Appliances
Fridges, freezers, and other white goods should be thoroughly CLEAN and DRY before storing. While in storage, doors should be secured slightly ajar. Placing a deodoriser inside fridges or freezers is also a good idea to maintain freshness. Don't place items inside fridges or freezers as the shelves and linings can easily be marked or damaged.
Furniture
Empty the contents of wardrobes, drawers, and cupboards to protect their shelving and structure. Clothing and personal goods should be packed in strong, secure cartons with some naphthalene, mothballs, or similar product to protect them and maintain their condition. 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.
Dishes and glassware
Place a layer of packing (e.g. scrunched paper or linen) inside the bottom and top of cartons containing breakables. Protect fragile items by wrapping them individually in packing paper (newsprint can be very messy and can possibly stain). Nest cups and bowls, stand plates, sauce platters, casserole dishes, etc. on their edges. Fill any gaps in the cartons with packing. This will keep your fragile items well protected and prevent them from moving around in the cartons while in transit. Label all cartons containing fragile items and avoid storing heavy items on top of these cartons.
Mirrors, windows, screens, and paintings
These items should be protected by packing material (e.g. bubble-wrap) or stored upright in a flat-pack carton (not lying flat).
Metal items
Wrapping silver in NON-ACID tissue paper or plastic bags can help reduce tarnishing. Wiping chrome or cast iron with a little machine oil will help to retard rust.
Electrical items
Your electrical equipment is very delicate and sensitive, and should be handled with care. The original boxes are ideal to repack in. However, wrapping items individually in bubble-wrap, packing them in cartons, and sealing the top will offer good protection for your electrical items. Remember to pack out any gaps in the cartons. Pack vinyl records on their edges to prevent warping.
Computers
Computers, like your other electrical items, need special care. The original boxes are highly recommended for packing. However, bubble-wrap and high-quality packing cartons will do the job. Remember to use some packing or linen in the bottom and top of cartons. This provides extra protection to the contents. Pack out any gaps. Modern computers have "self-parking heads”. If you are unsure about your computer, refer to the manufacturer's manual, or consult your retailer, especially if storing for longer than six months.
Battery operated appliances and toys
We recommend that you remove the batteries to avoid damage, as batteries can leak.
Mowers and other machinery
Drain fuel and oil from all machinery. This reduces risk of leakage, spillage, and damage to other goods in your space. Petrol and oil left in are also a fire hazard.
Planning your storage space
As a general rule, place large, heavy items that you can stack upon at the rear of the space. Then work forwards and upwards with lighter, fragile items. Place those items that you may need to access often in the front of the space. Depending on the goods you have stored, you may need to allow for walkways. Packing in professional storage cartons will make the storing and unpacking easier and safer, saving you time and worry. Professional packing and storage accessories will provide your goods with the preparation they need for storage and maintain their condition for the term of storage.
What not to store
Any goods that are illegal, stolen, inflammable, explosive, environmentally harmful, hazardous, perishable, or that are a risk to property or person, e.g. chlorine, acid, paint, petrol.
Helpful Tips
Easy Storage
125 Dixon Road, Rockingham Western Australia
Website: http://www.easystorage.com.au
Phone: 1800 655 922