Here are some helpful tips on wrapping your valuables and breakables so that they don’t get damaged while in storage.
Furniture
Dismantle any furniture if possible. Can the legs be easily removed from your table?
Don’t move wardrobes, drawers, tall boys etc while full. They are very heavy and you could cause damage to yourself or the furniture.
Don’t place soft furniture directly on the floor of the box, use plastic or sheets to protect your furniture.
Clothing and personal goods should be packed in strong cartons.
Stack chairs seat to seat with cloth or paper separating them.
Wrap Cushions in plastic.
Dismantling heavy furniture can also make it easier to carry.
Place a plastic cover or sheet over all furniture, especially sofa's, recliners and anything valuable.
Whitegoods
Empty, clean and dry all white goods before storing (fridges, freezers, microwaves, etc).
Maintain freshness by placing a deodoriser inside fridges or freezers is also a good idea to prevent stale odours.
Packing items inside the fridge or freezer may damage the interior lining, so best to keep them empty.
To prevent mould, leave doors slightly ajar.
Glass and Breakables
Wrap all breakable items separately in newspaper, tissue paper or bubble wrap. Place them gently into a sturdy box and clearly mark the outside of the box: "Fragile".
Some items may stain when wrapped in newspaper, so tissue paper or bubble wrap may be more suitable for porous items.
Place bubble wrap in the top and bottom of cartons for added protection.
Plates, saucers and bowls are best individually wrapped and stored on their side on to prevent any breakage.Fill any empty space with packing material.
Ensure you haven't stacked heavy items on top of cartons containing breakables.
Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in cardboard or proper picture/mirror cartons.
Electronic Items
Ensure all electronic equipment is clean and dry before storing.
If it comes with a remote, don’t forget to pack this with the electronic item.
If you’ve kept the original boxes, these are ideal. If you don’t have the original packaging use a sturdy box with plenty of padding.
Remember to pack your electronic items on top of heavier items, but not in a position where they may fall and be damaged.
Metal Items
Prevent rust by wiping chrome or cast iron with a little machine oil. A few drops of oil on other metal items such as tools will also prolong their life.
Keep these items separate so that they don’t come in contact with furniture or other fragile items. They could stain or scratch.
Prevent tarnishing by wrapping silver in NON ACID tissue paper or a plastic bag.
What you can't store
For the safety of other customers we ask that you refrain from storing any hazardous materials, including items that are, illegal, poisonous, inflammable, explosive, environmentally harmful, perishable or that are a risk to the property or any person.
Check our terms and conditions for the full list of prohibited goods.
General Tips:
Once everything is packed, move everything you want to store into a designated space. This way to can gauge how much space you have and you’ll be less likely to forget something when it comes time to pack the box. This is also a great idea for moving house and keeping your stuff safe.
Label your boxes. You will thank yourself later when you go looking for something. Remember to make sure the labeling is clear when you pack the box, so that when you come to unpack, you can see the labels easily when you open the door.