Tag Archive for: packing

Essential Packing Supplies

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Preparing items for storage seems straight forward, right? Well, it isn’t as easy as it seems. Unless your not too phased about the well-being of your belongings. 

When getting stuff ready for self storage or just packing away things for the winter months. You want to ensure that you pack your items correctly and the best you can. This will help to protect your belongings from potential damage. 

But what do you need to ensure you do the job properly? You’ll need the following packing supplies, as well as great packing skills. If you want to unpack your items in the same condition that you packed them away that is.

Boxes

Probably the number 1 packing supply, you’ll need lots of good quality moving boxes. Moving boxes can come in all shapes and sizes, as well as quality. Don’t go the cheapest option when buying moving boxes. You don’t want the bottom falling out when you’re walking down the street or anywhere else. 

In addition, there are standard moving boxes that are suitable for most things. Along with speciality boxes, like a TV box, which is worth the extra expense. 

Also ensure that you don’t pack your boxes too heavy. It’s best to make sure you’re able to safely lift them on your own. If you can’t lift them on your own, you’ve probably over-packed it. 

Bubble Wrap

Don’t underestimate the importance of bubble wrap. Bubble wrap will help protect your fragile and more breakable items from potential damage. Plus, it’s great for wrapping up those oddly shaped items.

In addition, try to avoid using old sheets, towels or paper as these materials will not provide the same protection as bubble wrap will. 

Labelling Materials / Permanent Marker

Label your items as you pack. You want to be able to identify what’s in each box without having to sift through it. Some people may be happy with using a permanent marker to label their moving boxes and some may prefer proper moving labels. It doesn’t necessarily matter how you choose to label your boxes, as long they are labelled clearly. 

Furthermore, make sure you label your boxes on multiple sides. This will help when trying to find items in your storage unit.

Heavy Duty Packing Tape

Another key packing supply is heavy duty packing tape. You want to ensure you buy durable tape that’s strong and sticky. It’ll also make it easier if you have a proper tape gun to go with it. This way you won’t lose the end of the roll and the tape will dispense a lot easier and quicker.

Fragile Packing Tape

A great way to ensure your breakable items are going to be safe is to purchase a roll of fragile tape. This may seem excessive, however if you don’t want your items damaged, this is a great extra step to take. The tape stands out and helps to avoid breakages as people are aware that the box contains fragile items.

Now You’re Ready to Pack for Self Storage

These are all essential packing supplies. They will help to ensure your items are stored correctly and avoid damage whilst in self storage. Plus, they’ll also make it easier when you need to locate something within your storage unit.

In addition, any of these packing supplies can be purchased from Store Ur Stuff at affordable prices. Our box shop makes us a convenient Adelaide Storage Facility, offering everything you need right here on site. Stop by to pick up some supplies or pre-purchase them online – it’s that easy!

Looking for self storage in Adelaide? Check out our storage solutions online or give our friendly staff a call on 8371 0000.

Benefits of renting a small storage unit for the Christmas period

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Is it your turn to host family Christmas this year? You may live in a small apartment and have minimal room, or you may have a pergola or sunroom that’s full of ‘junk’. Finding the space to fit all your family, friends and food on Christmas Day can be difficult. But, don’t stress, a small storage unit could be the perfect solution!

Renting a small storage unit over the Christmas period can benefit you for many reasons, plus it’s super affordable and convenient. If you have the job of hosting Christmas Day, you want to impress. So, let’s discuss why a storage unit will solve all your storage problems and help you ace Christmas day!

Reasons to rent a small storage unit over the Christmas period

Create space for guests

If you’re needing to make room for guests, storing furniture in a short-term storage unit can be a great way to do this. You may be hosting Christmas Day in your sunroom or pergola and it may be cluttered with random unused items. Or you may use one of these areas as a home gym, meaning there’s probably equipment cluttering the space. Furthermore, Store away whatever isn’t needed on Christmas day and you’ll find yourself with a lot more space to work with.

