Self Storage Packing Tips

How to pack – saving time and money

Charters Towers Self Storage stock a range of packaging supplies that will help protect your goods whilst in storage.

large cartons (often referred to as removal cartons or tea chests)
small cartons (referred to as book/wine cartons)
plasma screen cartons
archive boxes
packing paper
acid free tissue paper
bubblewrap
packaging tape and dispenser guns
marking pens
furniture covers for king, queen and single mattresses
dining chair covers
covers for single and 3 seat lounge chairs

Fill all cartons to capacity. A bulging or partially filled carton is awkward to stack in a storage space. BIG IS NOT ALWAYS BEST. For example heavy items like tools or books should be packed into small cartons so they are easy to lift. Books should be packed flat, not on their spines. Packing and labeling cartons room by room makes the unpacking much easier.

Furniture

All items of furniture should be emptied of all contents before removal. Pack your clothing and personal items into strong cartons with some cedar balls/moth balls or similar for protection. Take apart any pieces of furniture, for example remove the legs from tables and beds. This makes the items easier for removal and saves on space in the storage unit. Be sure to vacuum underneath the cushions of your lounge furniture for any food crumbs so as not to attract any vermin whilst in storage.

Cover all furniture with plastic sheeting.

Avoid stacking or leaning furniture against the outside walls.

If you stand mattresses on their side, “prop” them up so they stand straight. They may tend to bend out of shape and become lumpy.

Breakables – kitchenware, glassware

Pack out the bottom of the carton with a layer of packing paper. Wrap fragile items individually in packing paper (avoid newspapers as they are messy and will possibly stain). Nest cups and bowls, stand plates, saucers, platters, casseroles on their edges. Fill any gaps in the cartons with packing, for example 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 so as to avoid storing heavy items on top of them.

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 deodorizer placed inside fridges and freezers is recommended to maintain freshness. Do not place items inside as the shelves and linings can be easily marked or damaged.

Drain water from washing machines and hoses. Tape hoses to the back of the machine.

Food

Storing of foodstuffs is not recommended particularly items that may leak, smell, perish or attract insects and rodents to your unit.

Books and documents

Place books flat to protect their spines. Do not place boxes directly on a floor. Books are heavy so pack in smaller cartons for easy lifting. Line all book cartons with plastic to prevent moisture and mould (rubbish bags make good liners).

Mirrors and Paintings

These items should be protected by packing material for example bubblewrap or in a picture-pack carton. Store them on their edges in an upright position – never lay them 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.

Electronic Equipment

Your electronic equipment is very sensitive and should be handled with care. The original boxes are ideal to repack in. However, wrapping items individually in bubble-wrap, packing them into cartons and sealing the top will offer protection for your electronic items. Remember to use some packing paper or linen in the bottom and top of the cartons to provide extra protection for the contents. This will also reduce movement whilst in transit. Ensure that you close down your computer properly before storing. Masking tape is a great tool for labelling the ports. Ensure you have an independent back-up of your data on the computer. Adding a couple of silica gel sachets to the cartons before sealing can help to reduce the moisture.

Battery operated tools and toys

To avoid damage from leaking batteries we recommend that you remove all batteries. Lithium batteries are not to be stored in the facility.

Vehicles and machinery

Minimise the fuel in the tank when machinery is stored. This reduces the risk of leakage, spillage and damage to other goods in your space. Drip trays and absorbent barriers are recommended underneath these items so that you can monitor fluid leaks.