Storage Tips

PACKING

Boxes & Cartons
The use of packing accessories such as cartons, porta robes, paper, tape, bubble-wrap and plastic covers will maintain and protect your goods whilst in storage. If you pack your goods carefully into cartons they will store a lot better and you will be able to fit more goods into your storage space.

Fill cartons to capacity; partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse. Heavy items like books or tools should be packed in small cartons so they are easy to handle. Books should be packed flat, not on their spines. Packing and labelling cartons room by room makes the unpacking much easier, and if you need to find something in storage you will have some idea of which carton to begin looking in.

Appliances
Fridges, freezers and other white goods should be thoroughly DRY and CLEAN before storing. Whilst in storage the door should be secured slightly ajar. A deodoriser placed inside fridges or freezers is also a good idea to maintain freshness. Don't place items inside fridges or freezers as the shelves and linings can be easily marked and damaged.

Furniture
Empty the contents of wardrobes, drawers and cupboards to protect the shelving and structure of these items. Clothing and personal goods should be packed in strong secure cartons with some naphthalene, mothballs or similar product to protect and maintain their condition. Where possible remove the legs from items of furniture e.g. bed bases, tables, etc to avoid damage and save space. Vacuum food crumbs from lounges to prevent attracting vermin.

Dishes and Glassware
Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and top of cartons containing breakables. Protect fragile items by wrapping them individually in packing paper (newsprint can be very messy and possibly stain). Nest cups and bowls, stand plates, sauce platters, casseroles on their edges. Fill any gaps in cartons with packing e.g: scrunched paper or linen. This will keep your fragile items protected and prevent them from moving around in the cartons whilst in transit. Label all cartons containing fragile items and avoid storing heavy items on the top of these cartons.

Mirrors, Windows, Screens and Paintings
These items should be protected by packing material e.g: bubble-wrap or in a flat-pack carton. Store them standing on their edges in an upright position (not lying flat).

Metal Items
Wrapping silver in NON ACID tissue paper or plastic bags can help reduce tarnishing. Wipe chrome or cast iron with a little machine oil to help retard rust.

Electrical Items
Your electrical equipment is very delicate and sensitive and should be handled with care. The original boxes are ideal to repack in. Wrapping items individually in bubble-wrap, packing them in cartons, and sealing the top will also offer protection for your electrical items. Remember to pack out any gaps in the cartons.

Battery operated appliances and toys
We recommend that you remove the batteries to avoid damage from leaking batteries.

Computers
Computers, like your other electrical items, need special care. The original boxes are highly recommended for packing. However, bubble-wrap and good quality packing cartons will do the job. Remember to use some packing paper or linen in the bottom and top of cartons. This provides extra protection to the contents. Pack out any gaps. Modern computers have "self parking heads." If you are unsure about your computer, refer to the manufacturer's manual, or consult your retailer, especially if storing for longer than six months.

Mowers and other machinery
Drain fuel and oil from all machinery. This reduces risk of leakage, spillage and damage to other goods in your space. Petrol and oil left in are also a fire hazard.

PLANNING YOUR STORAGE SPACE

Use all the space available, including the height. Disassemble items such as bed frames and tables.

Place frequently used items near the front of the space. Fill containers to capacity. Partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse. Heavy items such as books or tools should be packed in small boxes. If a carton is too heavy, it will be hard to lift. Fragile items should be cushioned by packing and placed toward the top of the unit. Label cartons and take home the inventory list of the labelled cartons for easy reference in case you need to locate items.

As a general rule place large, heavy items that you can stack upon at the rear of the space. Then work forwards and upwards with lighter, fragile items. Those items that you may need to access often, place in the front of the space. Depending on the goods you have stored, you may need to allow for walk ways. Packing in professional storage cartons will make the storing and unpacking easier and safer, saving you time and worry. Professional packing and storage accessories will provide your goods with the preparation they need for storage and maintain their condition for the term of the storage.

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