Packing and Storing Tips

How can I pack my goods safely?

• Plan before you start! Consider the shape, size and weight of the items you're storing. Got the correct packing materials to hand? Suitable packing items might include different size boxes, strong packing tape, bubble wrap, old newspapers, Polystyrene chips, polypropylene sacks, string, labels and a marker pen.
• Use bubble wrap to protect things like T.Vs and P.Cs, or particularly fragile items such as glassware, crystal and porcelain. Pack dinner services with tissue paper and don't forget to protect exposed chair and table legs. Crumpled newspapers make excellent "fillers" to take up empty space in boxes and prevent your goods moving around.
• Use the right size box for the contents. Archive boxes for documents, smaller boxes for heavier items so they are easier to lift and larger boxes for bulkier items. Boxes should be filled to capacity to avoid them tipping or crushing when they're stacked. A specialist wardrobe box for clothes help them keep their shape.
• Always stack plates upright on their sides, making sure you wrap them individually in bubble wrap. Loose items in the box can be secured by using old newspapers to keep them in place
• Don't forget to use your marker pen to label where boxes are to be unpacked.  Write the box contents on the side, it will save a lot of time and effort if you need to retrieve an item while it is storage.
• Wrap pictures and mirrors individually in bubble wrap, mark as fragile and stack on end.
• Freezers, washing machines and refrigerators should be stored with their doors ajar to avoid "musty" smells building up. Always remember to make sure that all water is drained before they are placed into storage.
• Clean and oil outside tools and equipment before covering with protective packing.
  Remember; although you're putting goods into storage you may still need essentials at the end of the day. Keep a separate box for Tea, Coffee, Sugar, Kettle etc. DON'T place the following items into storage: your First Aid Kit and teabags for that end of day cuppa!

We can generally assist in supplying most packing materials. Give us a call if you require any assistance.

Storing your goods safely

• Make the most of your storage by preparing in advance and stacking securely and safely.
• Think carefully about how you're going to get at your stored possessions. Items in storage you know you'll need soonest should be put into the containers last. You may wish to leave an access aisle to get better access to it all.
• Make sure you value your things correctly so that you get the correct insurance quote for your goods while in store. Remember, some insurance companies will extend your home insurance to cover goods in store.
• Let us known exactly what items you'll be putting into storage. We'll advise you on the correct size of facility and make sure that you're not planning to store items that are unfit for this type of storage.
• Remember, you can drive most small Luton type vehicles right up to most of our storage containers. If you do need to unload your goods in the loading bay, we'll provide suitable trolleys to transport your goods to your unit. Remember: don't overload the trolley, and stack safely.
• We'll provide storage blankets and dust sheets to protect your goods in store.
  Storing garden tools or equipment? Make sure that you cover sharp edges and oiled or greased blades or moving parts. Our containers are stored internally so oil and grease resistant cloths or paper wrappings will not absorb moisture.
• Try to pack boxes to the top, or make sure that "empty" spaces are packed with old newspapers or cardboard. This will help in stacking boxes and prevent collapsing. Pack heavier items into smaller boxes to help in lifting and place these and your bulky items in first.
• Make sure that fragile goods are clearly identified and stored securely.
  Wrap mattresses in blankets or dust sheets prior to storage and stand them on edge.
• We'll secure your container with one of our quality padlocks and only you or your agreed representative can gain access to the container.
• We carefully monitor all people on our site. Please report to reception before accessing your container.