Storing & Packing
Plan Ahead
Gather study, corrugated boxes, packing paper, bubblewrap, sealing tape and marking pens, along with any furniture covers.
Boxes
Fill boxes tightly but take care not to overpack or under-pack. Bulging boxes tend to tip when stacked, while half-full boxes tend to collapse. Use crumpled newsprint, bubble wrap, rags, towels or blankets to fill empty spaces. For easier handling, limit the weight of all boxes (regardless of the size) to 30 pounds or less.
Secure clothes and draperies in wardrobe boxes to avoid extra ironing work after unpacking.
Sealing
Seal boxes with packing tape to prevent dust and other particles from entering while in storage or transit.
Labeling
Keep a list of all contents (pictures and descriptions are most helpful) at your home or office for future reference. Clearly mark all boxes containing fragile items and ensure they are placed on top of heavier and less delicate boxes.
Furniture
Disassemble tables and wrap legs with protective bubble wrap or paper pads, marking all pieces for easier reassembly. If a table will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with the legs pointing upward. Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover with plastic chair covers. Protect mattresses with covers or plastic bags. Use sheets or cotton cloth to cover furniture and furniture covers or pads to prevent scratching.
Valuable Spaces
Store items such as towels, linens or fragile pieces inside empty spaces in drawers or appliances such as stoves and refrigerators. Secure the items by filling the empty spaces with packing paper, bubble wrap, towels or blankets.
Appliances
Secure all movable appliance parts or wedge and wrap a paper pad around each part for protection. During transport, tape all doors shut but remember to wedge them open for storage.
Dishes and Glassware
Place a layer of packing paper along the top and bottom of your boxes. Wrap each dish and glass individually and cushion them with crumpled paper.
Books
Line boxes with plastic and stack books flat to protect their spines.
Lamps and Lampshades
Place lamps and lampshades in separate boxes and use plenty of clean paper or clothing for cushioning.
Mirrors and Paintings
Wrap fragile mirrors and paintings in paper, cardboard or mirror packs. Avoid newsprint as the ink could transfer to artwork. Label items and mark as ‘FRAGILE’. Pack these items vertically and never flat.
Moving
Four - Five Weeks Prior
- Make a list of the items you plan to keep versus those you will be placing in storage. Include a list of items that should be handled by movers versus those you will handle yourself (such as valuables). Purge, dispose or donate items you no longer need.
- Research, obtain estimates and select a professional moving company. After choosing your moving company, discuss packing preparation and other pertinent details.
- As many moving expenses are tax deductible, maintain a file of receipts to record moving related expenses.
- Place all medical records in a safe and secure place, including prescriptions and vaccination records.
- If you are planning to pack any items yourself, start collecting necessary moving and packing supplies.
Two - Four Weeks Prior
- Pack items you are not currently using.
- Empty your basement, attic, closets and safety deposit boxes.
- Back up important files from your computer to a hard drive.
One Week Prior
- Mark boxes and containers with labels such as ‘Fragile’, ‘Load First,’ 'Load Last’, or ‘Do Not Load.’ This is important in ensuring the safety of your belongings. Prepare a comprehensive list of labeled boxes and their contents for quick and easy reference when searching for a particular item.
- Ensure your moving company knows the correct address of your new home and provide them with an accessible phone number.
- Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least one day prior to moving.
- Pack a separate box of items you may need immediately upon arriving at your new home, such as disposable plates and cups, bathroom items and trash bags.
Capistrano BeachOffice Hours
Monday - Sunday: 8:30am - 5:30pm Closed on major holidays Gate Access Hours Monday - Sunday: 6:15am - 5:45pm
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Lake ForestOffice Hours
Monday - Saturday: 8:30am - 5:30pm Sunday: 10:00am - 3:00pm Closed on major holidays Gate Access Hours Monday - Sunday: 6:30am - 8:30pm
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NorcoOffice Hours
Monday - Saturday: 8:30am - 5:30pm Sunday: 10:00am - 3:00pm Closed on major holidays Gate Access Hours Monday - Sunday: 6:30am - 8:30pm
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