Storage Hints & Tips

Before storing your furniture, give it a good clean and ensure it’s completely dry to prevent mould or mildew. Disassemble larger pieces like bed frames or tables to save space and reduce the risk of damage. Put all screws and smaller pieces in a clearly marked zip lock bag.

Wrap furniture in moving blankets, sheets, or protective covers to shield it from dust and scratches — and always avoid using plastic wrap directly on leather or fabric, as it can trap moisture and cause damage over time. Empty drawers to make them lighter to carry and prevent damage from items rolling around inside. Use mattress and furniture covers to protect items from dust and damage.

Wrap breakables in bubble wrap or butchers paper. Store plates and glasses vertically and fill empty spaces in boxes to prevent movement. Using items like towels, tea towels and linen to fill in space around items is a good use of space and helps prevent any movement of items. You can also place a folded towel on the bottom and top of the box for additional padding. Alternatively you can use butchers paper or bubble wrap to fill in spaces around fragile items.

Remember to use a sturdy or double walled box and clearly label it with fragile tape so extra care is taken when moving the box.

Whenever possible, pack TVs, monitors, and electronics in their original boxes with the factory foam inserts. If that’s not available, use a sturdy box just larger than the device and pad all sides (especially screen corners) with anti-static bubble wrap or foam sheets. Always store TVs upright, never flat, to reduce stress on the screen.

Before unplugging cables, take a quick photo of the connections so setup is easy later. Coil and label all cords, remotes, and brackets in a zip-lock bag and tape it to (or place it inside the box with) the device. Remove batteries from remotes and small electronics to prevent corrosion. For sensitive gear (audio, gaming consoles, computers), add a couple of silica gel packs in the box to help control moisture. Finally, mark the box FRAGILE – ELECTRONICS – THIS SIDE UP so it’s handled with care and stored correctly.

Before storing fridges, freezers, washing machines, or dishwashers, make sure they are completely clean and dry to prevent mould, mildew, and odours. Leave doors slightly ajar to allow airflow and prevent musty smells — you can use a towel or wedge to keep doors open.

Secure hoses and cords neatly with tape or place them inside the appliance to avoid misplacing them. For extra protection, cover whitegoods with a breathable cloth or moving blanket (avoid plastic wrap as it can trap moisture). Always store upright and never stack heavy items on top to avoid damaging internal components.

Wrap mirrors, glass frames, and artwork in bubble wrap or moving blankets, securing the corners with extra padding for protection. Place them upright, never flat, as laying them down increases the risk of cracking or shattering. For artwork on canvas, place a cloth over artwork before using bubble wrap, as changes in temperature can leave marks and damage your artwork.

For added safety, store them between soft items like mattresses or cushions, or use a mirror/artwork box for a snug fit. Label them FRAGILE – GLASS – THIS SIDE UP and avoid stacking anything on top. If storing valuable or sentimental pieces, consider adding moisture absorbers for extra peace of mind.

Before storing lawn mowers, whipper snippers, or other petrol-powered machinery, it’s important to drain the fuel or run the engine until it’s empty. This prevents fuel from going stale and damaging the engine over time. Clean off any grass, dirt, or debris to avoid rust and corrosion.

Remove or disconnect the battery if possible, and store it separately in a cool, dry place. Cover machinery with a breathable tarp or dust cover—avoid plastic wraps that can trap moisture. Always store equipment on a level surface and never stack items on top. For safety, ensure any sharp blades are protected or secured.

Below is a list of general packing tips to help make your move into storage easier.

• Use strong, high-quality boxes that stack well and are less likely to collapse. Using similar-sized boxes makes stacking safer and more efficient.
• Write the contents and room location on at least two sides of each box. Consider numbering your boxes and keeping an inventory list for easy tracking.
• Full boxes stack better and prevent tipping or collapsing. But avoid overloading — heavy boxes are harder to move and can damage the contents. Consider putting lighter items like cushions in the top of heavy boxes to fill them without adding extra weight.
• Stack heavy boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on top.
• If you need to access items in storage, make sure these are kept at the front of your unit for easy access. If you need to access multiple items, consider taking a unit slightly larger than you need and create a walkway in your unit.