A week in storage forgives shortcuts. A year does not. Cartons that sag, fabric that smells and a missing list all show up when the goods come out. The fixes are small and cheap if you make them before the goods go in.
Make the inventory first
Write down every box and piece by room, number the cartons, and take photographs of furniture, including any marks it already has. A numbered list lets you ask the office for one carton by number instead of searching. Keep a copy off your phone, in email or on paper, in case a device is lost. O'Brien's prepares an itemized inventory and condition report before packing; moving inventory shows what it looks like.
Pack for months, not days
- Use sturdy cartons and do not overfill them. Boxes at the bottom of a stack carry the weight above.
- Fill gaps with paper so the contents cannot shift and the sides do not collapse.
- Keep books in small boxes and pillows in large ones.
- Wash and dry fabrics completely, including bedding, curtains and clothing.
- Empty and clean the refrigerator, freezer and washer, and prop the doors open or wrap them loosely.
- Remove batteries from toys, clocks and remotes.
- Do not store anything perishable, flammable or alive.
Moisture, dust and pests
Dry goods are the most important rule. Damp fabric and wood invite mildew, and a sealed box traps what is inside it. Wrap furniture in breathable padding, keep mattresses covered and avoid putting items directly on bare floors. Dust sheets keep a clean surface clean.
How vault storage handles a long stay
Your goods go into a wooden vault, 7 by 7 by 5 feet, in the 30,000 sq ft warehouse at 2277 Glendale Ave in Sparks. Several customers in the Google reviews describe storing goods with O'Brien's for months and then having them delivered out of state. When the date comes, give the office about 2 to 3 weeks notice. See long-term storage and vault storage.
Plan the way out
Before the goods go in, decide where they will go next and who will receive them. Keep the vault list with the paperwork for the new home. Call the office as soon as the new address is known so the date can be set. The furniture preparation guide covers the prep that comes before all of this.