Storage King - Simple Self Storage Solutions

Call your local Storage King on 01372 726294 or 0800 0852 954

TIPS AND HINTS

Storage Checklist

Items we need to make sure Storage King can serve your request right away without any hassle

View more information

Moving Checklist

The Storage King moving checklist will guide you on your lead up to your moving date

View more information

Packaging supplies guide

All you will want to ensure your belongings are safe and secure when transporting to your storage unit.

View more information

Packing tips

Recommendations about how to pack and wrap your belongings.

View more information

Storage Unit tips

How best to get the most out of your extra storage space at Storage King.

View more information

STORAGE CHECKLIST

Things you need for storing with us

The items we need to ensure we process your request as quickly as possible without any hassle:

  • Two forms of ID, such as a passport or a driving license.
  • Proof of address, such as a bank statement or utility bill.
  • Contact details of a second person as an emergency contact
  • Insurance cover for your goods whilst stored in one of our Storage King sites. We can offer you insurance cover for your convenience.
  • Padlock for your own secure storage unit. We have a large range of high quality padlocks available at each site.

MOVING CHECKLIST

Two months before moving

  • Create that feeling of spaciousness by placing all excess furniture and non essential items into storage to help you sell your home.
  • Read through our helpful hints and tips to assist in the planning of your move.
  • Contact your local Storage King for support in organising your removals or van hire.
  • Visit your local Storage King for packaging supplies or order on line by submitting a form.
  • Don’t forget to start clearing those areas we all tend to not want to tackle; the loft, shed and garage.
  • Place all important documents in archive boxes and label clearly, maybe worth putting some of these items into storage to make your moving day easier.

One month before moving

  • Consider packaging those items that are not used frequently
  • Don’t forget to register with a new doctor, dentist, school etc if you are moving far away.
  • You may wish to get your car serviced if your are travelling a long way
  • Confirm all your arrangements with your Storage King advisor, specially your Removalist/van hire etc
  • A local map of the new area you are moving to maybe useful
  • Contact your local utility suppliers to book meter readings etc

Two weeks before moving

  • You will need to contact all utility and other service companies to arrange for the correct services at your new premises.
  • Consider how you are going to redirect your mail to your new premises and make arrangements for all relevant people to know your new contact details.

One week before moving

  • Confirm all details with your legal counsel or solicitor that the moving date is on time.
  • Check that all your packing is on schedule.
  • Time to get friends and family to help!

The day before moving

  • Place all the items you will need on the day, such as coffee making items, extension leads, overnight things such as toiletries and spare clothes, ladders, tape measure, space packing materials etc.
  • If moving yourself ensure the van hire company will have the vehicle available as early as possible on the moving day. It may also be wise to see if you can rent or buy a sack truck or other moving aids.
  • Consider moving all boxes etc into one main area down stairs to save time on the day of moving.

PACKING SUPPLIES GUIDE

Storage King offers you all you need to protect, pack and move your goods. We pride ourselves on offering our customers a full range and choice that suits most situations.

Buy all your packaging materials.

Storage Boxes

All the boxes we sell are double skinned to make sure they protect your goods whilst moving and when in storage. They are strong enough to stack on top of each other to assist in minimising the storage space required.

We have an extensive range of boxes to suit all your needs from DVD/CD boxes, computer boxes, bike boxes, wardrobe boxes, picture/mirror boxes to archives boxes and small bitz boxes for those little things that are always left once your packaging has been complete.

Our boxes come in all sizes, small, medium and large. Small for those every day items, such as books, ornaments etc. The large boxes generally for the bulkier items such as bed linen, clothes.

To assist in keeping down the cost of moving and storage we have put together some moving packs. We have students, 1-2 bed, 3-4 bed and specialist moving packs with up to 25% discount on individually priced items.

Protective packaging

When packing your goods you should ensure that you reduce the risk of damage by wrapping your items in protective packaging.

Bubble Wrap – Ideal for delicates such as electrical appliances and even precious furniture etc.

Acid Free tissue and normal tissue paper – used to protect glassware, crockery, small pictures etc when packing in boxes.

Packing void fill – to help fill the gaps in your boxes to stop your goods from moving.

Chair, settee and mattress protectors – Keep your furniture clean and protected

Shrink wrap – Use to secure items and keep them together.

Dustsheets/tarpaulins – Put under and over your goods to keep them clean, dry and protected.

Furniture edge protectors – Foam corner and edge protectors to ensure the edge of your furniture are not dented or scratched.

