Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Sometimes you just have to work with what’s available, but if you have the option to purchase boxes for your move, it’s best to choose a uniform size. Boxes of the same size are much easier to organize and will be easier to stack and arrange in your unit.

The main thing is to pack each box until it’s completely full. Half-filled boxes will collapse. The tighter a box is packed, the sturdier it will be.

Start by placing your heaviest boxes on the bottom, and then place the next heaviest on top and so on, with the lightest boxes on the very top.

Place heavy appliances on the bottom as well. Also, if you are storing a refrigerator or a washer and dryer, you should always leave the doors or lids slightly ajar. This will prevent them from growing mold or mildew while sitting in storage over a long period. Unplugging refrigerators and freezers a few days before moving will help them dry out and dehumidify before your move.

As you load up your unit, be sure to build walkways between your towers of boxes – or at least create a hallway down the center. It doesn’t have to be huge, but you should be able to move to the back of the unit. This will make accessing buried items much easier.

Label your boxes. And don’t be afraid to be detailed. This will save you a lot of time later on when you just need that one little thing but can’t recall where you packed it. Additionally, be sure to label all boxes in the same place, and then when you build your hallways, stack them with the contents of each box facing out.

Regardless of who you have hired to help handle your move, it’s always a good idea to take photos or videos of your valuable items, noting their exact condition before the move. Movers are careful, but things can happen during a move. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Avoid storing anything flammable. For instance, if you are storing a mower, edger, or anything else that requires fuel, drain the gas and oil completely before putting it inside your unit. Even matches should not be placed in storage. If it can catch on fire, don’t store it – the risk of losing everything in a fire is just not worth it. You also shouldn’t store drugs, drug paraphernalia, hazardous waste, trash, used tires, or anything that emits a strong odor. You may be evicted from your storage unit if you are caught storing any of these items.