Packing Guidelines and Tips

HOW TO PROPERLY STORE YOUR STUFF

Protect The Contents Of Your Boxes

Protecting the contents of your order is very important and must be considered when packing.

During moving, shocks received on the outside of the box can pass through to the contents, causing damage.

You should consider the following suggestions when packing your boxes for shipping and storage:

Use the original boxes to pack computers and other electronics. They are the correct size and the original packing materials, if kept, will help ensure the safety of the contents.
Use plastic wrap, towels, blankets, newspaper, or clothes to pack fragile items such as picture frames, mugs, alarm clocks, etc.
Use clothing, towels, blankets, or crumpled newspaper to fill open spaces. Make certain that items in the boxes are secure enough so that they cannot move around inside.

Label Your Items Clearly

Storage Squad provides self-adhesive labels that must be affixed to all stored items, including furniture. You will receive these labels free of charge with box delivery or you can print them yourself.

Boxes provided by Storage Squad already have labels.

Please fill out all labels using marker.

The following information is required on all storage labels:

Full Name
Customer Number (not to be confused with Order Number)
Item Number (i.e “Item 1 of 4” )

Use Signature Storage Squad Stickers On All Unboxed Items

In addition to storage labels, Storage Squad will provide you with stickers to place on all non-Mega Box items you wish to store with us.

Fill out the same information requested and you’re good to go.

If you run out of stickers simply print off more here.

Keep in mind the stickers may not come off easy, so please make sure you place it on a spot that won’t damage your items when it comes time to remove the sticker.

Distribute Weight Evenly

To avoid over-stressing the boxes (and our hardworking Squad Members), we suggest that you separate your heavy items into multiple boxes. This will prevent breaking boxes and breaking backs.

Here are a few tips:

Mix books with lighter items such as sweaters and bedding. This is also a good way to keep your books in good condition. Please do not put all of your books in a single box.
Place the heavier objects as close to the center of the box as possible to reduce the risk of breaking the box.
Boxes weighing in excess of 70 pounds may incur additional fees. Thoughtful packing will save you money and keep our team safe.

Storage Tips To Safely Secure Your Items

Boxes:
When sealing your boxes, please apply tape liberally. You will need at least three strips of tape for both the top and the bottom of the box. Do not use masking tape or string. A roll of heavy duty packing tape is included with each box order, so please feel free to use as much as you need to secure your box.

Carpets and Rugs:
Make sure your carpets and rugs are rolled tightly, secured with tape along three points, and covered in plastic if you want to keep them free from dust.

File Cabinets & Desks:
Be sure to tape all drawers closed, and cover the finished surfaces with plastic or cardboard to prevent minor scratches during handling. Store any loose hardware in one of your boxes. This can be protected by Storage Squad for an additional $10/item.

Shelves:
Separate the shelves from the frame, and tape them together tightly. Store any loose hardware in one of your boxes.

Futons:
Cover the mattress, if possible, with plastic. Place labels on both the mattress and frame.

Mattresses
Please write your name in marker on the tags of mattresses and box springs in addition to a Storage Squad label as tags tend to fall off this material. Mattress bags are provided at pickup for an additional $10 fee per mattress/box spring.

Metal Bed Frame:
Disassemble, fold, and tape the pieces together then apply a Storage Squad label. If there are any screws, make sure to tape these very well to the side of the bed frame.

Refrigerators:
Unplug your fridge TWO DAYS before move out. Make sure your fridge is completely defrosted and dry at the time of pickup. Secure loose items inside of the fridge. Tape the door shut. Bundle and tape the power cord to the back of the fridge, behind the cooling coils so it is not “dangling” on the ground. PLEASE NOTE: Storage Squad reserves the right to refuse pickup of refrigerators that have not been unplugged for a minimum of two days prior to pickup. These refrigerators can potentially cause mold and mildew damage to boxed items belonging to other customers. Make sure the fridge is unplugged two days prior to the scheduled pickup to ensure our team will be able to store the item. Unthawed fridges are subject to a $25 fee.

Trunks and Luggage:
Make sure that these items are locked or securely taped to prevent the contents from spilling during handling. Make sure to grab luggage tags from our crew during your supply delivery appointment.

Store Expensive Items With Care

Each box receives $100 of declared value insurance by default.

If the value of your goods exceeds $100, you can declare a higher value, up to $50,000 per box. If you would like additional declared value insurance on your shipment, please let us know prior to shipping your items so that we can process this along with your shipment.

Here are a few things you should not ship or store with Storage Squad because we do not insure them against loss or damage:

Jewelry, coins, cash, and collectibles.
Items of intangible or intrinsic value.
Extremely fragile items (e.g. mirrors).
Temperature sensitive items or perishable items.
Improperly packed items, including furniture that is not adequately wrapped.

Next Step? Schedule Your Pickup.

If you haven’t already, please visit our scheduling platform and pick a date that works best for you.