• Empty wardrobes, drawers before moving them, otherwise you can break them. Only fill them when they are in place and fully assembled.
• Clothing and personal goods should be packed in strong secure cartons.
• Cushions should be wrapped in plastic.
• Where possible remove the legs from items of furniture e.g.. bed bases, tables etc. to avoid damage and save space.
• Vacuum food crumbs from lounges to prevent attracting vermin.
• Furniture shouldn’t be placed directly on the floor, use plastic or material to cushion heavy items.
• Stack chairs seat to seat with cloth or paper separating them.
• Place a cover over all furniture, especially sofa’s, recliners and anything of value.

• Make sure all white goods (fridges, freezers etc) are empty, clean and dry before storing.
• Leave doors slightly ajar to prevent mould build up.
• A deodoriser placed inside fridges or freezers is also a good idea to maintain freshness.
• If you pack items inside your fridges and freezers you scratch the insides or damage the shelving, best to leave them empty.

• Wrap all breakable items separately in tissue or packing paper, box and ensure they are marked “Fragile”.
• Pack breakables in sturdy boxes.
• Protect fragile items by wrapping them individually in packing paper (newsprint can be very messy and possibly stain).
• Place packing in the top and bottom of cartons for added protection.
• Place plates, saucers and bowls on their sides to prevent any breakage.
• Empty space should be filled with packing paper.
• Ensure you haven’t stacked heavy items on top of cartons containing breakables.
• Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in cardboard or proper picture/mirror cartons.

• Place those items that you need to access often in the front of the unit.
• Leave a small space around the perimeter of your storage unit to aid circulation.
• Look Up!, Utilise all of the space available to you, including the height.
• Stack the lighter boxes on top of the heavier boxes.
• Don’t over-pack cartons or they will be too hard to lift.
• If tables won’t disassemble, place a mat or protective plastic on the ground and lay the tabletop face down on the floor with the legs pointing up.
• Cover stuffed furniture with cardboard, blankets or plastic covers to protect against dust.
• Don’t place heavy or sharp objects on top of upholstered furniture.
• Never lay paintings or mirrors flat. Ensure they are wrapped or placed in proper picture/mirror cartons.
• TO ENSURE SAFE STORAGE: Do not store anything COMBUSTIBLE (i.e. paint thinner, gasoline, solvents, paint, etc.).
• Do not store any living things (including plants), or perishable goods (especially foodstuffs).
• Empty petrol from mowers, whipper snippers, etc.
• Ensure gas bottles are empty and BBQ or cooking surfaces are clean.

• The original boxes are ideal to repack in.
• If the original boxes are not available talk to your self storage centre about specialty boxes for electronic items.
• Ensure all electronic equipment is clean and dry before storing.
• Ensure that items above or on top of electronic equipment will not fall down or damage the surfaces.
• If storing a refrigerator or freezer, be sure that the item is thoroughly dry and clean to prevent moisture and mildew from damaging any of your valuables. Store with the door slightly ajar.

• Wipe chrome or cast iron with a small amount of machine oil to minimise rust.
• To help reduce tarnishing, wrap silver in non-acidic tissue paper.

Not everything can go in storage for a variety of health, safety and legality reasons. Take a look at our list below to learn more:

• Combustible, explosive or toxic materials such as gasoline, propane tanks, oxygen tanks, kerosene, motor oil, corrosive acids, fertiliser, paint, toxic/biological waste, fireworks, ammunition etc.
• Perishable food
• Unregistered vehicles
• Tyres
• Running appliances
• Plants
• Animals
• Damp or soiled goods