Calculate your storage
Be ruthless
- Our number one storage tip is, be ruthless, only store what you really want to keep, anything which you are unsure about maybe sell or donate to charity.
Use boxes that can stack
- Use boxes that can stack and try and use the same size boxes which are clearly labelled with what is inside them. Using similar size boxes will mean your unit is well organised and it will be easier to find things when you want them. Don’t be tempted to overfill boxes they will be heavy to lift and things inside are more likely to get damaged.
Large items at the back
- When you fill your unit always put large items at the back of the unit this leaves room for smaller items at the front which you are more likely to want to find, also when you stack the boxes always put heavier items at the bottom of the stack, this will make sure the stack remains stable and is less likely to collapse.
Prepare an inventory
- Before you come into storage make sure everything is clean any dirt may turn into mould even in the driest environment, and take the time to prepare an inventory that way you will know exactly what you have instore and where to find it.
Store items correctly
- If you are storing clothes bedding or any material in your unit and lots of people put their summer or winter wardrobe into storage, It is important to store them correctly. Firstly make sure they are washed and dried properly, no need to iron them as they will need to be ironed when they come out of storage. Do not use black sacks to store your clothes these have a tendency to trap moist air in, Vac storage bags are good for short term storage but can damage natural fibres such as wool and silk. The best option is to invest in plastic storage boxes with an air tight lid these will ensure your clothes remain dry and free from mould and mildew. Silica gel desiccant packets in the boxes will give an added level of protection to humidity sensitive items.
Clean furniture beforehand
- Furniture; when you decide to store your sofas or chairs make sure they have been cleaned before they go into store, when you put them into store they will need to be covered this will help to prevent dust stains or debris landing on the item which could cause damage over time.
Check mattresses
- Before you decide to store your mattress see how old it is and in what condition it is in, if you do decide to go ahead and store it, then it is important you invest in a good mattress protection cover, this will stop the mattress getting dusty when it is in store. Before you put the mattress into store make sure you hoover it to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be on the mattress.
Empty fridges and freezers
- If you are storing a fridge or freezer make sure it is empty and clean and leave the door slightly ajar this will allow air to circulate through the fridge and don’t forget to defrost the it before the fridge comes into store too!
Dissemble your furniture
- Disassemble all your furniture, if you don’t the storage unit will fill up fast! Lots of furniture will pack down, especially beds, if you have draws you can fill these with other items ( just make sure you take the draws out if it gets too heavy to move).
Leave some space
- Our last tip is leave some space in the unit. If you can make an aisle you will be able to access all your items easily without having to empty the unit each time you need to retrieve something