Self Storage Centre Moving & Storage
Click here to download our Moving
& Storage Guide
The Self Storage Centres want to ensure that moving and storing your effects
is as trouble-free as possible. Our Friendly staff at any of our centres
are available to assist and offer advice at any time.
This guide has been produced to assist you in planning your move and hopefully
takes any stress out of your move into storage.
We offer a van hire service to help you move your effects. We can also
assist provide a professional moving service to move your effects into
or out of store.
Before Your Move
Please call in to visit your chosen centre. There are a variety of storage
room sizes from which to choose. Please complete the estimate form that
will assist you in assessing what type of room you require. We also have
a varying stock of materials, which will assist you in the protection
of your breakables. These can be purchased from your local Self Store
Centre.
Dates
Try to fix the date that you move into store. Removal and Van hire Companies
are busy on Fridays and month ends. However we can assist in reserving
the unit in advance to give you a degree of flexibility.
Utilities
Make sure that you contact Gas, Electricity, Water and Telephone Companies.
You will also be required to advise the post office of any change of address.
Packing your Effects
If you intend to pack yourselves our wide range of materials will assist
you. It is preferable that you utilise the cartons that we can provide
as they are designed for the purpose of moving and are of double thickness
to withstand being stacked on in transit unlike boxes from the supermarket.
We would advise that you number your effects prior to moving them into
storage and label all cartons with a brief description of their contents.
Furniture
In respect to larger items of furniture we would advise where possible
to disassemble if possible. Items such as Large Wardrobes and Dining room
tables are designed to be disassembled for transit purposes. Please where
possible protect any polished surfaces with woollen transit blankets.
Woollen transit blankets are available from the self-storage Centre. Do
not use bubble wrap on wooden polished surfaces, as this will unbelievably
damage the surface.
Non-Breakables
All small non-breakables should be packed in cartons and clearly marked
with the nature of contents; plastic crates can be used as a substitute.
We would advise not to place loose small items in plastic bags. We provide
home moving packs that have labels for marking the boxes.
China and Glass
All pieces of china and glass should be individually wrapped in paper
or bubble wrap- both are available from our reception or through the packing
materials shop. We would advise not to use newspaper as the print comes
off. Scrunch a nest of paper at the bottom of the box and fill the bottom
layer of the carton with plates. Plates, Saucers and Platters must always
be stacked on their end. Place lighter items such as glassware near the
top of the box, again any stemmed glasses must also be stacked standing
upright.
Lamps
Shades must be separated from the lamp and packed separately.
Bedding and linen
Bedding can be folded and kept either within a chest of Drawers or suitcases,
Duvets and pillows can be either packed in a carton or suitable clean
plastic bags.
Clothing
Surplus clothing can be hung on our Garment Carriers, These are known
as hanging robes. Clothes are transferred directly from the wardrobe onto
the rail within this specially designed carton. The Carton is then sealed
and used fro the protection of the clothes whilst in transit and storage.
Books and Magazines
As books can be heavy we advise that these are packed within a smaller
book carton. Do not pack other items with books and magazines and ensure
that you can lift the packed carton safely when it has been filled.
Pictures, Mirrors, Paintings
Pictures and Mirrors if small enough should all be protected in bubble
wrap and placed in a carton on their end. All larger pictures and mirrors
should again be protected with bubble wrap then over wrapped with an external
protection of card. Specialist sleeved picture cartons are available from
our packing materials shop or from our reception.
Electrical Items
Televisions stereos and computers are best placed back into their original
cartons. Alternatively we recommend that they are wrapped in bubble wrap
and carded for additional protection.
Appliances
Fridge and Fridge Freezers should be emptied and defrosted. When storing
they must be left with the door ajar to prevent mould within the fridge
or freezer. Washing Machines should also be emptied of water prior to
storing.
Cookers
Cookers can be disconnected by the householder but if you are with any
doubt contact a professional plumber or electrician. We also advise that
the cooker is cleaned prior to placing into store.
Bicycles, Garden Tools, Lawn Mowers
We would advise that any large tools are cleaned and bundled together.
Lawn Mowers should be emptied of petrol and diesel and spark plugs are
to be disconnected.
Prohibited Items
In the interest of Safety and the well being of our customers and their
effects we have a list of items that are prohibited from being stored.
These include perishable goods and foods, inflammable items, dangerous
chemicals, goods of an illegal nature or live animals. Our staff are always
on hand to ask if you are unsure.
The Removal
If you are utilising a professional removal company; contact the company
well in advance. The removal company will arrange a surveyor and give
you a fixed charge to move into the Self Storage Facility he will also
advise you the correct cubic footage or cubic meterage.
If you intend to move your goods into storage yourself please see the
attached sheet to establish what size truck you will require. Van Rental
Company’s will know what capacity their vehicles are this information
will be given in cubic feet or metres. Allow some extra space, as you
will not completely fill the van to its capacity.
If you are moving locally you can do several trips in a smaller van however
if you are moving any distance it will be prudent to hire a larger van
to ensure that it is completed in one trip.
Ensure that you have reserved any car parking space for the size of van
that you have hired.
Loading the Van
Load larger items into the van; protect any polished surfaces with woollen
transit blankets. Solid items such as appliances and chest of drawers
can be stacked on with cartons; fragile items such as chairs or items
with legs can be protected by placing on top of the load. Ensure that
the effects are tied off and that nothing can slide during transit. Mattress
and Bed bases should stand on their end and can be used to protect mirrors
or pictures between the base and mattress.
Overnight Parking
If you are moving into the area we can provide secure overnight parking
so you can then unload at your leisure the following day.
Storage Room
Our friendly staff will show you to your correct room and provide you
with sufficient trucks and trolleys.
Opening Hours
Please check the opening hours with you preferred Self Storage Centre.
If you find that you have a lot fewer or more items than you expected
we can change the room on the day for you.
Your Storage Room
When storing we would advise the following:
- Clearly Mark all Cartons with the contents and the room they were from
- Number your effects. Although this is not completely necessary it is advisable for easy reference especially if you are using a third party to access your effects.
- Store the largest items within the unit first so you are able to stack cartons or lighter items on top.
- If you are using a larger unit leave a narrow passageway from the door to the rear of the room so you can access items more easily
- Try to leave a small gap between your goods and the walls to assist in ventilation.
- Place items that you think that you may need frequent access to near the door.
- Clean all appliances and ensure that Fridges and Freezers are stored with their doors ajar.
- Ensure that all cartons are filled to capacity so they do not collapse.
- Place all documents, passports, bills or legal documents in a clearly labelled box near the door.
- Place a dustsheet over your effects to ensure that all items remain clean.
We hope this guide is of assistance and most importantly that your removal goes well. Please do not hesitate to contact one of our staff if you require any further assistance or advice.
How Much Space Do You Need?
The storage room will be dependant on how high and how tightly packed
you want to store your effects. We always recommend where possible if
you can call in to view the different size rooms that we have available.
Should your storage requirements change the room can be changed at any
time.
