Guide for preparing your items before a home move

Moving home is exciting and stressful.
If you are upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, good packing and smart storage solutions can make the process as smooth as possible.

Step 1: Declutter
Moving is the perfect opportunity to decide what you need to keep. Be ruthless, and you can keep costs down with a smaller storage unit.
Consider donating unwanted items to local charities. They will often collect free of charge.

Step 2: Separate essentials from items for your storage unit
Daily essentials, important documents and valuables should go to your new home.
Seasonal items and furniture that won’t fit in your new place, or sentimental items you’re not ready to part with, can all be stored safe and secure in your unit.

However! Be aware of items that you cannot store-
Customer must not store (or allow any other person to store) any of the following in the Unit:

(a) food or perishable goods unless securely packed so they are protected from and do not attract vermin;

(b) any living creatures;

(c) combustible or flammable substances such as gas, paint, petrol, oil, cleaning solvents or compressed gases;

(d) firearms, explosives, weapons or ammunition;

(e) chemicals, radioactive materials, biological agents; toxic waste, asbestos or other potentially hazardous substances;

(f) any item that emits fumes, or odours;

(g) any illegal item or substances or goods illegally obtained such as illicit (counterfeit/smuggled) tobacco or alcohol and unlicensed or unsafe goods (such as toys, electrical goods, medicines, aerosols, cosmetics, fireworks);

(h) goods which are environmentally harmful or that are a risk to the property of any person

Step 3: Pack your items like a pro
Sofas & Mattresses: Cover with protective plastic or fabric covers to keep them clean.
Tables & Chairs: Remove legs where possible and store flat to save space.
Wardrobes: Use the inside for storage! Fill with pillows, blankets, or smaller boxes.
Fridges & Washing Machines: Defrost, drain, and dry them fully before moving to prevent leaks and mould.
Breakables: Wrap in bubble wrap and pack tightly in double-walled boxes.
Electronics: Keep in their original boxes if possible, or wrap in thick padding.
Clothes: Use vacuum-sealed bags to save space and prevent damp.
Books: Pack flat, not upright, to avoid warping.
Remember to use labels on all your boxes to identify what needs to go in which room.

Step 4: Transfer items to your storage unit before the day of moving
This gives you extra breathing space and time to move at your own pace.
Keep important things accessible – Make sure daily essentials stay separate and easy to find.

Step 5: Downsizing? keep a storage unit for longer
If you’re moving to a smaller home, you might not have space for everything straight away. You can always transfer to a smaller unit and use your storage as your spare room.

How to maximise the space in your storage unit:
Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter boxes on top.
Use wardrobes to store clothes, bedding, or fragile items.
Leave yourself a walkway to allow access to all your items without unpacking the whole unit.
Use the height of your unit. Don't waste any space.

If you are moving home or just need extra space, GB Storage in Shaw is here to help.
Call today or browse our website to check availability and find the perfect storage solution for your move.