Storage & Moving Tips

The use of packing accessories such as Boxes, Paper, Tape, Bubble-wrap and Plastic covers will maintain and protect your goods while in storage. Fill cartons to capacity: partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse. Heavy items like books or tools should be packed in small cartons so they are easy to handle. Books should be packed flat, not on their spines. Packing and labeling cartons room by room makes the unpacking much easier, and if you need to find something in storage you will have some idea of which box to begin looking. Label the side and the top of each carton so it is easy to see from any angle. It will save you time!

Appliances: Fridges, freezers and other goods should be thoroughly DRY and CLEAN before storing. While in storage the door should be secured slightly ajar. A deodorizer placed inside fridges or freezers is also a good idea to maintain freshness. Do NOT place items inside fridges or freezers as the shelves and linings can be easily damaged. Remove glass shelves and pack them properly to prevent damage or breakage. It's easy!

Furniture: Empty the contents of wardrobes, drawers and cupboards to protect the shelving and structure of these items. Clothing and personal goods should be packed in strong secure cartons to protect and maintain their condition. Plastic covers or large bags are available and should be used for couches and mattresses. This will keep them clean and dust free. Where possible, remove the legs from items to save valuable packing space. Vacuum food crumbs from couches and lounges to prevent attracting pests.

Dishes and 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 (newspaper can be very messy and possibly stain). Nest cups and bowls, stand plates, saucers and casseroles on their edges. Fill any gaps in you cartons with packing paper, bubble-wrap or packing peanuts. This will keep you fragile items well protected and prevent them from moving around in the cartons while in transit. Label all cartons containing fragile items and avoid storing heavy items on top of these cartons.

Glass and Mirrors: These items should be protected by packing materials ie. Bubble-wrap or in a flat-pack box also known as mirror or picture box in moving nomiclature. Store them standing on their edges in an upright position. Do NOT lay them 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.

 Electrical Items: 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. Pack cassettes and videos or similar items on their edges to prevent warping.

Battery Operated Items: 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, bubble-wrap and good quality packing cartons will do the job. Remember to use some packing or linen in the bottom and top of cartons. This provides extra protection to the contents. Pack any gaps securely. If you are unsure about your computer, refer to the manufacturer’s manual, or consult you retailer, especially if storing for longer periods of time.

If you are in any doubt, please take these items with you and do NOT store them.

 Movers, Machines and Yard Equipment: Drain all fuel and oil from all machinery, tools and yard equipment. This reduces risk of leakage, spillage and damage to other goods in you space. Gas and oil left in motors can degrade with time and damage your equipment or that of others. You will be responsible for any damages caused by leaking or spilling of any kind.

 Planning Your Move: As a general rule place large, heavy items that you can stack upon at the rear of the space. Then work forwards and upwards with lighter and fragile items on top. Those items that you may need to access often should be placed at the door side of the container. Packing in professional storage cartons and boxes will make packing and unpacking easier and safer, which saves you time and worry.

Professional packing supplies are sold at MI-BOX facilities. If you require assistance to load or unload your container, then please call us for a list of our preferred movers. Note: we do NOT move items ourselves. All movers are not affiliated with MI-BOX.

Please allow enough time for delivery and pick up of your storage container. Usually we can service within 24 hours but we are on a first come first serve basis. During busy times please allow at least 48 hours for delivery and pick up.

Moving Checklist: Arrange disconnection and reconnection of services ie. Gas, Electric, phone, cable, water, sewer and other utilities. Cancel any deliveries ie. Newspapers, magazines, milk, bottled water. Contact you local Post Office with change of address.

 Please notify MI-BOX of any phone number or address changes.

Important Authorizes: Notify Post Office, Motor Vehicle Registration, License Authority, Banks and Financial Institutions, Insurance Companies, Educational Institutions, Club Memberships and subscriptions. Notify family and friends of your new contact information. Email is great for this.

 Make a list  of everything you store: Keep a copy inside the storage unit and one for your records. Add or delete items as they are added or removed from your storage box. This could be very important in the unlikely event of an insurance claim.

WHAT NOT TO STORE:

DO NOT store any goods that are illegal, stolen, flammable, explosive, environmentally harmful, hazardous, perishable, or that are a risk to the property of persons. NO PAINTS, CHLORINE, ACIDS, BATTERIES, GAS or OILS, PAINT THINNER, CLEANING PRODUCTS.

 DO NOT store any perishable items such as foods, plants or animals. Do NOT store hazardous liquids, explosives, ammunition, liquids that may freeze and break the container.

 DO NOT store family heirlooms, money, paintings, jewelry, stock or bond certificates or any other family valuables. Bank Deposit Boxes are recommended for these items. Limits of losses are in effect for all goods stored as imposed by insurance regulations and may not cover these items to their full extent.