Clear out the spare rooms

You might find yourself needing extra space for friends and family to stay over. Often homeowners will have one or two spare rooms that are the designated ‘junk’ rooms. Aka ‘i have nowhere else to put this’. If this is the case for you, temporarily move all of that stuff into a self storage unit – you might even leave it there for good!

Once your spare rooms are clear, you will need to purchase sleeping materials. If you’re on a budget air mattresses can be a great alternative to buying a bed.

Hide presents from your children

Another great benefit of renting a small storage unit during the Christmas period is having somewhere to hide your kid’s presents. Storing them in a self storage unit will not only keep them hidden from your kid’s, but also from any pets that like to chew things up. Avoid putting presents under the tree and running the risk of them being ruined by the family dog. Store them in a self storage unit – all problems solved!

In addition, you can also utilise the space in your storage unit for wrapping Christmas presents. It can be hard to find time at home when no one is around. Wrap the presents in your storage unit, that way no one will see and ruin the surprise. Then you can leave them in your self storage unit until Christmas Day.

Who to store with?

When looking for short term self storage during the Christmas period you want to ensure you choose a reliable and trustworthy storage facility. You also want a facility that offers month to month storage contracts rather than yearly.

Some important factors are:

  • Safe & secure
  • 24 hour access
  • Pin coded gates
  • Month to month contracts
  • Pest free

In addition, Store Ur Stuff is an Adelaide storage facility that would be a great choice for short term Christmas storage. We offer a variety of storage unit sizes as well as month to month contracts. Meaning you can rent a storage unit for the time needed then finish your contract. However, you may realise how convenient self storage is and decide to continue on your contract after the Christmas period!

Enquire online today about our Adelaide storage units or give our friendly staff a call on 08 8371 000 – we’re here to help with all your storage needs!

Moving Boxes

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Moving boxes are an essential item when moving house. They keep all your loose and fragile items together and protected while in transit. However not any old cardboard box will do. It is important that you invest in quality moving boxes to transport and store your items. Boxes designed especially for moving will better protect its contents in the move. These boxes are also made out of double corrugated cardboard to make them stronger to handle heavy household items such as books, crockery and knick knacks. They are uniform in size making them easier to stack more steadily. As mentioned in organising your storage unit, boxes stack easily which is important to consider when stacking them into a moving truck as well as a storage unit.

Where can I get moving boxes?

Most self storage facilities and removalist companies stock a range of moving boxes to purchase. Many people see purchasing moving boxes an additional expense in an already very expensive period. Some storage facilities sell second hand boxes which will cut some of the expense. When purchasing second hand cardboard boxes make sure they are still in good condition and the strength of the box has not been compromised where sticky tape has been removed or by dents and tears. Also ensure there is room left on the cardboard box for you to label them clearly. Some facilities even buy back your boxes once you have finished with them, making the expense minimal in the long run.

Which moving boxes will I need?

If you have ever gone to a self storage facility to purchase moving boxes you will notice that there is a large range and almost a box to pack anything. There are speciality boxes like bike boxes, golf boxes, wine boxes and even map boxes. There are standard moving boxes you can use to pack most things, however there are some speciality boxes, like a TV boxes, that is worth the expense to make sure the item inside arrives safely. The right box plus bubble wrap, butchers paper or filing should be used to ensure the contents are not damaged during transit. Store UR Stuff’s recommended removalists Relocation Guys also recommend limiting the maximum weight of a moving box to 15 kilograms.

Tea Chest

The dimensions of the Tea Chest Box are 61cm (height), 51cm (depth) and 41cm (width). This box is particularly useful for packing bulky but light items such as clothes, shoes, bed linen and cuddly toys you’ve yet to grow out of. It is important not to fill the box with heavy items as they will be too heavy to lift.

Book Carton

With double thickness walls and dimensions of 40.6cm (length), 29.8cm (width) and 43cm (height), the Book Carton storage box is ideal for storing breakables and fragile items.

