Packing and other Moving needs
The recommended course of action is to utilize full packing services from a professional mover you may decide to do it yourself. Self-packing means that you will pack your goods in a way that will allow the movers to safely handle them on your move day. This means that when goods are improperly packed, the mover may refuse to move them or will need to re-pack them. In order to avoid such a situation, it is important to utilize proper packing materials, boxes and knowledge.
What is highly suggested is to use only new, sturdy and appropriate boxes and materials. The use of second hand boxes is not recommended. Remember, if the boxes you will use will not be appropriate, the mover can’t take responsibility over potential damages to their content and may even refuse to move them.
If you decide to pack yourself, you may order new boxes and materials from various online services that will deliver them to your doorstep. You can also ask your relocation consultant about the prices Alpha Moving and Storage can offer you and arrange for a box-delivery.
Use the right type of box for each item. There are various types of boxes for various types of packing. Book boxes, linen boxes, dish boxes, wardrobe boxes and so forth. You can ask your Alpha Moving and Storage relocation consultant for more information about boxes, the packing process and the various options.
Pack fragile items carefully to prevent breakage. Wrap dishes individually and use special dish boxes. Pack paper into the top, bottom, and empty spaces in the box. Position plates and bowls on their sides (wrapped), and avoid stacking heavy items.
Store papers in file cartons or other small boxes. Use even smaller boxes for books, as they weigh more. Stuff paper in any empty space within the boxes so they don’t collapse.
Wipe a light coat of oil on tools, bicycles and exercise equipment (e.g., weights) to prevent rust. Be sure to store these items away from furniture to avoid staining.
Keep refrigerator doors slightly ajar. Put an open box of baking soda inside to keep it fresh. You can also use the space inside appliances to store other items.
Clearly mark your boxes and cartons with their contents.
Make an inventory list of your storage unit’s contents.
Leave a clear center aisle for easy access, and remember to stack everything at least two inches from the walls for adequate air circulation.
Protect all non-boxed items with cloth or paper pads.
Store mattresses and couches on end, and cover them with furniture pads or blankets.
Place the heaviest items on the bottom, and stack lighter items on top.
Any shelves should be placed against the unit’s walls. Store boxes and small items on the shelves.
Fill boxes completely-this prevents boxes from collapsing and reduces shifting within the box.
Tips for storage units if necessary:
1. Pallets: Keeping your items off the floor is almost essential. It might sound silly, but before renting your unit, there's no way to promise that the melting snow won't come under the door, or the adjacent unit won't have a spill that soaks its way into your heirloom sofa.
2. Wrap what you can: Each time we use a storage unit, we wrap what we can in industrial plastic wrap. That way, we know that things are sealed up tight and it won't collect dust or creepy crawlies while it's doing time.
3. Use heavy duty lock: Although most units have security in them, that doesn't mean they'll always be paying attention. Find an all-weather pad lock that has a short arm to ensure a bolt cutter can't slide it's way in to be sliced open!
4. Label: Even though you know exactly what you're putting in your storage unit at the time you open it, that doesn't mean in 6 months when you need back in it that you won't be digging for ages and opening random boxes until you find what you're after. Label everything. The hidden, the obvious, and you can even go as far as to make a checklist that hangs inside the door telling you where something might be (back right corner under the desk = cameras to sell on eBay).
5. Plan for temperature changes: Although this might not be an issue in some parts of the country, there are a few things that don't like the cold or the heat and should either be double wrapped or well insulated or not stored at all. Electronics, vinyl records, old photos (if humid), things of that nature all come out a little less awesome when not stored properly.
6. Carry sand: Most outdoor storage units are built so water drains away from doors and to one central location. .... in theory. Quite often what happens is large ice slicks can form outside the door, making it almost impossible to get to your goods without risking life and limb. Carry cat litter, sand or even spare sheets of plywood to help you unload or access your items.
7. Protect The Space: While we're concerned about protecting what we put in the unit, protecting the unit itself is also important — there can be heavy fines for scarring the unit during your tenancy. If you rent one to use for, say, your freelance furniture flipping or restoration business, make sure to plastic off the walls and floors to catch glue drips and sprays.
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Denver, Colorado