Willaredt Self Serve Storage

800 North Route 45

Mattoon, Illinois 61938

 

Phone: 217-234-4477

Toll Free: 800-201-4477

Email: storage@willaredt.com

 

 

Packing & Storage Tips

 

Furniture
It's a good idea to wax wood furniture before storing it. Disassemble bed frames and tie them together. Store frames in back corner to prevent them from falling over on other items. Use zip-lock bags to store screws and bolts then tape the bag of parts to the items that they belong to. If you stack furniture items, place pads, blankets, or towels between them to prevent scratching. Take down lawn furniture and remove legs from tables if possible. Don't use plastic to cover items as moisture can condense under it. Consider using sheets or cotton cloth. Stand mattresses on end, as well as sofas with pallets, plastic, or cardboard under them. It is a good idea to wrap mattresses in mattress bags or cover with paper or cloth. Stand mattress on something to allow airflow and to prevent moisture from getting to them. It is not advised to lean items against the walls.

Pictures and Mirrors
Wrap pictures that are small and stand them on end in boxes. For larger ones, buy special picture moving boxes. Consider using foam or bubble wrap.

Electronic Equipment
It is a good idea to use the original boxes. If you don't have them, pack items carefully and use cushion material. Bubble wrap, cushion foam, and even wadded up newspaper will help. Pack items separately. Stack record albums on end to prevent warping and use small boxes to hold down the weight. Consider the temperature as heat can warp CD's and record albums.

Crystal, China, and Fine glassware
Consider buying boxes designed for this with dividers. Wrap each item with paper or foam. Label boxes with glass items and stack these on top. Add packing material to both the bottom and the top of the moving boxes.

Clothing, Curtains, Drapes
It is a good idea to store drapes and clothing hanging on non-rusting hangers. You can buy moving boxes designed for this. They are called wardrobe boxes. You can use drawers to store some items and to conserve space. If storing wool items, use cedar chips and or mothballs to prevent moth damage.

Kitchen & Laundry
You can put several small appliances in a box. Be sure to put packing material between them. Label all moving boxes. It is a good idea to label moving boxes indicating what room it goes in and the items it contains. You can stack pots and pans with padding in between. Bowls can be packed in a similar fashion. One idea for your drawer-type stuff is to use plastic bags and pack these bags in a moving box. Always consider the weight of what you are putting in moving boxes. It is better to use 2 smaller moving boxes than one heavy one.

Appliances
Tape doors shut while moving. Wedge doors open in storage to prevent mildew. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR REFRIGERATORS. You can use this valuable storage space for items such as blankets and towels. Use up partial bottles and boxes of laundry/cleaning products and food goods before moving. You can place laundry items in the washer and dryer. Be sure moving boxes are taped shut and bottles will not leak. You can always use plastic bags to insure against leaking.

Natural Threats
Freezing can be a problem. Do not store items that might break if frozen in non-climate-controlled self storage units. Do not store food items in boxes or plastic since rodents can easily tear through these.

Moisture, Mold & Mildew
Mold & mildew can be a problem in humid Illinois summers. Use a product such as Damp-Rid™ to help prevent mildew, mold, and musty odors, and to reduce moisture in the air inside the storage unit thereby protecting clothes, books, and furniture. Cardboard boxes set directly on concrete can draw the natural moisture from the concrete floor. Protect cardboard by laying down plastic or setting boxes on pallets.

Metals
It might be a good idea to put a few drops of oil on items that might rust. Insure that these items don't come in contact with other items.

Books and other valuables
Pack books together in small moving boxes. Big moving boxes of books can weigh too much. Store your valuable papers in plastic bags. Consider putting moving boxes on pallets or something to keep them off the floor.

Safe Storage
Do not store combustible or flammable products, including paint, thinners, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, or propane. Empty the fuel out of any lawnmowers, weed trimmers, fuel tanks or cans, etc. before storing. Purchase a good quality, heavy duty lock. Do not store perishables such as food.

DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR PACKING, MOVING, AND SELF STORAGE NEEDS. IT IS OFFERED "AS IS" AND NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED IS OFFERED. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE OF THE TIPS IS ASSUMED BY THE USER. NO ORAL OR WRITTEN INFORMATION OR ADVICE GIVEN SHALL CREATE A WARRANTY AND YOU MAY NOT RELY ON ANY SUCH

Back to Main Page

 

Willaredt Self Serve Storage is a division of Willaredt Limited Partnership

Dean Willaredt, General Manager

800 North Route 45

P.O. Box 1245

Mattoon, IL 61938

Phone 217-234-4477

FAX 217-234-4467