Most self-storage companies will offer packing as an additional service, so, in most cases, to save cash, you'll be packing up yourself. The packing process is an art and you'll need to put some thought into it before you begin.

 

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1. Box everything that you can — everything that is left unboxed in a self-storage facility will get dusty and very dirty.
   
   
2. Clearly label all boxes so you can identify the contents and keep an inventory.
   
   
3. It’s wise not to fill large boxes with heavy items such as books, as they'll quickly become impossible to carry and may break.
   
   
4. Book packing tip: store them flat to avoid damaging their spines.
   
   
5. Mirrors and pictures need extra protection in a self-storage facility. Stack them on their ends and securely wrap in bubble tape. Pictures and mirrors should never be stored flat.
   
   
6. Before storage, separate lamp bases and shades and securely wrap them for protection.
   
   
7. A good space-saving technique is stacking chairs seat to seat. A dust cover above them will keep them nice and clean.
   
   
8. For added protection of your wood furniture, spray with a good quality furniture oil before storing it in the facility.
   
   
9. Expect to be asked to drain the tanks if you're storing items with fuel tanks such as lawn mowers and cars. Fuel is one of the several things that you cannot store in a storage unit facility.

 

About Peter Seychelle

Peter Seychelle owns and operates www.myselfstorageunit.com, an online self-storage unit facility locator. The site neatly organizes mini storage by state & city, and provides links to mapping locators for easy reference.