Tag Archive for: stored items

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.

Vehicle storage options

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There are many different options available when looking for vehicle storage. Choosing the best vehicle storage option depends on budget, the length of time the vehicle will be in storage and the value of the vehicle to mention a few. Below is a description of options available to help you make the right decision.

Outdoor Vehicle Storage

Outdoor Vehicle Storage is the cheapest storage option. This is typically a secure car park area containing designated parking bays.

Security features vary from facility to facility, PIN coded gates and security cameras will offer the best protection for your vehicle. PIN coded gates leave a record of who is in the facility; particularly important in shared areas. In addition, some facilities have removable or fold down bollards that are locked for added protection.

Another important aspect of outdoor vehicle storage is the area. Ensure there are no hazards that may cause damage to the vehicle, including falling debris from large trees, poor lighting, adequate drainage and damaged surfaces. Bitchumised areas are better. This prevents the possibility of being bogged or flooded in. The area will need to be large enough for large vehicles to get in and out of easily, with multiple entry and exit points a bonus.

If storing your vehicle outdoors, cover your vehicle to prevent rust and corrosion and to protect it from the elements. Consequently your vehicle will keep clean as well as protected. Ensure that windows, doors and sunroofs close and seals intact.

Undercover Vehicle Storage

Undercover vehicle storage comes in many different forms. The type of undercover vehicle storage will determine the price. These include carports or lean-to’s, warehouses, garages and shipping containers. All of these options offer protection against the elements in varying degrees.

Carports or lean-to’s offer a roof over your vehicle. Large warehouses offer a fully enclosed area. These options are secure and in a shared area. The same considerations need to be taken into account as the outdoor vehicle storage as mentioned above.

Fully enclosed garages offer maximum protection. These can be in the form of a shipping container or a specifically designed garage. These are individual and allow you to put your own lock on the door, with vehicles protected against the elements and other vehicles. The added benefit with this option is the there is usually room to store other small belongings around the vehicle.

General Tips

It is important to make some general checks before storing. Lock all doors and do not leave any valuables in the vehicle. For long term vehicle storage consider disconnecting the battery. If storing a caravan, ensure you have secured it properly to prevent it from theft. Wheel clamps and coupling locks are great deterrents.

Also, talk to the staff at the facility. There may be some additional services available to help. Some storage facilities provide a motorised jockey wheel mover to make parking caravans easier. If storing the vehicle long term they may offer a car washing service. Ask if there are jumper leads available or a battery charger just in case it needs a little help starting when you pick your vehicle up.

Protecting UR Self Storage – Security Features

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There are many reasons people use self-storage but one of the key reasons people put their stuff into self storage is to keep it clean, safe and secure. To keep your items safe and secure requires action by both the storer and the storage facility. Keep in mind that not all self storage facilities are created equal so it is important to ask the correct questions and make the right observations before you decide which facility is the best for you.

Choosing a Secure Self Storage Facility

Self storage is becoming a popular industry with most Australian states presenting several different options for consumers to choose from. It is important to look at all viable options presented when choosing a facility and comparing the security features they have to help you make up your mind. Security features should not only be present in the facility but also the grounds and surrounds of the facility. You need to ensure that not only your belongings are safe whilst they are there, but that you feel safe whilst you are at the facility.

Security features to check for:

Cameras

Ensure cameras are installed in and around the facility. When visiting a facility, try to locate a camera to ensure that it is not obstructed or covered and that there seems to be sufficient number of cameras so that you know your items are being monitored no matter where they are in the facility. Cameras may not stop criminal activity or thieves from breaking in, but they will assist if a break in does occur

Signs

Ensure there are signs in and around the facility advertising the security features of the facility. This may deter criminals from trying to break into a facility and gives customers the peace of mind that you know what is going on in the facility at all times

Security Monitored Alarms

This is different from just having an alarm in the facility. A monitored alarm is linked to a service that can summon appropriate help when activated. These days most alarms that go off are ignored by the general public, but by having it monitored the facility is paying someone to ensure a response is immediate when it is triggered. You may have to ask the storage facility if their alarm is monitored

Security gates

Ensure there are security gates at both the entry and exit points of the facility. This alone will not prevent criminals entering your site but will make it more difficult. Make sure there is adequate perimeter fencing that is strong, not damaged and high enough to keep intruders out. Fencing with barb wire at the top or gates with spikes on top will also ensure persons who do not have access do not gain access

Lights

Ensure that the facility and car park is well lit at night and that the lights are well positioned. Industrial level security lighting should be used both inside and out and a mixture of permanent and motion sensor lighting should be used. Ensure that the path from your car to your unit is well lit and the surrounding area is lit whilst using your unit

Access Control Systems

This requires customers to use traceable PIN numbers or security swipe cards to access the facility or their units and thus allows management to monitor “who’s inside”. These systems keep a log of all activity, including the date and time PIN numbers/swipe cards have been activated and how long individuals have been on the premise. Some facilities only give customers access when the office is manned, thus eliminating the need of access control systems but also restricting customer convenience

Individual Door Alarms

For optimal security some facilities have each individual unit alarmed so that is an unauthorised person tries to enter a unit an alarm will be triggered. You will need to check with the facility as to how these alarms are monitored

Fire and Smoke Alarms

Ensure fire and smoke alarms are present. You should be able to see the fire equipment around the facility. Ask facility staff to explain fire emergency procedures and ensure you are aware where your closest fire exit is from your unit. Also check to see if the facility is a smoke free environment, thus eliminating any potential risks of fire

Facility Audits

Facility audits should be a part of the facilities daily checklist. This audit can include lock integrity checks and will bring to your attention any signs of forced entering or tampering of locks immediately. It will ensure that if there was any criminal activity in the facility, management or the staff will be aware of it as soon as possible and action can be made immediately and security practices can be updated if needed. You may have to ask the facility manager if these are being carried out and how often

Padlock

Most self storage facilities require you to supply your own padlock. This is so you have total control over your storage and you are the only one who can access your storage unit. Most facilities will not hold any keys to your padlocks and therefore cannot enter or gain entry into your storage unit. At Store UR Stuff we say “It’s UR padlock, UR key and UR in control”.

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?”