Caravan Storage – How to prepare

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Purchasing a caravan is a great investment and fun for the whole family to jump in for a little getaway. However, failing to prepare for caravan storage during the off season can lead to costly damage. We have previously looked at vehicle and caravan storage options while it is not in use. Now lets look at how to prepare your caravan for storage and the steps you should take to protect it.

Clean Inside the Caravan

Empty the contents for caravan storage

Empty all personal and food items from the caravan. Closely check all of the cupboards, drawers, under furniture and beds to ensure you have completely emptied the caravan. Remove used tea towels, bed sheets and towels to wash so they are clean and fresh for next time. Store expensive items like a TV, laptop or other appliances in a locked cupboard, or alternatively take them out. This will prevent your caravan from being a target for break ins whilst in self storage. Remove any food items in the cupboards that may leave mouldy smells or attract unwanted pests. Make a list of everything you have removed or need to replace to ensure you don’t forget anything on your next trip.

Scrub and vacuum interior for caravan storage

Thoroughly clean inside your caravan from top to bottom prior to putting it in self storage. Scrub and wipe down any surfaces and empty cupboards. Vacuum the carpets, couches and any corners to eliminate dust build up and traces of food. Food will attract rodents and pests which can cause damage to your caravan. Cleaning the interior of your caravan will ensure that it stays in great condition whilst in caravan storage and is always ready to go for the next trip.

Clean the fridge and freezer

Defrost the fridge and freezer and empty the contents from both. Give them a good clean to ensure they don’t smell of last nights dinner. Ensure the interior is dry after cleaning and leave both the fridge and the freezer doors ajar to avoid any mould build up. Additionally, place a box of baking soda or dry sac in the fridge to draw out excess moisture.

Close windows, vents and blinds

Protect your caravan from letting any unwanted weather in. Just like water damage, direct sunlight can damage the interior of your caravan during storage. So it’s just as important to close blinds as it is to make sure all windows are closed and locked. To prevent mould forming from excess moisture make sure all caravan awnings are dry and rolled up tightly. This is also a great opportunity to check your caravans seals to ensure that they are 100% weather proof, especially when it comes to washing the outside of your caravan.

Clean the Outside of your Caravan

Clean and dry exterior

Time to give the outside some TCL. Invest in a soft-bristle brush attached to a long broom handle so it is easy to reach the high and awkward spots. Clean the outside of the caravan with your preferred washing solution. Retreat Caravans say that using dish soap can strip the paint of wax and protective coatings, leaving it vulnerable to scratching and sun damage. For best results wash your caravan with a car washing detergent. Use a small step ladder to get access to the roof of your caravan to get any tough spots like dried bird droppings. Simply rinse off with a hose or bucket. High pressure cleaners may cause damage to the paint work. 

Cover your caravan

The minimum step you should take to protect your caravan whilst in outdoor storage is to invest in a caravan cover. This will not only make sure the exterior is protected from the weather but it will also keep your caravan looking good for longer. Again, make sure your caravan is completely dry before covering to prevent moisture build up. Also, ensure the cover is breathable, this too helps prevent condensation.

Keep air circulating

Leave air vents in your caravan uncovered so air can circulate inside the caravan. This will ensure your caravan is not stuffy and stale when you take it out again. Circulation of air will filter your air or clean the air. It will also help diffuse or spread any pollutants added to the air, like any food smells.

Mechanical Checks Before Storing your Caravan

Disconnect the battery

Caravans have batteries to power the appliances when your caravan is not plugged into an electrical source. Having your battery disconnected whilst in storage will save your electrical items from draining the battery whilst it is not being used. The last thing you need is to get to your destination and find out the fridge or lights are not working because the battery has been drained.

Only disconnect the battery once it has been fully charged. Never leave it fully drained. It is also important that your check the battery every couple of months whilst it is in storage. This will ensure the battery does not drain. A fully charged battery can prevent deterioration and will ensure your house on wheels is ready when you are.

