Packing & Storing Hints

 

 


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Table of Contents

  1. How do I pack containers ... ?
  2. How do I prepare furniture for storage ... ?
  3. How do I pack mirrors, windows, pictures, screens and other flat items ... ?
  4. How do I protect my collectible or breakable items ... ?
  5. How do I pack electronics ... ?
  6. How do I know what is in a box after I've packed it ... ?
  7. How do I prepare appliances for storage ... ?
  8. How do I prepare clothes for storage ... ?
  9. Can I pack my stuff in plastic bags ... ?
  10. How do I pack my storage space to best preserve and for easiest access to my items ... ?
  11. Should I protect my items from pests ... ?
  12. Can I store my petrol driven powered tools and equipment ... ?
  13. How does AAA Storage Apartments help me sell my house ... ?

How do I pack containers ... ?

· Fill containers to capacity, partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse.
· Heavy items like books or tools should be packed in small boxes so they are easy to lift.
· Protect your fragile goods with packing (e.g. bubble wrap or wrapping paper) and place them near the top of your storage space.
· Seal boxes completely with packing tape. This will help keep out dust.

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How do I prepare furniture for storage ... ?

Sofas, mattresses, and beds
· Place a pallet, corrugated cardboard mat, or plastic sheet on the floor and stand sofas and mattresses on end.
· Disassemble beds.
· Sofa or pullout beds should not be stored on their sides.
· Protect mattresses and furniture with pads and covers.
Tables
· Disassemble tables and wrap table legs in paper.
· Wrap and mark all pieces for easier re-assembly.
· If a table will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with the legs pointing up.
Shelves
· Disassemble shelves.
· Wrap and mark all pieces for easier re-assembly.
Dressers
· Use dresser tops for stacking cartons and dresser drawers for linens or small delicate items.
· Keep upholstery off the floor.
· Maximize storage space by storing miscellaneous items in dresser drawers. Dresser drawers are especially good for storing fragile items. Fill the drawers with collectibles and other fragile items and use blankets, sweaters and towels for padding.
Chairs
· Most lightweight chairs can be stacked "seat to seat" or placed upside down on tables which cannot be disassembled.
All furniture
· Cover your furniture with plastic dust covers, sheets, or cotton cloth.
· Wax wood furniture before storing it.
· Use sheets or cotton cloth to cover furniture.
 

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How do I pack mirrors, windows, pictures, screens and other flat items ..?

· Wrap mirrors and pictures with paper pads, cardboard, or mirror boxes. Label the items and mark them as "FRAGILE." Stand them straight up... never flat.

· Mirrors, windows, screens, and other flat items should be stored on their sides, never flat.

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How do I protect my collectible or breakable items ... ?

· Wrap your collectibles and pack them in a box. Fill in any spaces in the box with newsprint or packing foam.
· When wrapping collectibles or anything breakable, tape it after you wrap it. This will keep you from mistaking them for the excess paper you used to fill the box.

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How do I pack electronics ... ?

· When you disassemble electronics such as computers and stereos (items that have numerous cables), place small coloured stickers on the cable and the same colour sticker where the cable goes.
· If possible, use the original packing for electronic items.

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How do I know what is in a box after I've packed it ... ?

This may sound obvious, but it is amazing after a short time to be confused what is in what box!
· Label your boxes on several sides for easy locating.
· Prepare a list of the labeled boxes for easy reference when you need to locate your goods.

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How do I prepare appliances for storage ... ?

Moisture and mildew will damage your valuables if your refrigerator or freezer is not clean and dry.  Leave the door slightly ajar.
Use valuable storage space inside appliances for other items. For example, larger appliances make excellent "packing cases" for blankets, towels, tablecloths and clothes.
Refrigerator
· A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar to prevent mold growth.
· Some goods can be stored inside large appliances and boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators, and freezers.
Stoves
· Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.
Washing machine
· Stuff towels between the washing machine and the inner tub of the washing machine to keep the tub from rotating.
Vacuum Cleaners
· Remove and discard vacuum cleaner bags before storing.

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How do I prepare clothes for storage ... ?

· If storing wool items, use cedar chips or mothballs to prevent moth damage.
· Keep your out-of-season clothes accessible, you may have your belongings in storage longer than anticipated.
· Clothing that ordinarily hangs in a closet should be packed in a wardrobe carton.

