Storage Tips

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
Fridges, freezers and other white goods should be clean and dry before storing, with a deodoriser inside for freshness and the door left slightly ajar. Stoves and other cooking equipment should be cleaned thoroughly before storing. Avoid placing other items inside white goods. Some goods can be stacked on top of fridges, freezers and stoves. Tools and other equipment should always be cleaned before storing.

BATTERY OPERATED GOODS
Removal of the batteries is essential to ensure toys and equipment are not damaged in the unfortunate event of battery leakage. Damage caused by leaking batteries is quite often non-repairable.

BOOKS
Being heavy items books should be stacked flat, not on their spines, in small book cartons so they can be more easily handled. Remember to sprinkle some napthalene flakes among your books for long term storage.

COMPUTERS
If you still have the original packaging it is recommended that you reuse them.If not available then bubble wrap and good quality cartons will suffice. Use packing materials to line the top and bottom and to pack the gaps to protect and prevent any movement of your valuable & fragile equipment.

DISHES & GLASSWARE
Use a layer of packing at the top and bottom of cartons. Individually wrap items in packing paper. Nest plates and cups and stand plates, saucers, platters and casseroles on their edges. Fill all gaps in the carton with scrunched paper or other material to prevent movement. Clearly label all cartons containing breakables and don't store any heavy items on top of them

.FURNITURE
Empty wardrobes, drawers and cupboards to protect shelving and framework. Disassemble beds and tables if possible and wrap the legs. Store tables and other fragile items on padding, upside down on top of other solid sturdy items. Vacuum upholstery clean before storing. Avoid using plastic covers for furniture to minimise the problem of mould caused by humidity although during transport a plastic cover is ideal, particularly on items that could be damaged in the event of a sudden downpour. Lightweight chairs can be stacked seat to seat or on top of upturned tables.

METAL ITEMS
Wrap silverware in non-acid tissue paper or store in plastic bags to reduce tarnishing. Wipe chrome and cast iron items with a cloth impregnated with a little machine oil to retard rust.

MOWERS & MACHINERY
Drain fuel and oil to reduce the risk of damage to other goods and avoid a possible fire hazard. Place a piece of cardboard or old carpet under the piece of machinery.

MIRRORS, WINDOWS, SCREENS & PAINTINGS
Protect these items with a suitable packing material such as bubble wrap and store them on their edges.

TV, VIDEO & HI FI
The original boxes with their styrofoam inserts are undoubtedly the best, but alternatively items can be individually wrapped in bubble wrap and packed into good quality cartons. All spaces should be filled with packing to prevent movement and the cartons securely sealed with packaging tape. Most turntables have a clip to secure the tone arm as well as securing screws for the suspended platform so ensure these are utilised. Store records and CD's on their edge.

DON'T FORGET
When storing your goods, place the heaviest, least used items to the bottom and rear of the compartment. Anything you are likely to want to get access to during your storage time should be placed at or near the front.