Tips for Storing, Packing, and Protecting Your Items

Our goal is to make your storing experience as pleasurable as possible. Therefore, we provide you with our expert advice when it comes to storing, packing, and protecting your valuable belongings at Belleair Storage of Florida. 

Storing Dos:

• Utilize all the space in your unit. 
• Make a plan as to how you are going to arrange your items. Doing this will prevent you from having to rearrange your things frequently.
• Use pallets, 2 x 4s, plywood, or anything that will keep your things off the floor of the unit.
• Be sure to store frequently used items at the front of the unit to avoid having to search for them later. 
• Leave an aisle in the center of your unit, so you have a walkway to access items easily.
• Use freestanding shelves to help organize your unit.
• Keep out of season clothes accessible, as you may have your belongings in storage longer than anticipated.

Packing Dos:

• Label the boxes on all six sides and keep a list for easy reference. Labeling will save you time if you have to look for something in particular. 
• When packing boxes, fill them without making them too heavy to lift. Put the more massive boxes on the bottom and the lighter ones on top. Stacking your items like this will prevent boxes from getting crushed. Always keep boxes off the floor.
• To protect your items, cover them with moving pads, sheets, or light blankets.
• Disassemble items such as tables, bed frames, etc. Doing this will save space. Wrap and label all pieces for an easier reassemble. Put all hardware in bags and mark the packets accordingly.
• When you disassemble electronics with cords, such as computers and stereos, always place small colored stickers on the wires and the same color sticker where the cable goes. Doing this will save you reassemble hassles. For best results, use the original boxes to store your electronics and other items.
• If it is possible, place couches vertically in the unit. 
• Stack chairs seat to seat, meaning one chair seat on top of the other. 
• Use the inside of appliances and drawers to store smaller items. 
• When stacking furniture, use paper pads in between the things to avoid scratching. 
• Store your mattresses and box springs on their sides. Wrap them for protection and elevate them off the floor. Use two to three 2 x 4s cut to one foot long and place the mattresses on top of these. 
• Store mirrors and paintings on their end, not flat. Pack books flat to protect their spines.

Protecting Dos:

• To prevent rusting, rub a small amount of machine oil on metal tools, bicycles, and equipment. Drain and clean all debris from all devices before you store them.
• Make sure that all appliances are clean and dry before storing them. Leave devices slightly ajar to prevent mildew.
• When wrapping collectibles or anything breakable, tape it after you wrap it. Doing this should avoid mistaking them for excess paper to fill the box. Use bubble wrap or unprinted paper to wrap breakables. Group similar items and mark the boxes accordingly.
• Store clothing and draperies on hangers and hang them in wardrobe boxes to retain their original shapes.
• Rubbermaid containers are great for storing your items. They have tight-fitting lids and stack easily. Keep the more valuable articles in the rear of the unit. Doing this will prevent others from seeing what’s in your unit. 
• Be aware of your surroundings when you are in your unit. If you see a potential problem or anything suspicious, alert the manager right away. 
• Be sure to check your storage unit once a month.
• Purchase insurance. If your belongings are worth storing, they are worth insuring.

Storing and Packing Don’ts:

• Do not use plastic to cover your belongings because plastic retains moisture.
• Never store food items. Doing this will prevent any unwanted rodents, insects, or other pests.
• Do not pack boxes that are too heavy to carry, especially when packing books.
• Do not give out your password, gate code, or any information to anyone that does not have permission to access your unit. 
• Do not use printed newspaper for wrapping because the paper is acidic, and the ink may bleed onto your items. 
• Do not forget to clean appliances before you store them.
• Do not store any toxins or flammables such as paint, oil, or gasoline.
• Do not assume that your homeowners or renters insurance will cover your belongings while in storage. Be safe and purchase insurance for your items.