Check the tyres before and after caravan storage

A quick trip to the service station to check your tyre pressure before storing. This will save you time in the long run. Depending on how long your caravan will be sitting in storage, it is a good idea to pump the tyres to the optimum pressure. Your tyres will naturally lose pressure while it’s in caravan storage. Alternatively, if you know your caravan will be in storage for an extended period of time, jack it up to take the pressure off the tyres. Cover the tyres to protect them from the elements and to avoid deterioration.

Grease trailer hitches

Trailer hitches will need to be lubricated before storage and again when you pick it up after being in caravan storage. Apart from the general wear and tear this will prevent, it will also eliminate the awful sound of metal scrapping on metal when you turn a corner and any friction this can cause. Once you have lubricated the hitch ball cover it. Now that your caravan is ready to be rested and stored after it’s big trip don’t forget to check on it every now and again. This will assist in picking up any issues well before your next caravan getaway.

New Secure Vehicle Storage Area… NOW OPEN!

Store UR Stuff has extended! We are excited to announce the development of our new vehicle storage area is now open. With 24 hour security monitoring and recorded surveillance. As well as security fencing, PIN coded access and security lighting, you can rest assured your caravan will be safe and secure. To find out how to protect your caravan from theft and break ins contact Store UR Stuff  and reserve your spot today.

Moving Boxes

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Moving boxes are an essential item when moving house. They keep all your loose and fragile items together and protected while in transit. However not any old cardboard box will do. It is important that you invest in quality moving boxes to transport and store your items. Boxes designed especially for moving will better protect its contents in the move. These boxes are also made out of double corrugated cardboard to make them stronger to handle heavy household items such as books, crockery and knick knacks. They are uniform in size making them easier to stack more steadily. As mentioned in organising your storage unit, boxes stack easily which is important to consider when stacking them into a moving truck as well as a storage unit.

Where can I get moving boxes?

Most self storage facilities and removalist companies stock a range of moving boxes to purchase. Many people see purchasing moving boxes an additional expense in an already very expensive period. Some storage facilities sell second hand boxes which will cut some of the expense. When purchasing second hand cardboard boxes make sure they are still in good condition and the strength of the box has not been compromised where sticky tape has been removed or by dents and tears. Also ensure there is room left on the cardboard box for you to label them clearly. Some facilities even buy back your boxes once you have finished with them, making the expense minimal in the long run.

Which moving boxes will I need?

If you have ever gone to a self storage facility to purchase moving boxes you will notice that there is a large range and almost a box to pack anything. There are speciality boxes like bike boxes, golf boxes, wine boxes and even map boxes. There are standard moving boxes you can use to pack most things, however there are some speciality boxes, like a TV boxes, that is worth the expense to make sure the item inside arrives safely. The right box plus bubble wrap, butchers paper or filing should be used to ensure the contents are not damaged during transit. Store UR Stuff’s recommended removalists Relocation Guys also recommend limiting the maximum weight of a moving box to 15 kilograms.

Tea Chest

The dimensions of the Tea Chest Box are 61cm (height), 51cm (depth) and 41cm (width). This box is particularly useful for packing bulky but light items such as clothes, shoes, bed linen and cuddly toys you’ve yet to grow out of. It is important not to fill the box with heavy items as they will be too heavy to lift.

Book Carton

With double thickness walls and dimensions of 40.6cm (length), 29.8cm (width) and 43cm (height), the Book Carton storage box is ideal for storing breakables and fragile items.

Picture Carton

Picture Cartons are ideal for storing frames, mirrors and pictures. With dimensions of 104cm (length), 7.5cm (width) and 77.5cm (height), making it the perfect storage box for your flatter possessions. Additionally, you may not think you need to use moving boxes. Although, it’s essential to do so as it will keep your possessions protected from any possible damage whilst in transit.

