Go… Storage Tips

We hope that with a little help from the tips below we can make moving into your unit an easier process.

Packing Tips

• Create a ‘Portable Packing Kit’ with a marker pen, parcel tape, labels, scissors and tape measure.
• Each time you pack a box, use your marker pen to label which room they are to be unloaded and also write the contents on the side.
• Clearly identify fragile goods, and store them safely.
• Tape boxes completely with packaging tape, this will help to keep out dust.
• Fill cartons to capacity; partially full cartons may tip or collapse.
• Keep contents of boxes to under 16kg.
• Heavy items like books or tools should be packed in small cartons so they are easy to handle.
• Make sure items with sharp edges or garden tools are safely packed to avoid accidents.
• All outside equipment should be cleaned before storage, and lawnmower blades etc, lightly oiled.

How to prepare and store your goods

• Mattresses, Beds and Table Tops should be placed on their edges along walls.
• Pictures and Mirrors should be wrapped individually in bubble wrap with paper pads, cardboard or mirror boxes, mark as fragile and always stand them straight up……never flat. Protect them between softer items such as mattresses or bed-bases.
• Freezers, Washing Machines and Refrigerators should be drained prior to storage as, moisture and mildew can cause damage. If your refrigerator or freezer is not clean and dry leave the door slightly ajar.
• Family Silver & Crockery should be wrapped individually in acid free tissue and always stack Plates upright on their sides. If you find the contents are loose in the box you can use ‘void fill’ to keep them in place.
• Breakables and Glassware should be wrapped separately in tissue or packing paper. They should be packed in sturdy boxes, and ensure they are marked “Fragile”. Stack them on their sides to prevent breakages. Empty space should be filled with packing paper. Do not stack any heavy items on top of cartons containing breakables.
• Electronics: when you disassemble electronics such as computers and stereos (items that have numerous cables), place a small coloured sticker on the cable and the same colour sticker where the cable goes.
• Stoves: make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.
• Washing Machine: Stuff towels between the washing machine and the inner tub of the washing machine to keep the tub from rotating.
• Vacuum Cleaners: Remove and discard vacuum cleaner bags before storing.
• Bedding or Clothes should never be packed in plastic bags by using boxes, the items won’t sweat. When storing, you should put a ‘moisture absorber’ in the box. Clothing should be packed in strong secure cartons with some naphthalene or a similar product to protect and maintain their condition. We recommend you avoid storing your belongings in plastic bags because humidity and moisture can gather in plastic and cause damage.
• Furniture: Where possible, remove the legs from items of furniture eg: Bed bases, tables etc to avoid damage and save space. Protect your furniture with drop sheets or something similar. Empty the contents of wardrobes, drawers and cupboards to protect the shelving and structure of these items. Use corrugated card for your chair and table legs.
• Outside tools and equipment should be cleaned before packing.

Storage Unit Preparation

• Start by placing a dust sheet on the floor to protect your goods.
• Identify your heaviest and fullest boxes. Put these and your bulky items in first.
• As a general rule place large, heavy items that you can stack at the rear of the space then work forwards and upwards with lighter, fragile items.
• Items that you may need to access often, place in the front of the unit.
• Remember how long it took you to load your van. You’ll have to allow at least the same amount of time when you unload your van to place your good into you Storage Unit.

What not to Store in your Storage Unit

• Do not leave paints, chlorines, acids, explosives, oil, or petrol in your storage unit. Anything combustible is NOT permitted
• Drain all petrol and oil from lawnmowers, whipper snipers, etc.
• It is against the law to store hazardous or combustible materials.
• Ensure gas bottles are empty and BBQ or cooking surfaces are clean.
• Avoid the risk of leaky batteries by removing them before you store.
• Do not store any living things (including plants and dried flowers) or perishable goods (especially food stuffs this includes wheat bags).
• Any goods that are stolen or illegal.

Pest Control

• All of our units are cleaned between clients tenancy periods and we do our upmost at Go Storage to keep pests at bay by maintaining and cleaning our storage units regularly.
• We ask tenants; do not to store any sort of food items in a storage unit as it can attract pests and which can comprise the whole facility.
• To prevent damage from pests we recommend you use over-the-counter pest control like camphor balls or flakes.

Insurance

Check with your own insurer who currently covers your home contents to see if they will cover your goods while in Go Storage.

Move Safely

If you are moving yourself, practice safe lifting techniques and don’t lift heavy items on your own. If you need to move heavy appliances, it can be a good idea to get appliance rollers or a sack truck. Remember – pack your vehicle safely for the journey, do not overload the vehicle and check tyres, oil and water before you leave.