Storage Tips
Packing for Storage:
1. Should I use a certain type of boxes?
2. How should I store clothing?
3. I have a lot of books. What size boxes do I need for them?
4. How should I pack mirrors and framed artwork?
5. What is the best way to seal my boxes?
6. Do you have an easy system to help me remember what's inside my boxes?
7. Is there an efficient way to keep holiday or seasonal items?
Moving Into Storage:
1. What can I do to organize the space to allow easy access to stored items?
2. How can I get the most from the space I have in my storage unit?
3. What should I do with all of these long items like tools, brooms and curtain rods?
4. Pillows and stuffed animals fill so many bins. Is there a more space-saving way to store them?
Packing for Storage Answers:
1. Should I use a certain type of boxes?
Use boxes that are solid and well-constructed—double walled at a minimum. They can withstand more weight for stacking and are less likely to break when you move items in and out of storage. If using plastic tubs, make sure they are all the same size so they will be easy to stack.
back to the top2. How should I store clothing?
Most clothing can be folded and conveniently stored in plastic tubs. But, if you have professional clothes, special dress clothes, or need to keep certain clothing wrinkle-free, use wardrobe boxes. They come with metal bars that ft across the box to hang clothes and can be stacked to maximize the height of your storage unit.
back to the top3. I have a lot of books. What size boxes do I
need for them?
No matter how many books you plan to store, use small boxes and avoid making them heavier than 35 pounds. This protects your back and reduces the chance that boxes of books will crush other items. Also, packing books flat rather than upright will protect them from damage.
back to top4. How should I pack mirrors and framed artwork?
Use flat boxes to prevent mirrors and framed art from breaking when you are moving items in and out of storage over time. These boxes will give them a solid foundation to stand them against a wall or between other boxes.
back to top5. What is the best way to seal my boxes?
If you won't need to get into a box for at least six months, use packing tape to seal it. If you plan to access those items sooner, use boxes with lids or fold the flaps down instead of closing with tape. Also, make sure to fill boxes to the top to avoid having them cave in when other items are stacked on top of them.
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6. Do you have an easy system to help me
remember what's inside my boxes?
It is helpful to make a list of what is inside boxes containing paperwork, a large number of items, or things that are unrelated, and it saves time in labeling the boxes. Here is an easy system to do this on your computer. Open a Word table or Excel document and create four columns called Box #, Description, Contents and Keep Until. Start by writing Box #1 on your first box and then filling in the table on the computer. Once you are done entering your list, close the box and put a red sticker on it so you remember that it's done. Keep a copy of your list at the front of your storage room so you'll know what's inside the numbered boxes.
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7. Is there an efficient way to keep holiday or
seasonal items?
Colored containers are perfect for storing holiday or seasonal items because you can easily distinguish what you need when you need it. For example, Christmas decorations can all be in green tubs and Spring/Summer clothes can be in pink tubs. This will save time in labeling and allow you to easily grab things at the right time.
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Moving Into Storage Answers:
1. How should I organize the space to allow
easy access to stored items?
First, make sure to leave an aisle in the center of your storage unit if you plan to regularly access for stored belongings. Also, if you have mostly boxes to store, consider using shelves to help you use the height of the space and more easily access your items when you need them. We'll be glad to put shelves into your unit before you move in. Finally, move things into the storage space first that you are not likely to need. This way, the items you may want are in front and you won't have to move too many things out to get something you need.
back to the top2. How can I get the most from the space I have in
my storage unit?
Whenever possible, remove the legs from tables and stand them up along with other furniture to take advantage of the ceiling height and economically fit more into your storage room. Put screws and small parts into plastic bags and tape the bags to the matching furniture.
back to the top3. What should I do with all of these long items like tools,
brooms and curtain rods?
Bundle and tie long-handled tools together and use a clean empty trash can to store them standing upright. To protect your brooms, store with the bristle side up.
back to the top4. Pillows and stuffed animals fill so many bins. Is there
a more space-saving way to store them?
Store blankets, pillows, stuffed animals and other small items inside furniture drawers and refrigerators. Refrigerators and freezers should be clean with the doors left slightly open in storage.
INSIDE LOOK
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Hollywood Storage Center of Thousand Oaks
3425 Old Conejo Rd. Unit A, Newbury Park, CA 91320 805.500.4542
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