Port-a-robes

Port-a-robes are an essential large moving box when it comes to the storage and transit of clothing. Especially valuable clothing items. Additionally, this moving box enables you to hang clothes up with dimensions of 59.4cm (length), 47.6cm (width) and 109.9cm (height). Also, Port-a-robes help to protect all garments from potential damage, making them a great choice of packing materials. Lastly, this method of clothing storage allows airflow through the box, helping to avoid any moisture being trapped inside.

Lay Flat Wine Boxes

The Lay Flat Wine packing boxes are an ideal choice for the storing and transit of wine. These moving boxes are able to keep your wine safe and secure due to moulded inserts holding the bottles in place. Also, this storage box complies with Australian Post Parcel dimensions. Therefore enabling you to use for postage, transit and storage. Overall, the Lay Flat Wine boxes are an essential packing supply for the transit of wine.

Labelling Moving Boxes

When using moving boxes you should always use labels. This is a great way to keep your possessions neat and easily accessible. Additionally, labelling boxes will make it easier to find things once placed among other moving boxes. Furthermore, another great tip is to create an inventory listing what is contained in each box, and then keep a copy of that inventory. This will enable you to locate possessions without the hassle of sorting through multiple moving boxes.

Quality of Moving Boxes

Although the cheaper option may seem better, this is not always the case with cardboard moving boxes. Cheap moving boxes can sometimes cause more hassle due to not being able to hold much weight. As well as not being secure or fully sealable. Therefore, if you’re wanting to ensure your possessions are going to be safe, opt for the higher quality boxes. Or otherwise purchase moving boxes through your storage provider. That way you’re able to receive help with choosing what’s best for your needs.

Furthermore, when it comes to moving house it is best to ensure you use the best storage supplies. Quality cardboard moving boxes will help to ensure your possessions are safe and secure whilst in transit. Along with this, labelling your moving boxes is also a great tip to make it easier for you to locate possessions once unpacking. Lastly, for more tips and information visit our moving boxes page, or keep an eye on our blog page.

Car Storage – How to prepare

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Car Storage

Not everyone has the luxury of a fully enclosed garage to store their car and protect it from the elements. Like caravan owners, you may require a car storage facility to store your car.  We have already explored vehicle storage options previously and discussed ideas on how to prepare a caravan for storage. Here we will look at what steps you should take to protect a car that is stored outside.

Wash and Wax before car storage

There are many car enthusiasts out there that agree washing and waxing your car is the best protection against the elements. The wax acts as a protective barrier between the dust, weather, pollen, bird poo, etc and the cars duco. In the winter, wax is like a raincoat and will protect the car by not allowing the water to come in contact with the paint. Wax will also protect your car in the hotter months with it acting as a sun block. This is important if you are using car storage in Australia’s harsh summer climate. Make sure the product has a UV protectant incorporated in it for best results.

However, washing and waxing it once and then leaving it will not be suffice. Some enthusiasts recommend washing and waxing at least twice a month to every three months. Also, it is best to dry your car by hand instead of air drying. Air drying can leave water droplets on a car. UV rays will magnify these dropletts causing hard water deposits to be etched into the surface of your car.

Most modern cars these days have a clear protective coating over the paint to protect it from the elements. If you are still concerned you can treat your car to a paint sealant to best protect it. Be reminded though, you will still need to wash and wax your car but perhaps not as regularly to ensure the exterior stays in the best possible condition.

To cover or not to cover stored cars

There seems to be mixed reviews on weather covering your car actually protects it. Some believe that it can do more damage than good with the risk of condensation forming in the engine and the underside of the bonnet. However, a cover can provide a good amount of protection for your car from the sun, debris from trees and insects.

There are all sorts of covers on the market ranging from a standard outdoor cover, ones that can protect your car against the sun, hail and storms, automatic car tents and car capsules. Car covers range from just under $100.00 up to $800.00. Avoid using a tarp or a plastic cover. One made from natural material that breathes is better and ensure you invest in one that suits the elements you are storing it in.

