Furniture Storage Tips

Remodeling your home? Downsizing for a while? Whatever your reason for storing furniture, you must remember that it does not need to be a hassle. Regardless if you are storing your furniture for a short period or a long period, here are tips to keep your furniture safe and sound in storage.

Clean and prepare

Prep your furniture for storage like a pro! Here's how to thoroughly clean and dry each piece before it heads to its temporary home.

Upholstery: Vacuum to remove dirt or debris and use an upholstery cleaner to lift odours. Make sure it is completely dry before storing.

Leather: Vacuum, then use a good quality leather cleaner.

Wood: First, dust, and then you can use a wood cleaner or a mild solution of soap and water.

Glass: Dust before using glass cleaner to remove any marks

Remember, you need time for everything to dry before wrapping furniture for storage. Moisture is not your friend. You should start your cleaning 24 to 48 hours before you want to start wrapping your furniture for storage.


Disassemble

Dismantling all your furniture down to the last divisible unit can make it easier to transport and store it. It becomes easier to load and unload it from the truck and it minimises the risk of scratching or breaking it.

When you’re disassembling your furniture, ensure you keep copies or photos of assembly instructions, and keep sealed ZipLock bags with any screws and specific tools secured to the furniture for future reassembling.


Label

Label all of your boxes so you know what is inside. Also, group parts of the same furniture together and label them accordingly.


Covering and Protecting

While every step matters, furniture wrapping is the ultimate shield for storing your belongings. Without properly wrapping furniture, your items may be ruined by dirt, moisture, and other factors, such as temperature fluctuations and impact.

The following items will be useful for the transportation and storage of your furniture.

• Packing wrap
• Moving blankets
• Bubble wrap
• Packing tape
• Dollys
• Lifting straps
• Tie-downs
• Double-corrugated storage boxes.
• Labels
• Markers

Avoid using thick plastic covers or materials with poor breathability to prevent moisture from getting trapped inside. If the storage unit is not climate-controlled, cover the floor adequately before putting your furniture to protect it from floor moisture.

Breakables like mirrors, antiques, and glass tables should be wrapped in multiple layers of breathable material to give them as much protection as possible. You can pack them in a combination of packing paper and bubble wrap, then place them in a sturdy box.


Store Your Furniture Intelligently

Strategically map out where you are going to place everything before you start to avoid stacking up furniture where damage may occur. And don’t cram the space—a good spacing tip is to leave at least a 5 cm pocket of space between each item.



Lastly, when in doubt, contact a professional! Call your local Storage King on 1800 100 700 (AU) or 0800 220 210 (NZ) to learn about our huge range of moving and packing materials.

Hiring The Right Removalist

Moving can be stressful and overwhelming. You might already be dealing with decluttering, packing, changing address paperwork, taking care of the family or running your business. A good professional removalist can be very helpful in this stressful, busy time. A genuine company helps you experience a smooth relocation and ensures the safety of the valuables throughout the process.

Do Your Research!

Start by asking for recommendations from trusted people in your life. If any of your close friends, family or business colleagues have recently moved, talk to them and ask them which company they hired to move their belongings. Knowing about the service quality and professionals from people you trust can be very helpful.

Reading online reviews on Google or Facebook can also help you determine whether the customers are satisfied with their service, price, professionalism, etc.

Experience matters! You want to pick a trained, experienced removalist to help you. See how long they have been in business. You’ll most likely be better off with a removalist service that has a proven track record.

The Right Quote

Firstly, you need to understand that many factors can influence the cost of moving with a removalist. These can include the number of boxes you have, whether there are fragile items that need special attention, the number of removalists needed, the number of trips needed between locations, whether packing and unpacking are required, etc. Some removalists offer free inspections to assess your belongings and go over all the details with you. This will help you avoid any additional costs later.

Remember that the cheapest is not always better.

Read The Terms and Conditions

Before you book your removalists, you should carefully check the details of the quote and the terms and conditions. Ensure that everything is clear and accurate and that there are no hidden charges or surprises. For example, there might be hidden fees for heavy items, navigating stairs, or unforeseen delays.

Are you insured? Confirm the extent and specifics of the removalist's insurance coverage. Understand what is included and excluded, especially regarding damages that might happen during the move.

