Self Storage Units - Hints and Tips

LIGHTENING YOUR LOAD
Moving your goods into self storage unit is a good reason to dispose of all those unwanted items in your house that you should have thrown out years ago. Take an objective look in every room, drawer and closet in your home. It's a good idea to dispose of these items through either a non-profit organisation in the Yellow Pages or a garage sale. Charities will be glad to pick up your old clothes for mending and distribution to the needy.

HELPFUL HINTS
The use of Packing accessories such as Cartons,Paper, Tape, Bubble Wrap and Plastic covers will maintain and protect your goods whilst in the self storage unit. Packaging Materials can be found at our office. Fill cartons to capacity, partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse. Heavy items like books or tools should be packed in small cartons so they are easy to handle. Books should be packed flat, not on their spine. Packing and labelling cartons room by room makes 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 freezer's 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
Protect your furniture with drop sheets or something similar, such as sheets and doonas. 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 a similar product to protect and maintain their condition. Where possible, remove the legs from items of furniture eg. Bed bases, tables etc to avoid damage and save space.

STEREOS, TV'S & VCR'S
Your electrical equipment is very delicate and sensitive and should be handled with care especially while putting it away in self storage facilities. 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. CD players should be secured to prevent damage whilst they are being moved. Pack CD's on their edge in cartons to prevent damage.

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 possible stain). Nest cups and bowls, stand plates, saucers, platters, casseroles on their edge. Fill any gaps in the cartons with packing eg: scrunch 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 & PAINTINGS
These items should be protected by packing material eg: bubble-wrap or in a flat-pack carton. Store them standing on their edge in an upright position (not laying 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.

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 bubble-wrap and good quality packing cartons will do the job. Remember use some packing or linen in the bottom and top of cartons, this provides extra protection to the contents, and pack out any gaps. Most modern computers have "self parking heads" if you are unsure about your computer, refer to the manufacturer's manual, or consult your retailer. Masking tape is a great tool for labelling the ports. Make a note of your "SYSTEM DATA" which you will find in the CMOS records. Back-up hard disk before storing and keep back-up off site.

MOWERS & 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 firstly place large heavy items that you can stack upon in your space 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 walkways. Packing in professional storage cartons will make the storing and unpacking easier and safer, saving you time and worry. Professional packing and storage accessories will provide your goods with the preparation they need for storage and maintain their condition for the term of storage.

MOVING CHECKLIST
Arrange disconnection and reconnecting of services. Eg Power, Gas, Phone. Cancel any deliveries. Eg papers, milk, soft drinks. Your local Post Office will assist you with mail redirection.

Important Authorities and Business Houses to notify of your change of address: Electoral Office, Motor Vehicle Registration and Licence Authority, Taxation Office, Banks and Financial Advisers, Insurance Companies, Educational Institutions, Department of Social Security (re Pension payments, Family Payments etc), Medicare, Club Membership, Subscriptions.

THE STORAGE AGREEMENT
An important written agreement is designed for the protection of the storer and the facility owner. Be sure to read it thoroughly. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask our staff at this facility.

WHAT NOT TO STORE
Any goods that are illegal, inflammable, explosive, hazardous, perishable or that are a risk to the property of any person.