The process of relocating from one residence to another is an exciting but sometimes stressful time in anyone’s life. During this in-between phase, you’ll have to make important decisions about the future of your household furnishings, appliances, and other possessions. Even if you’ve gone through your belongings and gotten rid of everything you don’t love or need (decluttering is essential), you may have far more stuff than can fit in your new place at once. Particularly so if you’re downsizing, or reducing the size of your home. Have a look at Garage Storage Solutions.
Further, you may be in the midst of a home renovation, temporarily relocating for job or school (even internationally), or combining two families into one, all of which will necessitate careful planning and execution of the move (in case of moving in with your loved one). Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why short-term storage may suit your needs. If you find yourself in any of these situations but have nowhere else to put your extra stuff, renting a storage container can be a great practical answer. A storage unit is similar to an extra room in a house, except that it is located away from the main residence. Speak to us if you’re looking for premium garage storage solutions in Sydney.
Careful and strategic use of a (self-) storage facility can solve the problem of where to put your belongings between houses. Your mind will quickly fill with the dilemma of what to store and what not to store during a relocation, adding stress to an already trying situation. If you don’t know how to properly pack and organise a storage container, your valuables are at risk of being damaged. These guidelines are useful for preserving any item you plan to store, from a flat-screen television to a winter coat. Keep reading for a list of objects that are frequently seen in storage facilities, and get a feel for what you should be putting away. Learn what items are strictly forbidden in a storage unit, and why (usually for safety reasons).
Climate Control
One of the most frequent inquiries we get is whether or not the space has climate control. Do you know if it’s safe?” It looks like Ori is keeping going. Paper papers, vinyl records, and antique furniture are just a few examples of goods that benefit from a somewhat constant temperature and humidity level. But as Ori points out, “most storage clients do not truly need climate-controlled storage.” Storage facilities like Oz’s often feature climate stability that ensures average temperatures are not too high or too low. “customers are simply worried that the temperatures may rise or decrease uncontrolled,” Oz says. We have a heating system for the colder months, and the building’s design ensures a pleasant 72 degrees on average year-round.
Security
Customers of self-storage facilities frequently worry about the safety of their belongings. Users who are concerned about security may intend to store stuff they cannot easily replace, while users who are less concerned about security may store a wider variety of items. To guarantee the highest level of safety at our facility, we have installed an alarm system, surveillance cameras, and motion detectors. To prevent theft or break-ins, a decent storage facility will have some sort of security measures in place.
Space & Organization
Obviously, the user’s space requirements and the layout of that area should be a top priority. While some suppliers, like Oz, may combine customers’ inventory into larger warehouses, others, like Oz, maintain strict separation. To receive a clear visual example of what a specific unit size can fit, consult Public Storage’s Unit Size Guide.
Access To Storage Units
Access is a major differentiator between full service and self-service storage facilities, although few people are aware of it. Self-storage tenants have complete control over when and how often they access their storage space. Customers that use full-service storage typically have less access and must call ahead to schedule a visit. With full-service storage, customers don’t have to worry about transporting their belongings to the facility, lifting them into the storage unit, carefully stacking and arranging them so that everything fits, or rummaging through the unit in search of an item when they need it (after which they repeat the process, vice versa.) Know if you’ll have “self” or “full service” access to your storage unit, and how it will affect your storage needs.
What Should You Put In Storage?
It’s not always easy to decide what to throw away and what to bring with you when you move. After sorting through your belongings and deciding which ones to take and which ones to leave, you may be left with a lot of home things for which you have no immediate plans. The pressure to make snap judgments might be overwhelming in some situations. Therefore, a good method to alleviate the stress of relocating is to store your unsure items in a secure location, preferably one that is accessible at all hours. This will allow you to make the appropriate judgments once you’ve settled into your new home. After all, it’s common knowledge that making judgments under intense time constraint can be risky. To help you make an informed decision, here’s what you should put in Storage, whenever needed.
Baby Items
Kids’ toys and furniture aren’t necessary if the kids outgrow them. A storage container allows you to keep these belongings safe in the event that your loved ones (or a friend of yours) receives an additional “present.” Put the baby’s stuff in storage and use the nursery as a guest room, a game room, or whatever else your heart desires.
Furniture
Undoubtedly, furniture is one of the most usual things to be stored away. Why? The majority of items of furniture are quite large and space-consuming.
