- Clean Your Contents Before You Move! Make sure you wipe down all items and remove any dust or dirt from them. Vacuum couches, chairs, rugs, etc. If there are any signs of mold or mildew on any furniture make sure it is disinfected and cleaned properly. In general you do not want to move any dirty items into a storage unit in order to prevent unwanted odors from occurring, but more importantly it will help prevent mold or mildew growth from occurring after being placed in the storage unit.
- Take Everything Apart First. Things such as bed frames, bookshelves, desks, tables, dressers and anything else that can be taken apart to reduce wait you should do. This allows for easier transportation and more room to be utilized inside your storage unit. Make sure any bolts, screws, or washers you remove are placed into zip lock bags and labeled so you can easily reassemble your items later.
- Wrap Furniture for Long Term Storage. We recommend laying down 6 mil thick plastic over the concrete floors first in your unit to prevent any moisture inside the concrete from wicking up into your furniture, cardboard boxes, or other items in contact with the floor. Using pallets or short platforms is also a good idea. Don't wrap your furniture in plastic, as it will not allow any moisture to escape that may be in your items. Cover furniture with blankets or sheets instead to prevent dust for accumulating.
- Protect Any Glass Items. Take extra care with any fragile glass items you have. Wrap glasses individually with wrapping paper and/or bubble wrap to protect it during transport. Avoid over-packing boxes with glass items that may break and leave a little space between items in boxes for cushioning.
- Do Not Store Food! Never store any perishable foods in a storage unit. Anything that is not in a sealed, unopened can should not be stored to avoid loss of product and because it will attract bugs and unwanted critters that can damage other items you may have stored.
