Tips & Tricks for Great Storage

Wrapping your delicate items

• Traditionally, bubble wrap or basic butchers paper works best for most fragile items. What packaging’s available?
• We’d advise again using newspaper to wrap precious items as it leaves marks on most items and can permanently stain if it is packed away for a long time.
• For some padding around your precious items, try using old supermarket bags or tea towels.

Storing precious antiques

• Smaller items should be wrapped first in paper and then in bubble wrap before being packed firmly into boxes. Always store standing upright and pack carefully so light items are not on the bottom of a box.
• Larger items such as furniture should be emptied and then wrapped carefully in furniture pads to avoid scratching any surfaces.
• Where possible, fragile items like lamps should have removable such as globes and shades taken apart with each item wrapped in bubble wrap before being boxed as a set. Always store upright. Need a box for that?

Storing electronic goods

• Nothing beats the original boxing, but if you don’t have them handy anymore, you should use bubble wrap and secure it firmly in a box to stop movement in transit. We’ve got bubble wrap for that!
• We suggesting labeling the cords – it’ll save you a nightmare at the end when you need to plug them all back in! Key tags around each cord are really helpful.
• Of course, make sure everything is clean and dry before packing away.

Storing white goods

• The golden rule for white goods is ensuring everything is completely clean and dry.
• Store your white goods with the door open to avoid smells and most importantly to prevent the build-up of mold. Try taping an old towel in the door.
• Storing items inside your white goods can likely result in damage during transit, aim to keep it completely empty.

Storing metallic goods

• Use a little machine oil to wipe down cast iron and prevent rusting.
• Wrap your precious silver in acid-free paper or old towels to avoid tarnishing.
• Remember to store metals separate from goods they could stain like furniture and good linens.

Storing computers

• To prepare for a worst-case scenario, you should always keep an external back up of important information prior to storage.
• Computers are sensitive to moisture and shock so pack everything carefully as per other electronics goods and remember to label your cords.
• Using linen or bubble wrap at the top and bottom of your packaging will help protect it from shock.

Storing glass or breakables

• Individually wrap each item with butcher’s paper or bubble wrap.
• Place securely into a cardboard box – ideally a sectional Kitchen Box with other similar items.
• Use bubble wrap and packing paper to fill any empty spaces and place packing at the top and bottom of the box for protection.
• Mirrors and glass front pictures should be bubble wrapped and then placed in a picture box or wrapped in cardboard.
• Be sure to mark boxes as fragile so you and anyone else remembers to take extra care.

Storing sharp goods

• Wrap packaging paper around the blade and secure with tape. Write – SHARP – on the package!
• Wrap in bubble wrap and pop in a box. We recommend the DVD box.

Storing large furniture

• Empty all drawers and wardrobes. Pop your clothes and shoes straight into a Portable Robe.
• Cushions should be bagged or wrapped so they don’t get lost or damaged. Our white linen bags are perfect for this!
• Vacuum food crumbs from lounges etc. to avoid any odours or staining.
• Stack chairs seat to seat with cloth separating them. Cover with Chair Covers.
• Use furniture protectors. See our range here.
• Ensure all mattresses are dry and covered before storing.
• Dampness on leather can cause mold – always cover with a furniture pad rather than plastic.

Storing batteries

• Where possible, batteries should always be removed from appliances as they are prone to leaking after extended periods of time.
• Store batteries in leak and acid-proof containers.

Banned goods from storage

• In the interest of your personal safety and the safety of our premises, the following have been banned from storage in our facilities: hazardous materials such as pool chlorine and BBQ gas bottles, explosives, illegal and stolen goods, perishable goods (including all foods/goods that attract vermin), livestock, pets and any goods that may be of harm to others .

Sketch a floor plan and label what’s inside

• Label all your boxes and keep a reference list of what is inside each box.
• Sketch up a floor plan of where each item is so you have easy access later on. You’ll thank us for that when Christmas comes around!

Choosing the right size unit

• We have more than 20 different sized spaces at Shenton Storage, so we’re sure to have the right space for you. Our staff will help you with that.
• See link: www.selfstorage.com.au/space-calculator

Assorted handy tips

• Fill all boxes to capacity, partially full boxes can collapse.
• Pack heavy items in small boxes so they are easy to lift.
• Place fragile items near top of storage space. Mark as ‘Top stack only’
• Leave a walkway in your storage space for easy access.
• Place frequently used goods neatly at the entrance.
• Use the right size boxes. What’s available?
• Put heavier items at the bottom of the box.
• If you have had to remove nuts and bolts, pop them in a snap-lock bag tape them to the item they came from.
• Pack your unit from the back to the front.  Odd shaped items can often sit on or under a table to keep them out of the way.
• Group similar things together and store room-specific items together.
• Store long items vertically.