- To begin, there’s no guarantee that your new place will accommodate every piece of furniture you’d like to bring with you.
- Second, you may find that your current furniture does not go with the design of your new home.
- A third consideration is that your new home or apartment may have come fully equipped, rendering some of the items you are relocating superfluous.
However, if you want to save some pieces of furniture because of their sentimental worth, the obvious solution of getting rid of them before the move (such selling them at a Garage sale) might not be an option for you. A second valid justification for putting away furniture is the anticipation of a future need for such pieces. Advice on how to best store your furniture::
- Protect your floors and furnishings from moisture and mould by placing plastic “bedding” or wooden pallets under them.
- If at all possible, disassemble bulky pieces of furniture; wax wooden pieces to preserve their polish.
- Protect the metal finish on your furniture by polishing it regularly.
- Bronze and copper should be lacquered.
- When cleaning and preserving furniture, always hire experts.
- Wrapping areas with some sort of padding can help avoid scratches and dents (bubble wrap, newspaper, towels, or blankets).
- Consider making “boxes” out of coffee tables and dresser drawers.
- Turn off the lights, remove the shades, and wrap the lamps with protective material.
- Deter mildew and mould growth by cleaning fabric furniture before putting it into storage.
- Mask tape can be used to protect glass and mirrors from breaking by forming a “X” on the surface.
- Glass or mirrors can be protected on both sides with corrugated cardboard.
- Unassembled tables should be stacked on mattresses or other padding, top down.
- The walls are compatible with tabletops.
- Furniture such as couches, chairs, and chests of drawers should be placed upright, as you would normally keep them in your home, to prevent any accidents from occuring.
- If you want to protect your furniture, use coverings.
- Maintain a constant temperature and humidity level, and dry everything thoroughly.
- To ward off mice and rats, you might want to try some repellant.
Electronics
If you are moving or just need more space, you may not want to get rid of your expensive and functional equipment. Advice on how to properly store electronic devices:
- It’s important to properly store electronics like computers, radios, TVs, photocopiers, fax machines, and scanners so that they’re ready to use when you are.
- Put electronics into their original boxes along with all their paraphernalia and accessories.
- Don’t jumble your electronic components; you might need to be able to identify them.
- Wrap computer parts like screens, keyboards, mice, modems, cables, etc. separately in their own boxes.
- If you plan on stacking your boxes, fill any empty places to ensure the boxes don’t collapse.
Seasonal Items
One of the most common types of items individuals put in storage is seasonal clothing, footwear, accessories, etc., because they won’t be needed until the following season. Even if people don’t know what to do with their seasonal things, they have till the following season rolls around to find out. It’s a good idea to do the same thing with your seasonal belongings when you relocate:
- Attire and footwear. Out-of-season garments and footwear can be temporarily stashed aside until a better plan is formulated. Even if you’re moving in the summer, you can rest assured that your bulky winter clothing and boots will be safe and sound in their designated storage space.
The majority of the things kept in storage are seasonal. Examples of frequent pieces of furniture seen in storage facilities include:
- Beds that have had their parts stripped down to their essentials;
- Cushions wrapped in plastic mattress covers;
- Dining room furniture, including a table and chairs;
- Outdoor furniture, tucked up for the colder months.
If you’re putting large pieces of furniture into storage, you might want to think about disassembling them first. As an added precaution against mould growth, ensure that all furniture is both spotless and dry.
Various Seasonal Equipment
During the warmer months, you can safely store your ski equipment away until the following winter. You can also put away stuff like snow tyres in the summer and summer tyres in the winter. Check out the smart wall storage
Decorated for the holidays. Since holidays like Christmas and Halloween only come around once a year, the decorations for those celebrations can be put away until next year. Those ornaments don’t normally take up a lot of room, so you might want to keep them stashed away until you find a better place for them.
How To Prepare Items For Storage: Tips And Tricks
Large Household Appliances
Large appliances like ranges, ovens, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators can be difficult to move to a new house. You might consider putting away some of your larger appliances if you are relocating into temporary accommodation and plan to move out again shortly.
Moving into a new house that already has some of those units in it is another reason why you might want to temporarily store your large appliances. It’s not surprising to discover appliances in storage because having multiples of them is wasteful of valuable floor space (how many dishwashers do you need?).