If you are going to invest in a cover ensure it fits your car properly. According to streetsideauto.com a poorly fitted car cover can scratch the cars paint when it is windy. A cover should also fully enclose the car to prevent rodents nesting in small spaces.

Service your car before car storage

If you intend on storing your car for a long period of time it is advised to give it a quick service. There are a few things you can check yourself before storing your car. At the end of the storage period it’s a good idea to call in the professionals.

As a minimum for long term storage, the coolant and oil should be changed. Dirty fluids simply sitting stagnate means any contaminants are sitting around too. In time this can cause more wear and tear on your engine. Dirty oil in particular can make it more difficult to restart your car on your return. The brake fluid and transmission fluid should be refreshed as well.

Petrol in the tank can break down. If you are storing your car for 3 months or more, add a stabiliser to prolong fuel life. By filling your tank before storing will reduce air build up in the tank.

Make sure your car battery is fully charged. The battery will still be drained by the vehicles electronics. Batteries can corrode over time, so if your car storage is long term it is best to remove it. Store the battery in a dry cool area off the concrete to prevent it from cracking. Don’t forget to check the users manual for any other precautions.

Air naturally escapes from your cars tyres over time. If storing short term, fully inflate your tyres so they are not too flat when you pick it up from storage. Tyres these days are now engineered to prevent “flat spots” so it is not necessary to jack the car up. It is also suggested that jacking a vehicle up can cause unnecessary strain on the suspension.

Do not store and forget

Check on your car while it is in storage particularly if it is going to be stored long term. Start your car to keep the battery charged. Check with the car storage facility to see if they have jump starter cables or a battery charger you can borrow just in case you need them. They may have a car wash deal with local car wash and detailing shop or organise one to come to you.

Protect your car in storage

Check your cars paperwork to ensure it is up to date before considering car storage. If your registration or insurance is due to expire whilst it is in storage set yourself a reminder to renew. Contact your insurer to inform them your vehicle is being stored in a secure storage facility and confirm it is fully covered whilst it is in car storage.

Car Storage with Store UR Stuff

Store UR Stuff is extending it’s vehicle storage area with our expansion well underway. Our secure area will have generous 10 meter drive through bays to make storing your caravan, truck, mini van or bus easy and stress free. Our well lit vehicle storage area will have 24 hour security monitoring and recorded surveillance, traceable unique PIN coded access 24/7 and security fencing to ensure your vehicle is protected at all times. Call 08 8371 0000 to reserve your spot today.

Wine Storage

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Most of us purchase a bottle of wine to enjoy right away but for those special wines that we want to cellar there are important rules for red and white wine storage to ensure your wines age well and increase in flavour and value.

Wine Storage Environment

Some winemakers have earned a reputation for creating wine worth aging, certain regions and certain type of wine age better than others, but the majority of wines on the market today are manufactured for immediate consumption and are not designed to age.

These wines are still of high quality and can be stored for 8 – 12 months or so without significant loss of quality as long as temperature, humidity and light of the area is considered. Though some wineries have earned a reputation for creating wine worth aging, additionally, certain regions and certain types of wine age better than others.

Temperature for Wine Storage

The ideal temperature to store wine is between 12-14°C. This temperature needs to remain constant all year round for optimal wine storage conditions. It is not recommended to store wine in the kitchen. This is one room in the house where the temperature can vary through out the day. That is when the oven or stove is on the temperature in the kitchen will heat up. If possible, the temperature should not fluctuate more than 2-3°C.

Heat can damage wine with wine show judge, Adam Walls, saying hot temperatures can cook the wine resulting in the wine losing its freshness. Heat can also compromise the seal of the wine which can lead to oxidation. Oxidation allows more air/oxygen into the wine. This can lead to wine evaporating leaving a low fill level and an oxidized flavor. Do not store wine in non insulated sheds or garages due to excessive fluctuations in temperatures. Avoid areas near heat sources such as heaters or electrical items that generate heat. Also high areas, such as on top of a cabinet, where hot air rises.

