and turntable should be secured to prevent bounding.
- Tools: Metal tools should be cleaned and wiped with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to retard rust. Long-handled tools such as rakes, shovels and hoes should be clean, lightly oiled and tied in bundles.
A lillte care and preperation when loading your belongings into long term storage can go a long way to protect your valuables. Happy storing!
Christopher Johnston
FlexBox Mobile Storage
888 GoFlexBox (888 463-5392)
