Your material possessions, which you have collected, bought, borrowed or been given, will represent different stages of your life.
That sofa you chose so carefully may take you back 15 years or the vase you received as a gift from a beloved suddenly reminds you of all the times you spent together fossicking in vintage stores. Saying goodbye to some of the possessions you’ve come to rely on like old friends can be harder than you imagined. This is perfectly normal so the obvious choice is finding a reputable storage facility. If you are storing valuables, there are some measures you can take to help them remain in great condition.
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
The first task is sorting out your belongings. You will need to classify your possessions into three categories: what to take with you, what to give away or sell and what to store. Make a list of everything you cannot leave behind. Once you’ve decided what is essential, draw up a list of what to donate to charity and what to give to loved ones. If friends or family are helping you pack, you can let them choose whatever they want from that category.
Once you have separated your items goings into storage, make a detailed inventory. This will help you obtain accurate quotes from storage facilities and make keeping track of everything much easier. Remember, you cannot store food or dangerous items. Make sure to read the storage facility’s guidelines regarding what items can and cannot be put into storage.
Storage Options
Knowing the volume of your items will make it easier for you to research your storage options. When you start calling moving companies, ensure they have the capacity to store everything and ask about security; is the facility constantly monitored? You can usually choose between container storage, modular storage and self-storage units and depending on how long you plan to be away, you may want easy access to your unit. People who are moving overseas or need long-term storage often opt for container storage. The containers are built to protect your belongings from the elements and eliminate double handling. Please check that the facility provides air-conditioned storage – this is very important for valuable items
Keep Everything Protected
Packing your belongings well is key to reducing the risk of breakages when items are going into storage. If you are storing photos, books or records, double-wrap them to shield them from extreme weather. Treat wooden and leather furniture to protect it from mould, mildew or other damage that can be caused by humidity. Any whitegoods must be cleaned thoroughly and you might want to keep the doors slightly open. Remove batteries from toys or other electrical goods. Keep electrical items in their original packaging or in sturdy boxes padded with appropriate materials.
Once everything is packed up and stored, you can travel with a clear conscience about your goods.
Brought to you by Allied Pickfords
