Self Storage Hints and Tips

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 the cartons with packing eg: scrunched paper 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, Paintings, Windows and Screens

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 items 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.

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 Address Changes

- Electoral Office
- NZ Transport Agency
- Inland Revenue
- Banks 
- Finance Companies
- Insurance Companies
- Educational Institutions
- Ministry of Social Development
- Accident Compensation Corporation
- Club Membership and Subscriptions

Other Tips

Inspect your storage unit and make a list of the packing accessories which you will need. Commonly used packing aids include such items as wrapping paper, bubble pack, tape, rope, drop cloths, polyurethane sheeting, mattress and furniture covers, pallets, skids, and cartons. 

Use all the space available, including the height. Disassemble items such as bed frames and tables.

Place frequently used items near the front of the space.

Fill containers to capacity. 
 
Heavy items such as books or tools should be packed in small boxes. If a carton is too heavy, it will be hard to lift. 

Fragile items should be cushioned by packing and placed toward the top of the unit.

Label cartons and take home the list of the labelled cartons for easy reference when you need to locate your property.