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If you’re about to put some of your possessions in storage, knowing how to store your things for the duration is important: it’s not rocket science, but neither is it as simple as throwing your stuff into a couple of boxes that you’ve picked up from the supermarket! Read on for a few tips.

Putting a lid on your box is vital if you don’t want the contents to wind up covered in dust. It will also help keep the box from collapsing if it’s half empty during transportation. Not able to fill your carton completely? Pack foam peanuts in any gaps to keep the things inside from moving around when being carried.

There’s nothing worse than going to your storage unit to fetch something and having to search through every box there. When packing your boxes, make sure you label them with the contents. There’s no need to itemise everything inside (unless you’re one of those super organised people!) but you’ll thank your lucky stars you scrawled a quick “Kitchen Goods” or “DVD’s” in marker pen on the side. Extra tip: mark all the sides, as well as the lid, as you never know which way a box might be facing when it comes to the crunch!

Make sure that the weight in a box is distributed evenly. Ensuring that cartons are not going to give whoever is lifting them chronic back pain is pretty important too.

Items that are fragile should be packed together. Don’t be tempted to get away with bubble wrapping one china ornament and putting it in a box with heavier non-breakables as these could shift and damage it. Delicate objects should be tightly packed, with peanuts or paper filling the gaps, placed in boxes that are stronger than average and marked as “Fragile.”

You’ve paid good money for your furniture, home furnishings and accessories – and the fact you’re storing them says that you want to enjoy them at some point in the future. Here are some tips for protecting your investment – and that favourite saggy old armchair – while the pieces are in storage.

Tip 1: You can purchase bags to protect sofas and upholstered chairs while they’re in storage. Ask a Duffy Self Storage expert if you’d like more information or search online for bags to suit your needs. Tip 2: To make the most out of the available space in your storage unit, stand sofas on their end. This will also avoid the temptation to stack piles of goods and boxes on the sofa, leading to possible damage. Tip 3: If the dining table hasn’t been disassembled chairs should be placed upside down on it. If the chairs legs can be removed, do so and wrap them in bubble wrap or a cloth.

Tip 1: Disassemble beds wherever possible. Wrap all parts in moving blankets or bubble wrap. Tip 2: It’s a fantastic idea to tape screws and washers etc to the frame so you know where they are when it’s time to reassemble your bed. BUT don’t use a tape that will tarnish the finish when you take it off. Tip 3: Store mattresses on one side to maximise storage space.

Tip 1: If a table is able to be disassembled, place the table top flat on a blanket and wrap the legs either in bubble wrap or cloth. Tip 2: If it’s not possible to take a table apart, lay a blanket down and place the table top on that so that the legs are pointing upwards.

Tip 1: Make use of chest of drawers or dresser tops by stacking lightweight and non-scratch boxes on them. Tip 2: The drawers in stored furniture are ideal for safely storing small and delicate objects. Tip 3: Use stretch wrap to make sure drawers and doors don’t slide or swing open during transportation.