Storage Tips

Here are some handy packing and storage tips to save you time and money.

The Packing Basics

Packing the right way will maintain and protect your goods whilst in storage. A variety of packing supplies are available from D’ Storage. Fill boxes to capacity; partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse. Heavy items such as books or tools should be packed in small cartons so they are easy to handle. Books should be packed flat, not on their spines. Packing and labelling cartons room by room makes the unpacking much easier, and if you need to find something in storage you will have some idea of which carton to begin looking in.

Appliances

Fridges, freezers and other white goods should be thoroughly DRY and CLEAN before storing. 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. Don’t place items inside fridges or freezers as the shelves and linings can be easily marked and damaged.

Furniture

Empty the contents of wardrobes, drawers and cupboards to protect the shelving and structure of these items. Clothing and personal goods should be packed in strong secure cartons with some naphthalene, mothballs or similar product to protect and maintain their condition. Where possible remove the legs from items of furniture e.g. bed bases, tables etc. to avoid damage and save space. Vacuum food crumbs from lounges to prevent attracting vermin.

Dishes & Glassware

Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and top of cartons containing breakables. Protect fragile items by wrapping them individually in packing paper (newsprint can be very messy and possibly stain). Nest cups and bowls, stand plates, saucers, platters, casseroles on their edges. Fill any gaps in the cartons with packing e.g.: scrunched paper or linen. This will keep your fragile items well protected and prevent them from moving around in the cartons whilst in transit. Label all cartons containing fragile items and avoid storing heavy items on the top of these cartons.

Mirrors, Windows, Screens & Paintings

These items should be protected by packing material e.g. bubblewrap 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 and 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. Turntables and tone arms of record players should be secured to prevent damage whilst they are being moved. Pack records on their edges in cartons to prevent warping.

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 bubblewrap 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. 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.

Small Equipment & 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.

Planning Your Storage Space

As a general rule place large, heavy items that you can stack upon at the rear of the unit. Then work forwards and upwards with lighter, fragile items. Place those items that you may need to access often in the front of the unit. Depending on the goods you have stored, you may need to allow for walk ways. Packing in professional storage cartons will make the stowing and unpacking easier and safe, saving you time and worry. Professional packing and the storage accessories will provide your goods with the preparation they need for storage and maintain their condition for the term of storage.

Make A List

Make a list of the items you have put in storage. This may come in handy later on when you want to track stuff down. This list is also important for estimating the level of insurance you need.

What Not to Store

Any goods that are illegal, stolen, inflammable, explosive, environmentally harmful, hazardous, perishable or that are a risk to the property of any person. e.g. Chlorine, acid, paint and petrol.

Check our size estimation and gallery

You may also wish to visit our “Size Estimation” to have a rough idea of the storage size we are offering. Visit our “Gallery” to see how our storage facility looks like.