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Can I pack my stuff in plastic bags ... ?

Because humidity can gather in plastic bags and cause damage to some types of goods, we recommend you avoid storing your belongings in plastic bags.

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How do I pack my storage space to best preserve and for easiest access to my items ... ?

· Leave air space around the perimeter to aid ventilation.
· Place a pallet on concrete floors
· Don't lean items against the walls.
· Leave a walkway to the rear of your space for easy access.
· Leave a centre aisle for easy access to all items.
· Use all the space available, including height. (But watch the sprinkler head!)
· Place frequently used goods near the door.

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Should I protect my items from pests ... ?

· While AAA Storage Apartment units are among the cleanest and best maintained self storage facilities available. AAA Storage Apartments have pest controllers inspect the building regularly and all units are thoroughly cleaned between clients tenancy periods. However your unit is your own private domain and introduced pests can pose a problem in storage units just as they do in many homes and businesses, particularly moths and silverfish associated with storage of clothing.
· To prevent damage from pests we recommend you use over-the-counter pest control like camphor balls or flakes etc.

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Can I store my petrol driven powered tools and equipment ... ?

You can store petrol powered tools like lawn mowers, power tools, outboard motors etc. But since it is illegal to store gasoline or other flammable fluids you must drain all fuel from these items before storing them.

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How does AAA Storage Apartments help me sell my house ... ?

A partnership of AAA Storage Apartments and a few hints will increase your chance of getting the price you want.
A look through any magazine or brochure promoting ‘Lifestyle and Houses’ etc. gives the underlying image of uncluttered rooms. ‘Uncluttered rooms’ promote an impression of ‘room to move’ and ‘plenty of storage space’. Conversely ‘cluttered rooms’ promote ‘restricted living space’ and ‘insufficient storage’.
It is not enough to pack all your extra belongings and furniture items in the cupboard or garage. Nothing is sacred to prospective buyers - they'll look in your cupboards and under your beds. Furthermore full cupboards, wardrobes and garages make the available storage space appear to be smaller than it actually is.

Here are “10 Rules” for getting potential buyers to covet your home.
1. First Impressions. Make sure the lawn is freshly cut and the landscaping is neatly manicured.
2. Clear the Way. Everyone loves a grand entrance. Keep the entryway clear of any umbrellas, shoes or cats. Try adding flowers for a light and airy look.
3. Less is More. Make your house the neatest it's ever been. Counter tops should be free of clutter, including small appliances. Re-shelve your books and display only minimal decoration, so the potential buyer can picture their own belongings in these spaces.
4. Make Space. ‘The bigger the better’. Showing plenty of floor and wall space will make your home feel larger.
5. In the Clean and Clear. Nobody likes a dirty house. Vacuum, dust, and scrub your house from top to bottom. Even do windows and light fixtures.
6. Show Your Nooks and Crannies. Show porches, alcoves, garages and other storage areas without shame. Hang yard tools and sporting equipment on walls or from the ceiling of your garage or tool shed
7. Clean the Closet. Clear out closets so they look well ordered and spacious. Keep as many belongings off the floor as possible, and make sure it's neatly vacuumed.
8. Lighten Up. Light equals space. Open curtains and clean skylights. Remove anything that blocks windows or glass doors. Make certain all light fixtures have new, brightly burning bulbs.
9. One Move is Better Than Two. If you are going to move into a rental before buying a home, store your belongings and live with the bare necessities. This will keep furniture and breakables free from potential damage that could be incurred during extra, unnecessary moving.
10. Safe Passage. Store extra belongings in a secure, environment such as those offered by AAA Storage Apartments. Knowing your keepsakes are in a safe place helps provide peace of mind during a stressful transition time. Knowing you can access your keepsakes at any time also makes it easier to decide what items to store.
The only problem with the above 10 points is your house is cluttered because either you have too much ‘stuff’ or too little storage or both. By moving all or most non-essential items into ‘AAA Storage Apartments’ you can easily and with minimal fuss have the room and flexibility to turn your home into an uncluttered show-piece.

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Last Modified 05-Dec-2007

Email Us: mail@aaaselfstorage.com.au