Storage Tips

Packing your belongings efficiently and safely is said to be an art and, although true, here are a few simple tips.

Boxing Up and Preparing Items for Storage

• Our shop offers good quality, sturdy boxes either with lids or that can be closed securely with tape.
• Fill the boxes to capacity to prevent boxes collapsing, using packing materials such as paper and bubble wrap.
• Boxes of the same or similar sizes can be stacked with better use of space.
• Mark and label of boxes for ease of reference and when un-packaging them. Label them on more than one side - you won't regret it.
• Glassware and china should be wrapped individually and if possible stored on end in the boxes and not flat.
• Mark any boxes containing breakable items as "Fragile".
• Pictures and mirrors are better placed in bubble wrap and stored on their end.
• Furniture should be treated before storing i.e. wood should be sprayed with a suitable solution and leather should be treated with a leather protector. Any treatments should have been allowed to dry prior to placing into storage.
• Do NOT store wet or damp items as they will almost certainly cause water damage and may cause mould and mildew.
• Remove any extreme projections such as the legs of a table which will help transportation of the table, cover with a furniture wrap.
• Use the drawers of furniture to also storage smaller fragile items, pack the drawers first and remember to remove the drawers or secure them shut before transporting them.
• Refrigerators and freezers must be drained and free of water or ice, wiping the inside with bi-carbonate of soda and storing with doors open helps keep them free from smell.
• Washing machines should be drained and any cables/pipes secured.
• Fuel tanks on lawnmowers, strimmers etc must be emptied prior to storing.

Storing into Room

• Store the largest items first towards the back of the room, place the heaviest boxes at the bottom if stacking them.
• Try to leave a path through the middle of the room.
• Any items that you might need access to should be stored as near to the door as possible.
• Place chairs seat to seat will not only save space but also protect them and then the area between the legs can be used to store smaller items.
• Store furniture such as tables, with the legs removed if possible, on end.
• If items such as tables cannot have the legs removed, store them upright with fragile items beneath and heavier boxes on top, and ensure the table top is protected with a dust sheet.