Packing & Moving Tips – storeit.co.za

Packaging & Moving Tips

Plan it. Place items you will need regularly near the front of your unit, and leave clear walkways so you can easily reach goods stored at the back.
Map it. As you move items into your unit at the Store it Honeydew facility, make a simple sketch showing where everything is placed.
Inventory it. Keep a written list of everything you store. Estimate the value of your goods and arrange appropriate insurance.
Allow airflow. Do not lean items directly against the walls. Leave at least 150mm of space between your goods and the walls to allow air circulation and help prevent moisture build-up.
Choose the right size. If you will be accessing your unit often, a slightly larger space will give you room to move comfortably, instead of packing everything tightly to capacity.
Be prepared. Gather all the packing materials you need before you begin. Our Packing Supplies page offers a comprehensive guide to everything you may require.

Use strong, good-quality storage boxes.
Seal it. Ensure every box is securely taped, with flat tops that are not bulging.
Where possible, use boxes of uniform size—they stack more easily and safely.
Match box size to weight: use larger boxes for light items and smaller boxes for heavy goods.
Pack heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top.
Do not overload boxes. Each box should be light enough for the average person to lift comfortably.
Clearly label every box with its contents for easy identification.
Pack books in sealed plastic and store them flat to protect their spines.

Clothing and curtains should not be stored on hangers.
Never pack bedding or clothing in ordinary plastic bags, as they can “sweat” and spoil. If using plastic, ensure items are vacuum sealed.
Vacuum-sealed bags are ideal for saving space and protecting pillows and linen.
Use moth balls in boxes containing clothing or linen.

Break it down. Disassemble bed frames and bundle the parts together with tape or rope. Place screws and bolts in small plastic bags and tape them to the item they belong to.
Protect furniture edges and chair legs with corner protectors or bubble wrap.
Cover soft furnishings to keep them clean and dust-free.
Clean and vacuum all furniture before storage to prevent permanent stains.
Use drawers and cupboards to store small items such as china or cutlery—wrap breakables in bubble wrap first.
Stack chairs seat-to-seat, placing cloth or unprinted paper between them.

Wrap all glass items individually in unprinted paper and place them near the top of boxes. Fill empty spaces with paper to prevent movement.
Never pack plates and saucers flat. Once wrapped, pack them vertically on their edges.
Wrap pictures and mirrors individually with corner protectors and bubble wrap. Mark them as “Fragile” and store them upright on their edges, away from walls.

Ensure refrigerators, freezers, and washing machines are completely dry and store them with doors slightly open. These appliances can also be used to hold soft items such as blankets and towels.
Clean stoves and all cooking equipment thoroughly before storage.
Clean outdoor tools and equipment before packing.
Remove batteries from all devices to prevent leakage damage.
Drain fuel and oil from machinery. Fuel and oil are fire hazards and are not permitted in storage units at the Store it Honeydew facility.
Protect bicycles and metal items by wiping all metal surfaces with a suitable anti-rust agent.

Remove documents from lever-arch files and place them in document boxes to save space and improve preservation.
Where frequent access is needed, store document boxes on shelving. Free-standing shelving is allowed; wall fixtures are not permitted.
Archive boxes are ideal and should be clearly labelled and catalogued.

Toxic waste and radioactive materials
Explosives, firearms, and ammunition
Fuel, gas, and other flammable or hazardous substances
Living plants or animals
Perishable goods, including all food
Cash and securities such as share certificates and title deeds
Illegal goods or substances
These guidelines will help you store your belongings safely, efficiently, and in the best possible condition.