Bellam Self Storage & Boxes
Your Box and Wrap Supply Source in Marin

Ask us about our Free Delivery Service

We will help you select the appropriate boxes and wrap supplies.
Check out our full assortment of Packing Supplies on the web site.

General Packing Tips to help you make decisions:

• A little planning…and using the right packing materials can make the experience organized and less painful, while protecting your goods from damage.
• Tackle the task in stages, so that you won’t tire
• Make a general list of the different kinds of items you will be packing; that will help in selecting the sizes and quantities of boxes & wrap materials.
• Use boxes that are clean; previously used boxes have a history and might have smells, bugs, or other problems.
• Be sure you purchase moving boxes that match the weight rating of the goods you’re packing.
• Use the correct size and weight box and save your back.
• Set up a packing center, with everything at your fingertips; tape, scissors, boxes, bubble wrap, etc.
• Start packing early by packing non-essentials such as knick-knacks, china, stemware, collections, books, etc.

Listed below are item care and packing tips:

The Basic Box Strategy ...
Clothing & Rug Care…
Lamp & Lamp Shade Care…
VCR, T.V. & Stereo Care …
Dish & Glass Care…
Packing Pictures & Mirrors with Care…
Furniture & Mattress Care…

How can you make the un-packing easier…
Cost of Packing…

Recycled Products… Our Full Assortment of moving and packing supplies… Services…

What Bellam Self Storage & Boxes can do for you…

The Basic Box Strategy…

• Box information and categories
• Use file boxes for letter, legal, or valuable papers.
• Use small and medium boxes for the majority of your items to prevent breakage and back strain.
• Use the standard 1.5 cube small box for all books, L.P.’s, C.D’s , and tools.
• Pack books flat and avoid overfilling
• Use the standard 3.0 cube medium box for all kitchen items, dinnerware, glassware, etc.
• Use clean sheets of unprinted paper for baking bowls, pots & pans, and avoid the use of newsprint.
• Place the heaviest items on the bottom of the box.
• Large & x-large boxes are reserved for games, children’s toys, comforters, towels, pillows, or any item that is bulky but light…
• Heavy boxes, especially heavy large boxes, will receive less respect and care.

Clothing & Rug Care…

• Wardrobe boxes
• Store only freshly cleaned clothing; otherwise clothing which is packed in a dark place will show stains.
• Fill the bottom of a wardrobe box with sweaters, shoes, or handbags.
• Double hang clothes in a wardrobe box; since hangers take space, hang more than one item on each hanger.
• Vacuum-sealed bags help eliminate moisture & insects, if items are sealed dry & clean. It is not recommended to store any items in plastic (unless air sealed).
• Rugs need to be professionally cleaned and treated for storage, or moths will have a holiday.

Lamp & Lamp Shade Care…

• Lamp and general boxes
• Use lamp box for lamps; remove shade, harp, & light bulbs.
• Label all harps, so that they are matched properly with the lamp base when reassembling the lamp.
• Stack shades by size, and place in a medium or x-large box.
• Protect lamp bases by using large bubble wrap.
• Always use quality, clear packing tape to seal boxes.

VCR, T.V. & Stereo Care…

• VCR, T.V., computer and stereo boxes
• All large entertainment equipment should be boxed in double wall boxes for strength.
• Wrap the items in large bubble wrap for protection. Use strong filament tape to seal the boxes.

Dish & Glass Care…

• Dish, glass and wine box supplies
• For fine china & crystal, use double walled dish boxes since they have added construction strength to protect fragile or heavy items.
• Use sheets of flexible smaller bubble wrap to surround fine crystal, giving instant protection.
• Use bubble to give added protection; one sheet offers more protection than several sheets of paper.
• Bubble wrap comes in conveniently perforated rolls.
• After sealing each box, mark and tag with fragile stickers on each side of box.

Packing Pictures & Mirrors with Care…

• Picture and mirror boxes
• Mirror boxes come in all sizes and can be telescoped to accommodate larger items.
• When possible, pack two per box; pack artwork with glass facing inwards & bubble in between.
• Use large 3-ply paper sheets for all glassless artwork. Never use newsprint, since it can leave ink on your artwork.
• Do not over stuff mirror/picture boxes.
• Label each box with the contents and size of the artwork.
• Photograph artwork prior to packing.
• Use quality tape for picture & mirror boxes.

Furniture & Mattress Care…

• Furniture and mattress supplies
• Shrink wrap your sofas, chairs, & dressers.
• Minimize scratches by using moving blankets.
• Plastic bag your mattresses to prevent damage, avoid your mattress cleaning the moving truck.

How can you make the un-packing easier…

• Remember everything you’ve packed will eventually need to be unpacked.
• Pack like items together, ie: baking goods separate from pots & pans.
• Put immediate necessities in boxes marked for the room; then mark the boxes “open me first”.
• Label the boxes as you go; mark what’s inside each box, or number each box and keep a separate inventory.
• Label boxes by room or by color destination.
• Use strong filament tape for boxes that will be shipped or handled often or stored.

Cost of Packing…

You can choose to have a professional moving company pack your items; however, if price is a concern, anyone can pack using the tips above. Boxes come in all sizes and vary in price. Be sure you purchase moving boxes that match the weight rating of the goods you’re packing. Ask your Bellam Self Storage & Boxes advisor for assistance in selecting the right boxes for your packing needs. Bellam Self Storage & Boxes offers a full assortment of boxes and moving supplies at the best prices, and offers quantity discounts. Remember, if it’s worth packing, it’s worth packing it right!

Recycled Products…

Brown moving boxes are made with recycled products. The interior core is all recycled; the exterior is new, since recycled paper is inherently weaker. Bubble products are also recyclable. Bellam Self Storage & Boxes offers both boxes made of recycled products & wrap materials, as well as all new products, to best meet your needs.

Full Assortment…

Bellam Self Storage & Boxes has a wide selections of moving and packing supplies so that you can purchase what you need, not just what is available. Also, a store, like Bellam Self Storage & Boxes that has a full assortment will usually have the best prices, since they clearly focus on the moving box market and deal in volumes that can offer savings. Bellam Self Storage & Boxes has a full assortment of moving, packing and shipping materials, at the best prices.

Services…

When you are ready to make your move, and need to store or purchase boxes & wrap supplies, Bellam Self Storage & Boxes offers a free delivery service, within Marin County, call for details. Come by to check our assortment, and get the best advice on how to pack; or better yet, check out our website at bellamstorage.com…

You can order all your supplies on line and we will deliver them within Marin County for free!

What Bellam Self Storage & Boxes can do for you…

• Open 7 days a week
• Friendly, helpful & informed staff.
• Conveniently located.
• Have a full assortment of moving & packing boxes.
• Boxes made from recycled products.
• Have a full assortment of wrap & pack supplies
• Have the best prices & best quality in town.
• Full listing of our assortment & pricing on the internet.
• Order on line… www.bellamstorage.com
• Purchase 25 or more of the same items & receive 10% off.
• Receive a free roll of clear 55 yd. tape with minimum $50.00 purchase
• Free delivery of box & wrap supplies in Marin County… ask about details.

© Bellam Self Storage, 11/2005