MOVING tips & hints
View our helpful tips & hints to ensure your goods are protected and that your moving process is hassle-free.
What Not to Store
This includes:
- Illegal, stolen, hazardous or dangerous items
- Living items, including animals and plants
- Food items
- Flammables
- Explosives
- Perishables
- Toxic or environmentally hazrmful materials
- Items that are a risk to the property of any person
Items needing environmentally controlled conditions should not be stored outside their specified conditions.
Additional information can be provided by Eagle Eye Self Storage staff.
Moving Checklist
Six to four weeks prior to moving
- Discard anything that needs to be thrown away, keeping in mind that flammables such as paint, chemicals and fuel cannot be stored at our facility
- Purchase your packing supplies and boxes from Eagle Eye Self Storage
- Begin packing items that aren't regularly used, such as items in attics, garages or storage areas.
Remember: a de-cluttered house is much more appealing when being sold; some items may be moved to storage units first. - Keep a list of items being packed and clearly label each carton and room. e.g.Eagle Eye Self Storage-Master Bedroom-Box #1
- Store packed boxes so as to make sorting out and loading on moving day easier.
- Keep an updated list of things that need to be returned before your move. e.g. Library Books or items borrowed from friends.
- Separate the boxes and luggage needed for yourself and your family during the moving process
- Arrange the transfer of your children's school records to their new school and get the family's dental and medical records
- Start to use up your frozen food from the freezer and try not to add any more until after your move
Four to two weeks prior to moving
- Book your Storage Unit at Eagle Eye Self Storage. If moving yourself; arrange the FREE "Move in" trailer (conditions apply) and book a Moving Trolley from Eagle Eye. OR arrange for a Removalist.
- Contact your current insurer to arrange the transfer of your contents insurance policy to recognise it is in storage
- Confirm the move with real estate agent / landlord / vendor at new location
- Arrange disconnection and reconnection of Electricity, Gas, Water, Telephone, Internet & Pay TV
- Arrange re-direction of mail with Australia Post
- Cancel deliveries for the old address and rearrange for the new address
- Re-direct or cancel newspapers and subscriptions
- Cancel any Gardening, Pet Grooming, Ironing or Cleaning services, or notify them of he new address
- Book Carpet Cleaners and House Cleaners if required
- Plan your movements for moving day (stops, accommodation etc)
Two to one week prior to moving
- Drain fuel from mowers, whipper snippers and other motors before putting them into storage
- Arrange an insurance cover note on the new residence
- Collect items from drycleaners, return borrowed items such as library books
- Organise bus or public transport passes if required from the new residence
- Settle outstanding accounts
- Ensure all relatives and friends are notified of your new address and contact details
One week prior to moving
- Use the remaining food in your fridge over the last few days
- Plan for special needs (pets, children, sick family members, etc) prior to, during and after the move.
- Keep medication and a first aid kit handy. Pack an "Essential Items" bag with things to assist on the day - coffee, tea bags, water bottle, thermos or kettle, snacks, mugs, cutlery, towels, soap, toilet paper, screwdrivers, tablet or toys for children, pet food and bowl etc.
