Self Storage

How To Choose the Cheapest Storage Unit Near Me

There’s nothing wrong with being a collector, but when a collector attempts to combine households, then there can be a bit of a problem. Put your mind at ease and your collection in the right hands with cheapest storage unit options. If you have gone to antique shows and auctions, and you have some pretty cool stuff. You will definitely want to keep them in storage. The small house you and your wife-to-be can afford won’t hold all of your stuff. The topic has caused some rifts between you and the one you love. But don’t let your marriage fall apart before it’s even started. There’s a simple solution! You need to find a storage unit.

Important: Read This Before Renting the Cheapest Storage Unit

Moving is always a challenging experience, whether you are moving temporarily or permanently. In either case, you may be faced with questions such as, “Do I take everything with me?” “Should I sell the things I do not need?” Alternatively, should you leave some items with a family member or friend?

While these are common dilemmas you will face, one of the easiest ways to resolve the situation, however, is to find an appropriate storage solution.

Why Rent a Storage Unit?

Even if you find the cheapest storage unit in your area, you still have to spend extra money on renting a U-Haul or Rent-A-Truck to move your furniture, kitchenware, and other household items. You may even wonder if it may be best to simply sell off some of your belongings to lighten your load, or whether to keep the items at a friend’s place.

Truth be told, neither of these options are particularly good.

While you may not feel that you need a large storage space for your items, keeping them with a friend or family member is not an ideal arrangement for either party. Finding a cheap storage unit is the best way to ensure that your items are stored safely, ready for you when you get back.

Things to consider for the best storage unit

If you are looking for options, that include the safe and secure storage of your most prized possessions, then you are in luck. With a simple phone call, a storage unit can be delivered right to your property. You can load up your collection yourself so that you know nothing will be harmed during the process.

The storage company will then come and retrieve your box of valued goods and store it in their highly secure indoor facility, where no one else can touch it, where weather can’t get to it, and where all your valuables will remain in the same pristine condition in which they were packed. But wait, that’s not all. This is not a option that’s going to cost you an arm and a leg. In fact, even though it’s probably the most safe and secure way to store your most valued possessions, it will likely cost you half as much as it would to store them somewhere else.

And somewhere else isn’t going to have your storage unit under lock and key inside of their monitored facility. Someone could easily cut a lock, break-in, and walk away with the items you have spent all of those years collecting, all of your memories gone. So, for half the money you’d spend for a less secure facility, you can easily and conveniently pack up and store all of your collection.

Storage Units are Not Just for Moving

Storage units are fantastic for many reasons. They are handy if you need to make a little more space in your home. Perhaps you have a baby on the way, or your in-laws are moving in for a few months. You will need to make space.

Perhaps you are getting a divorce, and you are not sure about your permanent living arrangement yet. Or, you may need to move temporarily for work, where you will be living in a small apartment provided by the company. You can hardly take all your belongings there. Keeping them in a storage unit means they are safe. And, when your living situation stabilizes, or you need an item from the unit, you can easily access your belongings.

Do Your Research

Most people start this process by entering something like, “storage unit near me,” into a search engine. The hope is they will find a cheap and high-quality storage solution located near their home.

There are so many factors to consider when you are hunting for the right storage company, however. You will want to find a storage solution that is affordable but also offers the features and amenities that you need. Security is a very important concern, as is easy access to the storage facility.

While there are many storage solutions in your area, you have probably not heard about the advantages of going with a mobile storage solution.

Perks of a Mobile Storage Solution

The mobile storage solutions offered by a company like Box-n-Go are a huge upgrade to the traditional storage you have experienced in the past.

With a typical storage company, it is up to you to get your items to the cheapest storage unit. Whether you hire a U-haul or get a friend to lend you their truck for the day, you are responsible for that. Of course, you could always hire a moving company. However, that costs even more money and is another hassle you personally have to deal with.

What if you could find a storage company that took away this burden?

Box-n-Go offers mobile storage solutions, which ensure you do not have to rent a moving truck, hire professional movers, or ask your neighbor to help you lift your fridge.

