Storage tips
Often there are occasions when you need to store your furniture. Whatever your reasons, you need to make sure your furniture is being protected and looked after while it is out of your care.
Questions to Ask
What will the storage cost?
How will your goods be stored?
Are you able to make an inspection of the facility before signing any contracts?
What insurance is provided, how much will the premium be and what does the policy cover?
What systems are in place to protect your belongings from burglary, fire, dust, vermin, and climatic changes?
How much notice must you give to access your goods?
Packing a Storage Unit
Plan and pack your storage space carefully. Leave air space around the perimeter to aid ventilation
Place protection on concrete floors for mattresses, soft furnishings & books
Use all space available especially height, and place frequently used goods near the door
As a general rule, place large heavy and valuable items that you can stack upon, at the rear of the unit. Then work forwards and upwards with lighter fragile items
Any long items such as mattresses, beds and table tops should be placed on their edges along walls
If there’s a chance you may require any item you are leaving in storage, pack it into the truck first so it is removed last and will be near the door for easy access
Where possible, store couches (with the exception of sofa beds) on their ends to maximise space.
Label all boxes on all sides for easy locating
The space inside wardrobes, cupboards, desks, fridges etc. are great to utilise for extra space
Storing Whitegoods
Refrigerators should be thoroughly cleaned with hot soapy water, a little bleach, and then dried. Wiping the interior with a soft cloth with vanilla essence will ensure the interior is kept fresh. 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.
Washing machines should have all water drained from their interiors, including the pipes. Secure the inner and outer bowl to prevent mechanical derangement.
Storing Valuables
Clothing should be clean to reduce the risk from silverfish and moths. Also sealing in airtight packages reduces the risk of deterioration.
Ensure you have not packed documents you will require before you take delivery of your goods – passports, medical records, tax records, licences etc
Ensure your jewellery is not included in your storage container
Have any carpets and rugs to be kept in storage cleaned, prior to stowing
Mirrors, Screens & 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.
Stereos, Televisions & Videos
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 bubble-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. .
Battery Operated Appliances & 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. Most 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 & other Machinery
Drain fuel and oil from all machinery. This reduces the risk of leakage, spillage and damage to other goods in your space. Petrol and oil left in machinery are also a fire hazard.
