Household Storage
Tips from 1st Storage Centres
How to make the most of your self storage space
- Inspect your store and make a list of the packing accessories which you will need. Commonly used packing aids include such items as wrapping paper, bubblewrap, tape, rope, polyurethane sheeting, mattress and furniture covers, and boxes. 1st Storage Centres have most these items for sale on the premises.
- 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 boxes to capacity
- Secure your room with a good quality padlock, and keep the key in a safe place, you are the only key holder.
Checklist for moving home
Arrange disconnection and reconnection of services e.g. Power, gas, phone. Cancel any deliveries e.g. papers, milk, soft drinks. Your local Post Office will assist you with mail redirection.
Important Authorities and Business Houses to notify of your change of address are:
- Electoral Office
- Motor Vehicle Registration and Licence Authority
- Taxation Office
- Banks and Financial Institutions
- Insurance Companies
- Educational Institutions
- Department of Security (re Pension payments. Family Payments etc)
- Medicare
- Club Membership and Subscriptions
Planning Your Storage Space
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.
How to store lawnmowers 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.
How to store computers
Computers, like your other electrical items, need special care. The original boxes are highly recommended for packing. However bubblewrap and good quality packing cartons will do the job. Remember to use some packing 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.
How to store battery operated appliances and toys
We recommend that you remove the batteries to avoid damage from leaking batteries.
How to store electrical items in self-storage
Your electrical equipment is very delicate and sensitive and should be handled with care. The original boxes are ideal to repack in. However wrapping items individually in bubblewrap, packing them in cartons, and sealing the top will offer protection for your electrical items. Remember to pack out any gaps in the cartons. Pack records or similar on their edges to prevent warping.
How to store mirrors, windows, screens and paintings
These items should be protected by packing material e.g. bubblewrap or in a flat-pack carton store them standing on their edges in an upright position (not lying flat).
How to store dishes and glassware
Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and top of boxes containing breakables. Protect fragile items by wrapping them individually in packing paper or bubblewrap (newsprint can be very messy and possibly stain). Nest cups and bowls, stand plates, sauce platters, casseroles dishes on their edges. Fill any gaps between the cartons with packing e.g. scrunched paper linen. This will keep your fragile items well 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.