Hints
to save you time and money
Packaging
Materials are available.
The use
of Packing accessories such as Cartons, Porta Robes, Paper, Tape,
Bubble-wrap and Plastic covers will maintain and protect your
goods whilst in storage. A variety of packing accessories are
available for purchase 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 spines. Packing and labelling cartons room by room makes
the 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 freezers 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
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 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. Vacuum food
crumbs from lounges to prevent attracting vermin.
DISHES
AND 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 possibly
stain).
Nest cups and bowls, stand plates, sauce platters, casseroles
on their edges. Fill any gaps in cartons with packing
eg: scrunched
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, SCREENS AND PAINTINGS
These
items should be protected by packing material eg: bubble-wrap
or in a flat-pack carton store them standing on their edges in
an upright position (not lying 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.
ELECTRICAL
ITEMS
Your
electrical equipment is very delicate and sensitive and should
be handled
with care. The original boxes are ideal to repack in. 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. Pack
records
or similar on their edges to prevent warping.
BATTERY
OPERATED APPLIANCES AND 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 to
use some packing or linen in the bottom and top of cartons. This
provides extra protection to the contents. Pack out any gaps.
Modern computers have "self parking heads." If you are unsure
about your computer, refer to the manufacturer's manual, or consult
your retailer, especially if storing for longer than six months.
MOWERS
AND OTHER MACHINERY
Drain
fuel and oil from all machinery. This reduces risk of leakage,
spillage and damage to other goods in your space. Petrol and oil
left in are also a fire hazard.
PLANNING
YOUR STORAGE SPACE
As a general
rule place large, heavy items that you can stack upon at the rear
of the space. Then work forwards and upwards with lighter, fragile
items. Those items that you may need to access often, place in
the front of the space. Depending on the goods you have stored,
you may need to allow for walk ways. 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 the storage.
MOVING
CHECKLIST
Arrange
disconnection and reconnection 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
are: Electoral Office, Motor Vehicle Registration and Licence
Authority, Taxation Office, Banks and Financial Institutions,
Insurance Companies, Educational Institutions, Department of Security
(re Pension payments. Family Payments etc), Medicare, Club Membership
and Subscriptions.
THE
STORAGE AGREEMENT (Self Storage Association of Australasia
Standard Storage Agreement)
This important
written agreement is designed for the protection of the storer
and the facility owner. Be sure to read it thoroughly. If you
have questions ask our staff.
WHAT
NOT TO STORE
Any
goods that are illegal, stolen, inflammable, explosive, environmentally
harmful, hazardous perishable or that are a risk to the property
or person. eg. Chlorine, acid, paint, petrol.
Helpful
Tips
