Self Storage Guide

The Ultimate Self Storage Guide.

Here at Seaview Storage in Folkestone, Kent, we pride ourselves in our safe and secure storage solutions. However the first steps to great storage starts with you and how you prepare your items to be stored away. To make sure you get the best out of your storage solution, here’s our guide to making sure the self storage process goes as smoothly as possible.

Plan Ahead

Start by looking at how much you have to store and decide on a suitable location and size for your storage solution. How much space are your possessions going to fill? Deciding how big a container you need can save you time and money in the long run.

Remember to book your storage unit ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

It’s important to plan how you’ll move your possessions to the storage site. Can you fit it all in a car? Will you need to hire a van? Should you use the services of a removal company? For a long distance trip, choose a big enough vehicle that can move all your items at once. If the journey is short, then several small trips may be preferred.

When preparing to move your items into storage, make sure you have enough packing materials. The cost of not being prepared is damaged items so there’s no excuse not to get plenty of packing supplies.

Packing Up

Here are our top tips to making sure your possessions are safe and secure whilst in storage.

1. Take big items apart and keep the screws and other small parts in labelled bags.
2. Box everything so nothing gets lost.
3. Use good quality boxes that won’t collapse and put your possessions at risk.
4. Divide heavy items between different boxes and evenly distribute weight.
5. Wrap all your fragile items, such as china and glass, piece by piece. Put the heaviest items at the bottom of their box and pad the corners of the container so nothing moves around.
6. Label your boxes clearly, on the top and on the side. If you want to be incredibly organised, number your boxes and make a list of what is in each numbered box.
7. Clean out fridges, freezers, ovens and food cupboards. Tape doors closed for the journey into storage. Make sure fridges and freezers are completely defrosted.

In the Van

Make sure to load your largest items first and pad the space between items. If your items move around too much they could become damaged. To prevent movement, you should also tie things down to make sure they don’t topple over or slide about.

Make sure everything you need for the journey, such as your wallet, keys and ID, are in one bag that is completely seperate to everything you wish to store. Put them in the cab of the van so not to get your bags confused.

At the Unit.

When it comes to storing away your possessions, start by lining the walls of your unit with big items of furniture. Use all the available space you have, open the doors of wardrobes and put boxes inside. If you can fit items into drawers, make use of this space. Be careful not to stack heavy items on top of light items.

Fabric sofas can be stored on their sides. If you wish to protect your sofa further, cover it with a sheet or a specially-designed sofa cover. Leather sofas on the other hand should be stored upright as the leather will sag if stored on their side.

Stack your boxes so the labels are easily visible, allowing you find everything easier when you come to take items out of storage. In a large unit, leave a central aisle so you can easily move your items in and out of storage.

Store appliances such as fridges or washing machines with the doors wedged open.

Put a dust sheet over your items for an extra layer of protection.
Need your perfect self storage solution in the Folkestone area? Seaview Storage is here for all your secure storage needs with 24hr CCTV surveillance and monitored alarms on all our storage areas. From household crates to our car and caravan storage, it’s never been easier to make space. Visit us at http://www.seaviewstorage.co.uk for more information, or contact us by emailing info@seaviewstorage.co.uk



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