Moving house can be hectic and moving furniture can be stressful, time-consuming and tiring. In order to make moving heavy items less traumatic, we have put together some tips and tricks to ensure your next move will be successful.

Couch

After cleaning the couch thoroughly, place a sheet over the couch to protect the piece of furniture during the move. Also, ensure you are able to move the couch without struggling, which means asking friends to help and clearing a pathway to make moving easier.

Storage Tip – When placing couches in a storage unit, make sure they are horizontal and NOT covered in plastic as your couch needs to breathe. Also do not place heavy items on the couch, as the spring and cushions will become ruined.

Tables

If you can detach the legs on the table, then this will make your move easier. However, you still have to make sure you are being careful to avoid any scratches appearing, which is why you should place bubble wrap on the corners of the table. If your table has drawn, make sure they emptied and taped shut. 

Storage Tip – To avoid scratches, and your table falling over, make sure your table is secure. If you were not able to detach the legs, keep your table flat and on all four legs, but be sure to use a blanket to protect the table.

Bookcase

Make sure you remove all books and shelves. Follow the same pattern and carefully move the bookcase (with help!)

Storage Tip – Place shelves back into the bookcase and keep upright when storing.

Boxes

You will notice how when you move, your house will be covered in cardboard boxes. Make sure you do not fill boxes to the top if you are placing heavy items inside. If you have a box full of books, then this will be hard to carry. Instead, fill the box halfway with books and use the material to fill the remaining space.

Storage Tip – When storing, make sure heavier boxes are at the bottom, but full to the top so you are able to place boxes on top without the lower boxes collapsing.

A storage unit helps make your move less stressful and gives you time to settle into your new home without worrying about deadlines. Call Spaces and Places if you are seeking advice or looking for a reliable place to keep your items safe.

Brandon and Lori Bernier (Brandori) took to fame in 2011 when they appeared on the hit TV programme ‘Storage Hunters.’ Their knowledge and ability to take chances on purchasing storage units have many viewers hooked on the TV programme.

Many people do not take risks purchasing storage units as they are unsure whether they will lose money or find the hidden treasure, which is why Brandori have offered their advice to help you sell goods that you currently own.

Where to sell

Where to sell your items is determined by the items you are selling. If it is DVDs, books, clothes etc. eBay or car boot sales will be the most suitable option. However, if you are looking to sell niche items such as coins, rare books or instruments then an auction house or finding a specialist buyer will be your best option. Brandori explains that you shouldn’t be quick to dismiss selling through the local paper and via social media which have no selling fees.

If you are looking to make a living by selling items, make sure to build relationships with buyers as in the long run, you will be able to sell niche items faster.

In order to maximise your profits, make sure you sell items in the correct season. The demand for camping equipment and designer sandals will peak during the summer, but during the winter, demand will be low.

Watch your pricing and costs

The best way to go about pricing an item is to do your research and find what price similar items sold for. If you overprice the item, nobody will buy it and if you price the item too low, you will undercut yourself and have a loss.

You have to consider shipping costs when you are selling items that cost considerable money to post. You are selling items to create a profit, so ensure your costs do not outweigh your profit.

If you have any tips you would like to share, tweet us at @StorageNuneaton

Finding time to sell your items may be an issue, which is why placing your items in a storage unit until the right offer comes along will keep your stock safe and secure. Call Spaces and Places today and find a storage unit close to you.

Every business is not paperless and in fact, have important documents and files that need to be kept in a safe and secure place. If these documents are taking over your workspace, office or home, then it may be time to start thinking about using a storage unit.

Once you have made the decision to keep your workplace neat and tidy and place your documents in self-storage; read on for a few tips to keep in mind when storing.

  1. 1. Make sure each box weighs less than 50lbs. Anything higher than this weight will be hard to move and lift.

2. When packing documents, make sure each box is filled to the top. Use filler material to reach the top of the box and not newspapers as the writing will imprint onto the documents.

3. In order to store documents in a neat and tidy manner, use shelving units. This stops wear and tear on the lower boxes, and also allows you to search for each box more easily.

4. When placing your documents, make sure older documents are at the back of the unit, and documents that you will need to access more often are closer to the front of the unit.

5. Label all boxes. We would advise leaving a spreadsheet near the front of the storage unit that describes where each document is.

6. Do not share keys with many people, use the storage unit like you would save documents on the computer – only certain people are able to access files and the same rules should apply to the storage unit.

At Spaces and Places, we have round the clock CCTV surveillance cameras so relax, your documents are in a secure place.

Spaces and Places also provide cartons and purpose-built racks for you to store your paperwork in our safe and dry units. Whether your business is expanding, or documents are taking over your office, call Spaces and Places to learn which sized unit would benefit you best.

If you are renting a storage unit for the first time, read on to learn tips and tricks to get the most out of the storage space you have rented. If you are a current storage user or have rented a storage unit before, these helpful tips will ensure you get maximum use out of your storage space. By following these guidelines, your belongings will be safe, secure and protected.

Tips and Tricks

  • 1. Create a list of everything you are placing in the storage unit.
  • 2. Calculate the number of boxes you will be needing.
  • 3. Purchase boxes, bubble wrap and dust sheets if you are storing furniture.
  • 4. If you are storing fridges or freezers, make sure they are fully defrosted to prevent the storage unit collecting water.
  • 5. If you are storing an oven, clean it before entering the storage unit.
  • 6. If you are storing garden equipment, clean the items to prevent rust and empty the lawnmower tank.
  • 7. Once you have packed your boxes, make sure you write on the side exactly what is inside. This will help you when you return to the storage unit for a specific item.

 

How to Pack Your Storage Space 

  • 1. Place large items at the back of the storage unit.
  • 2. If you are storing mattresses, do not place heavy boxes on top as this will cause the mattress to lose its spring. Instead, store mattresses upright near the back of the unit. Cover the mattress in dust sheets or plastic covers to stop any dust or dirt appearing.
  • 3. When storing boxes, place heavier and compact boxes on the bottom, and lighter boxes on top to prevent movement and damages.
  • 4. If you are storing valuable/ fragile items, cover them in bubble wrap and place on the top of the pile of boxes.
  • 5. If you can disassemble any tables, chairs or shelves, do it! This will allow you to create more space to store other items.
  • 6. Lastly, but most importantly, create a mini walkway. When you re-enter your unit, you can find items you need without having to unload the whole unit. Spaces and Places also advise you to store items you will be needing frequently near the front of the unit.

 

Contact Spaces and Places if you are looking to rent self-storage in Nuneaton, Manchester or Winsford!