Packing for self-storage is an art and you’ll need to put some thought into it before you begin. After all, one of the primary advantages of using a self-storage facility is the fact that you can continue to access your items.

The first thing to remember is to pack in such a way that you can find things at a later date quickly and without unloading absolutely everything you’ve put away. Make an inventory of what you’ve packed and where it is as you go along. Other packing and storage preparation tips include:

• Make an estimate of the replacement value of each item you store to help with accurate insurance policies.

(You can purchase insurance HERE)

• Invest in good quality sturdy boxes and packing materials – box strength degrades with use. If you buy boxes of similar sizes it’ll be easier to stack them securely in the self-storage facility and will save you space.

• Box everything that you can – Wrap everything else in plastic to prevent dust or damage in the move.

• Fill boxes to capacity wherever possible to avoid breakages but avoid making them too heavy – remember you’ll have to be able to lift them. You can use materials such as paper or towels or can buy special packing to fill spaces if necessary. Depending on the space you opt to rent from your self-storage facility, you might be stacking boxes on top of each other and the lower levels need to be sturdy enough to take the strain. Boxes that are only partly filled may tip over or collapse.

• Label all boxes clearly so you can identify the contents and keep an inventory. Label them on more than one side so you can see what’s what quickly. Mark ‘Fragile’ on any boxes containing breakable items.

• Don’t be tempted to fill large boxes with heavy items such as books as they’ll quickly become impossible to carry and may break. You can buy small book boxes from your self-storage facility that will do the job just as well. If you do pack heavy items in a large box put in just a few and then fill the box up with lighter items.

• Don’t pack items into sealed plastic bags, as humidity can cause mildew.

• Pack books flat to avoid damaging their spines.

• Don’t store wet items in a self-storage facility as they can cause water damage, mold and mildew.

• Large appliances need care before placing in a self-storage facility – make sure you defrost fridges and freezers thoroughly before storing them otherwise you’ll be leaving yourself open to water damage. Tie doors up for the move, although you should leave them slightly ajar once in storage to stop condensation forming and help ward off bad odors. Drain washing machines before storing them and tie down hoses etc. Appliances should be clean and dry and it’ll be worthwhile wiping the insides over with bicarbonate of soda before you store them.

• Wrap all fragile items and breakables such as dishes, glasses, ornaments etc separately. Paper will do but bubble wrap is a good investment. Pack them tightly into strong boxes, filling any gaps with paper or filler. Avoid putting heavy items on top of fragile ones in the storage.

• If you’re going to be storing clothes think about buying wardrobe or clothes boxes – you’ll then be able to simply hang the clothes in them and they’ll keep their shape. It’s not wise to simply put your clothes in bin liners in a as moisture can get trapped inside when they’re sealed and your clothes could be ruined.

• For the best protection for mirrors and pictures, wrap them in a protective covering such as bubble wrap and stack them on their ends. Mirrors and pictures should never be stored flat. Mark them as ‘Fragile’.

• Separate lamp bases and lampshades and wrap them for protection.

• If you’re storing upholstered products such as mattresses and sofas, invest in covers, bags or sheeting to give them some additional protection. Stand sofas and mattresses on end wherever possible to save space and don’t stack too much on top of soft furnishings. Mattresses are best stored on the long end and should be ideally raised above floor level or laid on protective sheeting.

• If you’re storing a few items of furniture on top of each other a simple dust sheet or cover placed between items will minimize scratching and damage.

• You’ll save space if you can dismantle furniture such as beds and tables- make sure you keep hold of all the bits so you can get it all back together again! Wrap and cover furniture sections and keep them together, clearly marked, for quick retrieval. You can put components such as screws and bolts together in a plastic bag, mark them clearly and tape to the relevant piece of furniture. Store large pieces of furniture vertically to save space.

• Chairs can be stacked seat to seat to save space. Cover chair legs with protective wrapping for extra protection.

• Spray your wood furniture with a good quality furniture spray before storing to give it some added protection.

• Electrical equipment such as TVs, stereos and computers should be packed in their original boxes wherever possible. If this isn’t possible, pack them into boxes that are about the right size making sure that you pack gaps with paper etc. Make sure you tie down the player arm of a record player and secure your turntable.

• If you’re storing items with fuel tanks such as lawn mowers and cars etc, drain the tanks before you put them in storage. Fuel is one of the few things that you CANNOT store for safety reasons.

• Wipe down metal objects and tools with a little oil before storing to avoid rust formation.

• You can tie tools and long-handled items in bundles. Don’t store a brush resting on the bristles.

• Don’t store vacuum cleaners with dirty bags in them to reduce dust and dirt.

• Treat leather items with a leather conditioner before you store them.

• To store loose photographs, tape them together flat and store in plastic containers.

• Think creatively and you’ll make more space. Plan to use furniture drawers as an extra box (they are especially good for fragile items) and you can use the inside of wardrobes to store boxes. Kitchen appliances such as stoves and fridges can also be used in this way.

• Seal all your boxes with packing tape- this will help keep dust out of the contents.