MiniMovers Storage Hints & Tips

You will need to pack some things on top of other things

Doing this keeps your unit size down, lowering your cost. To ensure no damage we will need to put something between surfaces. When you are packing, keep any older blankets, sheets, curtains, etc in a garbage bag and give them to our crew when they arrive. MiniMovers sells blankets, but it is cheaper if you can supply your own.

Pack everything properly with some naphthalene, mothballs, or similar product

This helps to protect and maintain the condition of your goods. Remove batteries from all battery-operated items. When storing long-term, wrapping silver in non-acidic tissue paper or plastic bags can help reduce tarnishing. Wipe chrome or cast iron with a little machine oil to help retard rust.

Fridges, freezers, and other white goods should be dry and clean before storing

Whilst in storage the door should be secured slightly ajar. It is also a good idea to place a deodorizer inside to maintain freshness. Don’t place items inside fridges or freezers as the shelves and linings can be easily marked and damaged.

Never store flammable liquids

Items such as lawnmowers and gas bottles must be emptied.

Avoid using plastic including mattress bags

In Queensland, the combination of humidity and plastic causes real mould problems. It is better to let things breathe.

Store glass, mirrors, etc on their edge (not flat), with cardboard underneath

If you move anything around in the storage unit, take extreme care that nothing (like glass) has been placed behind the item.

Cover everything

Cover everything with sheets to keep dust off your goods

Storage types

When it comes to professional storage, you have two choices – general storage or self/mini storage.

In the general storage system, everything is stored in a warehouse situation. The goods are normally on pallets and wrapped in cardboard for security. Several problems occur with this system. Loss and/or damage has become common, and accessing your stored items is difficult. Unfortunately, many traditional removal companies still use this system. General storage has earned such a bad name in the removal industry, many businesses mislead their clients to the type of storage being used.

As a result, mini or self-storage facilities have become established throughout Australia, and indeed the world. This system offers greater security and is more convenient to use. Self-storage allows you to hire a lockable unit, usually within a secured area. You are able to access your unit almost anytime, and only you have a key to the door.

There are two types of self-storage companies within the industry – those with on-site managers and those who use booking agents.

Both service and security are far superior at storage facilities with on-site managers. Storage facilities that use only a fence and/or security company to secure the area should be avoided. The best storage for you to use is normally: the one closest to your address, one that has on-site managers, and one with a range of sized units to suit your needs.

As the MiniMovers network extends between Noosa, Tweed Heads and Toowoomba, and your storage is best close by, we have opted not to have our own storage. We have no direct ties with any individual storage facilities and will not be involved in commissions. Our policy is to refer customers to the nearest self-storage facility with an on-site manager. You then become their customer.

If you are storing because you are selling and buying your property (at the same time), then we suggest storing should be your last option. Check out MiniMovers hints, Timing Your Move with Property Settlements below. This is designed to help you keep your costs down.

Storage size

What size unit do you need? Normally we can give you a rough idea when you are booking our services. A factor you should take into consideration is the length of time you are storing. If you are storing short-term (less than 3 months), then you should use a bigger unit, or if you are storing long-term (more than 3 months), it is cheaper for you to squeeze everything into a smaller unit. We have helped store thousands of people and very rarely have any problems.