Wine Storage Humidity

Ideal wine storage conditions would maintain a 50% humidity level. That is humidity below about 50% is getting too dry and levels above 50% too damp. This maybe difficult to achieve. As long as the storage area has relative humidity levels ranging between 60-80% the wine should not spoil.

Dry conditions dry out the cork, causing it to shrink which can lead to oxidation. The majority of wine produced in Australia today are screw cap sealed. This alleviates the risk of the cork drying out. Wine storage areas that are too damp do not necessarily ruin the wine, it can lead to mold and mildew growing. This can ruin the storage area and wine labels.

Moreover, bottles with corks must be stored on their side. Screw caps can be stored in whichever way (standing up or lying down) suits you best.

Wine Storage in the dark

Do not store wine in direct sunlight. According to The Fine Wine Reserve although wine bottles are designed to protect the wine inside, UV light can break down the molecules that create the special flavors of a wine. This occurs more commonly in delicate white wines like Champagne, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Do not store wine on window sills or bench tops. If storing in wine racks ensure they are placed out of direct sunlight. Areas in the house such as under an internal staircase or the bottom shelf of a cupboard or pantry are better.

Wine Self Storage

Your average wine drinker need not be too concerned about climate controlled secure self storage areas for their wine collection if seeking short term storage options. Wine can be stored short term safely in a insulated storage facility. When moving home for example, wine can be stored in wine boxes and placed in your storage unit.

If storage is for an extended period of time, a climate controlled purpose built wine storage facility should be used. This is also the case for collectors and enthusiasts of wine storing and aging fine wines. These places ensure the temperature, humidity and light remain in the optimal range for your special collection.

What does Booze Brothers say about wine storage?

Booze Brothers Bottle Shops are filled with passionate wine enthusiasts and we asked them for some of their top tips on wine storage.

Booze Brothers Manager (at The Duck), Duane says “Wine should be checked and turned regularly. If possible, store red wine in a climate controlled environment like a cellar. Good reds can be stored for up to 10 years, if a wine reaches it’s optimum it will slowly decrease from it’s best potential so remember to drink at special occasions and enjoy the rewards of your cellaring.”

Want to learn more about wine and wine storage?

Hitsa Industry Training and Employment provide a short 2 day course, Provide advice on Australian wines. If you are working in the wine industry, hospitality or just enjoy wine as a personal hobby this course will further your knowledge on handling, storing and evaluating Australian wine products.

Moving House – Tips

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Moving house is rated one of the most stressful life events, but with some handy tips on forward planning and organisation it can become an easier and smoother process for you and the whole family. 

Make a checklist for moving house

It is imperative to create a checklist for leading up to your move and another one for the day of your move. Checklists will help you remain organised, save time and save you from forgetting anything important during the process like connect your electricity in your new house.

Some points for your pre-move in day checklist:

  • Book a removalist or moving truck if you decide to move yourself
  • Organise care for the kids or pets on move in day if it applies
  • Label each box clearly so you or the removalist knows which room it’s going to
  • Create an inventory for each box so you can see what you’ve packed without opening the box
  • Label anything fragile with fluorescent tape so it doesn’t get tossed around or placed on the bottom of a heavy stack
  • Organise the transfer or set up of your electricity, gas and internet to the new house.
  • Schedule your mail re-direct with Australia Post

Some points for your move in day checklist:

  • Wave the kids off as they spend the day with Gran and Grandad
  • Confirm with the removalist that they have the correct address for pick up and drop off
  • Pack plenty of water and food for the day to keep your energy levels
  • Have a bag of spare clothes, toiletries, first aid kit and bed sheets (it could be a massive day)
  • Gather all the old keys
  • Do one last scan of the house to make sure nothing has been missed
  • Lock all windows, doors and turn off your hot water and gas

Moving house is not a small task, these checklists could go on further.

Moving house with kids

Kids come in all shapes, sizes and of course ages. So, depending on how old your children are will indicate how much they will understand what’s going on around them when their clothes and toys start getting packed away into boxes. Try to involve the kids in the moving process, get them to help you pack up their bedroom and reward them for their efforts.

