How To Store

Packaging

When placing goods into self storage it is best to pack them properly to ensure they are protected. If you are not using professional packers from a removal firm, everything you need to do a professional job yourself is available from our range of packaging supplies. As a general rule you should put everything into boxes and anything that will not fit into boxes should be covered. Boxes should be filled to capacity but not overfilled; partially full or bulging boxes may tip or collapse. Heavy items like books and tools should be packed in smaller boxes so they are easy to handle. Packing and labelling boxes 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. We can provide you with packaging materials including boxes, tape, bed, sofa and mattress covers to assist protect your goods and help pack up your belongings. We can also provide you with insurance which costs as little as a cup of coffee per month!

Planning your Self Storage Space

It's a good idea to 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 walkways. Packing in professional boxes will make the storing and unpacking easier.

Shelving

A great way to use your longer term space more efficiently is to put shelving into your self storage unit. We can advise you on some shelving options to consider, or you can read our blog pots about it here. 

Electronics and computers

Where possible pack all electronics back in their original boxes and tape closed. These should then be stored upright. Otherwise, wrap in bubble-wrap and store in marked boxes. Remove the batteries from battery-powered items as they may leak over time.

Fridges, freezers and whiteware

It is essential that fridges and freezers are thoroughly defrosted, cleaned and dried before storing. Wedge the door ajar to ensure they remain fresh. Ensure that washing machines and dishwashers are completely drained before storing. No items should be left plugged in or running.

Mirrors, windows, screens and paintings

These items should be protected by packing material such as bubble wrap or in a flat pack carton. Store them standing on their edges in an upright position (not lying flat). 

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 can possibly stain). Nest cups and bowls, and stand plates, saucers, casserole dishes and platters on their edges. Fill any gaps in the cartons with packing such as scrunched paper or linen. This will keep your fragile items well protected and prevent them from moving around in cartons whilst in transit. Label all cartons containing fragile items and avoid storing heavy items on top of them.

Furniture

Furniture should be thoroughly clean and dry before being packed for protection during moving and storage. We sell covers that you can use to protect sofas and chairs. Wooden furniture should be polished and then wrapped with corrugated cardboard (available from the Box Shops at all of our self storage facilities). Mattresses and bases should be packed into our purpose-made mattress covers. All other items should be wrapped or covered as required.

Precious items

We sell acid-free tissue for wrapping of silverware and china. Ensure that they are packed in boxes and marked as fragile.

Lawn mowers and other machinery

Drain fuel and oil from all machinery and store upright. Lawn mowers are very prone to oil and fuel leakage when stored on their side and spillage can damage other goods in your space. Gas bottles from barbeques and heaters must be emptied before storing.