When you order a storage unit, the Box-n-Go delivers the storage unit right to your home. The cheapest storage unit stays on your property, and you have the chance to pack it at your leisure. The unit is completely secure, and you can lock it up when you finish moving your items for the day.

Unit Delivery

Once you complete packing everything, give a call to Box-n-Go, and they will come and pick up the unit. It’s that simple.

There is no need to pack everything twice or spend thousands of dollars on a moving company. We deliver the cheapest storage unit to your door. The best part? If you are moving cross country, you can have your mobile storage unit delivered to the company facility that is closest to where you are moving to.

Let’s say you are currently living on the east coast, but you are moving to the west coast. You would call Box-n-Go and ask them about their facilities closest to the city where you are moving. Then you can ask them to deliver your packed unit to that facility. Easy.

Accessing Your Unit

When your unit is picked up and delivered to the facility nearest you, it is in a highly secure location. There is no possibility of theft because the facilities are guarded and monitored 24/7. Additionally, you have access your storage unit Monday through Friday. Simply provide one business days’ notice.

Once you provide notice, Box-n-Go will make the arrangements. You can drive to the facility, get inside, and access your secure unit.

Re-Delivery

To make things even more convenient for you, Box-n-Go will even deliver your cheapest storage unit to your brand-new address any time. Whether you are moving temporarily or permanently, whether your new home is in the same neighborhood or across the country, simply give Box-n-Go a call, and they’ll deliver your storage unit right to you.

Storage Unit

If your collection is big enough that you need more than one unit, so be it. You only pay for the space you use, making this storage option that more amazing. No hidden cost. You simply call them. Also, load up your storage unit, and they take it to where they can keep it safe and secure. You never have to worry about your unit or the important things inside when you choose the right storage option.

In Closing

Choosing a mobile storage service is the most convenient option. Whether you are moving temporarily or permanently, you may not have space for certain items in your home. But you will know they are safe and secure with Box-n-Go. And best of all, when you need your items, you can drive up to the facility to pick them up. You can have your storage unit delivered to any address.

Finding Cheap Storage Boxes

Is your house overflowing with all your belongings and everything is just abnormally cluttered? Are you wondering how you ca get rid of such mess, especially when you have space constraint? If yes, then cheap storage boxes can be a great help to you. Finding cheap storage boxes is very easy, provided you are happy with the mixed quality you will find. When you need to move a lot of furniture and personal items, it is incredible how many storage boxes you can go through. If you do not feel like paying full price for boxes from a hardware store, you can check out the following options for free or cheap storage boxes.

1. Craigslist

There is a free section on the Craigslist site that you can check out to see if anyone is offering free boxes. Depending on where you live, you should find a few listings at any given time. Research online and you will surely come up with more than once source of cheap storage boxes. Research how convenient the place is from where you have to pick up the box.

So long as the drive isn’t too far, you will be able to pick up plenty of boxes without paying a cent. But keep in mind that you may not get the best quality, as these are boxes someone is giving away. They are probably used.

2. Convenience Stores

Convenience stores have so many boxes that are very sturdy and reliable. They often get the boxes when they bulk order products from suppliers. Make sure you ask them for the boxes with lids, as you can easily pack heavier items like books in those boxes. While purchasing those cheap storage boxes, make sure you are checking they are sturdy enough to bear with the load of our belongings. Otherwise, while moving, if necessary, the goods can get damaged due to the poor quality of the boxes.

3. Bookstores

If there aren’t any major liquor stores near your area, or they did not have any boxes, you can check out the bookstore! If you need a lot of boxes to move your collection of books, what better way to find the appropriate boxes than a bookstore! Depending on the stores in your area, you may find some boxes for free. Other bookstores may charge you a small fee.

4. Grocery Stores

Grocery stores are a wonderful source for cheap storage boxes. Just talk to a manager at your store about needing storage boxes in the coming days. The next time they are getting a big shipment of apples, they can put aside those boxes for you. These are great cheap storage boxes, as they are durable and will hold your heavier items without issues.

5. Work

If you drive to work, you can probably find a good number of cheap storage boxes from your employer. They would be happy to help out an employee, especially if you are relocating because of work! The best part about finding boxes at work is that you will get storage boxes that are in good condition.