Moving house with pets

Don’t forget, moving house can also be a stressful event for your pet whether they’re a dog, cat or goldfish. How you choose to involve them in the move could be based on their personality or their age. Your first step should be to update their registration, information tag or microchip details in case they decide to escape.

Once you’ve set up their bedding area in the new house, make sure they have plenty of familiar items around them like blankets, toys and clothing so the change can feel less of a shock. Keep any routines as normal as possible like meal times or exercise.

For cats, you’d want to keep them inside until they are used to the new home and surroundings to avoid them running away.

Moving house DIY – load up the truck

Hiring a truck and moving everything yourself can cut down the costs. It may make the experience more challenging but if you’re up to the task, give it a shot. How you load the truck is important to make the most of the space and save yourself doing any unnecessary trips. Use plenty of blankets, sheets, towels or quilted pads to protect any items that may shift while driving. Load the heaviest items first like wardrobe units, couches, fridge, washing machine and dryer.

Pack any light items on top to use the space like couch cushions or light boxes. Start loading any chairs or light furniture that has been taken apart and line up any mattresses against the side of the truck for extra padding. Load any boxes or belongings that you may require straight away last like carpets that need to go down before any furniture, kitchen boxes, bedroom boxes and personal items.

If you have never driven a truck before, get some tips from the company you hire from. Trucks are higher and wider than cars with a wider turning circle. Take it slower and avoid any sharp turns to eliminate any damage or shifting of your belongings.

If you have any super fragile items, consider taking them to the new house in your regular car.

Get the materials for moving house

Packing boxes, sticky tape, permanent markers, butchers paper, bubble wrap, picture or mirror cartons, chair covers, and mattress covers are few of many essentials to think of when you are packing your entire home. Explore our range in our Box Shop store or online at Store Ur Stuff.

Need Storage?

Have you got more stuff than you thought? Don’t be too hard on yourself, we all know a hoarder or someone who’s kids have moved in and out of home more times than they can count, and they’ve somehow become responsible for far more furniture, clothes and old toys than they started with.

Self storage at Store Ur Stuff is a convenient solution with competitive prices. With a range of different sized units, you’ll be sure to find one that fits.

For further reading:

https://www.realestate.com.au/advice/moving/

 

Christmas decoration storage

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Decorating your house for the holiday season is a fun activity for all families, but if you’re not organised when packing the decorations back up again, it can feel more of a chore to sort through all the mess the following year. Here are some of my favourite ways to organise Christmas decoration storage at home.

Christmas decoration storage for ornaments

Ornaments come in all shapes and sizes, so there are many options for storage. Throwing all your ornaments in a one compartment box can cause damage and can possibly destroy some precious childhood memories. Many baubles and ornaments are made of glass or ceramic, these ornaments would benefit from being wrapped in tissue paper or kitchen roll to protect each one before storage.

Kitchen Boxes with dividers are useful for organising colours and styles of ornaments so you’re ready to choose your colour scheme or theme each year. For the small ornaments, use recycled egg cartons for storage as they keep each ornament from knocking together. Recycled pringle tins are also useful for collating a few precious ornaments.

If you’ve kept the original boxes that you bought your ornaments in, that’s a bonus.

Christmas decoration storage for a wreath

A Christmas wreath can be delicate. Squishing it in a box will not protect its finer details. Tie your wreath onto a sturdy coat hanger and slip it into a garment bag to hang in your wardrobe for storage.

Christmas decoration storage for lights

Who doesn’t love the Lobethal Lights at Christmas time? We can only imagine how long it would take over 700 homes and businesses to set up a house and garden full of Christmas lights. Back to basics though, everyone needs at least one set of lights for the Christmas tree. To save yourself a tangled mess, wrap your Christmas lights around a coat hanger. Another option could be to cut out a decent sized rectangle from a used 2ply cardboard box and wrap your lights around. For added protection, wrap some butchers paper or kitchen roll around the lights for padding.

