Here are some helpful tips to consider when loading your storage unit...
At PadStore Self Storage we want your self-storage experience to be as hassle free as possible. With this in mind we've come up with a few helpful pointers for you to consider.
1. Booking a Storage Unit
If you can, try to book your storage unit(s) as far in advance as possible - ideally 1-2 weeks before you want to start storing. This will relieve some of the time pressures and stresses of deciding who you want use, how long you might want the unit(s) for and how all the logistics will play out on the day you move.
This said, we always have units available for immediate hire and can turn bookings around very quickly but, from time to time, when we're particularly busy, we do reach capacity so it's always best to book online as soon as you know you want storage so that we can plan for your arrival (it takes just 2 minutes via our online booking form). We're always at the end of a phone so do call us if you want to double-check availability or to chat through anything with our expert and friendly staff.
2. Packaging
It's well worth ensuring that your items are packaged well to ensure they remain safe in transit and when you move them in / out of storage. Make sure that you use protective wrapping (e.g. bubble wrap) for any fragile or breakable items and be sure to tape up corners well so that they don't split or slide out when they're handled.
3. Labelling
Try to keep a note of what you are storing in each box. You can label the boxes (e.g. Kitchen, Dining Room etc.) or, better still, create a small list which details what's in each box (e.g. Kitchen Box 1: Plates, Bowls, Mugs. Kitchen Box 2: Pans, Cutlery, Utensils). That way you'll be able to find what you're looking for quickly and easily and it will make the unpacking process a lot quicker too.
4. Placement
Keep things you're likely to want access to nearest the front of your storage unit so that you can get access to them quickly and easily. There's nothing worse than packing your storage container, only to then realise, the very next day, that you need something but don't know where abouts it is (probably at the back and under loads of boxes).
If you're feeling really organised you could create a little drawing that shows where everything in the container is roughly positioned...it's very easy to forget. Then just stick it on the inside of the container door, or on one of the boxes just inside, so that it doesn't get lost or thrown away.
5. Stacking
Make use of all the space you have. Stack things neatly and place the heaviest items in first and the lighter items on top. Don't be afraid to stack to the ceiling, but it's a good idea to leave an inch gap to the walls and leave the air vents free to allow for air circulation and prevent a stagnant environment.
6. Create an Aisle / Walkway
If you have the space then it's worth while leaving an aisle up the middle of your container or a walkway down one side so that you can access things at the back of the container, should you need to. It's a good idea to start off with this in mind - even if you don't think you'll have enough space - you can always then fill in the walkway with items at a later stage if you need to.
Reminder: keep box names, lists and labels facing into the aisle.
7. Storage Inside Storage
Try not to leave hollow spaces. If you're storing cupboards and drawers then use these to store items too. You can even use fridges and freezers for books and DVD's (although it's worth leaving doors ajar for circulation). Be sure that all white goods (fridges, freezers, washing machines etc.) are fully defrosted and drained down too - you don't want to take moisture into a container as this will lead to condensation and damp which could damage your goods and possessions.
8. Damp / Condensation
Shipping containers are, unsurprisingly, designed to be stacked on the back of vast cargo ships where they travel around the world for weeks / months at a time. They are, therefore, very well equipped to deal with wet weather. In fact, the majority of products imported into the UK will have arrived in UK docks within a steel shipping container so you can rest assured that they’re well and truly watertight.
What you do have to be careful of is what you store in the container. Part-defrosted freezers, organic matter, or other wet / damp items should not be stored. You must ensure that whatever goes into your container is dry or this could lead to condensation when the moisture evaporates inside the container. Washing machines, fridges, freezers etc. should be fully drained down before they’re stored and items such as Garden Furniture should be completely dry before they're placed in storage. Ideally, pick a dry day to load your container – whilst a few wet footprints wont cause a problem, if you trample a lot of water into your container and all your items get wet when moving in then you could end up with some problems. It’s a good idea to take a doormat or towel to put just on the inside of your container if it’s wet underfoot when you start storing – then you can keep the floor clean and dry and just take the towel / mat away with you when you’ve finished.
For more information on what you can / can't store in our units please visit the FAQ's section of our website at: https://www.pad-store.co.uk/faqs
9. Contents Insurance Cover
If it’s worth storing then it’s worth insuring!!
We’re proud of our history and reputation. We take the security and safekeeping of your possessions very seriously and do our utmost to ensure there won’t be any problems – but, unfortunately, it’s impossible to guarantee this.
- If you opt for insurance cover through us you’ll be safely covered as per the ‘Insurance Policy Summary’ document available on the ‘Book Now’ page of our website (we’ll also email you a copy of this).
- If you don’t opt to insure your goods and possessions through us then you’ll need to provide us with proof that you have appropriate cover in place to cover the replacement value of all your goods that you store with us.
We offer the very best insurance rates available – you can view these on the ‘Prices’ page of our website. If you need insurance or want to increase / decrease your cover limit, just let us know and we’ll sort this for you immediately.
10. Relax!
...if you can - although we realise this is easier said than done!
We know that moving home is very stressful which is why we're here to help as much as we possibly can. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and have a chat with us about what may be best for you and how we could help. The secret to any move is to plan ahead and take things step by step. We make safe and secure storage provision very simple and easy for you from our end so that you can focus on things your end.