- Consider having young children or pets looked after on moving day
- Wash and dry laundry
- Ring electricity and gas companies to organise final meter readings
- Finish packing those items you do not need the day of the move
- Confirm key collection for your new residence
The day before
- Empty, defrost and clean fridges and freezers. Check they are completely dry and clean before storing, especially any water trays
- Drain water from washing machine and garden hoses
- Pack personal luggage. Carry jewellery and valuable documents or items yourself
- Keep your cleaning equipment separate for the final clean of your old home
- Finish packing items and have them in a central location ready to load onto the moving vehicle
- Inspect your home fully for items left unpacked that may be left behind. e.g. Statues, pot plants, wall hangings etc. Pay special attention to areas outside the house, top shelves and cupboards not regularly used
- Make sure the items you need first at your destination are clearly marked
The moving day
- Disassemble beds
- Load the moving vehicle
- Don't leave the house until the movers have left. Oversee the inventory with the movers
- Check the telephone and internet service is disconnected
- Turn off all switches and water heaters at the meter
- Lock doors and windows
- Meet the movers at Eagle Eye Self Storage to unload your truck
- Prior to leaving the storage facility, ensure the unit has been secured with your padlock
After moving
Notify Change of Address to:
- Accountant
- Bank / Building Society / Credit Union
- Centrelink
- Club and Gym Memberships
- Dentist
- Doctor / Health Care Providers
- Driver’s Licence / Vehicle Registration / E-Tag
- Electoral Office
- Employer
- Family and Friends
- Finance Companies or Advisors
- Hairdresser
- Insurance Agency
- Magazine or Newspaper Subscriptions
- Medicare and Private Health Funds
- Other Licences – Boat / Fishing / Machinery Operator
- Solicitor
- Superannuation Fund
- Taxation Office
- Vet
Transporting goods
Speak with the staff at Eagle Eye Self Storage Tamworth about our FREE Move-in Trailer. *Conditions Apply
- Cover your entire trailer load with a tarp or net cover.
- Ensure items are secure within the truck or trailer, so they cannot shift during transport, as this may damage both your possessions and the vehicle.
- The use of trolleys, furniture ties, blankets and ropes helps protect your goods when loading or on the vehicle; making moving easier.
Other Tips
Appliances and Electrical Goods
- Fridges, freezers and other white goods should be thoroughly dry and clean before storing.
- Secure shut all appliance doors when moving, and wedge doors open while in storage to help prevent odours and mould. Secure all moving parts.
- Wrap small appliances in bubble wrap for protection.
- Avoid the use of packing tape directly on white goods as this can leave marks that may be permanent.
- Placing charcoal inside the refrigerator and freezer will combat mould. A deodoriser placed inside fridges or freezers is also a good idea to maintain freshness.
- Don't store items inside fridges or freezers as the shelves and linings can be easily marked and damaged.
- 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 boxes, and sealing the top will offer protection for your electrical items.
- Remember to pack out any gaps in the boxes.
- Pack vinyl records on their edges to prevent them warping.
- Remove batteries from appliances to avoid damage from leaking batteries.
Clothes
- Wash and dry your clothes before storing as stains in dirty clothes may set over time.
- Use Port-a-Robes to save time and ironing of clothes that ordinarily hang. (Port-a-Robes may be purchased through Eagle Eye Self Storage Tamworth.)
- Avoid putting clothes in plastic bags as they may be ruined if moisture is trapped inside when the bags are sealed.
- Clothing should be packed in boxes with wooden cedar balls, mothballs , camphor or similar products to protect and maintain their quality.
- Treat leather items with a leather conditioner prior to storing.
Computer Equipment
- Back-up data and store on a secondary device such as a disc or a separate hard drive.
- Computers, like other electrical items, need special care. The original boxes are ideal for packing, however bubble wrap and good quality packing boxes will do the job.
- Remove any USBs, CDs or DVDs from the drives.
- Remember to use some packing in the bottom and top of the boxes to provide extra protection for your contents.
- Pack out any gaps in the boxes.
- If you are unsure about the storage of your computer equipment, refer to the manufacturer's manual, or consult your retailer, especially if storing for longer than six months.
Glass, Mirrors and Picture Frames
- Wrap in bubble wrap or polycell foam and mark packages 'Fragile".
- Store mirrors, glass, picture frames and canvases on their edges in an upright position (not lying flat).
- Ensure that other items are not stored on top of these as this may cause damage.
Kitchenware and Fragile Items
- Ensure all items are clean and free of food products to prevent vermin.
- Use smaller boxes that are easier to handle and be careful not to overload the box.
- Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and in the top of boxes containing breakables.
- Protect fragile items by wrapping them individually in packing paper or bubble wrap.
- Avoid using newsprint as this can be messy and possibly stain some items.
- Store fragile or glass items at the top of the box .
- Nest cups and bowls to prevent movement within boxes.
- Fill any gaps in the boxes with packing such as scrunched paper. This will keep your fragile items well protected and prevent them from moving around in the boxes during transit.
