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Handy Checklist to Use Before Placing Items in Storage in Melbourne

By Lisbeth Mora, California Business Journal

Melbourne offers a variety of challenges and opportunities for storage seekers. Whether you’re downsizing, travelling, or simply decluttering, ensuring that your belongings are properly prepped for storage is paramount. To ensure that your items remain in optimal condition while stored away, we’ve created a comprehensive checklist to guide you through the process.

Decide What Needs Storing

Before you can start packing, it’s crucial to identify what exactly you need to store. It’s not just about freeing up space; it’s about ensuring what you store is truly necessary.

Purge Unnecessary Items: Discard, donate, or sell items that no longer serve a purpose.
Inventory List: Keep a detailed list of all items you’ll be storing for easy reference later on.

Clean Everything

Clean items not only fare better in storage but also prevent contaminants like mould from affecting other belongings.

Wipe Down: Dust and clean furniture, appliances, and electronics.
Launder: Ensure all clothes, linens, and fabrics are clean and thoroughly dry.

Disassemble Larger Items

Breaking items down can save a significant amount of space and protect them from potential damage.

Furniture: Take apart beds, tables, and desks, storing screws and bolts in labelled bags.
Appliances: Detach removable parts, draining any residual water from washing machines or refrigerators.

Pack Smart

Efficient packing will protect your items and maximise your storage space.

Use Sturdy Boxes: Invest in quality, uniform-sized boxes for easier stacking and organisation.
Fill Gaps: Use bubble wrap, newspaper, or linens to fill spaces and prevent items from shifting.
Label: Clearly label each box on all sides for easy identification.

Opt for Climate Control

Melbourne’s fluctuating weather can be a concern. Consider options that offer climate control to safeguard sensitive items.

Antique Furniture: Sensitive to temperature changes, can crack or warp.
Electronics & Media: Can be damaged by moisture and temperature extremes.

Insure Your Belongings

While most storage facilities in Melbourne are secure, it’s always wise to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances.

Check Your Home Insurance: Some policies cover items in storage.
Consider Additional Coverage: For valuable or sentimental items, it may be worth investing in extra insurance.

Research Storage Solutions

With various storage solutions available, finding the one that fits your needs is crucial.

Accessibility: How often will you need to access your items?
Size & Space: Ensure the storage solution can comfortably accommodate all your belongings.
Security Features: Prioritise facilities with CCTV, 24/7 surveillance, and individual unit alarms.

Fact

: A recent survey showed that 73% of respondents in Melbourne preferred storage mobile units because of the flexibility and convenience they offer over traditional storage facilities.

Conclusion

Storing your belongings, whether short-term or long-term, requires meticulous planning and preparation. By following this handy checklist, you can be confident that your items will remain safe, secure, and in the best possible condition, no matter how long they’re stored. Don’t rush, take each step at a time, and ensure you’re fully prepared before making the move.