Place all smaller items in uniformly sized boxes.
Completely fill each box with heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on the top. Uniformly sized boxes stack easier and conserve storage space.
Books: Pack books flat, not standing on end. This will protect the spines which will bend and warp over time if stood upright. Books are very heavy, so pack them in small boxes and don't put them in boxes with other more fragile items.
Lawn Mowers: Drain gasoline and oil from all small engines. This precaution will protect both your stored property and the property of others from the dangers of fire and explosion.
Mattresses: Place mattresses in plastic covers to protect them from dust and moisture.
Leather items: Treat leather items (couches, clothes, etc.) with a leather conditioner prior to storing them. Keep furniture items off the floor by placing them on pallets.
Blankets, Draperies, and Clothing: Have blankets, draperies, and clothing cleaned, then pack them on hangers in wardrobe boxes.
Mirrors and Pictures: Store mirrors and pictures inside similarly sized knocked down boxes. This affords them protection from scratches and dust.
Furniture and Tables: Place blankets over furniture to protect from scratches and dust.
Photos: Photographs tend to curl over time. To keep them flat, place between pieces of cardboard and tape them together. Do not store irreplaceable photos.
Breakable Items: Wrap breakable items inside bubble wrap and store with linens.
Dishes and Glassware: Store these items in specifically made boxes called dishpacks.
Pillows and Toys: Store smaller items like this in large plastic garbage bags.
Label Boxed Items: You'll know what's in each box without opening it.
Appliances: Clean and dry all appliances prior to storage. Do not leave anything inside appliances to be stored. Store all appliances upright with doors ajar to allow ventilation.
Do Not Store These Items: Furs, Jewelry and other expensive items, irreplaceable items, and living things, used tires, firearms, explosives, flammables of any kind (gas, diesel fuel, oil, paint, etc.), illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia, stolen items, any type of hazardous waste materials of any kind, items that produce odors or any item that will in any way make other tenants or the manager unhappy.
