At W. O. Sheeran we offer secure self-storage for home and business. Our units are insulated, ventilated and boarded, but it’s still important that you take care to ensure your goods are packaged and protected correctly whilst they are in storage. Please also make sure you keep safe whilst moving and handling your goods, especially large or heavy items.

Whether you’re new to storage or you’re an expert, here are some tips to store your goods safely. 

Packing and boxing

Disassemble large items and keep any fixings or screws together in a labelled bag. 

Clean out anything that has stored food or other perishable goods, such as fridges, freezers, ovens, cupboards. Ensure they are clean and dry, and tape the doors closed during transit, then leave them slightly ajar whilst in storage.

Use strong, durable boxes which are easy to stack. Don’t overfill or underfill, and fill any gaps with packing materials. Label boxes on the top and on the side(s). Make sure you can safely lift the boxes without injury.

Wrap china, glass and other fragile items individually before boxing.

Lifting

Familiarise yourself with safe lifting and handling techniques, and never lift anything that you are not comfortable with. 

Condensation and ventilation

To prevent condensation, make sure all items are clean and dry before you store them.

Think about where your items have come from, for example have they previously been kept in your garage or shed? Are they outdoor tools, garden furniture, fishing or camping equipment? If so, they may be damp, so double check before you store them – otherwise the damp can spread.

Try not to put large items up against the container walls or against other large items, leave a gap to allow air to circulate.

Cover furniture and mattresses, and store wool and fabric with mothballs.

Temperature

Storage containers can get very warm during the summer months, and very cold during the winter. Package your goods with the right materials to protect them as much as possible from severe temperature changes, and consider moving items out of the unit temporarily if harsh temperatures are forecast. 

Visit regularly!

Visit your unit to check on your goods, and to open the doors to allow air to circulate. This is one of the most important things you can do to help with ventilation in your unit.

​Pests

Our site is regularly serviced by a pest control service, and there is generally very little pest activity. However some pests can sneak through very small gaps so bear this in mind, and make sure you check any items before you store them, for example items or boxes you previously kept in your loft, garage or shed – they may have surprise visitors inside!