Cheap Storage Boxes and Storage Facility

If you are trying to find a cheap storage facility then there are many attributes that you should carefully consider. Safety, security, and availability are only a few of the things that a storage facility should offer. In addition, it should be clean and weather resistant.

To find a cheap storage facility you should begin by looking for one that is secure. Don’t compromise security for the price. If a storage facility isn’t secure, skip it. There should be a locked gate, security cameras, and maybe even a security guard 24/7. In addition, the facility should be well-lit. A self-storage facility should be available with the required storage space. You want a storage facility that is easy to get to and once there your unit should be within reach. If you have to climb a lot of steps with heavy boxes in tow, then the facility might not be for you. Make sure you are doing your research well to find the right place for storing your cheap storage boxes in complete safety.

Cheap Storage Security & Availability

In addition to safety, security, and availability you want the unit to be weather resistant. As a minimum the storage box should be secure enough to keep out the rain and the dampness. You don’t want your belongings to get wet because then they could grow mold and soon all your stuff could be ruined. Look for a unit that is climate friendly and if that is not available look for the next best thing and that is a weather resistant unit.

If you plan ahead, you will be able to find the self-storage facility in Surfside that meets all your special needs. If you need the unit for short term storage, then you will want it to be conveniently located. You might however need long term storage so look for an affordable option. Stick to your guidelines and your restrictions in order to keep your possessions safe and secure. It won’t take long to find the best self-storage facility in Surfside to meet all your storage needs if you do the proper due diligence.

To find storage, follow a few basic rules. Make your list of needs and don’t deviate from it. Your belongings are important to you and they deserve to be in a great storage unit. Don’t allow your stuff to go in just anywhere, find the best storage boxes for your belongings. Or you can come to Box-n-Go, the most reliable name for cheap storage boxes provider and storage facility in all over the USA.

Uses for Container Storage Units

It is a topic we have heard a lot about over the past few years: storage containers. What are these container storage containers and what do they offer? Do storage containers give you the chance to pack up your items conveniently, access them when you need, and have them delivered to an address when you are ready to accept them again. There are many reasons why an individual or a family would need a storage containers. Storage containers can help to solve many problems. They are affordable and practical. Especially when you are moving and can’t take all your belongings with you at the same time.

Are you planning to move to a new place anytime soon? If yes, then you must take your belongings with you. In such cases, individuals or families that are moving may need the help of a storage containers. In between the move belongings can be stored for safe keeping until proper housing can be established. Perhaps you live in small home or apartment and you need extra storage. A storage containers or two just might solve your problems. If you have a personal reason for needing extra storage space then it’s time to consider a storage containers company. They can help you by keeping your belongings safe and offering you peace of mind.

Storage rental options

When you are considering storage container rental options, you look for a facility that will match your specific needs. To determine what kind of storage you need, you might want to think about what you want to store away, and how much you are willing and able to pay for its storage. While it is true that there are numerous moving storage container options out there, not all of them are reliable enough. You need to be a little careful while you choose the best moving storage container for you. We, at Box-n-Go, ensure that your belongings are safe and secure with us. We are one of the leading names in the industry and that is because, we pay heed to the requirements of our customers and tailor-make the solutions for them.

Things you didn’t know about moving storage container

With this kind of storage, you store your items at home, but you may want to rent a storage unit. When you opt for this kind of storage container, the valuables that are cluttering your home are kept safely in a storage unit. That means, more space in your house! Why just your house?

When shopping for a storage container rental option, make sure that the one that is getting delivered to you is a secure, affordable and clean unit. You could require a controlled unit if extremes of climate can damage what you wish to store.

Other Factors to consider while choosing your storage container rental unit

Other factors to consider when determining where to get your storage container rental unit include access to modern conveniences such as flexible leasing options, online bill payments, and even automatic payments. It would be nice to consider leasing your storage unit from a provider that has a professional team which can then help you with space maximization and it can decide what items to pack. They can also help in providing you with important tips and tricks of storing the belongings. At Box-n-Go, you will get a lot of options in terms of storage and also, our professionals are very friendly and helpful.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Moving storage container

When you do not have enough space in your home to consider moving storage container, you can consider storage container. Whatever is on your list of priorities as you shop for the moving storage container, here are a few factors that you can look into. Take a look.

