Packaging Materials are available at 1st Storage Centres to help you with your move.

• The use of packing accessories such as boxes, tape, bubble-wrap and plastic covers will maintain and protect your goods whilst in storage.
• Fill boxes to capacity - partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse.
• Heavy items like books or tools should be packed in small boxes so they are easy to handle.
• Books should be packed flat, not on their spines.
• Packing and labeling 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 box 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 boxes 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 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.

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. However wrapping items individually in bubbie-wrap, 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.

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 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

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.

Moving Checklist

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.

The Storage Agreement

This important written agreement is designed for the protection of the storer and the facility owner. Be sure to read it thoroughly. If you have questions ask the staff at the centre.

What not to store

Any goods that are illegal, stolen, inflammable, explosive, environmentally harmful, hazardous perishable or that are a risk to the property of person. e.g. Chlorine, acid, paint, petrol.

Other Helpful Tips

• 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.

For guides to vehicle capacities and to use our advanced storage calculator, click here.

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