Remember to label all boxes according to the room they will be placed in.   
Example:  kitchen, bath, bedroom #1, bedroom #2.

Make two copies of a list of items in each box.  Place one copy in the top of the box that matches the items on the list.  Keep all extra copies in a notebook. Be sure your list is labeled according to the boxes.  When you start to unpack or if you need a box out of storage, you can look at your list and know which box to look in. 
Example:  bedroom #1a:  bed linens, extra pillows  or bedroom #1b: alarm clock, telephone, phone directory, candle holders, small lamp.
By giving the label 1a or 1b, it lets you know which bedroom and then which box your items on that list are in.

A few weeks before moving, start packing items that are used infrequently such as out of season clothing or sports equipment.  If you are using a mini storage facility, you might move these boxes ahead of the main moving day. 

Contact the utility company to have electric, water, cable and telephone connected before you move.  Don’t forget to disconnect at the old address.

Contact postal service to set up mail forwarding.

Contact magazines and newspapers, banks, credit card companies or other service companies with your new address.

Pack a “first aid” kit to include the usual first aid supplies but also needed names and telephone numbers, extra keys, flashlight & batteries, and any supplies that might be needed upon move-in.   Keep this box separate from the other boxes so it will be handy for a quick find.

Find out where the local hospital is prior to the move in case of an emergency during the move.

Pack some snacks and a cooler with drinks for the move. 

Buy paper plates, cups, and cutlery and paper towels for the first meals.

Pack cleaning supplies, paper towels, light bulbs, toilet tissue, and personal items and keep separate for a quick find. 

Make arrangements for an appliance dolly to help with heavy items. Our storage facility has a dolly that is available to our tenants free of charge. 

Keep blankets, quilts, or large beach towels handy for wrapping large items to keep them from getting scratched during the move or while in storage.

Use towels to separate pictures or mirrors before placing in a box.

Bath or kitchen cloths are great to pack around small breakables.

Keep all important paperwork especially medical or school records, bank information and check books, deeds and mortgage information and any sentimental items together.  Be sure the box is well labeled and placed in a secure but visible spot.

Pack heavy items such as books in smaller boxes to lighten the load.

Put smaller items in zip lock bags, label, and then place in a larger item for protection.  Example:  hooks for hanging pictures or small lids for small containers and place in larger plastic sealed bowls.

Take advantage of the storage space in dressers and chests for items such as clothes, bath and kitchen towels and cloths, bed linens and small unbreakables.  Just be sure to secure the drawers closed with a rope before moving.

Use thick tape to make a big “X” across mirrors and glass picture frames to help support the glass.

Large mirrors or pictures may be placed between mattresses for protection during the move and in storage. 

Clean any appliances before packing.  If the electric cord is separate, tie or tape it to the appliance, placing it inside if possible. 

Do not pack any thing that is not completely dry to avoid mold.

Defrost, clean and dry a freezer or refrigerator before moving.  You may use the dry inside space for bulky, lightweight items such as large stuffed toys and pillows.

Always load a refrigerator in an upright position.  Laying a refrigerator on its side could damage the unit. 

When packing, fill any gaps with newspaper or tissue, to support items in boxes before stacking.  Filling the voids will help the boxes to not collapse. 

Do not store perishables in a storage unit. 

Be sure all boxes are taped on the top and bottom for security. 

Use old sheets to cover mattresses for protection.

When packing or storing delicate or breakable items, use stronger constructed boxes and pack lightly. 

Small unbreakables like pots and pans or metal serving and cooking utensils may be stored in the oven.

Do not store anything that is combustible such as gas, paints, or any flammable fluids.

Large trash cans are great to store lawn and garden equipment such as rakes, shovels, and brooms.

Large trash cans or large plastic containers may also be useful when packing outside toys.

When using a mini storage unit, stack larger and heavier boxes on the bottom.  Pack smaller and/or lighter boxes on top of furniture such as a couch or chest.

When storing items with parts such as curtain rods and hangers or items with screws or nails, use a zip lock bag for the small pieces and attach to the article they belong to.

Transport breakables and/or fragile items in your car instead of a moving truck. i.e.  flower pots or arrangements, lamps and/or lamp shades.

Our storage facility has a variety of sizes of boxes including large wardrobe boxes for storing clothing and we also sell packing supplies and labels that are ready to stick on the boxes.  

By using the same kinds of boxes, they will stack much more uniformly. 

Come by Secure Self Storage to check out our packing supplies and facility. 

                                615-452-0933