Preparing Items for Storage
Properly stored items will hold up much better in storage than items not stored properly. Here are a variety of storage suggestions that you may find helpful.

• Place all smaller items in uniformly sized boxes. Completely fill each box with heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on the top. Uniformly sized boxes stack easier and conserve storage space.
• Books. Pack books flat, not standing on end. This will protect the spines that could bend and warp over time if stood upright. Books are very heavy, so pack them in small boxes and don’t put them in boxes with other, more fragile, items.
• Mattresses. Place mattresses in plastic covers to protect them from dust and moisture.
• Leather Items. Treat leather items (couches, clothes, etc.) with a leather conditioner prior to storing them. Keep furniture items off the floor by placing them on pallets.
• Blankets, Draperies and Clothing. Have blankets, draperies and clothing cleaned, and then pack them on hangers in wardrobe boxes.
• Mirrors and Pictures. Store mirrors and pictures inside similarly sized knocked down boxes. This affords them additional protection.
• Furniture and Tables. Place blankets over furniture for protection.
• Photos. Photographs tend to curl over time. To keep them flat, place between pieces of cardboard and tape them together. Do not store irreplaceable photos. Photos and negatives take up very little space. Try to keep these items with you.
• Breakable Items. Wrap breakable items inside bubble wrap and store with linens.
• Dishes and Glassware. Store these items in specially made boxes called dishpacks.
• Pillows and Toys. Store smaller items like this in large plastic garbage bags.
• Label boxed items. You’ll know what is in each box without opening it.
• Do not store these items: Furs, jewelry and other expensive items, irreplaceable items, any living thing, used tires, firearms, explosives, flammables of any kind (gas, diesel, oil, paint, etc.), drugs or drug paraphernalia, stolen items, any type of hazardous items, perishable items of any kind, hazardous waste materials of any kind or items that produce odors.