> packing primer

Twelve Packing Tips for Success:

1. Before moving, make sure your insurance carrier will cover your items while in storage and that no coverage lapses will occur. Self storage companies accept no liability for loss or damage to your property for any reason while in storage, so please make sure you have adequate coverage.
2. Assemble the right supplies to perform a safe and efficient move. These may include boxes, packing tape, cord, razor knives, permanent marking pens, Styrofoam peanuts, bubble wrap, newsprint, mattress bags and furniture covers. Click here to get all your necessary supplies directly from Storage Village.
3. Label every box with dark, easy-to-read permanent marker on the top and at least two sides. For quick identification, indicate:
   a. Contents (non-specific in case of valuables).
   b. Destination (e.g. master bedroom, kitchen, storage unit).
   c. FRAGILE, HEAVY, and THIS END UP (where appropriate).
   d. On a separate pad of paper, keep a detailed list of each box’s contents.
   
4. Use small boxes for heavy items, like books. These will be easier to carry and less likely to break.
5. Use medium boxes for pots and pans, toys, and small appliances.
6. Use large boxes for bulky items like lamp shades, lamps, clothing, pillows and towels. Be sure to protect lamps and shades with padding.
7. Use special boxes, called dish packs or dish barrels, for your dishes and glasses. These boxes are strong enough to support and protect your dishes. Place your dishes on end, not flat, and have foam or other padding between each item. Cell kits are also available to help protect your dishes and glassware.
8. Use mirror boxes for mirrors and artwork.
9. Use wardrobe boxes with hanger bars for fine clothes and draperies.
10. Use soft goods, like draperies, bed sheets, blankets or even clothing as padding between items and to fill extra space in boxes.
11. Always pack your boxes tightly. Fill empty space with peanuts, bubble wrap or wadded-up newsprint. Unfilled boxes break when items shift inside them during a move. Tightly filled boxes are also much better at supporting other boxes stacked on top of them.
12. Place a layer of wadded-up paper in the bottom of each box as padding.