in the same condition as they went in!
Learn some handy tips on how to pack items to keep them in a good condition and how to pack your storage unit to make the most of your storage space and allow ease of access to your goods while they are stored.
We provide self-storage solutions for residential and businesses clients in Auckland. We can provide expert packing tips and advice for your possessions.
Storage Hints and Tips: How to Save Money, Time and Effort?
Maintain and protect your goods while in storage by using self-storage packing products such as Cartons and boxes, porta-robes, wrapping paper, tape and plastic covers. Always fill boxes to capacity because partially full or bulging boxes may collapse. Pack books flat not on edge. Heavy items should be packed in small boxes for ease of handling. Pack and label cartons room by room to make unpacking easier, if you have to find something while in storage you will know where to look.
When packing your goods and possessions in your self-storage unit it’s helpful to place large, heavy items at the rear of the unit and then stack other lighter items on top of them.
Work from the back wall and corners outwards and upwards with heavy, bulky items at the back and lighter fragile items on top and towards the front.
Place items you may need to access often in the front of the unit.
If you are going to access your possessions or goods on a regular basis it’s a good idea to allow for walkways between items when you are storing them.
Hints for packing your possessions
These hints are designed to help you achieve an efficient, stress-free pack, move and storage experience. We are always happy to share our knowledge to provide expert advice and answer any questions you may have.
- Boxes, cardboard, paper, bubble wrap, plastic covers, tape, stickers and markers and other packing accessories will maintain and protect your goods while they are in storage.
- Fill boxes to capacity as partially full or bulging boxes may collapse or tip.
- Heavy items like books or tools should be packed in small boxes so they are easier to handle.
- Books should be packed flat, not on their spine.
- Packing and labeling boxes room by room makes the unpacking process easier. This will also assist you in locating any item you need to access whilst in storage..
- Number the boxes and make a list of what each box number contains.
Clothing and personal goods storage
Pack in strong, secure boxes with some mothballs or a similar product to protect and maintain their condition.
Furniture storage
Protect your furniture with furniture covers or drop sheets.
Empty the contents of wardrobes, drawers and cupboards to protect the shelving and structure of the furniture.
Save space by removing the legs from items of furniture e.g. bed bases and tables where possible.
Mirrors and painting storage
Protect with packing material e.g. bubble-wrap, corrugated cardboard or in a flat-pack box. Store items standing on their edge in an upright position rather than lying them flat.
Stereos and TV storage
The original boxes are ideal to repack your electrical appliances. If you no longer have these boxes, wrapping items individually in bubble-wrap, packing them in sturdy boxes and sealing the top will offer protection.
Pack out any gaps in each box with smaller or soft items.
Battery operated items storage
Remove batteries to avoid acid damage from leaking batteries.
Appliance storage
Fridges, freezers and other whiteware should be thoroughly clean and dry before storing.
While in storage the door should be propped slightly ajar to enable fresh air to circulate.
A deodoriser placed inside fridges or freezers will help maintain freshness.
Don’t place items inside fridges or freezers as the shelves and linings can be easily marked and damaged.
Dishes, glassware and fragile item storage
Place a layer of packing such as corrugated cardboard inside the bottom and top of boxes containing breakables.
Protect fragile items by wrapping them individually in packing paper. Plain paper is best as the newspaper is messy to handle and may stain items. Place cups, bowls, saucers, plates, platters and casserole dishes on their edge.
Fill any gaps in the boxes with packing e.g. scrunched plain paper, bubble wrap or linen. This will help protect your fragile items and prevent them from moving in the boxes while in transit.
Label boxes containing fragile items with fragile stickers and avoid storing heavy items on the top of these boxes.
Metal item storage
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.
Computer storage
The original boxes are ideal for repacking. If you no longer have this bubble wrap and good quality packing boxes will protect your goods.
Use packing paper or linen in the bottom and top of boxes to protect contents and pack out any gaps.
Use masking tape to label as you unplug each port for ease of reinstallation.
Back-up your hard drive content before storage and keep a copy in an alternative place.
Mowers and other machinery storage
Drain fuel and oil from all machinery to reduce the risk of leakage and damage to other items in your storage unit.
Please note: petrol and oil are also a fire hazard.
