Mirrors, Pictures, Windows and Screens: Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in cardboard and marked “FRAGILE.” Store them on end, never flat.

Lamps: Wrap large lamp bases in padding, wrap smaller lamps then place them in boxes. Pack delicate lamp shades separately. Do not use newsprint to wrap lamp shades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink stains. Do not store heavy items on cartons containing lamps or lamp shades.

Mattresses and Beds: Store mattresses and box springs on long edges, in plastic covers and elevate off of the floor. Use pallets, 2x4’s, plywood, anything that will keep your items off the floor of the storage unit. It is not advised to lean items against the walls of the storage unit. Disassemble beds and mark the pieces so that they are easy to put back together.

Bedding, Clothing, Curtains, Drapes and Linens: Clean all items before storing. Clothing, curtains and drapes should be stored on hangers. Clothing that ordinarily hangs in a closet should be packed in a wardrobe carton. If wardrobe cartons are not available, such items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers or cedar chests along with bedding and linens. If storing wool items, use cedar ships or  mothballs to prevent moth damage. Keep your out-of-season clothes accessible, you may have your belongings in storage longer than anticipated.

Dishes and Glassware:  Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and the top of the boxes containing glassware. All glass items should be individually wrapped: nest cups and bowls and stand plates, sauces, and platters on edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of cartons.  Fill all pockets with packing. Label all boxes containing glassware, and do not place heavy items on boxes containing glassware.

Books & Documents: When packing books, pack them in small cartons that weigh no more than 30 lbs. Alternate bindings and cushion them with wadded packing paper. Pack books flat to protect their spines. Use packing to fill out empty pockets in the boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books.

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 and negatives.

Electronics: When you disassemble electronics such as computers and stereos, place small colored stickers on the cables and the same color sticker where the cable goes. If possible, use the original packing for electronic items.

Holiday Decorations: Save the original cartons that contained delicate ornaments. Pad the ornaments with packing paper or newsprint. Wrap strings of lights around a piece of cardboard before placing in a carton lined with packing paper.

Do Not Store Hazardous Materials: Drain gasoline and oil from all engines (lawn mowers, snow blowers, snowmobiles, motorcycles, etc.) before storing. It is against the law to store hazardous or combustible or hazardous materials such as gasoline, cleaning fluids, paint, oil, etc... Drain all gasoline from lawnmowers, power tools, boats, snowmobiles, etc. before storing them.

 Do not store food items which could attract rodents or  pests.