Tag Archive for: self storage

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.

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.

Vehicle storage options

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There are many different options available when looking for vehicle storage. Choosing the best vehicle storage option depends on budget, the length of time the vehicle will be in storage and the value of the vehicle to mention a few. Below is a description of options available to help you make the right decision.

Outdoor Vehicle Storage

Outdoor Vehicle Storage is the cheapest storage option. This is typically a secure car park area containing designated parking bays.

Security features vary from facility to facility, PIN coded gates and security cameras will offer the best protection for your vehicle. PIN coded gates leave a record of who is in the facility; particularly important in shared areas. In addition, some facilities have removable or fold down bollards that are locked for added protection.

Another important aspect of outdoor vehicle storage is the area. Ensure there are no hazards that may cause damage to the vehicle, including falling debris from large trees, poor lighting, adequate drainage and damaged surfaces. Bitchumised areas are better. This prevents the possibility of being bogged or flooded in. The area will need to be large enough for large vehicles to get in and out of easily, with multiple entry and exit points a bonus.

If storing your vehicle outdoors, cover your vehicle to prevent rust and corrosion and to protect it from the elements. Consequently your vehicle will keep clean as well as protected. Ensure that windows, doors and sunroofs close and seals intact.

Undercover Vehicle Storage

Undercover vehicle storage comes in many different forms. The type of undercover vehicle storage will determine the price. These include carports or lean-to’s, warehouses, garages and shipping containers. All of these options offer protection against the elements in varying degrees.

Carports or lean-to’s offer a roof over your vehicle. Large warehouses offer a fully enclosed area. These options are secure and in a shared area. The same considerations need to be taken into account as the outdoor vehicle storage as mentioned above.

Fully enclosed garages offer maximum protection. These can be in the form of a shipping container or a specifically designed garage. These are individual and allow you to put your own lock on the door, with vehicles protected against the elements and other vehicles. The added benefit with this option is the there is usually room to store other small belongings around the vehicle.

General Tips

It is important to make some general checks before storing. Lock all doors and do not leave any valuables in the vehicle. For long term vehicle storage consider disconnecting the battery. If storing a caravan, ensure you have secured it properly to prevent it from theft. Wheel clamps and coupling locks are great deterrents.

Also, talk to the staff at the facility. There may be some additional services available to help. Some storage facilities provide a motorised jockey wheel mover to make parking caravans easier. If storing the vehicle long term they may offer a car washing service. Ask if there are jumper leads available or a battery charger just in case it needs a little help starting when you pick your vehicle up.

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

 

Protecting UR Self Storage – Security Features

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There are many reasons people use self-storage but one of the key reasons people put their stuff into self storage is to keep it clean, safe and secure. To keep your items safe and secure requires action by both the storer and the storage facility. Keep in mind that not all self storage facilities are created equal so it is important to ask the correct questions and make the right observations before you decide which facility is the best for you.

Choosing a Secure Self Storage Facility

Self storage is becoming a popular industry with most Australian states presenting several different options for consumers to choose from. It is important to look at all viable options presented when choosing a facility and comparing the security features they have to help you make up your mind. Security features should not only be present in the facility but also the grounds and surrounds of the facility. You need to ensure that not only your belongings are safe whilst they are there, but that you feel safe whilst you are at the facility.

Security features to check for:

Cameras

Ensure cameras are installed in and around the facility. When visiting a facility, try to locate a camera to ensure that it is not obstructed or covered and that there seems to be sufficient number of cameras so that you know your items are being monitored no matter where they are in the facility. Cameras may not stop criminal activity or thieves from breaking in, but they will assist if a break in does occur

Signs

Ensure there are signs in and around the facility advertising the security features of the facility. This may deter criminals from trying to break into a facility and gives customers the peace of mind that you know what is going on in the facility at all times

Security Monitored Alarms

This is different from just having an alarm in the facility. A monitored alarm is linked to a service that can summon appropriate help when activated. These days most alarms that go off are ignored by the general public, but by having it monitored the facility is paying someone to ensure a response is immediate when it is triggered. You may have to ask the storage facility if their alarm is monitored

Security gates

Ensure there are security gates at both the entry and exit points of the facility. This alone will not prevent criminals entering your site but will make it more difficult. Make sure there is adequate perimeter fencing that is strong, not damaged and high enough to keep intruders out. Fencing with barb wire at the top or gates with spikes on top will also ensure persons who do not have access do not gain access

Lights

Ensure that the facility and car park is well lit at night and that the lights are well positioned. Industrial level security lighting should be used both inside and out and a mixture of permanent and motion sensor lighting should be used. Ensure that the path from your car to your unit is well lit and the surrounding area is lit whilst using your unit

Access Control Systems

This requires customers to use traceable PIN numbers or security swipe cards to access the facility or their units and thus allows management to monitor “who’s inside”. These systems keep a log of all activity, including the date and time PIN numbers/swipe cards have been activated and how long individuals have been on the premise. Some facilities only give customers access when the office is manned, thus eliminating the need of access control systems but also restricting customer convenience

Individual Door Alarms

For optimal security some facilities have each individual unit alarmed so that is an unauthorised person tries to enter a unit an alarm will be triggered. You will need to check with the facility as to how these alarms are monitored

Fire and Smoke Alarms

Ensure fire and smoke alarms are present. You should be able to see the fire equipment around the facility. Ask facility staff to explain fire emergency procedures and ensure you are aware where your closest fire exit is from your unit. Also check to see if the facility is a smoke free environment, thus eliminating any potential risks of fire

Facility Audits

Facility audits should be a part of the facilities daily checklist. This audit can include lock integrity checks and will bring to your attention any signs of forced entering or tampering of locks immediately. It will ensure that if there was any criminal activity in the facility, management or the staff will be aware of it as soon as possible and action can be made immediately and security practices can be updated if needed. You may have to ask the facility manager if these are being carried out and how often

Padlock

Most self storage facilities require you to supply your own padlock. This is so you have total control over your storage and you are the only one who can access your storage unit. Most facilities will not hold any keys to your padlocks and therefore cannot enter or gain entry into your storage unit. At Store UR Stuff we say “It’s UR padlock, UR key and UR in control”.