Picture Carton

Picture Cartons are ideal for storing frames, mirrors and pictures. With dimensions of 104cm (length), 7.5cm (width) and 77.5cm (height), making it the perfect storage box for your flatter possessions. Additionally, you may not think you need to use moving boxes. Although, it’s essential to do so as it will keep your possessions protected from any possible damage whilst in transit.

Port-a-robes

Port-a-robes are an essential large moving box when it comes to the storage and transit of clothing. Especially valuable clothing items. Additionally, this moving box enables you to hang clothes up with dimensions of 59.4cm (length), 47.6cm (width) and 109.9cm (height). Also, Port-a-robes help to protect all garments from potential damage, making them a great choice of packing materials. Lastly, this method of clothing storage allows airflow through the box, helping to avoid any moisture being trapped inside.

Lay Flat Wine Boxes

The Lay Flat Wine packing boxes are an ideal choice for the storing and transit of wine. These moving boxes are able to keep your wine safe and secure due to moulded inserts holding the bottles in place. Also, this storage box complies with Australian Post Parcel dimensions. Therefore enabling you to use for postage, transit and storage. Overall, the Lay Flat Wine boxes are an essential packing supply for the transit of wine.

Labelling Moving Boxes

When using moving boxes you should always use labels. This is a great way to keep your possessions neat and easily accessible. Additionally, labelling boxes will make it easier to find things once placed among other moving boxes. Furthermore, another great tip is to create an inventory listing what is contained in each box, and then keep a copy of that inventory. This will enable you to locate possessions without the hassle of sorting through multiple moving boxes.

Quality of Moving Boxes

Although the cheaper option may seem better, this is not always the case with cardboard moving boxes. Cheap moving boxes can sometimes cause more hassle due to not being able to hold much weight. As well as not being secure or fully sealable. Therefore, if you’re wanting to ensure your possessions are going to be safe, opt for the higher quality boxes. Or otherwise purchase moving boxes through your storage provider. That way you’re able to receive help with choosing what’s best for your needs.

Furthermore, when it comes to moving house it is best to ensure you use the best storage supplies. Quality cardboard moving boxes will help to ensure your possessions are safe and secure whilst in transit. Along with this, labelling your moving boxes is also a great tip to make it easier for you to locate possessions once unpacking. Lastly, for more tips and information visit our moving boxes page, or keep an eye on our blog page.

Inventory – keep track of your stuff in storage

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A question that I get asked all the time at home is “Mum, have you seen…?” or “Where did you put…..” It drives me up the wall. Even though I have said more than numerous times to my husband and child to put things away when you have finished with them, it always comes back to me when the item goes missing.

That is why when it comes to people relocating items into storage – particularly long term – one piece of vital advise I give is if you are packing away items in a box, make a list of what is in the box and keep it handy. This goes the same for any item that is going into storage. Making an inventory list of all of your items – big and small – going into storage is an easy task to complete and may save you going around the twist finding something you know you have but don’t know where it is.

What’s the point?

Organisation is one of the main reasons people make an inventory of their items in storage. By knowing where everything is it will eliminate the need to spend hours looking for an item and more importantly it may even save you money so that you do not have to replace an item you think is lost.

The labels on your boxes are just as important as the inventory list created.

By making a list of your items as they are being prepared for storage means you can go through your stuff. For each item you are inventorying you should be thinking these 3 things: Throw it, Give it or Sell it and Pack it. Instead of picking up piles of things and popping them into a box, an inventory list makes you go through things item by item, giving you the opportunity to be as ruthless as possible.

More importantly, an inventory list of your stored items can protect you if there is ever any unforeseen circumstances such as fire, flood, break-ins and theft. If you ever needed to make an insurance claim against your items in storage an inventory of your items will be a blessing.  You will be able to make a claim for insurance quickly and accurately and it will also speed up the process for the insurance company.

How do you do an inventory?

An inventory list does not need to be fancy and it doesn’t matter how you do it as long as it is legible and understandable. At the end of the day, it will be usually you that will need to refer to it. It can be a handwritten list on a piece of paper, an excel spreadsheet or a digital photo gallery. Depending on how thorough and how much time you wish to spend on this you can either create a simple or detailed inventory list. A simplistic inventory should include a list of all the items and their general location.

