Plan Your Storage.
Choose a correct sized storage unit. Cramming too many items into a smaller space may result in damage to your belongings, while getting a space too big for you will increase your rental cost. Estimate the unit size you need based on the size of the items you need to store. If you are unsure about how much space you need, you can use the estimates on this page as a guide.
Alternatively, give us a call and we will assist you.
As you pack your belongings for storage, label all boxes and containers clearly with the contents, and the room it came from. Preferably on all four sides of the container as this will allow you to identify the items a box without having to move it or open it.
Using the description you put on the boxes, make a list of all the items you will be storing. This will help you determine the approximate size of the storage unit you will need and keep you organised.
If you plan to take items in and out of the Storage Vault frequently, and especially if you are using a larger Vault, leave a small walkway to access your items easily. Leave the items you will need most near the front.
Preparing Items for Storage.
When preparing items for storage ensure the items you pack for storage are clean and dry. Disassemble large items. To protect each individual part, use quality packing materials with sufficient padding and pack boxes full before sealing tightly.
Using regular sized boxes or containers, makes them easier to stack, and gives you better utilization of your vault.
Use airtight plastic containers for items that are highly sensitive to moisture like clothes, photos, books, and others. Unlike cardboard boxes, which absorb moisture over time, airtight plastic containers will keep moisture out and provide you with a lasting storage solution for most items.
Clean your items before you pack them for storage. Take extra care with fragile items. Use plenty of packing material to keep fragile items safe inside boxes. Wrap furniture to keep it safe when moving into the unit. Use plastic to protect clothing and other materials. Fragile items and heavy items are best stored low. Of course, do not store anything perishable.
Especially if you are storing for longer periods, consider packing with silica gel, for items that are moisture sensitive, like paper, fabrics and wood products.
Preparing Furniture for Storage.
Vacuum to remove any dust and clean all surfaces. Allow furniture to air dry fully before you apply furniture protection spray for wood and leather finishes. Wipe down metal parts with oil to prevent tarnishing and rusting.
Disassemble your furniture if possible. Use bubble wrap for small protruding parts. Pack all the detached pieces from one furniture item together and put small hardware parts (bolts, hinges, etc.) in sealable plastic bags (tape the bags to the corresponding furniture to prevent losing or mixing the small parts).
Cover the furniture with sheets and blankets (white cotton sheets preferred) or sofa covers and secure the covers in place with plastic wrap. Do not use plastic wrap directly on wooden or leather furniture as trapped moisture can damage your furniture.
Preparing Appliances for Storage.
Empty any appliances you intend to put into storage and clean them thoroughly. Defrost freezers and refrigerators first. Add baking soda in the cleaning solution to properly disinfect the appliances and remove any bad odours. Drain all water out of attached hoses of washing machines and dishwashers. Secure all cables and hoses. Store attachments inside the appliance.
Preparing electronics for Storage.
Keep items dust-free and clean. If possible, pack electronic devices in their original boxes. The original styrofoam that come with the appliance is moulded and offers the best protection.
Fill any empty spaces with crumpled paper to protect device.
Seal tightly and ensure no moisture enters the bag.
Preparing Clothes for Storage.
Refrain from folding them into boxes. Use wardrobe boxes to store clothes. Hang your clothes on a rail to keep them wrinkle free. Ensure good ventilation to prevent molding. Use naphthalene or mothballs to protect clothing.
Preparing Mattresses for Storage.
Clean mattresses before placing in mattress storage bag. Seal the bag with quality packing tape. Store comforters, duvets, linens and other bedding items in vacuum bags.
Preparing Books for Storage.
Place your books flat in order to prevent damage to book spines. Keep them dry by packing with silica gel. Use small, sturdy boxes as paper is very dense and as a result very heavy.
Preparing Fragile Items for Storage.
Wrap all fragile items individually with packing paper or bubble wrap for added safety. Use adequate crumpled paper, bubble wrap, soft fabric items (e.g., towels) to line the bottoms of the packing boxes to provide extra cushioning between the items.
Mark the boxes “Fragile” and “Handle with care”. Place plates, saucers and bowls on their sides to prevent breakages and cups and glasses with their rims down.
Store paintings, mirrors and framed pictures in specialized mirror boxes. Create an “X” on glass surfaces with masking tape to add strength and prevent shattering. Place flat cardboard pieces on both sides of the glass for more protection.
Store statuettes, figurines, and other pieces of art or fragile collectibles in strong small sized cardboard boxes with adequate padding. Place photographs between pieces of cardboard to keep them flat and well protected to keep them safe.