Security

The security at a facility is crucial, and you should check out what measures are in place to ensure the safety of your goods. The best container storage units facility should have security in place, video surveillance, state-of-the-art lighting, individual unit protection and gate access codes. Notably, facilities with a very high level of security are likely to have equally high fees. If you are storing extra valuable items, it would be a good idea to pay the higher rates.

Contents protection plans

If you do not have a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance and you want to store goods of some value, it would be a good idea to get a storage facility that offers insurance. Most of the best storage container facilities have ample security in place. Box-n-Go has all the facilities.

Convenience of Storage container

The moving storage container facility will be accessible. This implies that rates, sign-up procedures, and ongoing customer support information are all displayed prominently on the facility’s website. You should also find out if they do bring the storage unit where you are for you to fill up with your items. We make sure that our customers are 100% satisfied with our storage container options. This is the reason why people keep on coming back to Box-n-Go whenever they need extra storage space. Your units are always accessible to you. All you need to do is book an appointment with us from beforehand and we will take you to your units. Yes, you read that right!

Environment

Check out if where you want to store your goods is controlled, such that your goods do not get damaged by environmental factors. Humidity, insects, rodents, and potential for fire hazards are facts you should check out. If possible, ask the professionals generally. If you get any kind of vague answers, do not hire them. We take pride in saying that Box-n-Go takes every kind of possible measures to pay heed to this.

Storage container Options

Depending on your specific needs and what you want to store, you can have a matching storage container solution. Below are some of the storage container options you may consider.

Household Storage container Option

You need this option when you have household goods that you want to store away. You can choose the exact size of the unit depending on what you want to store.

Business Storage container Options

This is used mainly for necessary paperwork, valuable electronics and other office equipment that you would like to store away. These are ideally stored away in controlled units. You can get at most facilities if you go for the business option.

Here are four situations that may lend you to use storage containers for storage and/or moving.

Remodeling

Planning on remodeling your home? Storage containers are perfect for holding your items in the meantime. Instead of trying to cram all your items into the few rooms that are not being remodeled, have them put in container storage containers instead. Thus you will be able to ensure complete safety of your belongings.

When you go with a service like Box-n-Go, you can even have the storage containers dropped off outside your home. Then you can fill them up carefully with all the items that need to be moved out of rooms. As they are professionals with years of experience, you don’t have to care for the safekeeping of your fragile goods. They will take care of it on your behalf.

Now your home is de-cluttered, and you can remodel all those rooms comfortably. When your remodel is complete, ask for the public storage containers back and unload them at your convenience! They will drop the storage at your doorstep just according to your convenience.

Summer public storage containers for College

It is problematic to figure out where you will keep all your items in a summer where you are off from college. If you are not staying on campus, or you have an internship in a nearby city, you cannot take everything with you! Thanks to public storage containers, you can easily pack up and store all your items until your next semester begins. The prices are affordable, and your items will be safe in storage containers till you return.

Divorce or Job-Related Moves

Moving because of an impending divorce? Need to relocate because of work for a few months/years? Some situations mean that taking all your items is not an immediate option. By using a container storage containers, you can comfortably pack up your items and have them stored at a secure facility till you are ready. When you know your permanent address, the items are delivered to your home.

Cross-Country Moves

Moving cross country is equally exciting and challenging. Most people do not have a similarly sized home secured when they move cross country. If you have so many items, you cannot take them all right away. Using moving storage container rental will let you take what you need and keep everything else in storage until you are all moved into a bigger place.

Moving Storage Containers Are Affordable

Moving storage containers are affordable. Some storage companies like Box-n-Go will even pick up your stuff for you. Most storage containers companies offer services like drop off and pick up services, storage materials and insurance.

Additionally, the storage facility your belongings are held should be secure with locks and security cameras. You want to know that your stuff is safe from thieves and the weather. There should be video surveillance and sprinkler systems installed in the facility.