What happens if you need to cancel or change the move date? To avoid any financial or logistical dilemmas, it’s essential to know the terms and conditions associated with cancellations. Make sure you understand these terms before committing.

Getting Started

As you start the process of selecting trustworthy removalists, remember that not all removalists are equal. Each move is unique, and finding the perfect fit requires careful consideration.

Storage King can assist by providing you with local recommended removalists. We can also help equip you with the right boxes and packing materials, which are viewable online or in-store.

Call your local Storage King Store on 1800 100 700 (AU) or 0800 220 210 (NZ).

Tips For Moving In Together

People move in together for many reasons, from love to financial reasons. Moving in together as a couple for the first time is a huge step and not to be taken lightly. There are many things to consider, such as choosing whose furniture to keep, what is getting tossed, whether duplicate furniture should be stored or sold, how to decorate, and who is getting what closet/drawer space. In this article, we look at how to make the process less stressful for everyone involved. 

If you decide to move into the other person’s house or apartment, tread carefully. There are many reasons why you might want to look past this idea. One reason is that it is already fully furnished with one person's things. They might be reluctant to part with their belongings as their place is already set up how they like it. You might always feel like it's their place and never quite feel like “home” for you.

The best way forward might be to rent a new place together before buying, especially if the relationship is fairly new. Discuss what you can afford or want to spend on a new place.

Declutter time!

Don't hesitate to get rid of items that you don't use. Focus on getting rid of old clothes, shoes, electronics, and maybe those old photos of your ex that you were holding onto. If you have anything of value, you may consider selling items to help pay moving costs.

If you are unsure what furniture or items to keep, especially if you have many duplicates, you might want to consider renting a storage unit to store your items until you figure out what you will be keeping in your new place. 

Packing time!

Now is the time to figure out how many boxes you might need. It's always best to use an assortment of sizes. Don’t forget bubble wrap, tape, protective covers/blankets, a few permanent marker pens, labels, and a packing knife. Creating an inventory of your belongings as you pack might also be a good idea.

Your local Storage King has a wide range of moving and packing materials from boxes to moving covers, bubble wrap, packing tape, pens, moving blankets, packing knives, and more!

You will also want to pack items for day one of when you move in together; things like kitchen supplies, a kettle, towels, toiletries, and bedding should be easily accessible from the minute you move in. 

Expectations, chores and money.

Who loves dishes? Nobody! Talking openly about chores and responsibilities from the beginning can create a smooth-running household and free up more time for the fun stuff later on.

Finances and money can be a difficult topic to talk about, it can make all the difference in creating a successful living arrangement with your partner. Be honest when talking about income, savings, bills, financial expectations and if you will be creating a joint budget for living expenses.

Self-Storage is a flexible option!

As mentioned earlier, you may want to rent a storage unit short term during the move while you figure things out what you will keep but will you need a storage unit long term for items you don’t use often like holiday decorations, winter clothes, sporting equipment or for items you don’t have the heart to part with quite yet?

After the move

Going from living alone, family life, or roommates to sharing a space with your partner is a big jump! Be patient with yourselves as you adjust to new routines, surroundings, and the joys (and quirks) of domestic life together. Open and honest communication is key to making this transition successful.

Don't forget to change your address where needed, and most importantly, it's time to have a housewarming party and enjoy your new space!

Call your local Storage King on 1800 100 700 (AU) or  0800 220 210 (NZ) to learn about our storage options and our huge range of moving and packing materials.

Top Packing Supplies for Your Self Storage Unit

Selecting the appropriate packing materials is crucial for safeguarding your valuables during storage. It's best to opt for high-quality products that maintain their integrity and protect against temperature changes, humidity, moisture, dust, and dirt, especially if storage duration may extend for months or even years. Additionally, choosing the right type of container tailored to the specific items being stored is equally important.

Strong Boxes

Getting moving boxes should be one of the first steps you take when moving into a self-storage unit. One of the most important things to remember when looking for boxes is to understand that boxes need to be sturdy enough to carry all of your belongings without breaking open. Buying the right box for the items you're storing is highly recommended for example you may want to consider a Port-a-Robe box for storing clothes as they are designed to hold your hanging clothes and you don’t have to worry about wrinkles. 

Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap is perfect for breakables like glasses, valuable collectibles or artwork If you can, wrap them twice for added protection. It prevents dents and scratches and offers great protection against the impact that could break fragile items if a box is accidentally dropped. You might be tempted to use newspaper but it can leave marks and it is not as effective as bubble wrap. 

As a bonus if you have leftover bubble wrap it can be fun to pop and a great stress reliever.

Tape

High-quality moving tape is essential to seal off boxes and ensure that they remain closed and keep their shape during transport or storage. Storage King offers a variety of packing tapes that are strong and come in different sizes and strengths to ensure that your boxes are securely sealed. Additionally, using a tape gun is advisable for handling many boxes efficiently, as it simplifies the task and gets the job done faster.

Protective Covers and Blankets

When it comes to storing large bulky items such as furniture and appliances, it's very important to take extra precautions to protect your items from getting scratches, and dents from transit, and gathering dust when stored which could lead to long-term, irreversible damage to your things.

Permanent Marker Pen:

Labelling your boxes is so important, not only to ensure that you can find your stored items easily but also to alert movers and remind you and your family of which boxes contain breakable objects.

Packing Knife

A good quality knife will help you to slit open your boxes without damaging them or the contents.

Buy Online  

Storage King provides an online packing materials store so you can purchase your boxes and moving items all through the convenience of your mobile or desktop device. 

Buy in Australia

Buy in New Zealand

Call your local Storage King on 1800 100 700 (AU) or  0800 220 210 (NZ) to find out about our huge range of moving and packing materials.

How to Prepare Your Boat for Storage

There is nothing like enjoying quality time with loved ones on the water during the warmer months. But when it starts to get cooler you will need to find a suitable place to store your boat when it's not in use. This can be quite a challenge if you're a new boat owner and unsure about how and where to store it. Here, you'll find valuable information on how to safely and securely store your boat.

Clean and Inspect Inside and Out

Make sure to give your boat a thorough cleaning before putting it away. It's important to remove any dirt or grime from both the inside and outside of the boat to ensure proper protection. Begin at the front and gradually move towards the back, paying attention to all the small spaces where dirt tends to accumulate. A gentle soap and water mixture should be sufficient, but make sure to rinse it off thoroughly. Additionally, don't forget to wipe everything down, as the salt stains from winter will become more apparent once the boat dries out after storage.

Additionally, make sure to inspect your cleats and hooks for any signs of corrosion, as this can gradually deteriorate ropes and wires. A thorough cleaning with a mixture of hot soapy water should also suffice in this case. 

Make sure to refer to your manufacturer's guide to ensure you're using the correct cleaning products for your boat, as each boat is unique.

Maintenance

Lubricate all moving parts like plugs and bulb sockets. You must use a marine-grade lubricant for this step.

Use anti-corrosion spray on any unprotected metal parts. Corrosion is one of the biggest enemies of boat winter storage. While your boat is in storage, salt can accumulate on its exterior and cause serious damage. To prevent rust from forming, you need to give it some kind of protection.

Remove the battery and store it in a dry place. Also make sure the terminals are clean from corrosion, which can damage their ability to hold a charge post storage. 

Covers and Tie-Downs - The best way to protect your boat from the harsh winter elements is to use a quality storage cover. Not only will it keep the dust and dirt off, but it'll also help prevent fading and sun damage if you are storing it outside. Be sure to get a cover that is made specifically for boats, as they are designed to resist water, weather, and UV damage.

How to Store Your Boat

Inside a Storage Unit - Within a Storage King self-storage unit you can store your boat as well as most boating supplies. Having your boating supplies and your boat at the same location means you can take your boat out of storage and hit the water as soon as possible.

Outdoor Covered Storage - Keep your boat shielded from the sun and harsh weather elements by parking it under a roof. Plus, getting to your boat is a breeze. We recommend you still place a cover over your boat. 

Outdoor Uncovered Storage - Storage King has locations with outdoor areas where you can park your boat, but it's still a good idea to invest in a high-quality boat cover if you plan on keeping your boat outdoors. The main reason is the weather. Sunlight, rain, snow, mildew, and hail can all cause damage to your boat. Without a cover, the interior, gel coat, teak, and other surfaces may deteriorate.

Call your local Storage King on 1800 100 700 (AU) or 0800 220 210 (NZ) to find out about our boat storage solutions.

