Self Storage Tips

Appliances

Defrost your fridge and freezer well before you move it to avoid water damage. Fridges, freezers and other white goods should be clean and dry before storing, the door should be left slightly ajar.

Tip: add a deodorizer inside to ensure the fridge smells fresh and your storage unit will too.

Furniture

Vacuum upholstery clean before storing. Avoid using plastic covers for furniture and mattresses to minimise the problem of mould caused by humidity although during transport a plastic cover is ideal, particularly on items that could be damaged in the event of a sudden downpour. Lightweight chairs can be stacked seat to seat or on top of upturned tables.

Battery Gear

Removal of the batteries is essential to ensure toys and equipment are not damaged in the unfortunate event of battery leakage. Damage caused by leaking batteries is quite often non-repairable.

HiFi & Television Gear

The original boxes with Styrofoam inserts are the best, but alternatively items can be individually wrapped in bubble wrap and packed into good quality cartons and boxes. All gaps and spaces should be packed and filled with additional packing to prevent movement within the cartons and then be securely sealed with packaging tape. Keep LCD TV’s upright.

Mirrors, Windows, Paintings

As these items are probably the most vulnerable to damages and hard to pack, it is recommended to protect these items with a suitable packing material such as bubble wrap and tape them well. When transporting them on removal, it is best to store them on their edges to avoid any heavy items being placed on top of them while they are flat and causing pressure and breakage to the item.

Machinery & Mowers

Drain any flamable liquids before storing as this will reduce the risk of damage to other goods. Place a piece of cardboard or old carpet under the piece of machinery. Mowers can smell so wash them down before storing, as the dead grass can attract vermin.

Stay organised

Before putting your possessions in a box, make a list and assign each item to its respective box. Make labels for each box and attach these labels to all sides of the box as well as the top of the box.

When making your list, also write down the estimated replacement value for each, particularly if you want to insure your items.

Boxes

As often as possible, put your items in boxes to prevent them from getting dusty. Aim to fill the entire box to avoid its tendency to collapse or tip over; heavy items first and fill to capacity with lighter items. Avoid filling the box with heavy materials predominantly so that it won’t be hard for you to carry.

Avoid using plastic bags

Putting items in sealed plastic bags may seem like a good idea but they can trap moisture and cause mildew to form and reproduce.

Books

When packing books, use smaller boxes rather than putting them all in one large box. Store the books flat in the boxes rather than standing on end so that their spines will not be damaged.

Maintain Accessibility

Stack boxes in such a way that each box can be easily accessed. Don’t store stacks and stacks of boxes together. Aim to make an aisle that will allow you to access a box without having to move anything out of the way and/or place the boxes with the items you’ll most frequently need at the front part of the storage unit.

Utilising Space

Create more space in your storage unit by using the hollow areas of big furniture or white goods. For instance, you can put in a box or two inside a wardrobe. The same goes for refrigerators, washing machines or ovens.