Once you’ve chosen the moving storage container rental the next thing to do is to get packing. A storage container will arrive at your door. You pack your belongings and put them in the storage box. You won’t need a truck to hall your stuff back and forth. Once you are done packing and the storage containers are full the company will pick it up and take it to the storage facility. You can be on your way to your new home without worry.

How to find a right facility

Finding the right facility for container storage containers to temporarily house your belongings is only a few short steps away. The storage containers will come to you. It will provide affordable storage containers that are weather proof and secure. When you’re ready to take delivery of your stored property simply call and schedule it. When you are moving the less things you have to do the better. Let moving storage containers be your helper in this hectic time of transition. In the end you’ll be happy that your stuff survived the transition just as well as you did.

Box-n-Go is a company that understands customers and works accordingly. Hire us and we promise that we will not let you down. From delivering units to your doorstep to bringing them to the warehouse, from providing you with free access to taking care of the belongings, we do it all. Give us a ring now 1-877-269-6461!

On average, one Box-n-Go storage container will hold up to 1½ rooms of furniture or household goods or up to 2,000# in weight and approximately 240 cubic feet of storage space. No need to worry if you over estimate, however. With Box-n-Go storage container you no longer have to guess. In contrast, with a traditional storage if you rent a certain room size and end up not using all of it, you will still be paying for it. With Box-n-Go storage service we can bring an extra container out for you. You do not pay for it unless you use it. This way you do not have to commit in advance. In fact, we usually suggest you order an extra storage unit, just in case.

Get help from Box-n-Go

If you like, please use our storage calculator which will help you estimate how many containers you will need. Please remember: you are only charged for what you use! If you are still unsure, just give us a call. Our expert storage consultants will be more than happy to assist you in estimating the number of Box-n-Go storage containers your may need. Remember, we can deliver any number of storage containers you want us to. We will charge you only for the units that you are actually using. So, do not be shy, order an extra one.

Once you decide on the number of units, please enter your zip code to view the rates. Once you decide on which storage plan works the best for you you can reserve online or call Box-n-Go at 877-269-6461, to schedule the delivery of your storage container rental.

Six Issues with Residential Storage Units Cheap

Finding residential storage units cheap is something that most of us have tried to do at least once. Whether you are moving for work, because of a divorce or to attend college, you may need to keep some of your items in a storage unit until you figure things out. It can be for long term usage or for a very short term. The problem is that residential storage units cheap are not worth the money. On the surface, you assume that you are saving money on your storage units. However, the reality is a bit different. Hence, you need to be very careful and choosy when it comes to relying on a company. After all, your belongings are special and precious to you.

Top 6 Issues with Residential Storage Units Cheap:

1. Limited Access

A major issue with residential storage units cheap is that you only get access to your items for limited hours in the week. The storage facility may be open one or two days a week. That is not helpful, especially if you need access to your unit today!

2. Location

The first factor that most people consider when renting a residential storage units is the location. Most people want to rent a unit that is close to their home or job location. This makes it more convenient to stop by the unit when necessary. A number of people will look for units in certain neighborhoods if they are concerned about the security of the unit.

3. Size of Storage Units

Size is important when looking for secure storage units. People will require different size units depending on what they need the unit for. A person who is only using the unit to store boxes may prefer a small unit, while someone needing temporary storage during a move may need a much larger space. It is important to see what size units a facility offers before making a decision about where to rent a unit. But with storage units cheap, you might not get so much of convenience and options. You might just have to end up hiring a large unit or a pretty small one when you do not require that. Why compromise on this when there are so many companies out there, like Box-n-Go, which can provide you with units at affordable rates.

4. Price

Price is another major consideration for people when looking for storage units. Most storage facilities base their prices on the size of the unit. Generally, the larger the unit the higher the price will be. Some facilities offer people special pricing for the first month that they rent their unit and some even offer discounts for long term renters.

And yes, there are many companies that might charge you for the units you have ordered, even when you have not used that much of space. At Box-n-Go, you only need to pay for the space you will be going to use. That means, you are saving with us way more than you would be able to save with any other company.

