Keep calm and Pack & Move Services managers will align with a single, easy-to-use checklist.
| Keep calm and Pack & Move Services managers will align with a single, easy-to-use checklist.
Room By Room Planning
Preparing Belongings for Storage Move Day
When it comes to handling your most valuable, unique, or heavy items, Pack & Move Services has you covered.
Pre-Load Safety Checklist (Storage-Unit Moves & Portable Storage Units)
Set Aside Do-Not-Load Items - Keep money, credit cards, jewelry, furs, original documents, and other irreplaceable items with you. Do not place these in the storage unit.
Drain Power Equipment - Empty gas and oil from lawnmowers, trimmers, chainsaws, and generators to meet facility and transport safety rules.
Disconnect Electronics & Appliances - Unplug computers, TVs, cable boxes, refrigerators, washers, dryers, and other major appliances.
Pro Tip: Use a washer/dryer stabilizer kit to protect drums and bearings during transit.
Defrost & Clean Refrigerators/Freezers - Do this at least 24 hours before moving day to prevent leaks, mold, and odors.
Pro Tip: Place coffee beans or baking soda inside to absorb lingering smells.
Need Help with Specialty Moving? We've Got You Covered!
- Protect Your Most Precious Items
- Seamless Shuttle Service
- Expert Packing & Loading
Smart, Flexible, and Stress-Free
Print or save
Preparing Belongings for Storage Move Day
Keep this handy as you pack and prep. Check off items here, then email yourself a copy below.
Plan & Reserve
Pick your move date/time around facility access hours and any quiet hours.
Reserve the unit (confirm size, climate control, and floor level) and prepay the lock (disk lock or cylinder).
Book elevator & loading zone if applicable; ask about cart/dolly availability and long-walk distances.
Inventory, Declutter & Prep
Make a room-by-room inventory; purge what won’t go to storage.
Color-code items by priority: Access Soon, Seasonal, Long-Term (use painter’s tape or sticky notes).
Set aside valuables/irreplaceables to keep with you: IDs, records, jewelry, cash, prescriptions, keys, hard drives.
Supplies (Storage-Smart)
Ratchet straps (4–8 per 16′ storage-unit tier or truck tier), cloth moving blankets, TV boxes, mattress bags.
Moisture barriers/desiccants for long-term storage; plastic totes for damp climates.
Pallets or risers to keep items off concrete; corner guards, shrink wrap, bubble wrap, labels.
Prohibited & Safety
No perishables, fuel, aerosols, fireworks, or corrosives. Check your facility’s prohibited list.
Drain oil/gas from mowers and power equipment; wipe residue.
Keep cash, firearms/ammo, credit cards, original documents out of the unit.
Pack & Protect (for Storage)
Box tight, fill voids, and tape seams (H-tape). Heavier boxes = small; light/linen = large.
Wrap furniture with pads + stretch wrap; remove table legs/bed rails and bag hardware (into a “Parts” box).
Artwork/TVs/mirrors in dedicated cartons; use corner protectors.
Climate-aware packing: double-wrap leather, instruments, and framed art; use silica packs in bins.
Stage at Home (or Donor Unit)
Stage heavy items nearest the door; set aside “Open First” box (linens, tools, chargers, toiletries).
Photograph electronic cable setups; bundle and label cords.
Pre-measure large items against unit door/hallway clearances.
Load the Truck/Storage Unit (if using)
Weight low & centered, tiered stacking, and strap each tier before building the next.
Keep fragile/top-load items for last so they ride high.
Place “Open First” box and tools where they’re first out.
At the Storage Facility
Clear path from loading area; reserve a cart/dolly.
Lay cardboard runners or mats as allowed; protect door jambs.
Unit Layout & Stacking
Moisture barrier/pallets first; plan a center aisle for access.
Heaviest items and furniture frames on the bottom/back; lighter boxes on top.
Shelving = huge win for long-term access, labels facing outward.
Group by room or category (Kitchen, Bedding, Tools, Keepsakes); map the layout on paper or phone.
Secure & Lock
Use ratchet straps across rows to prevent shifting.
Close and lock the unit; test that the lock seats fully and the door seals.
Final Walkthrough
Check every room/closet/attic/garage at origin, or every corner of the donor unit.
Confirm you kept documents/valuables/meds with you.
Snap photos of the unit layout for quick retrieval later.
After Move Tips
Add your unit to a reminder app (bill date, pest control schedule, humidity checks).
For long-term storage, revisit quarterly to inspect for moisture or pests and rotate desiccants.
Print or email yourself this checklist
Order pro-grade supplies without guessing quantities. Tell us about your floor plan or unit size and we’ll recommend the right mix of wardrobe boxes, dish packs, breathable blankets, and shrink wrap. Hardware, ratchet straps, pallet jacks, dollies, ramp plates, rides with your crew or arrives via courier if you’re packing ahead of time. Color-coded labels and QR tags match the storage map so every box can be found without tearing apart the unit.
Moving Blankets
Ratchet Straps
TV Box
Large Moving Bags
Moving Labels
Vacuum Storage Bags
Our guide to a well-planned storage-unit move.
Confirm your storage unit and facility details
✔ Pick the unit that fits. Share size, climate needs, and access hours with our team.
- ✔ Confirm gate codes, elevator access, loading zones, and on-site contacts so move day runs tight.
- ✔ Coordinate a short-distance shuttle or unit-to-unit transfer, when needed, so access and staging are ready before the crew arrives.
Get a fast, personalized moving quote
- ✔ Easy online estimate: provide unit sizes, facility details, floors, elevators, walking distance, and access conditions.
- ✔ Talk to a Move Coordinator: we confirm your inventory, facility access, and timing to plan the right crew and materials.
- ✔ Transparent pricing: review the service details and expected charges for professional packing, loading, unloading, or shuttle help.
Prepare and move with Pack & Move Services
- ✔ Arrival & walkthrough – confirm inventory, access codes, elevator/parking plans, and priorities.
- ✔ Load like pros – smart staging, tiered stacking, and secure strapping for storage units, rental trucks, and trailers.
- ✔ Storage-unit placement & specialty care – optimized layouts with labels facing out plus extra protection for fragile, antique, and oversized items.
Pack & Move Services brings experienced coordination, careful handling, and clear customer communication to storage-unit service. View the BBB profile ↗
