Storage SilverdalePrepare in advance for your move

You can get tied up in the heat of the moment of moving, and can sometimes overlook the obvious.

A few tips/reminders to help:

  • Don’t pack items into sealed plastic bags unless moisture absorbers are present
  • Pack books flat to avoid damaging the spines
  • Don’t store damp items in a self-storage facility
  • Defrost fridges and freezers thoroughly before storing them
  • Appliances should be clean and dry before placing them into storage
  • Wrap all fragile items separately. Pack tightly into strong boxes and fill any gaps with paper
  • Avoid putting heavy items on top of fragile ones
  • If you’re storing upholstered items such as mattresses and sofas in a self-storage facility, ideally invest in covers or sheeting to give them some additional protection.
  • Mattresses should ideally be raised above floor level or placed on protective sheeting.
  • Dismantle furniture if possible and place screws and bolts together in a plastic bag, mark them clearly and tape them to the relevant piece of furniture.
  • Electrical equipment such as TVs, stereos and computers should be packed in their original boxes wherever possible. Alternatively, pack them into boxes that are about the right size making sure that you pack gaps with paper etc.
  • Wipe down metal objects and tools with a little oil before storing to help prevent rust.
  • Think hard about storing photographs. If you do store loose photographs, place them between pieces of clean cardboard and tape them together to avoid curling.
  • If possible, try to create an aisle and leave enough room to be able to get round the back of your unit, or down the middle for easier access.
  • Store your largest items first.
  • Stack boxes and similarly sized items together to save space.
  • Try not to lean furniture against outside walls.
  • Try to establish what you’ll need to access more often and keep it at the front of your unit.
  • Fill anything that’s empty – i.e. wardrobes, drawers, washing machines and fridges with small boxes and other items to maximize your available space.
  • Make sure you stack boxes and containers so that you can see any labelling you’ve marked up.