How to pack for long-term storage

Are you packing things away for long-term storage? Here are some tips on how to pack up your things so they don’t become damaged during transport and time in a storage facility.

Storing Fragile Items

If packing fragile items for long term storage you should take special care when packing. Do not use crumbled newspaper as the ink from the newspaper rubs off onto everything and can stain your items. You can use old soft clothes or acid free packing paper to wrap your fragile items. Another packing alternative is bubble wrap. For storing dishes, glasses, and other decorative items, begin by layering packing material like bubble wrap, packing pellets, or foam in the bottom of the box. For particularly delicate articles additional wrapping in bubble wrap rather than just paper will help ensure your items do not break. As you begin filling boxes, be sure to pack heavier items first, and then place lighter items on top.

Lamps and lampshades

Lighting often presents a particular challenge because of their awkward sizes and shapes. Pack lamps in bubble wrap and, if possible, place them in a box (and be sure to remove any bulbs before moving!). Lampshades travel best if they’re placed alone in a box with minimal packing materials so they don’t get damaged. The best way is to pack is with packing paper under and around the shade to provide support so there is no shifting. The shade should not rub against the walls of the cardboard box.

Storing Computers and Electronics

The best way to pack computers and electronics is to put them back in their original boxes. If you did not save them your second-best option is to find a box that’s slightly larger than what you’re packing so that you can fill the rest of the box with packing materials. It’s a good idea to pack these items separately so you don’t risk damaging them.

Storing Appliances

Appliances should always be clean and dry before placing them in storage. Tape closed appliance doors during the move. It’s a good idea to wrap appliances with a protective corrugated bubble wrap or moving blankets.

Moving Boxes

Keep in mind that it’s easier to stack boxes that are similar in size and shape and not to pack your boxes too heavy so portion out your heavier items into boxes that also contain other not-so-heavy items. It’s a good rule of thumb is to keep each box under 30lbs for easy lifting and always stack lighter boxes on top of heavier boxes. Also make sure there are no empty gaps in your boxes as they may collapse and topple over after they are stacked. Label all your boxes with its contents on more than one side so you can easily identify its contents. If you use containers from The Box Butler – they stack 4 -5 high and will not collapse or crush – better protecting your items packed away inside!

Storing Seasonal Clothing and Furs

Freeing up closet space is a biannual ritual for many, swapping out shorts and swimsuits for coats and sweaters. It can be liberating to clean out closets – pondering the passage of time while donating old items and packing away others for storage. But the piles get high quickly, and can take up a surprising amount of room. Using a storage unit for seasonal or long-term storage of clothing and furs can be a space-saving, convenient solution. When storing clothing in long term storage do not store them in plastic or vinyl bags because it can lead to discoloration, mildew and musty odors. Some plastic bags also emit PVC gases that can deteriorate delicate fibers over a period of time. So when storing clothes use cotton bags or ventilated storage containers such as those provided for by The Box Butler. Make sure that you clean your clothes before storing them. Stains from foods can attract moths, silverfish or other insects that will feed on these stains and thus put holes in your clothes.

Just folding garments and putting them in a box, bag or bin, however, can be a costly mistake. There are specific ways to pack clothes – especially those made with quality fabrics, leather or fur – to preserve them well. The following are steps you can take to prevent damage to fabrics and furs, and get the most out of both your clothing and mini-storage.

Choosing a Storage Solution

Choose a space that will be cool and dry all year long. Fluctuations in temperature, exposure to sunlight and pests can cause significant damage to fabrics, leather and fur. Cooler temperatures help prevent mold growth, the presence of pests, molting of furs and drying out of leather. 
A climate-controlled self-storage service provider such as The Box Butler keeps the temperature between approximately 65 and 80 degrees with the use of central air and heat. When comparing storage facilities ask about the availability of climate control and air conditioning.

Sunlight can cause fading and attract insects. Mini-storage offers the necessary darkness needed for proper preservation.

Proper Packing Materials

Plastic bags including vacuum-seal bags should be avoided when storing expensive clothing. Not only can they permanently crush fabrics and furs, but the airtight seals can cause mildew and mold growth.

If hanging garments, use non-rusting hangers and allow plenty of space between items. The Box Butler wardrobe boxes are specifically made for storing clothes, and come with a built in hanging rod. They are particularly useful for packing furs, suits and other garments that must be hung.
Rolling garment carts can be used in combination with garment bags to hang clothing in storage.