Helpful supplies

Sack truck – use one of these to move awkward or bulky goods

Gripper Gloves – Protect your hands and have that extra grip when you need it!

Fragile tape – to ensure everybody is reminded when moving to be that little extra bit careful

Marker pens – To ensure you can write on your boxes etc what is inside.

Other helpful supplies

Disposable knife, tape measure, plastic storage boxes, cloth protectors, blankets, tape gun, sticky labels, balls of string, padlocks.

PACKING TIPS

Before you start to pack it may be worth selecting a range of packaging supplies. that you may need to make the job easier and ensure your belongings don’t get damaged. Consider:

Filling

Fill to capacity; partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse.

Weight

Heavy items like books or tools should be packed in small cartons so they are easy to handle

Fill cartons. Books should be packed flat, not on their spines.

Labelling

Labelling cartons room by room and describing the content makes the unpacking much easier

Appliances

Fridges, freezers and other white goods should be thoroughly DRY and CLEAN before storing. Whilst in storage the door should be secured slightly ajar. A deodoriser placed inside fridges or freezers is also a good idea to maintain freshness. Don't place items inside fridges or freezers as the shelves and linings can be easily marked and damaged.

Furniture

Empty the contents of wardrobes into wardrobe boxes to keep your clothing looking good, drawers and cupboards into medium or large boxes. This will protect the shelving and structure of your furniture when being moved. Clothing and personal goods should be packed in strong secure cartons with some naphthalene, mothballs or similar product to protect and maintain their condition. Where possible remove the legs from items of furniture e.g. bed bases, tables etc. to avoid damage and save space. Use our settee, chair and mattress protectors to prevent them from getting dirty when moving into and out of the removal vehicle. Consider using edge protectors on your tables and chairs to reduce the possibility of damage.

Dishes & Glassware

Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and top of cartons containing breakables. Protect fragile items by wrapping them individually in packing paper (newsprint can be very messy and possibly stain). Nest cups and bowls, stand plates, saucers, platters, casseroles on their edges. Fill any gaps in the cartons with packing void filler. This will keep your fragile items well protected and prevent them from moving around in the cartons whilst in transit. Label all cartons containing fragile items and avoid storing heavy items on the top of these cartons.

Mirrors, Windows, Screens & Paintings

These items should be protected by packing material e.g.; bubble-wrap or in a picture/mirror box carton. Store them standing on their edges in an upright position (not lying flat).

Metal Items

Wrapping silver in NON ACID tissue paper or plastic bags can help reduce tarnishing. Wipe chrome or cast iron with a little machine oil to help retard rust.

Stereos, Televisions and Videos, DVDs

Your electrical equipment is very delicate and sensitive and should be handled with care. The original boxes are ideal to repack in. However wrapping items individually in bubble-wrap, packing them in cartons, and sealing the top will offer protection for your electrical items. Remember to pack out any gaps in the cartons. Turntables and tone arms of record players should be secured to prevent damage whilst they are being moved. Pack records on their edges in cartons to prevent warping. Use our DVD/CD boxes to secure your music collection.

Battery operated appliances & toys

We recommend that you remove the batteries to avoid damage from leaking Batteries.

Computers

Computers, like your other electrical items, need special care. The original boxes are highly recommended for packing. However our specially designed computer boxes with bubble-wrap will safety look after your computer. Remember to use some packing or linen in the bottom and top of cartons. This provides extra protection to the contents. Pack out any gaps. Most modern computers have "self parking heads". If you are unsure about your computer, refer to the manufacturer's manual, or consult your retailer, especially if storing for longer than six months.

Mowers & other Machinery

Drain fuel and oil from all machinery. This reduces the risk of leakage, spillage and damage to other goods in your space. Petrol and oil left in machinery are also a fire hazard. Ensure all your other gardening tools are clean and dry.

Bikes etc

Consider using our specially designed bike boxes to reduce the possibility of the tyres and chain marking your other belongings.

Planning Your Storage Space

As a general rule place large, heavy items that you can stack upon at the rear of the unit. Then work forwards and upwards with lighter, fragile items. Place those items that you may need to access often in the front of the unit. Depending on the goods you have stored, you may need to allow for walk ways. Packing in professional storage cartons will make the stowing and unpacking easier and safe, saving you time and worry. Professional packing and the use of our storage accessories will provide your goods with the preparation they need for storage and maintain their condition for the term of storage.

What Not to Store

Any goods that are illegal, stolen, inflammable, explosive, environmentally harmful, hazardous, perishable or that are a risk to the property of any person. e.g. Chlorine, acid, paint and petrol.