Packing Tips

Packing your belongings into the minimum space possible is an art. We at Store4sure have been doing it for many years and have listed the following hints to help you save space, time and effort.

Remember that although most storage spaces are 8' 0” or more in height, it can be difficult to stack items that high safely without damaging yourself your belongings or without the help from a second pair of hands.

Larger items such as wardrobes, bed frames and mattresses can be stored against the side or back walls so that heavier items like washing machines, fridges and similar height machines etc can be loaded in front to create a level area that will allow you to load other lighter items or boxes on top. This will have the effect of creating a barrier that should stop the large items from falling over.

Try to use only two or three different sizes of packing boxes that stack neatly together. Smaller ones for heavy items like books and glassware etc and larger ones for light items like soft toys, lamp shades etc. ( We have a supply of packaging items in stock at nominal prices) Larger boxes should be strong enough to stack to a reasonable height. Double skin boxes are advisable especially if the contents don't support the box from collapse. Never over fill a box otherwise it may become too heavy to move safely..Remember, if the lid doesn't sit flat it can't be stacked safely.

Fridges, cookers and freezers etc should be turned off well before storage is anticipated. Make sure they are thoroughly defrosted and then cleaned and dried. Leave doors slightly open to avoid a build up of mold or condensation etc. If left closed for long periods they may develop a strong and unpleasant smell that is difficult to get rid of.

Pack soft items like towels, sheets and blankets into good quality plastic bags or bin liners. Remember that some of these items can be used to cover other items that might get scratched or damaged, so keep them accessible until the very end as they can be loaded on top of the other items stored if not used.

Clearly label all your boxes listing the contents and the room location. Boxes containing fragile items should be marked with a red marker or identity tape.

Unless you need regular access to the items stored, boxes should be sealed with packing tape to prevent them from collapsing or the goods from getting dusty/dirty.

Large flat pack furniture should if possible be dismantled and all fittings and screws placed into a seal top bag and taped to the item to prevent losing them. Remember that some items of flat pack furniture are very heavy so be careful not to wrap too many sections together or they may cause injury or get damaged.

Items such as bicycles, lawn mowers and children's garden toys should if possible be wrapped in bubble wrap to prevent damage to other stored items.

Paper work will deteriorate very quickly if not stored correctly. Try to use proper archive boxes or files when storing sensitive material. Label all boxes with contents and dates of items enclosed. Moisture absorbing crystal sachets will help prevent damp or condensation from damaging important papers.

If large quantities of boxes are stored, stack them with oldest files at the bottom or to the back of the stack.