Just like with electronics, you might need a secure location to store appliances that are still in good working order but are not currently in use. Good packing procedures will allow you to safely store your microwave, oven, refrigerator, stove, washing machine, and dryer. Speak to us if you’re looking for elite garage storage solutions in Australia.
Appliance Storage Tips:
- Clean appliances thoroughly before putting them into storage to eliminate the risk of accumulation, rust, and insects.
- Appliances should be stored upright against the wall, with doors left slightly ajar to prevent musty odours.
- Protect the cords and store the cleaned parts back inside the appliances.
- Before putting anything away for storage, give everything a good once-over to make sure it’s dry.
- Empty any tanks or lines that may have collected water.
- Moisture left behind might lead to problems like freezing and mildew.
- If you plan on removing glass panels or other delicate components, make sure you carefully cushion and wrap them.
- Protect your appliances from dust and dirt by covering them with a sheet or other permeable material.
Files And Documents
Remember to take all of your vital records with you whenever you relocate. However, there are many documents and work files that are not so vital, but you still have to store them for a number of years until it is safe to dispose of them appropriately, usually by destroying them. Receipts, certain medical records, bank paperwork, employment records, school records, etc. are all examples of documents you should keep safe until their respective expiration dates. You can be assured that your valuable but non-essential documents will be safe in a storage unit you rent from a reliable company while you settle into your new home or make a decision about what to do with them.
What Important Documents To Take When Moving?
Books And Magazines
You can keep books in a storage facility, but you’ll need to make a decision on what to do with them at some point. No matter how small your new home is, you should have at least a few books on your bookshelf. It’s only natural to think about putting some of your most treasured volumes in storage until you can figure out a better solution, especially if the living space won’t allow you to move all of your books or magazines at once.
Before you leave your current residence, go through your book collection and get rid of the ones you no longer enjoy reading. Keep in mind that books are extremely heavy when boxed, so get rid of or sell any that you won’t need. Ideally, the books you chose to store are the ones you’ll want to keep for the foreseeable future.
Collectibles And Artwork Pieces
When it comes to packing up a home and moving, artwork and collector’s items are among the most popular things to be put into storage. Considering the chaos that typically surrounds a house relocation, this is a rational choice; after all, everyone wants to make sure their precious belongings are secure until they can settle into their new place. And you do, too. Helpful Hints for Organizing Your Files
- Mildew can form in damp environments, thus preventing it with climate control storage is important.
- Paper documents are easier to keep intact if kept at a steady, moderate temperature.
- Mildew is another problem that can be avoided with airtight storage.
- Remove boxes off the floor and store them in secure cabinets or on document racks.
- Keep records in a file cabinet.
- Make sure everything you store has a label.
- Make sure your files are well-organized so that you can quickly discover what you’re looking for, and carve out narrow “walkways” to your files to facilitate quick access.
- We recommend you think about taking extra precautions.
- To ensure the privacy of critical information, lock it away in a safe or behind a passcode.
Valuable, Rare Or Collectors’ Items; Antiques And Expensive Art
While the rocking chair that belonged to your great-great-grandmother may not be the most fashionable addition to your new home, you have no intention of getting rid of it. You might think about hiring professionals to box your valuable antiques before transporting them to your storage container. Make sure the storage facility you decide on has a good sense of security and that your valuables are covered by insurance in case of a calamity. You should be out exploring your new city rather than fretting over your grandfather clock. Check out garage cabinet storage solutions
Whether it’s a priceless treasure passed down through five generations or an exotic work of art, there are times when you’ll need to store something of great sentimental significance. In certain cases, people may feel more comfortable leaving valuables in storage because they aren’t able to guarantee their safety at home or at work. People who are always on the move may require a safe place to store their possessions until they can permanently set down roots. A better option than storing valuables in your house, this might provide collectors with peace of mind and a more streamlined way to display their treasures.
Valuables Storage Tips:
- Some expensive things need to be kept at a specific temperature and humidity level to avoid damage.
- Cover artwork for storage with tissue that has ventilation holes (plastic traps moisture).
- Wax paper can be used to protect the surfaces of paintings.
- Paintings can have cardboard placed in between them, and sculptures can be wrapped in blankets or sheets and placed in boxes with padding.
- Do not let artwork touch the floor.
