Storage Tips

Place boxes, mattresses or other fabric-type items on top so they are not directly on the floor

Place boxes, mattresses or other fabric-type items on top so they are not directly on the floor

Large appliances need care before placing in a self-storage facility. Make sure you defrost fridges and freezers thoroughly before storing them; otherwise, you’ll be leaving yourself open to water damage. Tie doors up for the move, although you should leave them slightly ajar once in storage to stop condensation forming and help ward-off bad odors. Drain washing machines before storing them and tie down hoses etc. Appliances should be clean and dry, and it’ll be worthwhile wiping the insides over with bicarbonate of soda before you store them

Wrap all fragile items and breakables, such as dishes, glasses, ornaments, etc., separately. Paper will do but bubble wrap is a good investment. Pack them tightly into strong boxes, filling any gaps with paper or filler. Try to avoid putting heavy items on top of fragile ones in a self-storage facility.

If you’re going to be storing clothes, think about buying wardrobe or clothing boxes. You’ll then be able to simply hang the clothes in them and that will keep their shape

For the best protection for mirrors and pictures in a self-storage facility, wrap them in a protective covering, such as bubble wrap and stack them on their ends. Mirrors and pictures should never be stored flat. Mark them as ‘fragile’

Break down tables, chairs and other items so they take up less space.

Separate lamp bases and lampshades and wrap them for protection.

If you’re storing upholstered products such as mattresses and sofas in a self-storage facility, it might be a good idea to invest in covers, bags or sheeting to give them some additional protection. Stand sofas and mattresses on the end wherever possible to save space. Don’t stack too much on top of soft furnishings. Mattresses are best stored on the long end and should be ideally raised above floor level or laid on protective sheeting.

If you’re storing a few items or furniture on top of each other, a simple dust sheet or cover placed between the items will minimize scratching and damage in a self-storage facility.

You’ll save space if you can dismantle furniture, such as beds and tables before you store it in a self-storage facility. Make sure you keep hold of all the bits so you can get it all back together again. Wrap and cover furniture sections and keep them together, clearly marked, for quick retrieval. You can put components such as screws and bolts together in a plastic bag, mark them clearly and tape to relevant piece of furniture. Store large pieces of furniture vertically to save space in the facility

Don’t store wet items in a self-storage facility, as they can cause water damage, mold and mildew.

Don’t pack items into sealed plastic bags, as humidity can cause mildew.

Don’t store vacuum cleaners with the bag in. Throw it away before you store them in the facility.

Electrical equipment such as TVs, stereos and computers should be packed in their original boxes wherever possible. If this isn’t possible, pack them into boxes that are about the right size, making sure that you pack gaps with paper etc.

Spray your wood furniture with a good quality furniture spray before storing it in the facility to give it some added protection.

Wipe down metal objects and tools with a little oil before storing to avoid rust formation.

You can tie tools and long-handled items in bundles. Don’t store a brush resting on the bristles.

Treat leather items with a leather conditioner before you store them.

Think creatively and you’ll make more space. Plan to use furniture drawers as an extra box (they are especially good for ‘fragile’) and you can use the inside of wardrobes to store boxes. Kitchen appliances, such as stoves and fridges, can also be used in this way.

Seal all your boxes with packing tape before you put them in a self-storage facility. This will keep dust out of the contents.

If you’re storing a few items or furniture on top of each other, a simple dust sheet or cover placed between the items will minimize scratching and damage in a self-storage facility.

Pack books flat to avoid damaging their spines.

Don’t be tempted to fill large boxes with heavy items such as books, as they’ll quickly become impossible to carry and may break. You can buy small book boxes from your self-storage facility that will do the job just as well. If you do, pack heavy items in just a few large boxes and then fill the box up with light items.

Label all boxes clearly so you can identify the content and keep an inventory. Label them on more than one side so you can see what’s what quickly. Mark ‘fragile’ on any boxes containing breakable items