Use sheets of acid-free white tissue to separate garments and line boxes or bins. Use white muslin garment covers.

Chemical desiccants (such as the inedible packets found in food or prescription items) can be used to absorb moisture and prevent mold growth. Ventilation is important when preserving natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, silk and linen, as well as suede and leather. A wicker trunk or unused suitcase can be a great choice for fabrics that can be folded and stacked safely.

When stacking folded garments, place the heaviest at the bottom of the pile. Fold and stack them loosely.

Not all clothes should be folded and stacked. Fur in particular must be hung from the shoulders. Placing fur in a plastic bag, or packing it in between hung items, can permanently crush the fur.

Cedar blocks, mothballs, etc. can be used in addition to pest control methods provided by the facility. Since they are toxic, avoid using mothballs anywhere where children or family pets may be present.

Avoid storing clothing in dresser drawers or trunks that are lined with wallpaper or adhesive liner paper, as the glue can attract pests. Glued boxes can present the same problem.

Avoid using starch or fabric finish on any garments that will be stored.

Fur should be stored in professional cold storage for best results.

Storing Furniture

If you plan on storing any wood furniture for long-term you should disassemble all of the furniture that you are able to. Either before or after you disassemble your wooden furniture you should wax the wood really well with wood varnish, this will prevent moisture from destroying your wood furniture.

If you do disassemble your furniture be sure to place all hardware in a Ziploc bag and tape it the disassembled furniture, so that you do not accidentally lose the hardware.

PACKING DO'S & DONT'S

• Packing Do's...

  • Always pack tightly to prevent movement, and distribute weight as evenly as possible throughout your box or container.
  • Kitchen appliances should be clean and dry.
  • All small items should be packed in cartons. Use bubble wrap or paper. Ensure you fill and seal all the cartons to prevent the contents moving.
  • Try and use the same size of carton to pack, as they are easier to stack. Light cartons containing fragile items should be stacked on the heavier cartons to prevent crushing. Don’t forget to label the packing cartons to help with identification when unpacking.
  • The polished surfaces of furniture should be protected with dust sheets or covers, and when loading the furniture place the polished surfaces against each other with a sheet between.
  • Dismantling items such as beds and tables will save you space, but remember to keep all fittings with the dismantled furniture.

• Packing Dont's...

  • Do not store any of the following items:
  • Do not store Live plants or animals
  • Do not store any type of food or perishable items
  • Do not store paint
  • Do not store petrol or Diesel
  • Do not store flammable materials
  • Do not store aerosol cans

How the Box Butler Can Help

The Box Butler, named Best Storage Service Company by New York Magazine can help make the packing, storage and retrieval as simple as an email or phone call.

Our Butlers are trained in the proper packing techniques and we use our strong, durable containers along with top quality packing supplies to pack and transport your items providing added protection and security.

With our full service delivery and pick-up the need to transport these items to and from your storage facility is also handled by The Box Butler to our safe, secure and pristine climate controlled warehouse.
Never before has mini storage been so easy!

Determining what you need

Hanging clothes can be stored in our specialty designed wardrobe containers (2' x 2' x 4'). To determine how much will fit, measure the length of each bar in the closet or armoire you wish to put into storage. Each box has 2' of bar so you can see what will transfer to the container.  For use of the wardrobe container with adjustable shelving, you can stack up to 16 cubic feet of stuff on the adjustable shelves, up to a maximum weight of 100 lbs.

Our trunk containers provide 5 cubic feet (28"x20"x15") of storage and are ideal for larger, bulky items such as shoes, sweaters, hand bags etc. Generally speaking, dense heavy items such as books, dishes, or card collections should be placed in the tote container, which measures 27"x17"X12".

Our record file container can hold 27" of hanging files in letter or legal format.

For items that do not fit into a box, we bubble and shrink wrap on site.
View containers »

Packing your boxes

• Do not overfill your container. The door or hinged lid should close normally.
• Be sure that any breakable items are carefully wrapped in bubble wrap to ensure they are protected against bumps and jars during transport.
• Keep your inventory form handy so you can record what you put into each container so when you want it back, you know which container to have returned.
• Use our supplied locks to seal your containers (instructions detailed in your welcome kit).
• Once packing is complete, give us a call to schedule a pick-up.

• Relax. You’re finished. We’ll do the rest.