- Never lean canvases against a wall for extended periods of time, as doing so will cause distortion.
- Place carpets in a roll.
- When storing items in a rolled format, you can use either acid-free tubes or cardboard tubes.
- Think about using muslin or polythene as a covering or a preservation material.
- Rugs should be kept on rust-proof metal shelving or in drawers.
- Protect fragile antiques by wrapping them with blankets, sheets, or bubble wrap.
- Mirrors and lamps can be packed in boxes.
- If the furniture is especially delicate, disassemble it and store the pieces separately.
- Tape screws and hardware to the furniture and seal a bag to store them in until reassembly is necessary.
- When storing precious goods like antique furniture or artwork, it’s best to take extra precautions like getting an appraisal and insurance.
Speak to us if you’re looking for garage storage solutions in Melbourne.
High-Value Items
In spite of the fact that most storage facilities take safety measures to prevent theft, you should still avoid storing anything of significant value there. In this method, you can avoid misunderstandings and show that you take responsibility for them directly. At the end of the day, the one you should feel safest trusting is yourself.
Conclusion
In many ways, a storage unit is just like an extra room in a house, except that it is not attached to the main house. It’s important to learn how to pack and organise a storage container to protect your assets from theft or damage. When moving from one place to another, it can be helpful to have a place to temporarily store your stuff. A common element of warehouses like Oz’s is climate control, which keeps the temperature from getting too hot or cold on average. Any respectable storage facility will employ security measures to prevent theft and break-ins.
Know if you’ll have “self” or “full service” access to your storage unit. During a relocation, it can be difficult to select what to keep and what to toss. Relocating can be stressful, but putting your doubtful belongings in storage might help ease that burden. Once you’ve established into your new place, you’ll be in a better position to make informed decisions with this information at hand. You might not want to get rid of your expensive and useful equipment just because you’re moving or need more room.
Electronics like computers, radios, televisions, photocopiers, fax machines, and scanners should be stored in a way that keeps them clean, dry, and dust-free so that they’re ready to use whenever you are. The vast majority of things stored in storage are only needed during certain times of the year. Ranges, ovens, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators are just some of the bulky equipment that can be a pain to relocate. If you have appliances that are still in good working condition but are not currently in use, you may need a safe place to keep them. Take special care to pad and wrap any glass panels or other fragile parts you intend to remove.
Remove any water from pipes or storage tanks. Cover your appliances with a sheet or other porous material to keep them clean and free of dust and debris. Wet conditions promote the growth of mildew, thus storing items in a dry, climate-controlled area is crucial. To prevent deterioration, some priceless items require a controlled environment with specified temperatures and humidity levels. Mobile people may need a secure location to keep their possessions.
In order to prevent permanent distortion, canvases should never be leant against a wall. Wrapping valuable antiques with a blanket, sheet, or bubble wrap is the best way to ensure their safety. When it comes to garage renovations, nobody does it better than GarageSmart. Our company’s independence as a privately held one is something we take great pride in.
Content Summary
- A lot of tough choices about the fate of your furniture, appliances, and other belongings will need to be made during this transitional period.
- Renting a storage container might be a fantastic practical solution if you find yourself in any of these circumstances but have nowhere else to put your extra belongings.
- In many ways, a storage unit is just like an extra room in a house, except that it is not attached to the main house.
- When moving from one place to another, it can be helpful to have a place to temporarily store your stuff.
- Your belongings will be at risk if you don’t know how to pack and organise a storage container appropriately.
- Find out what you can’t put in your storage unit and why (usually for safety reasons).
- Controlling the Weather
- Whether or whether the area has air conditioning or heating is a common concern.
- However, “most storage clients do not genuinely need climate-controlled storage,” as Ori points out.
- Oz’s facility is typical in that it has climate control to keep temperatures from getting too hot or cold.
- Self-storage renters have legitimate concerns for the security of their possessions.
- Obviously, the needs of the user and the design of the area in question should take precedence.
- Few individuals realise that the ease of access is a fundamental distinction between full-service and self-service storage facilities.
- If you rent a storage unit from a self-service facility, you get to decide when and how often you get access to your belongings.
- During a relocation, it can be difficult to select what to keep and what to toss.
- As a result, one way to reduce the strain of moving is to put any belongings you aren’t sure of into storage at a safe, convenient place that you can get to whenever you need to.
