Whether you’re packing up your things to put them into storage or to move home, the desire to pack them correctly will not change. These belongings are the story of your journey through life to date and for that reason are precious. To help facilitate this process We’ve pulled together some handy tips to make sure your belongings are properly prepared for storage and can be unpacked in the same condition they were packed in.
Store in waterproof containers
Don’t default to cardboard boxes. The best storage containers are designed to protect your belongings from dust as well as water spillages or leaks. Although leaks aren’t necessarily expected they can happen, which is why we always suggest paying that little bit extra for the piece of mind they provide.
Modular stackable containers are also great options to enable safe stacking of items. Some come with latches, whereas others feature grooves but ultimately the design you choose will depend on the purpose of your storage and how frequently the containers will be moved.
Clean before you pack
To get ahead of the curve we suggest starting to pack sooner rather than later. By concentrating on one room at a time, it’ll allow you to slowly start packing away the things you don’t use regularly. Furthermore, it will give you time to clean any items which potentially have been without a dust for a few weeks, before packing them away. Using a warm damp cloth is a quick and easy way to remove excess dirt and grime.
Protect your item
For fragile items make sure you wrap these in bubble wrap, newspaper or brown paper to help prevent accidental breakages once your belongings are in storage containers and are being moved. As well as wrapping these items, also remember to tag the boxes they are placed in to remind people moving them to place them down carefully too.
Labeling is a lifesaver
With so much to remember when moving house, a small thing that makes a big difference is labeling the box with the room and the items packed within it. It is a little tip which is potentially why people sometimes forget it. However, when you’re unpacking, it will be one of the best things you could have done. Just remember to write your label on multiple sides, as you never know how they will be stacked.
Pack strategically
In addition to labeling, another great suggestion is to pack the boxes you want to unload last at the back of the van, and place the things you’ll want to gain access to first at the front. This will prevent any stress concerning access, and if you have multiple people helping to unpack it also allows you to divide and conquer. Load and unload into one main room with one person to move the boxes to the noted rooms and start unpacking whilst the other person continues unload into the main area.
The early bird gets the worm
Pack early and make sure you’ve got absolutely everything packed before the movers turn up. You’ll likely have compared removalists and be paid by the hour and van quantity, so it’ll be in your favor to get everything ready and organized before they reach the property. Plus, the earlier you’re in your new home, the quicker so you can get the utilities set up so you’re not unpacking in the dark.
We hope these suggestions have been useful and that they have helped you to think about ways to strategically prioritize your packing. We truly understand the stress and anxiety associated with moving house or putting your belonging into storage, and our aim is to give you the right information to make sure your belonging are secured properly for storage.