|
The Art of Packing
The use of packing accessories such as
Cartons, Tissue Paper, Tape, Bubble-wrap, and Stretch Film
will maintain and protect your goods whilst in storage. Packing
and labelling cartons makes unpacking much easier, and if
you need to find something in storage you will have some idea
of which carton to begin looking in.
As a general rule,
01. Place large, heavy items that you can
stack upon at the rear of the space. Then work forward and
upward with lighter, fragile items.
02. Place those items that you may need to
access often in the front of the space.
03. Depending on the goods you have stored,
you may need to allow for walkways.
04. Packing in professional storage cartons
will make the storing and unpacking easier and safer, saving
you time and worry.
05. 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.
back to top
Fridges & Freezers
01. Fridges and freezers
should be thoroughly CLEAN and DRY before storing. While in
storage, doors should be secured slightly ajar to stop condensation
forming and help ward off bad odours.
02. Make sure you defrost your fridge and
freezer thoroughly before storing otherwise you will be leaving
yourself open to water damage.
03. Placing a deodoriser inside fridges or
freezers is also a good idea to maintain freshness.
04. Don't place items inside fridges or freezers
as the shelves and linings can easily be marked or damaged.
back to top
Washing Machines
Drain washing machines before storing
them and tie down hoses etc. Appliances should be CLEAN and
DRY before storing. It will be worthwhile wiping the insides
over with bicarbonate of soda before you store them.
back to top
Furniture & Upholstered Products
01. Empty the contents
of wardrobes, drawers, and cupboards to protect their shelving
and structure.
02. Where possible, remove the legs from
items of furniture, e.g. bed bases, tables etc. to avoid damage
and save space.
03. Chairs can be stacked seat to seat to
save space. Cover chair legs with protective wrapping for
extra protection.
04. Clothing and personal goods should be
packed in strong, secure cartons (e.g. wardrobe or clothes
boxes) with some naphthalene, mothballs, or similar product
to protect them and maintain their condition.
05. It’s not wise to place your clothes
in bin liners as moisture can get trapped inside when they’re
sealed and your clothes could be ruined. Similarly don’t
pack items into sealed plastic bags as humility can cause
mildew.
06. Vacuum food crumbs from lounges to prevent
attracting vermin.
07. Invest in covers, bags or sheeting when
storing upholstered products such as mattresses and sofas
to give them additional protection.
08. Mattresses are best stored on the long
end and should be ideally raised above floor level or laid
on protective sheeting.
back to top
Dishes & Glasswares
01. Place a layer of
packing (e.g. scrunched paper or linen) inside the bottom
and top of cartons containing breakables.
02. 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. Bubble
wrap is good investment for fragile items and breakables.
03. 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.
04. Label all cartons containing fragile items and
avoid storing heavy items on top of these cartons.
back to top
Mirrors, Windows, Lamps &
Paintings
These items should be protected by packing
material (e.g. bubble-wrap) or stored upright in a flat-pack
carton (not lying flat). Separate lamp bases and lampshades
before wrapping them for protection.
back to top
Photographs
Place loose photographs between pieces
of clean cardboard and tape them together to avoid curling.
Photographs are heat-sensitive and will suffer temperature
damage if the storage is not climate controlled.
back to top
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.
back to top
Computer & Electrical Items
01. Electrical equipment,
which is very delicate and sensitive, 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.
02. Remember to pack out any gaps in the
cartons. Pack pictures, vinyl records etc on their edges to
prevent warping.
03. 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.
04. 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.
05. 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.
back to top
Battery Operated Appliances &
Toys
We recommend the removal of batteries
in your battery operated appliances and toys to avoid any
damage, as batteries can leak.
back to top
Mowers & Other Machineries
Drain fuel and oil from all machinery.
This will reduce the risk of leakage, spillage, and damage
to other goods in your space. Petrol and oil left in your
machinery are also a fire hazard.
back to top
|