Moving Checklist

There is definitely a lot to think about when you’re doing the big change of moving home. At Shenton Storage, we like to think we can help take some of the stress out of that for you.

We’ve prepared a handy checklist to help guide you through the process. If you’re in need of some assistance with packaging, boxes, storage space or a removalist and packing service – just give our friendly staff a call on 9382 1282.

6 – 8 Weeks Before Moving

1. Create a folder for your pending move, keep records of receipts, quotes, invoices, inventory etc.
2. Organize your moving transport, get a couple of quotes from furniture removalists. Compare the quotes and choose the best one for your specific needs. Shenton Storage staff can recommend some great moving companies.
3. If you need insurance for the move, organise that now.
4. Call Shenton Storage or drop by the office (bring your Driver’s License for photo ID) to find out what size space you will need.
5. If you require additional services like skip bins, house cleaning services, window cleaners or garden services, shop around for few quotes to get the best value offer.
6. Work out how you are going to move pets, valuables, vehicles, caravans, motorbikes, plants etc.
7. If you have items you no longer need, have a garage sale or donate the items to charity. Most charity organizations are happy to come to collect larger donation items like furniture.
8. Change your address and contact details with your major service providers, health funds, banks, subscriptions, phones, insurance etc. Fill out a change of address form at the post office or go online to have your mail redirected.
9. Have all repairs to the property done and return borrowed items.
10. Get packing! Purchase packing materials; boxes, tape, bubble wrap, including a safe spot box for all essential items that you want to find quickly. Visit our box shop for all the essentials, we’re open 5.5 days a week, so when you run out, we’ll be right here for you!
11. If you are leasing the property you are in, notify the managing agent with the vacating date and arrange for a property inspection.

2 – 4 Weeks Before Moving

1. Confirm your storage space and organize to sign your Self Storage Agreement paperwork at Shenton Storage.
2. Confirm your moving transport, if you are having helpers confirm they are available on your moving day.
3. Arrange the disconnection and connection of all your utilities – Gas, water, electricity, internet, Foxtel and any delivery service.
4. Start using up all the food in your pantry and freezer – you’ll be surprised how much stuff you have in there and it’ll save packing or throwing it out later.
5. Arrange insurance cover for new property.
6. Create an inventory list of items you want to move – Separate moving items into categories, such as storage, moving, giveaway, disposal and garage sale.
7. Create an inventory list to be used on your moving day and put a numbering system in place.
8. Begin packing items that are rarely used – books, ornaments, crockery. Smaller boxes are best for this. The Shenton Storage Book Wine box will be perfect.
9. Label boxes by number, room and contents. Don’t forget to pick up a couple of Markers.
10. Label valuables as ‘do not move’ as these will be transported separately.
11. Store valuables in a safe place while you are moving.
12. If you are selling your home, check the time and date of settlement with your settlement agent.
13. Arrange for a cleaning service and carpet cleaner to clean the property before inspection takes place.

1 – 2 Weeks Before Moving

1. Disassemble any built-in fixtures, indoor and outdoor furniture and fittings ready for transport.
2. Confirm your moving schedule with the removalist and property agents.
3. Continue packing.
4. Service any mechanical items and drain oil to avoid leakage.
5. Discard any hazardous or flammable substances and purge gas bottles.
6. Ensure you have all the property keys available for the property agent.
7. Prepare a folder of important info and household appliance manuals about your house for the next homeowner.
8. Cancel or change local services – newspaper deliveries, lawn mowing service.

1 – 4 Days Before Moving

1. Review and prepare an action plan for the day of the move.
2. Clean the fridge and defrost the freezer. Consume perishables.
3. Take apart beds and other heavy items. You can use the mattress on the floor.
4. Have essential tools readily available – vacuum cleaner, tool box, tape, medical kit, chocolate etc.
5. Dispose of out-of-date cleaning materials from under the laundry and kitchen sink.
6. Have easy access to essential household cleaning products for the last minute clean.
7. Organize babysitting for young children and pets on moving day.

Moving Day

1. Place all essential items and suitcases in a specific place so that are not loaded into the moving van. Place the items in the bathroom or a car.
2. Pack all your essentials in a Safe Spot box, including your paperwork file with your Storage Agreement and Customer Access PIN and unit padlock
3. Ensure all your valuables are in a safe place.
4. Remove the bedding and pack in an essential box, disassemble all the beds ready for the removalist.
5. Take movers and helpers through the house to let them know what to do.
6. Tick off all the boxes and furniture on your inventory list as they are loaded into the van.
7. Check all the cupboards and behind doors before you leave.
8. Take a few minutes to have a walk around the property for one final check.
9. Remember to take the garage remote control out of your car before you leave.
10. Drive to Shenton Storage – 37A Lemnos Street, Shenton Park – Get a Map Here
11. Call us on 9382 1282 if you need help with anything!