HELPFUL TIPS

HINTS TO SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY

The use of packing accessories such as Packing Boxes, Port-a-Robes, Paper, Tape, Bubble-wrap and Plastic covers will maintain and protect your goods whilst in storage. Fill boxes to capacity, partially full or bulging boxes may tip or collapse. Heavy items like books or tools should be packed in smaller boxes so they are easy to handle. Books should be packed flat, not on their spines. Packing and labelling boxes room by room makes the unpacking much easier, and if you need to find something in storage you will have some idea of which box to begin looking in. Also create a list of boxes and general description of what you paced in each box, leave a copy on your unit and take a copy home with you as well, this make searching for that one item much, much easier.

WHITE GOODS

Fridges, freezers and other white goods should be thoroughly DRY and CLEAN before storing. Whilst in storage the door should be secured slightly ajar. A deodoriser placed inside fridges or freezers is also a good idea to maintain freshness. Don't place items inside fridges or freezers as the shelves and linings can be easily marked and damaged.

FURNITURE

Empty the contents of wardrobes, drawers and cupboards to protect the shelving and structure of these items. Clothing and personal goods should be packed in strong secure cartons with some naphthalene, mothballs or similar product to protect and maintain their condition. Where possible remove the legs from items of furniture e.g. bed bases, tables etc. to avoid damage and save space. Vacuum food crumbs from lounges to prevent attracting vermin.

DISHES & GLASSWARE

Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and top of cartons containing breakables. Protect fragile items by wrapping them individually in packing paper (newsprint can be very messy and possibly stain). Nest cups and bowls, stand plates, saucers, platters, casseroles on their edges. Fill any gaps in the cartons with packing e.g.: scrunched paper or linen. This will keep your fragile items well protected and prevent them from moving around in the cartons whilst in transit. Label all cartons containing fragile items and avoid storing heavy items on the top of these cartons.

MIRRORS, WINDOWS, SCREENS & PAINTINGS

These items should be protected by packing material e.g.; bubble-wrap or in a flat-pack

STEREOS, TELEVISIONS AND VIDEOS

Your electrical equipment is very delicate and sensitive and should be handled with care. The original boxes are ideal to repack in. However wrapping items individually in bubble-wrap, packing them in cartons, and sealing the top will offer protection for your electrical items. Remember to pack out any gaps in the cartons. Turntables and tone arms of record players should be secured to prevent damage whilst they are being moved. Pack records on their edges in cartons to prevent warping. Big screen TV’s should only be moved in their original box or a purpose made removalist carton, big screen TV or any LCD Plasma should not be transported flat on their back, these must only be standing upright whilst being moved or stored to avoid damage.

BATTERY OPERATED APPLIANCES & TOYS

We recommend that you remove the batteries to avoid damage from leaking batteries.

COMPUTERS

Computers, like your other electrical items, need special care. The original boxes are highly recommended for packing. However bubble-wrap and good quality packing cartons will do the job. Remember to use some packing or linen in the bottom and top of cartons. This provides extra protection to the contents. Pack out any gaps. Most modern computers have "self parking heads". If you are unsure about your computer, refer to the manufacturer's manual, or consult your retailer, especially if storing for longer than six months.

MOWERS, MACHINERY & GARDEN EQUIPMENT

Ensure you drain fuel and oil from all machinery. This reduces the risk of leakage, spillage and damage to other goods in your space. Petrol and oil left in machinery are also a fire hazard. Place a note on the equipment to remind you that you have drained the lubricants from the equipment because last thing you want is to start it up with no oil!

PLANNING YOUR STORAGE SPACE

As a general rule place large, heavy items that you can stack upon at the rear of the unit. Then work forwards and upwards with lighter, fragile items. Place those items that you may need to access often in the front of the unit. Depending on the goods you have stored, you may need to allow for walk ways. Packing in professional storage cartons will make the stowing and unpacking easier and safe, saving you time and worry. Professional packing and the storage accessories will provide your goods with the preparation they need for storage and maintain their condition for the term of storage.

WHAT YOU MUST NOT STORE

At Hamilton Self Storage any goods that are -illegal -stolen -inflammable -explosive -environmentally harmful -hazardous, or that are a risk to the property of any person. E.g.: Chlorine, acid, paint and petrol and some chemicals. Perishable items are strongly advised to not be stored

DELIVERY RECEIVING AND DISPATCH SERVICE

You do not have to wait around for deliveries to arrive. We can sign off on any deliveries to the facility and ensure the driver unloads them appropriately. Your outbound packages can also be handled for pick-up by your courier