ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Electrical equipment such as TVs, stereos and computers should be packed in their original boxes whenever possible. If this isn’t possible, pack them into boxes that are about the right size making sure that you pack gaps with padding. Never use packing peanuts with computers or other items sensitive to static electricity.

BOOKS

Pack books flat to avoid damaging their spines. Use only small “Book boxes” to pack books. Don’t pack too many books into a box. They are very heavy. Alternate books so that it goes pages/spine/pages/spine as you look into the box as most hardback books are slightly wider at the binding and they may get damaged if you put them all the same way around. Consider boxing them in a sensible sequence for refilling your shelves (e.g. by type/size and alphabetical).

Do not be tempted to fill large boxes with heavy items such as books as they’ll quickly become impossible to carry without hurting someone

FRAGILE ITEMS

All fragile or delicate items should be wrapped individually in paper, bubble wrap or foam wrap for added protection. Paper will do but bubble wrap is a good investment.

It’s important to properly cushion the contents of each box. Fragile articles need to avoid touching other items. Also be sure to leave some padding between the side of the box and the fragile item. Proper cushioning material, combined with a strong outer box, will help protect the contents

DISHES

Most damage to dishes is due to improper packing. Use more padding than you think is necessary. Many dishes will fit nicely in foam sleeves designed specifically to protect the dish during transit and storage. Bubble wrap or clean newsprint can also be used. Never allow a glass item to touch another glass item.

Consider purchasing special dish boxes and kits to protect your fine china. Never place a heavy item on top of more delicate glass items

LAMPS

Separate lamp bases and lampshades and wrap them for protection. Remove shade, bulb and harp assembly. Wrap the bulb in bubble wrap. Wrap and securely box all parts of the lamp. The Lampshade should be alone in a box that is very close in size to the shade as possible. Do not add other items to the box to prevent damage to the shade

MIRRORS & PICTURES

For the best protection framed pictures and mirrors can be stored in specially made cardboard boxes. If you aren’t boxing them be sure to 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’

UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE

If you’re storing upholstered products such as mattresses and sofas it might be a good idea to invest in covers, bags or sheeting to give them some additional protection

 

Loading Your Unit

ORGANIZATION TIPS

There are two key things to remember when organizing your self-storage unit. First, make sure that you can easily access the items you’ve stored in the facility when you want them. Second, you must take care when storing – these are your belongings and there are measures you can take, apart from careful packing, that will help protect them during their time in the facility.

  • Be sure to store frequently used items at the front of the unit to avoid having to search for them.
  • Try to avoid storing any valuables. If you must, keep them away from the door where they can’t be seen. The best place for valuables is towards the back of the unit.
  • Prepare your unit by placing plastic on the floor under your goods to guard against dampness. Any concrete floor may become cold and damp.
  • Cover stuffed furniture with dust cover to protect against dust.
  • Use all of your space. If you will not be visiting your items while they are in storage pack things tightly.
  • If you will be visiting your storage during your stay allow for walk-ways. Leave a walkway to the back of the storage space for easy access.
  • Do not store food items which could attract rodents or pests.
  • Avoid putting heavy items on top of fragile ones.
  • Do not store wet items in a self-storage facility as they can cause water damage, mold and mildew.
  • Store large pieces of furniture vertically to save space. Stand sofas (except sleeper models) on end wherever possible to maximize space.
  • Cushions should be wrapped and placed on top.
  • Don’t stack items on soft furniture or the cushions may become crushed.
  • Mattresses are best stored on the long end and should be ideally raised above floor level or laid on protective sheeting. Be sure to securely “prop” them up so they stand straight to avoid them bending out of shape or becoming lumpy.
  • If you’re storing a few items of furniture on top of each other place a blanket or towel between the pieces to prevent scratching and damage.
  • Chairs can be stacked seat to seat to save space.
  • Store your largest items first.
  • If you’re stacking your unit high with boxes, always make sure to put the heaviest boxes at the bottom to avoid damage.
  • Stack boxes and similarly sized items together to save space.
  • Try not to lean items against exterior walls that may sweat.
  • Try to assess what you’ll need to access frequently and keep it at the front of your unit.
  • Make sure to stack boxes and containers so that you can see the labels easily.

Shovels, hoes, rakes and hoses can be bundled together with shrink/stretch wrap or stored together in empty trash cans. Stack extra cans inside one another. Don’t store brooms or brushes