Get a pen and paper. When you begin packing, you can make a precise inventory list. For now, however, you are going to make a very general "storage" list of items to prioritize for moving and storage. You can use this list as an outline for a more accurate "inventory" list later.

If you are hauling all of your items in one load, the first items on your general list will be the most important - those items you may need to access while your property is in storage. Fill out your list, using general categories, until the last items on the list are those you will need the least. This will be your packing order. As much as possible, the items on the top of the list will go in your moving truck first. This way, they will be the last items you will store, and thus be near the front of the storage unit.

If you will be using a small-capacity vehicle for moving, and will need to make more than one trip, your list will go the opposite direction, so that your least-used items will go into storage first.

Once you have your list made up, you are ready to begin packing and inventorying your storage items.

Create an Inventory List. If you created a Storage List in the planning stage, use that list as an outline for a full inventory.

Number Boxes. As you pack your items, number any boxes according to the prioritized list, and describe the contents on your inventory list. This will not only help you load and unload your property in a logical order, but will be enormously helpful should you need to retrieve an item that is in storage.

Use Same-Size Boxes. Purchasing uniform size boxes for easy and safe stacking will save you money, in the long run, by allowing you to make the best use of vertical space in your storage unit. Box as much as possible - even if one item takes up an entire box, the ability to stack those boxes will more than make up for the cost of the boxes - especially if you will be storing for an extended period of time. Keep in mind that the average self-storage customer stays three times more than the time period they originally estimate.

Fill to Top for Easy Stacking. Number each box on all four sides, and seal them with tape. Inexpensive tape dispensers are available in the office and will make the process quick and easy. Fill boxes to the top, using packing paper or bubble-wrap, so that they will stack well and not fall over.

Distribute Weight. Distribute the weight in each box. The most common reason for boxes dropped while moving is lopsided weight distribution.

Consider purchasing "Glass Packs" for transporting and storing your glass items and picture frames. These packages are relatively inexpensive, and contain four styrofoam corners for safe protection. Select two boxes that, when open, are larger than the area of your item. Tape the boxes together and seal with duct or heavy packaging tape.

Tables and Bed Frames: Break down, if possible. Remove table legs and disassemble bed frames. Place nuts and bolts in plastic bags and tape or rubber band them to the furniture.

Wood surfaces: Wood surfaces can be sensitive to moisture in the air. Coat these surfaces with furniture polish or wax, and cover with a cotton bed sheet or tarp. If you are storing a lot of fine furniture for a period of time, you might consider a climate controlled storage unit.

Mattresses and Boxsprings: Use plastic mattress covers (available in the office), making sure to seal the ends to protect from moisture.

Coat tools and other items with a thin layer of machine oil to prevent moisture damage. Store on cardboard or other material rather than directly on concrete floors (outside units only).

Any type of motorized equipment must be completely drained dry of any gasolene. If you can not completely drain the tank, leave the lid off for a couple of days before storing so that the remaining gasolene will evaporate. Replace the lid before storing.

Single Load: If your move can be made in a single load, use your prioritized list for packing the vehicle. As much as possible, the items you may need to access should go into the vehicle first. This way, these items will be the last to go into your storage unit, and thus, will be near the front for easy access.

Use plenty of padding. Even a short trip can cause furniture and other items to scratch if they are riding next to one another. Use blankets and furniture pads to protect your goods. If you will have less than a full load, be sure to use rope or other means of securing your load. Always consider what might happen if you need to brake quickly or climb a steep hill. Consider moving insurance.

Multiple Loads: If you will need to make more than one trip to the storage unit, and you made a prioritized list, the first things on your list should be those that will go toward the back of the storage unit. As much as possible, the items you may need to access will be the last to go.

Use plenty of padding. Even a short trip can cause furniture and other items to scratch if they are riding next to one another. Use blankets and furniture pads to protect your goods. If you will have less than a full load, be sure to use rope or other means of securing your load. Always consider what might happen if you need to brake quickly or climb a steep hill. Consider moving insurance.

Make sure to inform Silverdale Self Storage that you are using a professional moving company. It is best to have the moving company contact us in advance so that we can do our best to assure the movers have adequate parking space, and can get as close to your unit as possible.

If you have an "outside" unit, consider lining the floor of your unit with plastic sheeting, and place corrugated cardboard on top of the plastic. The plastic sheeting should go six inches or more up the side of the walls.

As much as possible, leave a small space between your items and the walls. The more air circulation you can achieve, the better.

"Valuation" is the amount of liability a moving company will accept for the value of your goods while in their possession. Valuation is not insurance. The value of the things you move is based on the total weight of the shipment multiplied by a specific amount per pound (example; $.60 per pound). For instance, if your possessions weigh 10,000 pounds the mover would be liable for up to $6,000. Claim settlement is then based on the depreciated value of the item(s) damaged. You can purchase valuation from your moving company, yet the cost is often higher than insurance with less extensive coverage.

Moving insurance will offer protection against "acts of God" (e.g. floods, tornadoes, lightening strikes, etc.) and will cover you specifically for the items listed on your contract at their replacement cost.

Make an inventory list, and take pictures of the items you are moving. This is important in establishing the condition of your possessions and it helps in confirming the inventory list.

If you decide to just depend on the Valuation provided by the moving company (not recommended), weigh each valuable item as you are taking pictures, and add this to your inventory list.

In the event that something should happen to your belongings and you have to file a moving claim, you must do so within 9 months of the event. You should also note the problem on the moving van driver's copy of the bill of lading before signing it. Your mover will then have 30 days to acknowledge receipt of your claim. Within 120 days of receiving your claim, the mover must either deny the claim or make an offer to pay.

Check with your insurance agent for further information. When evaluating Homeowner or Renter policies, make sure your policy covers packing and loading/unloading, as well as transit coverage.

If you are renting a truck to move your goods, ask your rental agent about insurance. Most companies will provide additional insurance to cover damage to your property. The best policies will cover accidental damage while you are loading/unloading, as well as while you are in transit.

If you are using your own vehicle, check with your vehicle insurance agent to see what type of coverage may apply. You might want to consider additional insurance to cover your move, which may require a separate policy. You can obtain a policy that will cover your entire move and guard against accidental damage, as well as damage from other causes.

Self-Storage facilities cannot provide blanket coverage for your goods. The costs would be prohibitive, since the value of property stored is individualized.

Although we do our utmost to provide a safe and secure place for you to store your property, self-storage facilities cannot be responsible for damage from fire, smoke, explosion, windstorm (tornado or hurricane), earthquake, water, burglary, or many other events that are not under the company's control.

Consider purchasing insurance from a company that specializes in Self-Storage Insurance. Check with the office or your insurance agent for recommendations.