INSURANCE
Our first packing tip is to insure your goods whilst in storage. Check with your insurance provider that your insurance policy may be transferred to Safe ‘n’ SOUND Self Storage or speak to our friendly staff who can assist you with immediate insurance cover.
ESTIMATE
Make an estimate of the replacement value of all items to help with accurate insurance policies.
APPLIANCES
Fridges, freezers and all white goods should be thoroughly dry and clean before storing. The door should be left slightly ajar. A deodoriser is a good idea to maintain freshness once cleaned. Items stored inside freezers may cause permanent marks or damage.
TVs/STEREOS/VIDEOS/DVDs
Your electronic equipment should always be handled with care. If you have retained the original packaging, this is the best way to store them.
PACKING
The use of packing materials such as cartons, porta-robes, bubble wrap, wrapping paper, plastic covers and tape will maintain your goods whilst in storage. A large range of packing accessories are available for purchase at all Safe ‘n’ SOUND Self Storage facilities and at great prices.
Heavy items like books or tools should be packed so they are easy to carry. Keep weight of full boxes under 15 kilos. Packing and labelling your boxes room by room makes it much easier, and if you need something from a storage carton, it is easier to locate.
STORAGE SPACE
Use all available height, and place frequently used goods near the door. Do not lean items against the walls of your unit.
SHELVING
Use our freestanding shelving to help organise your unit. Shelving is available for hire or purchase.
BICYCLES & OTHER METAL ITEMS
To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces, such as cast iron or chrome, with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil. Wrapping silver in a non-acid tissue paper or plastic bags can help reduce tarnishing.
MIRRORS, WINDOWS & SCREENS
These items should be stored on their edges, not flat. Use good quality boxes, available from Safe ‘n’ SOUND Self Storage facilities. Protect mirrors with bubble wrap.
BATTERY OPERATED APPLIANCES & TOYS
We recommend all batteries be removed prior to storing to avoid damage from leakage.
WET ITEMS
Do not store wet items as they can cause water damage, mould and mildew.
WOODEN FURNITURE
Spray with good quality furniture spray prior to storing to give added protection.
FURNITURE
Empty the contents of wardrobes, cupboards and drawers to protect the shelving and structure. Where possible, remove legs, e.g. bed bases, table legs, etc. to avoid damage and allow you to save space. Vacuum lounges before storing.
WHAT NOT TO STORE
The law determines what can be stored. You cannot store illegal, stolen, flammable, explosive, hazardous, environmentally harmful or perishable goods or anything that could be a risk to any person, such as petrol, paint, acid, chlorine.
HANGING CLOTHES
Porta-robes are available at all Safe ‘n’ SOUND Self Storage facilities. They have a sturdy metal crossbar across the top so you can hang your suits, dresses and coats.
CLOTHES
It is not wise to put clothes in plastic bags as moisture can get trapped inside when they are sealed and your clothes could be ruined. Clothing should be packed in cartons with some napthalene, mothballs or similar product(s) to protect and maintain their quality.
FRAGILE ITEMS/DISHES/GLASSWARE
Place a layer of packing or paper inside the bottom and top of cartons containing breakables. Store all glass items, bowls and fragile items on the top of the carton. Do not place heavy items on top. Paper will do, but bubblewrap is a good investment.
Label these boxes FRAGILE. Fill all gaps in carton by scrunching paper or linen. This will prevent damage from movement whilst in transit.
LABELLING BOXES
Keep a list of what is in your labelled boxes at home or office for easy reference when you need to locate your goods. Label boxes room by room as you go. This helps you and the movers to unload to the right room.
AGREEMENT
Be sure to read your storage agreement to familiarise yourself with our policies, paying rent, deposit and other important information.
OUT OF SEASON CLOTHING
Keep accessible as you may have your belongings in storage for longer periods than anticipated.
BOOKS, FILES, RECORDS & OTHER DOCUMENTS
Pack books flat to protect their spines. Use packing to fill empty pockets in boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same box and be careful not to overload.
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
Save the original packaging or pad the ornaments with bubblewrap. Wrap lighting around a piece of cardboard before placing into a carton.
MASKING TAPE
Excellent for labelling and securing covers around larger items.
OIL & FUEL MACHINERY
Drain fuel and oil from all machinery to avoid damage or fire. Fuel is one item that CANNOT be stored, e.g. empty barbeque gas bottles.
LEATHER
Treat leather items with a leather conditioner prior to storing.
COMPUTERS
Like all electronics items, computers need special attention. Storing in original boxes is highly recommended, however, bubblewrap and our packing cartons will also care for your goods. Padding such as linen or wrapping paper in the bottom of the carton will provide extra protection. Consult your manufacturers manual or consult a retailer, especially if you are storing for more than six months.
CAUTION
The use of packing tape directly on furniture and white goods can leave marks that can be permanent.