- The nursery can now be used for whatever purposes you like, so you can pack up the baby’s things and put them in storage.
- Without a question, household furniture is one of the most commonly stashed away items.
- Most pieces of furniture are substantial and will want a sizable area for placement.
- Second, you might not like how your old furniture looks in your new place.
- Tips for properly storing your household furnishings:
- Bedding made of plastic or wooden pallets can prevent damage to your flooring and furniture from condensation and mould.
- Always have a professional do the cleaning and preservation of your furniture.
- Clean fabric furniture to prevent mildew and mould growth before storing it.
- Covers are a great way to keep your furniture in pristine condition for as long as possible.
- Electronics and their accompanying accessories should be returned to their original packaging.
- Don’t muddle your electronic parts; you never know when you’ll need to find anything specific.
- Storing out-of-season clothing, shoes, accessories, etc., is a popular practise among individuals.
- Most of the items housed in warehouses change with the seasons.
- Disassembling bulky furniture before placing it into storage may be a good idea.
- Ski gear can be safely put aside over the summer months and used again the following winter.
- Festively decked out for the season.
- If you are moving into temporary housing and planning to leave soon, you may want to consider storing some of your larger appliances.
- Remove any water from pipes or storage tanks.
- When moving, make sure to pack all of your important documents safely.
- documents you should keep secure until their expiration dates, as examples.
- The presence of even a modest collection of books on your bookshelf will lend an air of refinement to your digs, regardless of their size.
- When it’s time to move, artwork and collector’s items are frequently among the first to go into storage.
- Airtight containers also help prevent mildew growth, which is another common storage issue.
- Always use a file cabinet to store important documents.
- Before putting your priceless antiques in storage, you may want to consider having a professional pack them for you.
- Make sure your assets are insured in case of an emergency and that the storage facility you choose has a strong emphasis on security.
- Roll up the rugs and store them.
- There are two options for keeping rolled items: acid-free tubes or cardboard tubes.
- Wrapping valuable antiques with a blanket, sheet, or bubble wrap is the best way to ensure their safety.
- If the piece of furniture is fragile, you should disassemble it and store the parts in different places.
- Screws and hardware can be taped to the piece of furniture and stored in a sealed container until they are needed again.
- Extra measures, such as an appraisal and insurance, should be taken when keeping valuables such as antique furniture or artwork.
- If you’re searching for garage storage options in Melbourne, we’re here to help.
- Theft prevention procedures are in place at most storage facilities, but you still shouldn’t trust them with anything of substantial value.
FAQs About Storage
What Are The 3 Most Important Things About Storage Areas?
- Good Security. If there’s one thing a good storage facility needs to have, it’s security.
- Multiple Size Options.
- Climate-Controlled Storage.
- Pickup and Delivery Services.
- Cleanliness/No Pests.
- Insurance for Your Belongings.
What Do People Use Self Storage For?
While there are several reasons why people use self storage, the most common include moving home or office, renovating, storing collectables, archiving and stock storage. It is even used by students and those who travel extensively as a safe haven for their belongings.
Will Clothes Get Ruined In A Storage Unit?
If you leave that on during storage, it can stain and even ruin the delicate fabrics. That’s why washing your clothes before you store them is essential. Also, they need to be as dry as possible before storage. Any leftover moisture can cause mold and mildew, which can also ruin the fabrics and cause odors.
Is Self Storage A Good Idea?
If you’re wondering whether buying storage units is a good investment, the answer is yes! Self storage is a chance for individuals to store their possessions while they move, attend school, stage their home or travel. For investors, self storage is a low-maintenance way to earn returns on an investment.
What Do You Put In Long Term Storage?
Here’s a short list of items that should be stored in climate-controlled units — especially in the long-term.
- Consumer electronics.
- Media storage equipment.
- Clothing.
- Medical supplies.
- Collectibles and antiques.
- Important paperwork.
- Leather furniture.
In 2005, GarageSmart® pioneered the garage storage category in Australia. Since we’ve built a reputation of providing a premium product along with a friendly and professional service. GarageSmart has the best storage solutions for garage. GarageSmart is the nation’s leader in complete garage fit-outs. We are a privately owned company and we are very proud of that. GarageSmart is a complete “do-it for you” premium garage fit out company.
