Tips to save you Time and Money

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• Use packing accessories such as Cartons, Paper, Tape, Bubblewrap and plastic covers to protect your belongings while in storage.
• Fill cartons to capacity, partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collaspe.
• Heavy items like books or tools should be packed in small cartons so they are easy to handle.
• Place large heavy items that you can stack upon in your space at the rear of the unit.
• Work forward and upwards with lighter, fragile items.
• Place items you may need to access often towards the front of your unit.

Appliances

Fridges, Freezers should be thoroughly DRY and CLEAN before storing. While in storage the door should be secured slightly ajar. To maintain freshness a deodorizer placed inside fridges freezer's is also a good idea. Don't place items inside fridges or freezers as the shelves and linings can be easily marked and damaged.

Computers

All electrical items like your computer need special care. Original boxes are highly recommeded for packing, however bubble-wrap and good quality packing cartons will do the job. Remeber to use some packing material or linen in the bottom and top of the cartons, this will provide extra protection to the content. Most modern computers have "self parking heads" consult your retailer or manufacturer's manual if you are unsure about your computers specifications. Use masking tape to label the ports on the back of your computer. "System Data" which you will find in the CMOS setup should be recorded. Back-up data on your hard disk before storing and keep back-up data somewhere other than the storage site.

Dishes and Glassware

Place a layer of packing material 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 material or linen. This will keep your fragile items well protected and prevent them from moving around in the cartons while in storage. Label all cartons containing fragile items and avoid storing heavy items on the top of these cartons.

Furniture

Protect your furniture with drop sheets or blankets. 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 mothballs or a similar product to protect and maintain their condition. Where possible remove the legs from items of furniture (Bed bases, tables etc) to avoid damage and save space.

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.

Mowers and Other Machinery

You will reduce the risk of leakage, spillage and damage to other goods in you storage unit if you drain the fuel and oil from all machinery. Petroleum and oil left in machinery are also a fire hazard.

Mirrors, Windows, and Paintings

These items should be protected by packing material like bubble-wrap or in a flat-pack carton. Store them standing on their edge in an upright position (Do not lay flat).

Stereos, Televisions and Videos

Electrical equipment is very delicate and sensitive and should be handled with care. The original boxes are ideal to repack with, 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 while in storage. Pack records on their edge in cartons to prevent warping.

Battery Operated Appliances and Toys

To avoid damage batteries should be removed from all battery operated toys and appliances. Batteries should be stored in a cool dry place.

WHAT NOT TO STORE

Any goods that are illegal, inflammable, explosive, hazordous, perishable or that are a risk to the storage unit or the property of any person should not be stored.