There are several reasons that a person may need to use residential storage units. Some people use these units to store items that they do not have room for at their home or office. Others may need a temporary storage units cheap during a move or a remodeling project. They also need it if they are going through a divorce, or if there are extra guests at the home for a longer period of time. College students need them on a regular basis. No matter what the reason for needing a storage unit is, there are a number of companies to choose from when it comes to renting a storage unit.

5. Lack of Security

If you are being quoted a very low price for monthly storage units, the company is cutting corners somewhere. Security is usually the first place they start. While the facility may be on private property, they are unlikely to have any electronic camera or alarm system. At Box-n-Go, we meet all your expectations and that too, from all angles. Your items are 100% safe and secure with us. Hire us once and we won’t let you down.

6. Inconvenient Moving Process

Public storage is a great way for people to get the space they need at a price they can afford. Many places will rent units by the month and there are also long-term storage options available for those who need it. Some facilities will require people to sign a contract while others may just go month to month. However, it is frustrating to rent a U-Haul or some other truck, lug all your items across town, and then spend the day getting them into a storage unit. If you have many items, you may need to repeat this process for another day or two. Everything gets done in the end, but it is not a pleasant or cheap process at all.

Perks of Mobile Storage Units Cheap

What if there was an alternative? Most people do not even know about mobile storage solution providers like Box-n-Go. Such companies offer customers an affordable mobile storage solution. There are many perks if you hire us. We are flexible, quick and totally cooperative. Our charges will surprise you as well.

How does it work? The process is very straightforward. You request and pay for a storage unit. The mobile storage container is dropped off outside your home. You have an unlimited number of days to pack everything into the unit. Then you will call the storage company, who will send a crew to come pick it up. They will secure your storage container at one of their highly guarded, private facilities. You can access the unit anytime during business days, and the company can even ship it to you at another location if you want all your items back.

It is tempting to go for the cheapest storage solution you find. But remember that when you see very low numbers for monthly storage, those companies usually offer far fewer features. Moreover, they certainly cannot beat the convenience of a mobile storage solution.

So, bid goodbye to all the second thoughts that you are having and quickly give us a ring now! We would be happy to serve you.

How to Pack Your Living Room

Mirrors and Pictures: It’s best if you can crate them, or at least wrap mirrors and pictures in paper, bubble wrap and heavy cardboard, then bind with tape and pack in a mirror packing box. Most pictures and mirrors can be wrapped and packed in telescoping mirror cartons. Wrap each wall hanging individually with bubble wrap, blankets, or towels. Pack flat items on their edges. DO NOT lay mirror boxes flat! If possible, place between a mattress and box spring, or place on the side of your container. Fragile or valuable fine art may require special professional crating. We advise against packing such items for storage or moving inside the containers.

Stereo Equipment: If possible use your original boxes to store these items. When using other than original boxes make sure to tightly secure all contents. We recommend that DVD players be put into a storage box (either a medium, 3.0 cubic ft, or a large, 4.5 cubic ft box). If you have more than one of these items make sure that some form of cushion is used between them. Advance preparation is required for compact disc players, digital videodisc players and stereo turntables. On compact and digital videodisc players, secure the laser with transport screws located on the bottom or back of the unit. Most turntables have a plastic lock, which should be used to hold the tone arm in place. For additional protection, you may tie a piece of string around the arm in case the lock does not hold. Also, secure the platter (where the records are placed) by tightening the appropriate screws. These are usually located on top of the turntable, but check you owner’s manual if in doubt.

TIP: If it’s not feasible to pack your remote controls in the same carton with their corresponding units, consider packing all remotes in a separate box, clearly labeled.

Speakers: Pack speakers in well-cushioned dish packs.

Television Sets: Call your local cable company to request your service discontinued. If you have a converter box, return the box and keep the receipt for future reference. We recommend that the power cord be taped up (on the back of the TV and perhaps a sheet of bubble wrap to protect the monitor). Try and use original boxes to pack the TV in. Also, please refer to “10 Tips for Packing Your Electronics” for more packing ideas. Some large and plasma television sets may need to be crated by a professional.

Satellite Dish: Contact an electrician or technician from a satellite dish distributorship for the disconnection and disassembly of this sensitive equipment. Depending upon the construction and size of the unit, it may need to be professionally crated.