 Choosing The Right Storage Solution For Your Business

Are you a business struggling with a cluttered office or warehouse? Do you have more stock than space? Or do you need temporary storage to deal with a move? Well, we’re here to help. 

Location Location Location!

Benefit from our extensive network of stores and extended access hours, ensuring convenience for your business needs. Plus we have over two decades of experience dealing with businesses similar to yours.

Peace of mind knowing that your goods are safe and secure

Many of our stores offer security features including 24-hour digital CCTV and state-of-art remote gate systems. You can even get individually-alarmed units. 

Free meeting rooms

You can save time by meeting your clients, suppliers or distributors on-site. Take advantage of complimentary meeting and board rooms conveniently located in many of our self-storage facilities. 

Save time with receipt and despatch handling

We can act as a remote warehouse for you, handling the receiving and despatching of your products. Plus, we will send you a quick SMS text once your delivery has arrived.

Let our equipment do the heavy lifting

Most stores have free walk-behind forklifts you can operate yourself, or get our team to do it. We also offer pallet jacks, trolleys, goods and passenger lifts so you can easily get in and out of your space. 

Did you know we have a Corporate Accounts Program?

Storage King is Australia’s leading self-storage provider, we have the scale and expertise to solve multi-site storage problems and provide national corporate account management to help improve business efficiency and reduce costs. 

So what exactly can the corporate accounts program actually help my business with? 

• One account, one invoice, one manager.
• Delivery notification so you're not waiting around.
• Your own warehouse services such as rubbish disposal, power and lighting 
• Scale to create a vast network of storage hubs for your business across Australia or New Zealand.
• Flexibility to cope with changing business conditions by providing scalable storage - add or remove storage space as you need it.
• Only pay for what you use.
• Easy access for your team, tracked and secure.
• On-the-spot insurance cover for your goods.

 

Call our Storage King Concierge on 1800 100 700 (AU) or 0800 220 210 (NZ) to organise a free no-obligation quote today. 

Are you getting ready to move?

Moving into a new home can be one of the most exciting but stressful times in your life. One of the most important aspects of a successful move is ensuring that your belongings are packed safely and securely. Here are some tips to help make the packing process as smooth as possible.

Start Early

Packing always takes longer than you think, so it's best to start the process as early as possible. Begin by packing items you don't use frequently, such as out-of-season clothing, decorations, or extra kitchenware.

Declutter

Moving is a great opportunity to go through your belongings and get rid of items you no longer need. Donate, sell, or toss anything that you no longer use or want. This will not only make packing easier but also make unpacking at your new home a much simpler process.

Create a kit of moving essentials

• Stickers/labels
• Strong wide packing tape
• Permanent markers and lots of them.
• Scissors (more than one pair)
• A couple of box cutters
• Tough garbage bags
• Post-it notes
• Zip-lock bags
• Shoe boxes can be great to organise small items within bigger boxes
• Boxes, boxes, and more boxes 
• Bubble wrap
• Acid-Free Packing Paper

Use the Right Packing Materials

Invest in sturdy moving boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and packing tape. These materials will help protect your belongings during transit. Be sure to label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in.

Pack Room by Room

To maintain organisation, pack items from each room together. This will make it much easier to unpack and set up at your new home. Additionally, pack heavier items at the bottom of the boxes and lighter items on top.

Protect Fragile Items

Fragile items such as glassware, dishes, and electronics require special care. Either wrap these items individually in packing paper/bubble wrap and use additional padding in the boxes to prevent movement during transit. You can also buy boxes that are designed to transport these items safely.

Use Professional Movers

If you have a lot of heavy or valuable items, consider hiring professional movers. They have the experience and equipment to safely transport your belongings to your new home.

Pack an Essentials Box

Pack a box containing essential items such as toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, and important documents. This box should be easily accessible at your new home, so you have everything you need while unpacking.

Take Inventory

Before sealing up your boxes, create an inventory of their contents. This will help you keep track of your belongings and ensure that nothing gets lost during the big move.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your belongings are packed safely and securely for your upcoming move. Moving can be daunting, but with careful planning and organisation, it can be a much smoother experience. If you need help then Contact Storage King's team and let them take care of the moving parts, from packing to moving to storage.

Good luck with your move!