This list of tasks can start to sound overwhelming and stressful. That’s why we’ve created this simple storage checklist with tips for putting items in storage. Instead of trying to keep your to-do list in your head, simply make your way through this checklist and you’ll be ready for the date when our team comes to pick up your items or you head to the storage facility yourself. If there are any items you want to store that we haven’t included in this checklist, don’t despair. Just get in touch with our friendly customer service team and they will happily provide you any extra information and advice that you may require.
General Storage Tips
- Prepare an inventory list of all your items This is a helpful way of determining what type of storage you might require and for keeping track of what you have stored.
- Label everything Putting clear labels with details of the contents will make it easy to keep track of everything and find things after or during storage. We recommend putting labels on all sides of boxes and containers for easy viewing.
- Use clear containers Where possible, utilise transparent storage options such as clear plastic containers and similar items to enable easy viewing of your items. This can save a lot of time and effort in unpacking boxes when searching for something.
- Use high quality packing supplies Strong, reinforced packing boxes will ensure that your items remain well protected during transit to and from the storage, as well as providing protection against degradation during long term storage. In addition, using custom boxes such as wardrobe boxes and picture moving boxes where possible will prevent movement and provide maximum protection.
- Place lighter boxes on top Ensure that your heavier boxes are on the bottom and your lighter ones are on top. This will provide better structural integrity to your stacks, prevent toppling and avoid the chances of lighter boxes being dented or crushed.
- Do not store any food or perishable items Make sure that all items are clean before entering storage to prevent the chances of mould or other bacteria damaging your contents throughout the short or long term storage. Storing foodstuffs can invalidate your insurance.
- Do not store anything flammable or toxic Ensure you have no flammables or toxins in your storage contents. Small changes in atmospheric pressure or time could result in a leak or explosion. Leaving them out keeps your contents and the storage facility safe. Storing items that are corrosive, flammable, combustible or dangerous can invalidate your insurance.
- Always get storage insurance Protect your stored items and give yourself peace of mind in the unlikely case of unforeseen weather emergencies, vibrations, shock, atmospheric changes and other forces beyond control that could affect your possessions.
Storage Checklist
Furniture
- Empty the contents of all wardrobes, cupboards and draws
- Coat wooden items in layer of protective furniture oil to preserve condition
- Treat leather furniture with a premium leather care guard to retain condition during storage
- Take apart any larger items that can be disassembled such as tables, shelves, bed frames, wardrobes etc. Removing legs can also help to save space and prevent any chance of damage when stacking
- Keep all important nuts and screws in a ziplock bag, label it and tape it to the items or store it somewhere safe
- Use a layer of moving blankets, bubble wrap or old towels between furniture pieces in storage to prevent damage that can be incurred such as scratches
Electronics
- Remove batteries from all items such as remotes and toys to prevent battery corrosion and leakage
- Use original boxes for electronics where possible as these are custom built to specifications and prevent the chances of moving or slipping during packing and transit
- Use bubble wrap, packing paper, towels or pillows to fill gaps in larger boxes or containers to prevent movement and provide an extra layer of protection
- Unplug and disconnect all cables and cords and keep them neatly wrapped, labelled and stored in a ziplock bag or storage container
Glassware and Fragiles
- Source some specialised packing boxes with dividers to help protect fragile items
- Protect each item by wrapping it with bubble wrap
- Place each item in an upright position to protect structural integrity
- Label box as ‘fragile’ and ensure it is handled with care
Mirrors and Frames
- Source specialised picture moving boxes for added security for large and important pieces
- Wrap all frames in bubble wrap and stand upright in picture moving box
- Use painter’s tape to make an X across mirrors to protect structural integrity. Should the worst happen and the mirror crack during transit, this will also hold it in place to prevent pieces damaging other stored items
- Wrap mirrors in bubble wrap and store end on end, not flat to provide best protection
- Label these boxes as ‘fragile’ too
Clothing and Linen
- Use specialised garment bags or wardrobe boxes if you want to keep clothing clean and free of wrinkles
- Use wooden or plastic clothes hangers to avoid the chances of rust that can damage your items during long term storage
- For woollen items, use lavender satchels or cedar chips to prevent moth damage. These are natural alternatives to mothballs which contain naphthalene, a toxic chemical harmful to humans which has the potential to leak or break
- Use dresser drawers to store extra shoes, clothing or linen to make use of the extra space
Appliances and Kitchenware
- Thoroughly clean all appliances and kitchenware before putting them into storage to ensure that no foodstuff or bacteria can damage the contents of your storage container and void your insurance
- Disconnect and unplug all appliances, keeping cords neatly wrapped, labelled and in a ziplock bag or storage container
- Defrost and clean fridges and freezers in advance to allow time to completely dry
- Leave fridge and freezer doors ajar to prevent mould, mildew and smell as well as to protect the rubber seals during long term storage
- Clean washing machines, dishwashers, dryers with vinegar and baking soda, or similar applicable products, and allow to thoroughly dry before putting into storage
Mowers, Machinery and the Shed
- Empty all fuel and oil from motor equipment and machinery such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, mechanical hedgers etc. This prevents the chance of leakage of flammables which is a fire hazard and could void your insurance
- Clean all gardening equipment and shed items to remove all dirt and bacteria that could damage your stored items and affect insurance claims
- Drain all garden hoses, sprinklers, watering cans and any other equipment with water or other liquids that could spill and damage the contents of your storage container
- Wrap all hoses into neat loops and connect the ends together to prevent damaging kinks and bends
Books, Photos, Documents & Precious Items
- Speak with storage facilitator about airtight, temperature-controlled storage options for important legal documents, identification and any other paper or electronic-based items that require specialised protection
- Source specialised, protected and waterproof containers for storing all precious items such as photos, documents and important books
- Use two layers of bubble wrap or packing paper for important photo albums, books, vinyl records and anything particularly susceptible to conditions such as heat
- Pack all books in small boxes lying flat so that the weight isn’t placed on the spines
Storage Options
Allied offers a full range of storage options and services to cater for your every need. This includes flexible storage times, small volume storage and valet storage services. So whether you want to pack and store your items yourself, or have an experienced professional handle them for you, we are happy to accommodate your needs. Our door-to-door storage service and valet packing and unpacking can take all of the work off your hands and allow you to get back to your life with minimal interruptions.We have high-quality storage facilities all across Australia, covering major city and regional locations throughout the country. We guarantee the safety of your stored items with extensive security measures, including 24/7 CCTV surveillance. To find out more about our stress-free storage services, including insurance, packing and transit, simply get in touch with our friendly team today. Give us a call on 13 25 54 or fill out the free quote request form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.