It is always a good idea to have a little detail than pages of lists. Break the items into categories or by room and be as specific as you can. Don’t just write “bathroom stuff” on a box, write which bathroom it is from – master, family, guest – and the items. This will be a big help when you do move out of storage and it will assist you when you are unpacking.

For items going into boxes or containers adopt a colour coded system or a numbered system to sort your stored inventory. For example: Use green labels or #1 for items from the kitchen, red labels or #2 for items from the laundry etc. Make sure that either the coloured label or number on the box are visible when you stack your storage unit to make retrieval of your items a lot easier. If using the colour coded system, you may still need to number the boxes so each box or container has an itemized list instead of one long list that spreads over 4 green colour coded boxes.

There are even apps now that you can download to help make it even easier and they are free. Try Encircle: Home Inventory, My Inventory Manager, Belongings – Home Inventory, Items and Storage and Inventory or Home Inventory Photo Remote for your apple products or you can search http://appcrawlr.com/app/search/?q=home+inventory for other android devices.

Don’t get overwhelmed

People usually require storage during what is an already stressful time. Packing up a house is a daunting experience, there always seems to be more stuff than you can remember and it usually is a task that you think will not take long but usually takes a lot longer (well this has seemed to be the case with every move that I have had to make). One important lesson that I have learnt is to plan. A little time spent on planning can save you a lot of time in the end.

Break the task up into parts – take it room by room. This may make the huge job ahead not such an impossible one. If you don’t have time to itemise each box pre-label your boxes and have friends or kids if you have them to help.

Keep it safe

Once you have completed the inventory list, make sure you keep the list somewhere that is easily accessible and safe. You can keep a copy of the list in your storage unit, however it is best to keep it at home so you can refer to it when you need to. Keep a digital copy – weather you take a photo of the list, transfer it onto an excel spreadsheet or scan it – it is best to have more than one copy.

After going to all the time and effort in doing the list, the last thing you want to ask yourself is “Where did I put that inventory list?”

Tips and tricks for organising your self storage unit

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Make the most of your self storage space

Packing a storage unit takes nothing more than common sense. However, storage is usually used at a time of desperation and common sense does not always prevail. So below is a little list of what seems like common sense to help you make the most of your storage space.

Tips and Tricks:
  • Make an inventory of everything you are storing. If possible, take photos and list the estimated replacement value of each item
  • How often do you plan to access your goods? This will determine how you will pack your self storage unit and what you will pack together in each box. Keep items you want to access close to the front
  • Wherever possible, use boxes for your packing. Boxes stack easily and sealing them will protect your items from dust or dirt
  • Label all of your boxes. Consider labeling some or all sides of each box so you can easily see what’s inside, regardless of how you stack them in your unit
  • Seal boxes with tape to keep the dust out
  • Clearly mark boxes that hold delicate items as FRAGILE

Self Storage Units Shelving | Store UR Stuff

Self Storage Units Shelving | Store UR Stuff

  • Fill boxes to capacity where possible, as this stops things from moving around. Don’t make them too heavy as this will make them hard to lift, and you risk the bottom of your box breaking with the weight
  • Full boxes will be sturdier to stack in your unit
  • Place your heaviest boxes at the bottom of your stack
  • If you regularly need to access your items whilst in storage consider shelving so that your items are easily visible
  • To make the best use of your storage space, dismantle furniture and fill anything that is hollow, such as wardrobes, washing machines or fridges, with small boxes and other items
  • Wedge the door of the kitchen appliances so that they can’t shut. This will help avoid mildew or odour build up
  • Store all bolts, nuts and screws to any dismantled items in a zip-lock glad bag and tape it to the item you have removed them from
  • Get a professional to stack your storage space. Removalists are experienced in getting all your items into their truck and stacking a storage unit is pretty much the same. They will ensure you are using every square inch in your unit

Please feel free to add to this list by leaving a comment