Storage Tips

These storage tips will save you time, money and aggravation!

Do:

• DO inspect your storage unit and list all the packing accessories you will need: wrapping paper, bubble wrap, cartons, tape, rope, drop cloths, and covers. Your Storage manager will have most of these items in stock, and can arrange anything not immediately available.
• DO use professional storage cartons to make storing and unpacking easier and safer, and to maintain your goods' condition for the term of their storage. Place large, strong, heavy items at the rear of the space. Then work forwards and upwards with lighter, fragile items.
• DO reserve space at the front of your unit for items you might need to access. Allow walkways if you will be accessing your storage space regularly. Shelves can make it very easy to access your items without "digging down" through stacked cartons.
• DO use all your storage space, including the height. Label your cartons, and keep a list of your cartons to help you locate specific items.
• DO ensure your fridge, freezer and other whiteware are thoroughly DRY and CLEAN. Store your fridges and freezers with their doors slightly ajar, and with a deodoriser inside.
• DO empty your wardrobes, drawers and cupboards to protect their shelving and structure. Pack clothing and personal goods in strong sealed cartons with some naphthalene or mothballs to protect and maintain their condition.
• DO vacuum food crumbs from between sofa cushions to avoid attracting vermin. Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and top of cartons containing breakables.
• DO protect fragile items with careful packing. Wrap them individually in packing paper (newsprint can be very messy and may stain). Nest cups and bowls. Stand plates, sauce platters and casserole dishes on their edges. Fill any gaps in the carton with packing such as scrunched paper or bubble wrap to prevent items from moving around. Label all cartons containing fragile items and store them toward the top of carton stacks.
• DO store mirrors, windows, screens and paintings on their edge, not lying flat, and well protected by bubble-wrap or in a flat pack carton.
• DO wrap silver in NON ACID tissue paper or plastic bags to help reduce tarnishing. Wipe chrome or cast iron with a little machine oil to help retard rust.
• DO pack computers and electrical items in the original packing boxes when possible, or in good quality packing cartons with bubble wrap.

Don't:

• DON'T store any goods that are illegal, stolen, flammable, explosive, environmentally harmful, hazardous, perishable or that otherwise present a risk to property or people.
• DON'T leave cartons partially full or bulging - they can tip or collapse.
• DON'T store any machinery that still has fuel in its tank, or appliances or toys with batteries.
• DON'T stack items inside fridges or freezers, as the shelves and linings can be easily marked and damaged.
• DON'T pay to store air -disassemble large items such as bed frames, tables and wardrobes as much as possible.
• DON'T pack big or heavy items such as books or tools in larges boxes. Overweight cartons are hard to lift and move, and can crush items beneath them.
• DON'T pack books on their spines - keep them flat.