As you prepare personal belongings for storage, you will soon realize that no two items are alike. Each knickknack, each piece of furniture, and every antique you set in your storage unit will require a certain level of care so that it remains safe for the duration.

If you’re not certain which packing materials are right for which items, here’s a short guide to proper storage preparation for your things.

Packing Dinnerware

If you have more than enough plates and mugs to get you through the week, but you’re not ready to part with the excess because of value or sentimental value, you can store what you do not use in a plastic container. While moving companies offer sturdy cardboard boxes designed to hold China, the plastic containers with sealed lids are better for keeping out dust and mites. Use shredded or wadded newspaper to line the container, then wrap all individual pieces – plates, saucers, et cetera. Pack larger and heavier items first, and don’t pack too much so that you aren’t able to lift the box.

Packing Knickknacks

Over the years, if you’re like me, you’ve collected trophies and figurines and other little tchotchkes given to you as gifts. You have no more room at home for them, but you want to save them for future generations. So, into storage they go.

Whether they are made or porcelain, plaster, or glass, you want to store them in their original boxes if you still have them. If you don’t, find comparable containers that will protect them from the elements – a shoe box or similar. Wrap items with paper and line containers with wadded paper as well for an extra buffer. Make sure all paper is dry, otherwise any print could come off the newspaper, or mildew could grow in storage.

Mirrors

Mirrors can prove fragile and awkward to move, and if you plan to put one in storage, you want to make sure it’s secured. Contact the storage company and see if they have a specially shaped box in which your mirror will fit. Find an old bed sheet and wrap it around the mirror, securing with tape. Place in the box and store it carefully in your unit so that it won’t be damaged.

For fragile items going into storage, secure packing is the key to keeping your belongings safe. Take your time when you pack and preserve the peace of mind.While packaging electronic items, remember their original packaging boxes in which they arrive at your homes are always ideal. But there are times when you don’t simply keep them. In such cases, you must find a larger box and layer it with bubble wrap or you can also use Styrofoam peanuts to layer them. While moving furniture, you must always use stretch plastic wrap which protects from dirt and scratches. In fact, it doesn’t allow drawers to slide out.…

Read More »