Packaging Supplies – Pack faster and stress less by having the proper packaging supplies on hand – like butchers paper, bubble wrap, tape and pens. Using high grade tape with excellent adhesion pays off when it comes to keeping your boxes sealed.
How Much Packaging Will You Need? – Typically you will need four small to medium sized boxes for every one large box. Use the smaller boxes for heavy items like books and crockery; the larger boxes for lighter items like bedding, blankets. Don’t use plastic bags – they get ripped and worse still they lack ventilation, sweat and create mildew.
Don’t Overload Boxes – Packed boxes should not weigh more than you can comfortably lift. Make sure that the box remains “square” and not bulging at the top or sides in order to keep them stable when stacking.
Cover Mattresses, Furniture & Bedding – value your goods and keep covered while in storage. A range of covers are available.
Disassemble Furniture Where Possible – Disassemble furniture in order to best use the storage space. Certain items can be made more compact for storing like futon beds, tables and bunk beds. Wrap section and mark. Place any screw, bolts etc in a small plastic bag and tape this to the item of furniture that it belongs to.
Wardrobe Boxes – If you don’t keep your good clothes in a pile at home, then don’t pile them in a box. Use hanging wardrobe boxes. They also work well for drapes.
Label Everything – Use a black marker to label the contents of every box. You don’t want to be guessing later with every box opened and spread across the floor because you can’t find something. Numbering boxes will also assist later as to what is priority.
Define What Is The Top Of The Box – Clearly mark boxes that should always be handled and stacked with a definite top – especially items like glassware, picture frames and lamps. Consider buying “Top Loading” or “Fragile”tape.
Where To Place Items In Your Storage Space – allow for a clear path down the centre of your unit, allowing access to items you may need to retrieve at some point. Make the best use of your space by stacking items to the ceiling. To do this safely, place heaviest boxes at the bottom of the stack!
Map Your Stored Goods – Simply scribble a basic drawing indicating where items have been placed in your storage space – then tape it to the wall in your storage space. Saves a lot of headaches if you need to retrieve a certain item.
Do Not Store Flammables or Perishable Goods – These items must NOT be stored under any circumstance. This includes Toxins, paints, oils or petrol.