Storing furniture in a self-storage unit can be a great way to maximise space while keeping your furniture safe and secure. In Melbourne, cheap furniture storage is available, making it a great option for households on a budget. If you want to take on the job yourself, these steps can help you get started.
1. Gather Materials Needed
○ Different sizes of cardboard boxes
○ 1-2 meters of bubble wrap is recommended
○ Ream of packing paper
○ Packing tape
○ Scissors and cutters
○ Mattress Covers
○ Tape Dispenser
○ Chair Covers
○ Foam wrap or blankets for cushioning material
○ Bubble wrap or stretch wrap for fragile items
○ Thick pieces of styrofoam for corner protection
○ Packing peanuts or foam sheets for light items
○ Wood beams
○ Moving straps or tape to fasten furniture together
○ Webbing straps with ratchets, if necessary
○ Four-wheel dollies
○ Utility carts with retractable arms, depending on the type of furniture being stored
2. Clean & Inspect Furniture
○ Clean and inspect all furniture surfaces before packing them, ensuring any dirt or dust is wiped off.
○ Examine furniture for any wear and tear, like scuffs or scratches.
○ Ensure dresser drawers are cleared of loose coins or paper clips.
3. Disassemble Large Items & Secure Loose Parts
○ Find the manuals that came with your furniture to guide you in removing parts
○ Disassemble large furniture items for transport into the storage unit
○ Keep removable parts together in labelled boxes
○ Organise parts into drawers after disassembly
4. Wrap Large Pieces & Place Them Onto Pallets.
○ Wrap large furniture items with plastic wrappings.
○ Place the wrapped items onto pallets.
○ Add extra padding to each item, making transporting them into storage safer.
○ Maintain enough airflow beneath individual items to avoid moisture build-up
○ Prevent mould forming on fabric-covered surfaces such as couches.
○ Secure the edges of the box with tape and store the soft furnishings inside crates to protect them from damage.
5. Safety Precautions
○ Ensure large bulky items fit through doorways and elevators before loading them into the truck or trailer.
○ Keep plastic wrap away from heat sources such as radiators to avoid harmful fumes.
○ Wear gloves when handling furniture to avoid any cuts from sharp edges.
○ Vacuum Indoor Units Regularly: Depending on the outdoor climate, it is important to consider regular vacuuming to combat dirt and dust that may build up quickly in indoor environments. It should be done monthly at least to ensure satisfactory results.
6. Consider Conditioning Agents & Electronics
○ Air dehumidifiers can reduce humidity levels
○ Protect your units with Traps and Vapor Strips placed strategically for maximum effectiveness.
○ Use Biocide along the floor border space
○ When packing furniture into a storage unit, it is important to consider hygiene to prevent termites, rust, and dust.
○ Use insulation to regulate temperature.
If Storing Furniture Long-term
○ The best solution depends on several factors, such as amount of furniture, access needed and resources.
○ Keeping furniture items in a garage is typically not ideal due to fluctuating temperatures and humidity, which can cause wood warping, metal corrosion, and fabric fading.
○ The best solution is often utilising natural space, such as repurposing a closet or dedicating a bedroom exclusively for storage.
○ When deciding on an area for storage, the main goals should be to keep items away from direct sunlight and any other sources of heat that could damage them over time and ensure that the chosen environment has low humidity levels.
Things To Look Out For
Take extra care when packing fragile items like mirrors and picture frames. Wrap them carefully with bubble wrap and Styrofoam before placing them inside corrugated boxes. Consider purchasing a harness, as this will provide additional security while shifting things in the storage unit – especially electronics and fragile items.
Packing furniture can be daunting to do on your own. If you need assistance packaging furniture for a storage unit, you can research businesses that provide this service. Here are some suggestions to consider while deciding which company to use.
Choose an Established Furniture Packing Service Provider.
The most important feature of any mobile storage unit is its security system. Many units come with multiple layers of protection. Consider service delivery times, customer satisfaction ratings, and customer reviews.
In conclusion
Packing furniture into a storage unit requires careful planning and consideration. When transporting large items, it is important to ensure they fit through doorways and elevators.
Protective gloves should be used when lifting furniture and vacuum storage units to prevent dirt and dust build-up; fragile items need extra consideration.
You must secure the furniture with sturdy locks and alarm systems.
Lastly, choosing a reliable storage provider that can provide maximum security for your belongings is imperative for total peace of mind.
