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Storage Tips

Helpful Storage Tips

  • Label Boxes: Keep a list of labeled boxes at your office for easy reference when you need to locate your goods.
  • Fill Containers To Capacity: Partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse. Protect your fragile goods with packing and place them near the top of your storage space.
  • Pack The Storage Space Carefully: Leave air space around the perimeter to aid ventilation. Place a pallet on concrete floors and do not lean items against walls. Leave a walkway to the rear of your space for easy access. Use all the space available, including the height and place frequently used goods near the door.
  • Appliances: A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances and boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators, and freezers. Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.
  • Electrical Equipment: All equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and dry before it is stored. Any equipment with sealing doors, such as a refrigerator, should be stored with its door slightly ajar.
  • Bicycles, Tools and Other Metal Items: All equipment needs to be clean. To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.
  • Books, Files, and Documents: Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not places boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets, skids, or runners 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.
  • Bedding, Clothing, Curtains, Drapes and Linens: Clothing, curtains, and drapes should be stored on hangers. If hanging cartons are not available, items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers or cedar chests along with bedding and linens. Food crumbs or stains should be removed before storage and avoid storing anything that may attract pests.
  • Dishes and Glassware: Place a layer of packing inside the bottom, and at the top of boxes containing glassware. All glass items should be individually wrapped: Nest cups and bowls and stand plates, saucers, and platters on edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of cartons. Again, fill all pockets with packing. Label all boxes containing glassware, and do not place heavy items on boxes containing glassware. Tip: Use linens as padding.
  • Furniture: Place a pallet, corrugated cardboard mat, or plastic sheet on the floor and stand sofas on end. Disassemble furniture and wrap table legs in paper. If furniture such as a table, will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with the legs pointing up. Most lightweight chairs can be stacked "seat to seat" or placed upside down on other furniture. Keep upholstery off the floor. Finally, place a light dust cover over your furniture. NEVER use plastic - this traps any ambient moisture and can cause mildew problems. Cloth tarps (old sheet) will allow air to circulate. Paper wrapping also allows air circulation.
  • Mirrors, Windows, Screens and Records: These items should be stored on their edge, not flat to prevent warping and breakage.

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For more information about Delaware's self storage procedures and tips, please contact Henlopen Storage.