10 Tips For Storing Your Belongings During A Move: Advice From Professional Movers

When it comes to moving, the process of storing your belongings can be one of the most challenging aspects to plan. Whether you’re downsizing, transitioning between homes, or relocating your business, keeping your possessions safe during the process is a top priority. Here are 10 tips to ensure your belongings are well-protected and organised during a move.

1. Plan Ahead

Proper planning is essential to avoid last-minute stress. Start by assessing what you need to store and what can be donated, sold, or discarded. Creating an inventory list of your items will not only keep you organised but also help you determine the storage space required.

Break down your list into categories, such as fragile items, essential items, and large furniture. This helps you prioritise what to store first and what to access easily when needed. Professional removalists often recommend starting this process several weeks before your move to allow time for adjustments.

2. Consider the Timeline

Consider the timeline for your move and storage needs. Short-term storage might require different planning compared to long-term storage. For short-term storage, you may only need to focus on packing essential items that will be accessed frequently, such as seasonal clothing or important documents.

In contrast, long-term storage requires a more comprehensive approach, including additional protective measures to safeguard items from environmental factors such as humidity, temperature changes, and dust. By mapping out your plan in advance, you can save both time and money while minimising stress on the moving day.

3. Choose the Right Storage Facility

Selecting the right storage facility can make all the difference in keeping your belongings safe and secure. Look for facilities that offer climate control to protect against extreme temperatures and humidity, which can damage items like wooden furniture, electronics, and important documents. Many professional moving companies provide tailored storage solutions designed to meet a variety of needs.

Security is another critical factor. Ensure the facility has surveillance, gated access, and individual unit locks for added peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to ask for a tour of the facility to confirm its cleanliness and organisation.

4. Use High-Quality Packing Materials

Investing in high-quality packing materials is one of the best ways to protect your belongings during storage. Sturdy, double-walled boxes provide extra support for heavier items, while bubble wrap and packing paper cushion fragile belongings. Heavy-duty tape ensures that your boxes remain sealed and intact.

For items like mattresses, sofas, and chairs, consider using specialised covers to prevent dust and moisture from causing damage. Dish packs, wardrobe boxes, and plastic bins can also be valuable investments for specific items. By using durable materials, you reduce the risk of breakage and ensure your possessions stay in top condition throughout the move.

5. Disassemble Large Items

Bulky furniture and equipment can take up valuable storage space and are more prone to damage if left assembled. Take apart items such as bed frames, tables, and shelving units to save space and make transportation easier. Store screws, bolts, and small hardware in labelled plastic bags and tape them securely to the corresponding piece of furniture to avoid losing them.

If you’re unsure how to disassemble certain items, consult the manufacturer’s manual or seek advice from professional movers. Removal companies often have the tools and expertise to disassemble and reassemble furniture efficiently, reducing the risk of damage during the process.

6. Pack Strategically

Packing strategically is key to maximising space and ensuring your belongings remain safe during storage. Start by placing heavier items at the bottom of your boxes and lighter, more delicate items on top. Use smaller boxes for books, tools, and other dense items to keep them manageable.

Fill empty spaces within boxes with packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or bubble wrap to prevent items from shifting during transit. Stack boxes in your storage unit according to their weight and fragility, with the heaviest boxes on the bottom and the lightest on top. Leave aisles or gaps for easy access to your belongings, especially if you plan to retrieve items periodically.

7. Protect Fragile Items

Delicate belongings require extra care during storage. Wrap each fragile item individually with bubble wrap or packing paper, paying special attention to corners and edges. For added protection, use padded dividers in boxes for items like dishes, glasses, and collectibles.

Consider double-boxing particularly valuable or fragile items, placing the smaller, padded box inside a larger one for extra cushioning. Label these boxes as “fragile” to ensure they are handled with care during transportation and placement in storage.

8. Label & Organise

An organised storage unit is essential for easy access and efficient use of space. Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to, using colour-coded labels or markers for added clarity. Create a master inventory list that corresponds to your labelled boxes, making it simple to locate specific items when needed.

When arranging your storage unit, group similar items together and keep frequently accessed belongings near the front. This method saves time and effort when unpacking or retrieving items from storage.

9. Utilise Professional Packing Services

Packing can be a time-consuming and overwhelming task, especially for large households or businesses. Professional removalists offer packing services to streamline the process and ensure your belongings are packed securely and efficiently. With access to specialised materials and techniques, they can handle everything from fragile items to large furniture.

By entrusting the packing process to experts, you can focus on other aspects of your move while knowing your belongings are in capable hands. Many moving companies also offer unpacking services, making the transition into your new space even smoother.

10. Insure Your Belongings

Even with meticulous planning and professional assistance, accidents may happen during a move. Protect your belongings with insurance coverage. Insurance offers financial protection and peace of mind in case of damage, loss, or theft.

Review the terms and conditions carefully to ensure it covers the full value of your items. Document your belongings with photos or videos as an added precaution, which can help streamline the claims process if needed.

Learn More About Our Removals and Storage Options

Storing your belongings during a move doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these tips and working with trusted removal companies, you can ensure your items remain safe and organised throughout the process. Contact our team at Caloundra Removals & Storage to explore our comprehensive services.