Packing Tips
If you pay attention to a few key techniques, your stored items can be just as safe as they would with a professional packing service. We show you how!
Before you pack
- Get rid of anything that you don’t think you will need in your new house rather than self storing and transporting it.
- Make a list of the supplies you’ll need (check our Box Shop!)
- Create a packing plan – decide what will be packed into what.
- Write an inventory list of the major items, and groups of smaller items, that you are packing
- Pack as many things into boxes as possible before your storage unit arrives to streamline the process.
Preparing furniture and appliances
- You should consult the owner’s manual for your moving advice for your specific electrics and electronics
- Appliances such as washing machines, fridges, and dishwashers must be completely drained and dry
- Freezers and fridges must be empty!
- Wrap up electrical cords and tape them to the side of the appliance
- Tape any doors shut
- Turn off the gas and disconnect lines to gas appliances
- Take toner and ink cartridges and removable media out of your electronics
- Mark which cords go into which ports on your TV, DVD player, computer, etc
- Make sure any packing materials used for your electronics are anti-static
- Use moving pads or wrap your wooden furniture in blankets to avoid scratches and dents. Tape the blankets down or cover the entire item with shrink wrap for optimal protection.
- Empty the drawers and shelving inside furniture such as desks, wardrobes, dressers, etc
- Spray any wooden furniture with a good quality furniture oil and wipe off any excess, to help prevent drying and cracking while in storage
Boxing items
- Clearly label every box with its enclosed items as you finish, for your own reference
- Wrap any breakables securely in bubble wrap or newspaper
- Work from the largest and heaviest items up to the smallest and lightest items in a box
- Double-tape the bottom of all boxes to make sure the bottom doesn’t fall out when you lift it
- Ensure you don’t overload boxes – if you purchase proper moving boxes, check the weight rating.
- If you are using Supercheap Storage containers it isn’t strictly necessary to mark cartons as Fragile – you are the only one that will see them! If you want to remind yourself not to be too rough with a carton at the other end, feel free to mark it for yourself.
- Avoid sealing plastic bags with items inside, as humidity can cause mould and mildew to develop
Miscellaneous tips
- Breakables such as pictures and mirrors are safest stored on their end, rather than flat
- Breakables such as glasses and plates are best stored on their end within their box, also
- Lamps are best stored with the base and shade separated and wrapped
- Drain the fuel out of any power tools, mowers and motorbikes
- Sprinkle some bi-carb soda in with books and clothing to help prevent odours forming while they’re in storage
- Pack a single room at a time
