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Are you moving to a new home? Is there a wait before you can shift in after you need to vacate your current home? Or maybe you’re moving into a smaller place, and need to sort through everything you wish to get rid of?
Whether you required temporary storage for a few days, weeks or months, or are looking for a long-term arrangement for your belongings, renting a storage unit provides an easy and cost-efficient solution while moving to your new home.
But before bundling up all your items and heading to the nearest storage unit, it’s essential first to research the right ways to pack your things for storage. You need to be prepared for all situation, including protecting against dust, dirt, and rain. Also, don’t forget to make a packing list.
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10 Tips For Preparing Your Items For Storage
1. To be sure you know what you can and can’t store
First, it’s essential to research exactly what you can put in storage, and what is prohibited. The storage facility will be able to provide you with a list of banned and restricted items. It’s crucial you don’t attempt to store any of these items.
In general, items which can’t be kept in a storage unit include:
– Petrol
– Paint
– Fertilisers
– Fireworks
– Chemicals
– Explosives
– Propane Tanks
– Narcotics
– Perishable Food
– Plants
– Medicine
If the item is flammable, it most likely is not allowed to be kept in a storage unit.
2. What You Should Put in Storage
First work out what you need to put into storage, and what you don’t. The more you need to keep in storage, the bigger the unit you will need, and the more expensive it will be. Go through each item, and ask yourself if you need to put it in storage and want to keep it.
If it has no sentimental or monetary value, or you haven’t used it in a long time, you could instead try selling it, donate it to friends, family, or a charity, or throw it out.
3. Make An Inventory of every item in Storage
In the middle of a move, it can be easy to forget what you have put into storage, and what you haven’t. Before you pack your belongings, first take the time to make an inventory list which has every item you plan to store.
No matter how small the item may be, make sure to include it on the list. Not only will it help keep you organised, but it will also stop you hunting through box after box in your new home trying to find something which is in storage instead!
It’s a good idea to keep a couple of lists – one you can have with you, and one in the storage unit. That way you can see exactly what you have in inventory at all times, and make any updates to the list at the same time – helping you to stay organised, and also saving you time!
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4. Thoroughly Clean Your Belongings
After getting your furniture, appliances or household items out of storage, it’s highly likely that it will have a must and mildew smell. Who wants to bring that into their new home?
It’s easy to avoid, by thoroughly cleaning your items before you put them into a storage unit. This eliminates the chance they will have a mildew scent.
It’s recommended to use an all-purpose cleaning spray to wipe down every surface, and also to use a vacuum for any couches and chair cushions. Any appliances put into storage should be cleaned with disinfectant wipes.
5. Store Your Items In Clear Plastic Containers
Now you’re ready to start packing your items. Instead of using boxes, it’s strongly recommended to use airtight, sealable clear plastic containers. This makes it easier to spot what’s inside each container quickly when you visit the storage unit, instead of having to hunt through box after box to find a single item you were looking for.
6. Label Boxes Clearly
If you have a heap of moving cardboard boxes left over and would prefer to use them instead of plastic bins, make sure they are sturdy enough to last in storage long term.
To make it easier to know what is inside each box, clearly label each one with the contents. Be specific. If will save you a lot of time when you are rummaging through your boxes in storage.
Instead of labelling a box as “Kitchen” label it something specific like “cutlery” or “pots and pans.”
7. Protect Items From The Elements
It’s possible your storage unit won’t be climate controlled, which means you will need to prepare your items to handle the extreme Australian weather conditions. Over time, dust, mildew, moisture, and mould can start to develop in your precious belongings if you don’t take proper packing precautions.
The first thing is to be sure all your goods are dry. Then for any leather goods and furniture, apply protective spray. Next, seal all boxes tightly.
- Electronic leads and cords store them in sealable plastic bags. It will keep moisture out and prevent any damage.
- Clothing items should be stored in wardrobe boxes, or put into a hanging garment bag.
- Mattresses secure them in a special mattress storage bag.
- Furniture cover any furniture in a cotton sheet. Doing so will keep pests out and protect against bad weather while preventing any damage.
8. Appliances
Before putting appliances in storage, you need first to prepare them. Ensure you thoroughly clean any device, and if there are any loose parts, secure them with tape. Wrap any appliance and their cord in bubble wrap, to prevent it from sustaining damage.
If you are putting a dishwasher, fridge, washer, or dryer into storage, leave the door open slightly. It will prevent moisture and mildew from building up over time.
9. Dismantle Any Large Items
By disassembling any large items such as a dining table, or bed, it won’t just make it easier to transport.
It will also help you save space in storage, and to offer better protection for these items from wear and tear.
Pro Tip: Store any mattresses and box springs flat in storage – this will prevent any damage.
10. Strategically Place Your Items In The Storage Unit
Now you’re ready to put your items into storage. Don’t randomly place them into the unit.
- If your goal is to save space, then vertically store your items.
- You should put any large or heavy items at the bottom of the unit.
- When laying your mattress flat, don’t put it right at the bottom of the storage unit. Any belongings you put on top of it will likely cause damage to the padding and springs due to the pressure over a long period.
Also, think about which items you will need to access regularly or easily. Put these at the front of the storage unit, ideally near the door for easy access.
What else to consider?
Now you know how to prepare your items for storage, what else is there to consider?
You should factor in:
- The quality of the boxes / packing supplies you have used
- What size is the storage unit
- Security of the storage unit. Does it have in-person surveillance? Are there video cameras? Is the facility well lit? Do you have secure locks on your door?
- Is the storage unit climate controlled? It’s recommended to have a climate controlled facility, if possible. Otherwise, the mould may form on any cardboard or paper over time.
Have Further Questions?
Are you looking for the best storage solution for you? Do you need help moving to the storage facility and with loading and unloading your items?
Well, Next Level Removals have a solution for you. Affordable moving services, and partner with all the leading removalists all around Australia. Contact professional to book your storage unit. Call 1300 005 400, or write an email
