When it comes to relocating, whether for a short period or a long-term, utilizing a professional mover’s warehouse for storage can be an excellent solution. Ensuring that your belongings are properly prepared for storage not only protects your items but also makes the moving process much smoother. Here are some tips on how to prepare your belongings for storage:

Declutter Before You Move

Before you start packing, take some time to declutter your belongings. Go through each room and decide what you truly want to keep. Consider donating or selling items that you no longer need or use. This not only reduces the amount you need to pack and store but also reduces the cost and makes settling into your new place much easier.

Gather Necessary Packing Supplies

Having the right packing materials is essential. Here’s a checklist of items you might need:

  • Sturdy cardboard boxes in various sizes
  • Packing paper
  • Bubble wrap or packing paper for delicate items
  • Packing tape (heavy-duty)
  • Labels and markers
Start with Heavy Items

Pack heavier items in smaller cartons and larger, lighter items in large boxes or bins to avoid items from being crushed when they are moved. It also makes moving the boxes easier and safer.

Label Everything

Clearly label each box or bin with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will save you time when unpacking later.

Use Padding

Wrap fragile items in packing paper and bubble wrap and pack them with extra cushioning to prevent breakage.

Keep Similar Items Together

Group similar items together to make unpacking easier and pack room by room. Try not to mix contents in a box, for example, pack all kitchen items together, and all bedroom items together.

Choose the Right Boxes

Utilize special boxes for specific items such as wardrobe boxes for clothing and coats or dish boxes with dividers for plates and glassware. These boxes are designed to protect your belongings better than standard boxes. You can purchase these cartons from your mover or a big box store.

Use Climate-Controlled Storage

If your belongings include items that can be affected by extreme temperatures or humidity, ensure your mover has a climate-controlled warehouse. This protects wood furniture, electronics, and artwork from damage. Professional movers have climate controlled warehouses and wooden storage pallets to put your belongings in to keep them free of dust and dirt.

Create an Inventory List

Before sealing boxes, create an inventory list of what you’re storing. This can be as simple as a spreadsheet or a handwritten list. Keeping track of your belongings helps reduce stress and confusion when you retrieve them later.

Communicate with Your Movers

Don’t hesitate to communicate with the professional movers about any special requirements or concerns regarding the storage of your belongings. They can provide guidance on packing and what to store and can offer you offer full or partial packing services at a reasonable cost.

Review Shipment Protection Options

It’s always a good idea to check if your belongings are insured while moving and in storage. Moving and storage companies offer cargo protection options, or you may want to consider personal property coverage to protect your items against damage or loss.

Conclusion

Taking the time to properly prepare your belongings for moving and storage in a professional mover’s warehouse can save you  time and stress. For more information on how to prepare your belongings for storage, and to get a moving and storage quote, contact Premiere Van Lines toll-free at 1-877-671-6683.