Packing fragile items doesn’t have to be challenging. Storing your most valued possessions in self-storage is a safe way to keep them in good condition. For an extra layer of protection, look for units that are temperature controlled. Issues arise primarily during the transportation and storing process of fragile items if they aren’t adequately packed. Carefully handling is only the beginning. Pack your fragile items for self-storage like a pro with these essential tips.
Pack It Light
When it comes to your fragile items, it’s not time to be stingy about packing materials. Overloading your boxes to the point of bulging at the sides make it easier for damage to occur. Mostly from transportation. If you are using cardboard, don’t forget they do have a shelf life. Over time they become flimsy and aren’t good at protecting your fragile items. When it’s time to put your things in self-storage, invest in new boxes rather than rely on what you’ve had in the basement or attic.
Best Packing Materials
There are a few materials that are essential for packing. Boxes, as we previously mentioned are affordable and readily available. Buy various sizes to accommodate all of your possessions. A word to the wise, limit how many “large” boxes you purchase. A larger box encourages overfilling and will make it challenging to move or store. Newspaper and bubble wrap are essential packing materials. Both provide a cushion, absorb shock, and won’t damage your objects. There is also scotch tape. Secure your wrapping with scotch tape to keep everything in place.
Wrapping Plates
A typical household item that sits in self-storage is extra plates. When two households combine, there is an accumulation of excess dishes that just aren’t needed. The glass materials make it susceptible to breaking, so take care when packing them away. Use bubble wrap and carefully enclose every plate and secure with scotch tape. Scotch tape won’t lose it’s adhesive as quickly over time and is a superior choice because it’s also delicate. Store plates in the boxes vertically rather than stacking on top of each other. You’ll reduce the amount of exposed surface area and substantially reduce the risk of damage. If there is space use newspaper or more bubble wrap.
Store Glasses
Your excess glasses will probably head into storage along with the plates you don’t regularly need, it’s always good to de-clutter. From fine stemware to your favorite college mug, there are a few tips for storing these circular objects to reduce breakage. Start by wrapping each glass individually with newspaper. A newspaper is durable and won’t scratch the glasses. Tuck ends inside the glass opening and secure it with tape. When you are assembling your items within the box, the heavier glass sits at the bottom and the lighter on top. You can also invest in a nice double-walled box for support because glasses get heavy very quickly.
Pro-tip: label which side is up. It’s easy to confuse this when it’s time to put it in storage.
Packing Mirrors or Glass Table Tops
Mirrors and glass table tops have large surface areas that are easy to break in transportation. There is also the worry that objects might fall or move once inside the storage unit and you don’t want anything to bump and break your mirrors. Smaller mirrors can usually fit into a corrugated box designed especially for storage. Larger mirrors or glass should be stored with painters tape. Apply the tape across the surface in the same shape as an asterisk. The orientation of the tape in this manner will limit any shock when moving to absorb vibrations that could cause the glass to crack. Store multiple mirrors together by grouping them in size. You can separate the pieces by placing newspaper between and securing with tape.
Sorting Uniquely Shaped Objects
Every home will have a couple of objects that prove challenging to store. With the right techniques, these shouldn’t be difficult to keep safe. Utilize newspaper for these types of objects. Wrap them entirely in the material and secure well with tape. Once that has been completed, wrap them in a layer of bubble wrap taking care to enclose all corners or edges. Again, secure with tape. Use cardboard boxes to store them and carefully fill space with additional newspaper to stop any additional and unnecessary movement.
At Stuff It In Storage, we have a vested interest in our clients and are always available to make storing your personal belongings in self-storage easier. For more information about our available units across our four convenient locations visit our website.