While you’re moving house, renovating, or relocating, storage offers the perfect way to keep your stuff safe in the process. As with anything else, it’s best to plan your storage in advance and ensure every little detail is covered so nothing is left behind. By preparing correctly you’ll protect your items against damage, breakage, and mould – all of which can cost more money in the long term in replacements and repairs.
What’s the best way to organise? With a storage checklist of course. Kent Storage has 70-years of experience moving Australians, and they’ve put together the checklist below to make your move as fast, easy, and stress-free as possible.
Getting started
The first step is the planning phase. Tick these boxes off 1-2 months before moving day if you can:
- Confirm your storage items. List everything to store. Note if it’s fragile, as well as any other storage requirements.
- Book your storage. Research storage companies and choose the best option for you. Secure storage offers great value for money and security.
- Collect packaging materials. Purchase boxes, get your packing paper and tape ready. Pro tip – a tape gun will save you a lot of time.
- Organise removalists. Call around and find a high-quality removalist to transport your goods. If storage is short-term, book for the return trip as well.
Packing Your Storage Items
The best time to start packing is weeks before your move. Aim to get these done 2-4 weeks before the big day:
- Check storage requirements. Some items can’t be stored, such as dangerous goods or foodstuffs. Review your packing list if needed.
- Pack fragile items. Follow the right procedure to wrap and pack fragile items to prevent any damage. Label ‘fragile’ clearly.
- Pack items into boxes. After the fragile items, pack the rest of your smaller household items into strong, sturdy cardboard moving boxes.
- Prepare your electronics. To pack electronics for storage, remove batteries and place items back in their original boxes for the best protection.
- Deconstruct furniture. Reduce your furniture to pieces if possible, and obtain some blankets or protective sheets to stop scratches and dents in transit.
- Disconnect and drain white goods. Unplug your fridge, washer, and dryer, and follow correct techniques for packing white goods to ensure they won’t produce mould.
Stack your storage area effectively
When it comes time to move your items into the storage unit, follow these tips for the best results:
- Make use of every space. Maximise the space by filling every corner to make storage cheaper.
- Place lighter items on top. Stack heavy items at the bottom to prevent crushing.
- Mattresses on their side. Most miss this one – the best way to pack mattresses for storage is vertical. This protects the springs from damage.
- Protect your items. Throw a plastic sheet on top of everything to protect from dripping or falling items.
- Lock it up. If you’re using self-storage, purchase a high-quality short-arm lock for the best security.
Check all these items off your list for a simple, fast, and stress-free move into storage.