Moving In

Think about things carefully and plan how you’re going to go about packing your self-storage unit before you even load the van. The way you load the van could determine how quickly you’re going to be able to off-load everything and move your belongings into your unit.

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• Pack items that you will need to access most often into the van first as they will be unloaded and placed into the unit last.

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• Disassemble any large items with legs to make it easier for moving and to maximise the storage space in your unit.

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• Empty wardrobes, cupboards and drawers while moving them in order to protect furniture and make items are lighter to move.

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• Cover furniture with moving blankets or soft furnishings to protect them during moving and storage.

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How to pack your self-storage unit

With the planning and moving in place now to move your items into your unit and pack them in the most space efficient way. Remember to leave working space for those times you need to access items in your unit.

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• Place all your heavier bulkier items at the very back of your self-storage unit and then build up the walls placing lighter items on top.

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• Any item that is longer such as a mattress, bed or tables should always be placed on their sides and lining the walls.

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• If you need to access some particular goods regularly, it’s a good idea to create small passageways that allow you to walk easily and safely between your items.

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• For important documents such as invoices, passports, remote controls or items that might be easily misplaced such as a set of keys, a good idea to put all of these things into one specially marked box. Then keep that box close to the unit’s door so you won’t get into a panic trying to search for it amongst all your other things.

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• If you’re storing items with extra space such as wardrobes or desks, fill the empty places to maximise every inch of space you have.

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• Our advice is to use professional storage boxes for your packing as this will allow you to get more into your designated storage space and help keep all your items better protected. And of course, it’s going to make your life a whole lot easier when it comes to unpacking your storage unit and removing all your goods at the end.

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What To and What Not To Do

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Dos

• DO inspect your storage unit and list all the packing accessories you will need: wrapping paper, bubble wrap, cartons, tape, rope, drop cloths, and covers. Your Storage manager will have most of these items in stock, and can arrange anything not immediately available.

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• DO use professional storage cartons to make storing and unpacking easier and safer, and to maintain your goods' condition for the term of their storage. Place large, strong, heavy items at the rear of the space. Then work forwards and upwards with lighter, fragile items.

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• DO reserve space at the front of your unit for items you might need to access. Allow walkways if you will be accessing your storage space regularly. Shelves can make it very easy to access your items without "digging down" through stacked cartons.

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• DO use all your storage space, including the height. Label your cartons, and keep a list of your cartons to help you locate specific items.

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• DO ensure your fridge, freezer and other whiteware are thoroughly DRY and CLEAN. Store your fridges and freezers with their doors slightly ajar, and with a deodoriser inside.

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• DO empty your wardrobes, drawers and cupboards to protect their shelving and structure. Pack clothing and personal goods in strong sealed cartons with some naphthalene or mothballs to protect and maintain their condition.

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• DO vacuum food crumbs from between sofa cushions to avoid attracting vermin. Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and top of cartons containing breakables.

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• DO protect fragile items with careful packing. Wrap them individually in packing paper (newsprint can be very messy and may stain). Nest cups and bowls. Stand plates, sauce platters and casserole dishes on their edges. Fill any gaps in the carton with packing such as scrunched paper or bubble wrap to prevent items from moving around. Label all cartons containing fragile items and store them toward the top of carton stacks.

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• DO store mirrors, windows, screens and paintings on their edge, not lying flat, and well protected by bubble-wrap or in a flat pack carton.

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• DO wrap silver in NON ACID tissue paper or plastic bags to help reduce tarnishing. Wipe chrome or cast iron with a little machine oil to help retard rust.

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• DO pack computers and electrical items in the original packing boxes when possible, or in good quality packing cartons with bubble wrap.

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Don'ts

• DON'T store any goods that are illegal, stolen, flammable, explosive, environmentally harmful, hazardous, perishable or that otherwise present a risk to property or people.

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• DON'T leave cartons partially full or bulging - they can tip or collapse.

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• DON'T store any machinery that still has fuel in its tank, or appliances or toys with batteries.

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• DON'T stack items inside fridges or freezers, as the shelves and linings can be easily marked and damaged.

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• DON'T pay to store air -disassemble large items such as bed frames, tables and wardrobes as much as possible.

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• DON'T pack large boxes such as books or tools in larges boxes. Overweight cartons are hard to lift and move and can crush items beneath them.

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• DON'T pack books on their spines - keep them flat.