Christmas wrapping paper storage

Keep all your wrapping paper together for every occasion. This means you don’t buy more each year when you don’t need to. Get another trusty coat hanger and garment bag and place all your wrapping paper inside hanging next to your Christmas wreath.

Declutter Christmas decorations before storage

If you find yourself running out of storage room, take some time to declutter when the time comes to take down your Christmas tree and pack up all your decorations. If you’ve got any broken Christmas lights, odd unused baubles or ratty tinsel just get rid of it. It will make a fun activity for the family to get some fresh Christmas decorations next year.

Need any boxes?

Head over to our Box Shop for kitchen boxes with dividers, storage boxes, butchers paper, bubble wrap and more. Perfect to help you organise Christmas decorations this year.

Storing Couches – Clean, protect and store

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Storing furniture and household goods are a good option when moving or renovating. Usually the most bulky item is your couch. There are some steps that need to be taken when storing couches to ensure it is protected. To ensure it comes out of storage as in good condition as it was before you locked it away, consider these 3 easy tips for couch storage.

Tips for Storing Couches

Clean before storage

Before storing furniture, you should clean the item thoroughly prior to storing to prevent deterioration. The same goes when storing couches. The best option would be to get your couch professionally cleaned, however this can be expensive. You can easily achieve the same result yourself with rubber gloves, good cleaning products and a little elbow grease.

With fabric couches check the fabric tag. It will tell you what fabric the couch is so you can clean it with appropriate cleaners. Most fabric couches can be cleaned with water based detergents or can be dry cleaned quite easily. I found Alexis Rohlins’ blog How to clean a couch without professional cleaning a good step by step guide to getting your couch clean and ready for storage.

Leather couches, however, can be polished using a microfibre cloth and leather polish which can be purchased at most supermarkets. Alternatively consider using a natural approach when cleaning leather with white vinegar or olive oil.

Most importantly, ensure your couch is completely dry after cleaning and storing. Moisture leads to mold which will ruin your couch.

Transporting and Storing Couches

Once cleaned cover your couch to protect it from scuffs, marks and dust. If possible dissemble your couch by removing cushions and feet for easier transportation and storage.

For the feet, consider covering in bubble wrap. If they are removable, once wrapped in bubble wrap place them in a bag. Attach the bag inside the couch so you can easily find them when you need to put them back on. Cushions can be wrapped in either plastic or fabric. For short term storage, plastic bags are fine to store the cushions and plastic couch covers can be used to cover your couch. Drop clothes or quilted pads are recommended for long term storage as they allow the air to circulate and prevent mildew forming.

For best protection against moisture you can place a Dry sac in the bag with your cushions and in the couch cover. Dry sacs work like silica gel and are designed to protect leather and furniture by absorbing any moisture.

Bubble wrap, plastic covers, quilted pads and Dry sacs can be purchased on the Store UR Stuff website. Store UR Stuff will deliver or you can visit in store to pick up.

Your storage unit

Ensure your unit is large enough. It is not always ideal to flip a couch on its side if it is going to be in there long term as this can warp the frame of your couch. It is also wise not to stack large or heavy items on your couch. Ensure there is space between items so items are not leaning and possibly indenting your couch. This will also improve air flow in your unit again reducing the risk of mildew forming.

For any couches that are precious such as heirlooms or collectables, climate controlled units are best. But for those that are moving house and need something short term the unit does not need to be climate controlled as long as it is clean and secure.

It is best to stand your couch off the unit floor – consider using pallets, blocks of wood or bricks. This goes for all items stored in a unit. It is always best to be safe than sorry, as much as storage facilities do their best to provide secure and clean units, accidents can happen. A spill from an adjoining storer could seep into your unit.

For further reading:

www.topcleaningsecrets.com/house/how-to-clean-a-leather-sofa-at-home.html

www.homeguides.sfgate.com/clean-couch-professional-cleaning-28846.html