Do:

• Utilize all the space in your unit. Make a plan as to how you are going to arrange your items. A good plan will save you the time of having to rearrange your unit. Leave an aisle in the centre of your unit so that you have a walk way to the back of the unit.
• Use freestanding shelves to help organize your unit.
• Label the boxes on all six sides and keep a list for easy reference. This will save you time if you have to look for something in particular. When packing boxes fill them without making them too heavy to lift. Always put the heavier boxes on the bottom and the lighter ones on top of the heavier ones. This will prevent boxes from being crushed. Keep boxes off the floor.
• Be sure to store frequently used items at the front of the unit to avoid having to search for them.
• To protect your items cover them with moving pads, sheets or light blankets.
• Be sure to check your unit once a month.
• Disassemble items such as tables, bed frames, etc. This will save space. Wrap and label all pieces for an easier time when you have to reassemble them. Put all hardware in bags and mark the bags accordingly.
• When you disassemble electronics, such as computers, stereos, things that have numerous cords, place small coloured stickers on the cords and the same colour stickers where the cord goes. This will save you the hassle of trying to figure out what goes where when it comes time to reassemble your electronics. If possible, use the original boxes to store your electronic and other items.
• Make sure that all appliances are clean and dry before storing them. Leave appliances slightly ajar to prevent mildew.
• If it is possible store couches on end. Stack chairs seat to seat. Use the inside of appliances and drawers to store small items. When stacking furniture use paper pads in between the items to avoid scratching.
• Store mattresses and box springs on long edges. Wrap for protection and elevate off the floor. Use two to three 2 x 4’s (50mm * 100mm timber) cut to 1 foot (300mm) long.
• Store mirrors and paintings on end, not flat. Pack books flat to protect their spines.
• To prevent rusting rub a small amount of machine oil on metal tools, bicycles and equipment. Drain and clean all debris from all equipment before you store them.
• When wrapping collectibles or anything breakable, tape it after you wrap it. This should avoid mistaking them for excess paper to fill the box. Use bubble wrap or unprinted paper to wrap breakables. Group similar items together and mark the boxes accordingly.
• Clothing and draperies should be stored in wardrobe boxes, on hangers, to retain their original shapes.
• Purchase the insurance. If your belongings are worth storing, they are worth insuring.
• Plastic containers are great to store your items. They have tight fitting lids and stack easily. Keep the more valuable items in the rear of the unit. This will prevent others from seeing them when you are in your unit.
• Keep out of season clothes accessible, you may have your belongings in storage longer than anticipated.
• Be aware of your surroundings when you are in your unit. If you see a potential problem or anything suspicious alert the manager.
• Clean all outside tools and equipment before packing. Make sure not ‘living’ items are included (pot plants, pets).

Don’t:

• Never pack bedding or clothes in plastic bags. By using boxes, the items won’t ‘sweat’. If you are storing them for a long period, you should put a ‘moisture absorber’ in the box (small packets of silicon).
• Don’t forget to leave a little ‘breathing space’ for items covered in plastic. Items retain moisture when fully enclosed in plastic.
• Do not store any food items. This will prevent any unwanted guests.
• Do not pack your boxes so that they are too heavy to carry – especially when you are packing books!
• Do not give your password, gate code or any information to anyone that is not listed as having access.
• Do not use printed newspaper for wrapping. The ink may smudge and get on your items.
• Do not forget to clean appliances before you store them.
• Do not store any toxins or flammables such as paint, oil or petrol.

 NB:When storing boxes, the sides of the cardboard boxes must never touch the concrete walls or be placed on the bare concrete floor.
You must leave a space between the box and wall or line the wall and floor with thick plastic.
Reason being, that if the cardboard touches the concrete it will attract and trap moisture which will damage the boxes and eventually the contents.
Everybody knows that our climate is very humid and even if the unit are ventilated the moisture in the air will condensate there where contact occurs.