Storage Tips

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. Wrap breakable items inside bubble wrap and store with linens. Label boxed items for an easier access organization. Lastly, use wooden pallets or boards underneath furniture and boxes. This will prevent condensation from damaging them. 

Furs, jewelry, irreplaceable items, any living thing, used tires, firearms, explosive, flammables, drugs and/or drug paraphernalia, stolen items, any type of hazardous items, perishable items, and hazardous waste materials, items that produce odors or that might attract bugs or rodents. 

Books-Pack books flat, not standing on end. This will protect the spines, which will bend and warp over time if stood upright. Books are very heavy, so pack them in small boxes and dont put them in boxes with other, more fragile, items. 

Drain gasoline and oil from all small engines. This precaution will protect both your stored property and the property of others from the dangers of fire and explosion. 

Place mattresses in plastic covers to protect them from dust and moisture.  Place blankets over furniture to protect from scratches and dust.  

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. Have blankets, draperies, and clothing cleaned, then pack them on hangers in wardrobe boxes.  

Store mirrors and pictures inside similarly sized knocked down boxes. This affords them protection from scratches and dust. 

Clean and dry all appliances prior to storage. Do not leave anything inside of appliances to be stored. Store all appliances upright with doors ajar to allow ventilation. 

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. 

 Prepare your engine in accordance with the owner's manual. In winter, this will normally include draining and flushing the cooling system; draining and refilling the crankcase; applying oil to the inside of each cylinder through the spark plug holes, and other preservative actions. Thoroughly clean the hull, decks, cockpit, bilge, all compartments, lockers, and the exterior of the engine and coat with an appropriate wax or preservative. Drain fuel lines, pumps, carburetor, and tanks or fill completely and add fuel stabilizer. Leave all floorboards up, doors ajar, ports and skylights open, hatches partly open, drawers and lockers open. Carefully fit a well-made cover, provided with ventilation ports. Place a cover over engine.

Don't forget the trailer; check tire pressure and check and pack wheel hubs if necessary and lubricate jack. And finally, note dates of registration, tags, certificates, and insurance, etc. and plan for renewal if they expire during your storage term.