Get the best out of your storage

Before you store

A little preparation saves a lot of heartache.

• Clean and completely dry everything. Damp items grow mould quickly in storage.
• Never store food — perishable or packaged. It attracts vermin and can damage other customers' goods.
• Remove batteries from devices and tools.Lithium-ion batteries — and anything containing one — are prohibited in storage.
• Empty fuel from lawnmowers, chainsaws and generators before they go in.
• Use plastic tubs with lids over cardboard where you can — they keep dust, damp and pests out.
• Don't seal damp items in plastic. Trapped moisture means mould.

Packing for success

• Leave air gaps between items and around the walls — air circulation is what keeps things dry.
• Don't overpack. You need to be able to reach everything, and units with room to breathe stay drier.
• Soft furnishings (mattresses, sofas, bedding) go in breathable covers, not plastic.
• Raise furniture off the floor on pallets — never directly on the concrete.
• Wrap mirrors and glass, and stand them on edge.
• Stack heavy items at the bottom, lighter items on top.

Moisture & airflow

• Keep the door area clear — don't stack right up to the door.
• Visit your unit regularly — once a month is ideal.
• On dry days, open the door and let the air move through.
• Consider moisture absorbers if you're storing long-term.
• Keep everything off the concrete floor — pallets, shelves or clean cardboard underneath.

Regular check-ins

• Look for condensation, damp smells or pests early— the sooner they're spotted, the easier they are to deal with.
• Rearrange and rotate what's stored so nothing sits untouched for months.
• The earlier a problem is spotted, the cheaper it is to fix.