Guidelines for Packing your container

• Distribute the weight evenly in your container, not all on one side.
• Boxes should be filled completely and lids closed.
• Protect your items with paper pads, bubble pack or moving blankets.
• Place heavy items on the bottom, lightweight items on the top.
• Heavy items should be packed in small boxes for easier lifting. Lightweight items can go in larger boxes.
• Pack all your items as tight as possible. Avoid leaving open space where items can shift. A good rule of thumb is to pack the container one quarter at a time.
• Prop the door open while you are loading to keep it from closing unexpectedly.
• Secure the container when it is unattended with a strong commercial grade padlock. For extra security, it is a good idea to park your car in front of the door of the container.
• Use the inventory list in the packet you received from your Customer Care Representative to make it easy to keep track of your items.
• Store fragile items in dresser drawers
  

Tables and Chairs: Disassemble if possible, wrapping legs with paper pads to avoid scratching. Place any hardware in a plastic bag and tape to the underside of the table. Wrap the table top with cloth or paper pads and place against the side of the container, not on the bottom.

Upholstered items: Couches can be packed on their feet, with a second couch inverted on top of the other for protection. A single couch can be placed on end, using paper pads to protect the arm rests.

Mattresses: Place mattresses and box springs in a protective bag, and place along the side of the container.

Rugs: After vacuuming rugs, sprinkle with moth flakes, roll up, tie with a rope, and pad with paper pads.

Lamps: Place small bases in dresser drawers with paper or cloth padding, and large ones in boxes with wadded-up paper in the extra space. Shades should be placed in individual boxes with wadded-up paper in the empty spaces.

Beds: Tie bed rails together and use mattress covers for mattress and box springs.

Bicycles and Tools: Clean and cover with a paper pad or moving blankets to protect your other goods from being torn. Small tools can be placed in a box together. Long handled tools should be taped together.

Clothing: Wardrobe boxes are best for storing clothing. You can place shoes and folded items in the bottom and use the metal bar to hang others on the top. Small garment items can be left in dresser drawers.

Mirrors and Pictures: Wrap mirrors and pictures in paper and bubble wrap and pack in a mirror packing box. Do not lay mirror boxes flat. If possible, place between a mattress and box spring, or place on the side of your container.

Appliances: Clean thoroughly before storing. Drain all water and leave doors slightly ajar to prevent mildew. Tape down all moving parts. Lightweight items can be stored inside appliances with proper padding.

Books and Papers: Pack in small boxes for easy lifting.

Want a printable version of these tips?
Download a copy for yourself here. Document requires Adobe® Reader® for viewing.

Download Adobe® Reader® Here.