CDs, DVDs, Tapes and Records: Stand compact discs and records on edge, never flat, on a layer of crushed paper. Support at both ends with large, hardcover books or several pieces of cardboard cut to fit. Top with another layer of crushed paper. Identify contents on the outside of the box and mark, “FRAGILE”. Cassette tapes should be placed in their cases and wrapped individually in crumpled paper. Place individual tapes either vertically or horizontally on a couple of layers of crushed paper. If records are not in jackets, wrap individually in tissue paper or plastic wrap to protect from scratches. Records are heavy and therefore should be packed in small cartons.

Books and Documents: Pack books of the same general size together, in small book cartons for easy lifting. Pack them either flat, or with the spine touching the bottom of the carton. Do not pack with spine facing upward, as glue can break away from the binder. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption. Use packing to fill out empty pockets in the boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books and do not overload. These boxes will get heavy quickly so remember to use your legs when lifting. Do not pack boxes heavier than 50 pounds. Expensively bound volumes or those of sentimental value should be individually wrapped before packing. We advise against packing such items for storage or moving inside the containers.

Photographs: Family photographs, videos, slides and negatives should be packed in separate cartons rather than being combined with other household items. Protect framed photos with padding and cushioning, standing them on edge in a carton. Label cartons for easy identification. We advise against packing such items for storage or moving inside the containers.

Silk or Artificial Flowers: An arrangement of artificial flowers should be packed in a separate carton. Wrap carefully in plastic wrap, tissue paper or paper towels. If possible, fasten the base of the floral piece to the bottom of the carton to prevent shifting. Label the carton “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP”.

Lamps: Remove all bulbs and shades from 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. Often you can “nest” several lampshades together. Use a special box for all of these shades, rather than packing them with other items. Pack delicate lampshades separately. Do not use newsprint to wrap lampshades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink stains. Do not store heavy items on cartons containing lamps or lampshades. Pack in sturdy cartons labeled “fragile”. Label cartons “LAMP SHADES – FRAGILE – TOP LOAD ONLY.”

Chandeliers and Leaded Glass Shades: It is best to professionally crate large leaded or other glass lampshades or chandeliers.

Glass Table Tops, Marble Slabs, Large Mirrors, Paintings, Statues & Large Vases: It’s best to consider custom-made cartons and crates for items of this kind. Paper should never be permitted to touch the surface of an oil painting.

Rugs: Vacuum rugs, sprinkle with moth flakes, roll up and tie with rope. Rugs can be wrapped with paper pads for additional protection. Area rugs should be loaded last and unloaded first.

TV Stand/ Stereo Cabinet: Remove glass doors if possible and pack in a mirror carton.

Furniture: Shrink-wrap large, upholstered items Place a cardboard mat or plastic sheet on the floor and stand sofas on end. You may want to consider packing couch pillows in large boxes. Most lightweight chairs should be stacked seat-to-seat or placed upside down on tables. Table corners can be protected with cardboard. Make sure that all drawers and shelves are completely closed and taped shut. Try to cover furniture to protect from minor scratches. Particleboard furniture is not very sturdy, and cannot handle the weight at times. Invert light chairs so they are “seat-to-seat.” There usually is space between the legs for small, lightweight items. Finally, place a light dust cover over your furniture.

Piano: A professional piano service provider should take care of the preparations for packing and storing a grand or baby grand piano. Upright (spinet, console, studio) pianos usually do not require preparation in advance. All pianos should be pad-wrapped to protect the surface. Plan to have your piano tuned after storage.

Pool Table: Disassembly and crating of your pool table should be provided by a third-party service. If possible, contact the store where the pool table was purchased to obtain assistance. You will need to make arrangements to have the pool table uncrated, reassembled and leveled.

How To Pack Your Dining Room

The dining room will generally include your most fragile china and crystal stemware. Each item should be carefully wrapped in paper and placed in dish pack cartons; cellular dividers are recommended for stemware. You will also want to include any items with values exceeding $100 per pound on your “High Value Inventory” list to make it easier for you to establish a proper additional insurance valuation coverage, if desired.

