Storage Tips

Invest in good quality, sturdy boxes and packing materials — box strength degrades with use. Buying boxes of similar sizes makes stacking easier and saves space.

Fill boxes to capacity wherever possible to avoid breakages, but avoid making them too heavy. Use paper, towels, or special packing material to fill gaps. Partly-filled boxes may tip over or collapse when stacked.

Label all boxes clearly on more than one side so you can identify contents quickly. Keep an inventory and mark "Fragile" on any boxes containing breakable items.

Don't fill large boxes with heavy items like books — they'll become impossible to carry and may break. Use small book boxes instead, or put just a few heavy items in a large box and fill the rest with lighter items.

Don't pack items into sealed plastic bags — humidity can cause mildew.

Don't store wet items, as they can cause water damage, mold, and mildew.

Large appliances need care before storage. Defrost fridges and freezers thoroughly. Tie doors for the move, then leave them slightly ajar in storage to prevent condensation and odors. Drain washing machines and tie down hoses. Wipe insides with bicarbonate of soda.

Wrap all fragile items — dishes, glasses, ornaments — separately in paper or bubble wrap. Pack them tightly into strong boxes, filling gaps with paper or filler. Avoid placing heavy items on top of fragile ones.

For clothes, use wardrobe or clothes boxes so garments hang and keep their shape. Avoid bin liners — moisture can get trapped and ruin clothing.

For mirrors and pictures, wrap in bubble wrap and stack on their ends. Never store flat. Mark as "Fragile".

Cover upholstered items like mattresses and sofas with protective bags or sheeting. Stand sofas and mattresses on end to save space. Mattresses are best stored on the long end, ideally raised above floor level.

Place a dust sheet or cover between stacked furniture items to minimize scratching and damage.

Dismantle furniture like beds and tables before storing to save space. Keep all hardware together in a clearly labeled plastic bag taped to the relevant piece. Store large furniture sections vertically.

Stack chairs seats-together to save space. Cover chair legs with protective wrapping.

Spray wood furniture with a good quality furniture spray before storing for added protection.

Pack electrical equipment — TVs, stereos, computers — in original boxes where possible. If not, use appropriately sized boxes with gaps filled with paper. Secure record player arms and turntables.

Drain fuel tanks on items like lawnmowers before storage. Fuel cannot be stored in a self-storage facility.

Wipe down metal objects and tools with a little oil before storing to prevent rust.

Tie tools and long-handled items in bundles. Don't store brushes resting on the bristles.

Remove vacuum cleaner bags before storing.

Treat leather items with a leather conditioner before storage.

Store loose photographs between pieces of clean cardboard, taped together to avoid curling. If your unit is not climate-controlled, consider keeping photographs out of storage to avoid temperature damage.

Use furniture drawers as extra storage boxes — they're especially good for fragile items. Use the inside of wardrobes and kitchen appliances to store additional boxes.

Seal all boxes with packing tape before placing them in the unit to keep dust out.

Take time to plan how to pack items into the unit. A smaller, well-packed unit is cheaper than a larger, badly organized one.

Make sure you can easily access items you've stored when you need them, and take care to protect your belongings during storage.

If the floor space seems unclean or damp, put down protective sheeting or boards.

Check with the facility if they have trolleys or other equipment you can use for heavy items.

In all but the smallest units, create an aisle and leave enough room to get around the back.

Store your largest items first.

Always put the heaviest boxes at the bottom when stacking to avoid damage.

Stack boxes and similarly sized items together to save space.

Try not to lean furniture against outside walls.

Avoid resting metal objects against items susceptible to damage.

Assess what you'll need to access frequently and keep it at the front of the unit.

Fill hollow items — wardrobes, drawers, washing machines, fridges — with small boxes and other items to maximize space.

Stack boxes so that labels are visible.

Wedge the doors of all kitchen appliances open while in storage to avoid bad odors and mildew.

If an item seems wobbly when stored vertically, store it horizontally instead.

If concerned about the unit's environment, use moisture absorbers, deodorizers, and vermin bait.