- Mark all boxes containing fragile items with a 'Fragile" label and avoid storing heavy items on the top of these.
- Wrapping silverware individually in ‘Non Acid’ tissue paper or plastic bags can help reduce tarnishing.
- Wipe chrome and cast iron with a little machine oil to help prevent rust.
Furniture
- Empty the contents of wardrobes, drawers and cupboards to protect the shelving and structure of these items and make them easier to lift.
- Separate removable shelves where possible and wrap in protective cloths or bubble wrap. Keep shelf fittings in a zip-lock bag and tape to the wrapping on the shelves to prevent losing them.
- Avoid the use of packing tape directly on the furniture as this can leave marks that may be permanent.
- Where possible remove the legs from items of furniture such as bed bases and tables to avoid damage and save space in the storage unit.
- Remove handles from doors and draws to avoid damage and save space. Place these in a zip-lock bag and secure to the back of the item or place in a well marked box to keep safe. If possible, screw knobs or handles so they face into the draw or cabinet as this will also prevent them from getting lost.
- Lock cupboard doors and keep keys in a safe place.
- Vacuum food crumbs from lounges to prevent attracting vermin.
- Protect your mattress, lounge suite, and chairs with specifically designed plastic covers.
- Spray timber furniture with a good quality furniture spray prior to storing to give added protection.
- Treat leather items with a leather conditioner prior to storing.
- Fragile items should be cushioned by packing and placed towards the top of the storage unit.
- Use protective blankets to cover furniture to prevent it from being scratched or marked.
- Avoid placing heavy or sharp objects on top of furniture when storing.
Paper Goods and Documents
- Ensure files are clearly labelled so that they are easy to find.
- Pack books flat in the boxes to protect their spines.
- Use packing to fill out gaps in boxes
- Do not pack fragile items in the same box as they may be damaged.
- Use smaller boxes that are easier to handle and be careful not to overload the box.
- Store any documents that may be needed at the front of the storage unit where they are more easily accessed.
Miscellaneous
- Packing in professional storage boxes will make storing and unpacking easier and safer, saving you time and worry. Professional packing and storage accessories will help maintain the condition of goods for the term of their storage. These packing supplies can be purchased from Eagle Eye Self Storage Tamworth.
- Use uniform sizes of boxes to make best use of the total storage space.
- Ensure that boxes are clearly marked with the contents of each box and their destination. Take home a list of the labelled boxes for easy reference when you need to locate your goods.
- Fill boxes to capacity. Pack out boxes with paper. Partially full or bulging boxes may tip or collapse.
- Be careful that the weight is appropriate to the box and the person lifting it and pack no more than 20kgs in a single box. Heavy items such as books or tools should be packed in small boxes. If a box is too heavy it will be hard to lift.
- To prevent injury, lift boxes using your legs and not your back. Ask Eagle Eye Self Storage staff about the use of Moving Trolleys.
- Do not stack boxes more than shoulder height to avoid injury when moving boxes.
- Positioning of boxes - Place large, heavy items that you can stack upon at the rear of your storage unit, then work forwards and upwards with lighter and fragile items.
- When storing furniture, and items on top of furniture, drape moving blankets over the furniture. This will help prevent the furniture from being scratched or marked.
- Use furniture protectors for lounges and mattresses to protect them from dust.
- Place those items that you may need to access often, in the front of your storage unit. Depending on the goods you have stored, you may need to allow for walk ways.
- Do not store wet items as they can cause water damage, mould and mildew.
- Use a good quality padlock on your storage unit door. Cheap locks may rust or become difficult to open and close. (Good quality padlocks may be purchased through Eagle Eye Self Storage)
- It is recommended you insure your goods whilst in storage. Speak with your current insurer, as many will cover your goods whilst in storage.
- Ensure items are secured within the moving truck or trailer, so they cannot shift during transport.Items shifting may damage both your possessions and the vehicle.
- As per Road Traffic Rules, cover items in an open trailer or ute with a net or tarp to secure them.
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