China & Glassware: Wrap all pieces of china and glassware individually. Using several sheets of clean paper, start from the corner, wrapping diagonally and continuously tucking in overlapping edges.

TIP: Use newspaper only for cushioning – never place newspaper against items as the ink will rub off. It can get embedded in fine china, so be cautious!

A generous amount of paper padding and cushioning is required for all china and glassware.
A double layer of newsprint serves well as outer wrapping.
Label cartons with room, contents and “FRAGILE—THIS SIDE UP.”

Flat China & Flat Glassware:

Place cushioning material in the bottom of a carton. Wrap each piece individually with clean paper, and then wrap up to three in a bundle with a double layer of newsprint. Place these bundled items in the carton in a row on edge.
Larger china and glass plates, platters and other flat pieces are excellent as the lowest layer in a dish pack.
Surround each bundle with crushed paper, being careful to leave no voids or unfilled spaces.
Add two or three inches of wadded paper on top of the bundle to protect rims and make a level base for the next tier.
Horizontal cardboard dividers can be helpful in keeping layers level.
Smaller plates, saucers and shallow bowls could make up a second layer. Wrap and pack in the same way as larger items.

Cups:

If not using cellular dividers, wrap cups individually first in a double layer of paper and place them upside down on rims in a row on an upper layer with all handles facing the same direction. Top off the layer with wadded newsprint. Even when using a dish pack and cellular dividers, wrap china cups individually first, protecting handles with an extra layer of clean paper. Then, pack cups upside down.

Silver & Flatware:

To protect silver pieces from tarnishing, they should be completely enclosed in newsprint or plastic wrap.
Hollow ware—including bowls, tea sets and serving dishes—should be wrapped carefully like fragile items and packed like china.
Loose flatware may be wrapped individually or in sets, and in paper, clear plastic or small gift boxes that are then secured with tape.
Even if silverware is in a chest, consider wrapping the pieces individually and reposition them in the chest. Or, fill all voids in the chest with newsprint to prevent shifting. The chest can be wrapped in a large bath towel.

Figurines, Curios and Other Delicate Items:

Be sure the items are well protected with plenty of cushioning.
Wrap first in tissue paper, paper towels or facial tissue. Then, wrap carefully in paper that has been wadded and flattened out.
Small mirrors, plaques and pictures should be wrapped individually in tissue paper with an outer layer of newsprint.
A bath towel or small blanket makes an excellent outer wrapping and padding for glass.
Place flat items on edge in a carton.

Other Fragile Items:

If an item is extremely valuable as well as delicate, it might be wise to have it packed for you by a professional. Special materials might be needed for maximum protection.

Lamp Bases:

After removing the light bulb and lamp harp, wrap the base, harp and bulb separately in newsprint. Place them together in a carton, filling voids with wadded paper.
Lamp Shades: Never wrap lampshades in newspaper, as the ink will soil the shade. Instead, carefully wrap each shade in three or four sheets of tissue paper, a pillowcase or a large lightweight towel.
Use a sturdy carton at least two inches bigger all around than the largest shade. Line it with clean paper, using crushed paper under the lampshade to create a protective layer, but not around the shade.
A smaller shade may be nested inside a larger one, provided they do not touch.
Only one silk shade should be placed in carton to avoid stretching the silk.
Do not pack other items with shades.
Label cartons “LAMP SHADES—FRAGILE—TOP LOAD ONLY.”

Chandeliers and Leaded Glass Shades:

It is best to have a professional crate large leaded or other glass lampshades or chandeliers.
Glass Table Tops, Marble Slabs, Large Mirrors, Paintings, Statues & Large Vases: It’s best to contract a professional crating company for items of this kind. Paper should never be permitted to touch the surface of an oil painting.
Table Leaves: Table leaves are best transported in paper pads, then taped to hold the padding in place. (Note: never place tope on the surface of wood.) Don’t use plastic wrap, as moisture may get trapped and damage wood.
Draperies & Curtains: Wardrobe cartons are ideal for moving curtains and drapes. Fold them lengthwise, place over a padded hangar, pin securely and hang in the wardrobe. Draperies and curtains also may be folded and packed in cartons lined with clean paper or plastic wrap.