Top Tips

  • Make a list

    Make a list of what you intend to store, especially larger or unusually-shaped items. Note items that can fold down or be taken apart to make more space, such as beds. This will help you make the best use of space and get the best value from your packing materials.

  • Calculate the value

    Calculate the value of what you have to store and arrange insurance cover. This can be done at your 1st Access Self Storage Peterborough Centre and must be arranged prior to the start of storage.

  • Good quality

    Buy good quality packing materials – cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, foam wrap and tape. To see our comprehensive and honestly-priced range, visit our box shop

  • Fill it up

    Fill boxes completely – stacks of partly-filled or bulging cardboard boxes may tip or collapse – and distribute weight evenly.

  • Pack efficiently

    Store heavy items in smaller boxes for easier lifting. Store china and breakables in strong cardboard and plastic boxes, packing with plenty of bubble wrap, tissue paper or loose fill.

  • Hang your clothes

    Hang your clothes – we offer wardrobe boxes for careful clothes storage.

  • Remember to label

    Label all boxes clearly to help when retrieving goods from your storage unit and unpacking. If you can, take an inventory. It will help you remember and may be an aid to insurers.

  • Cover to protect

    Cover all furniture with dust sheets and remember to protect table and chair legs with bubble wrap or foam wrap to avoid scratching, and use foam corners on picture and mirror frames. For further information, view our protective packing products.

  • Heavy items

    Allow large and heavy items to form the base of any stack in your storage room, with lighter items at the top.

  • Store your paperwork

    Using a chest of drawers or wardrobes to store boxes and paperwork will give extra flexibility and make good use of space.

  • Ease of access

    Position items to which you will need access at the front of your storage unit.

  • Don’t stack against outside walls

    Avoid stacking or leaning furniture against outside walls, as this may prevent proper ventilation.

  • Kitchen appliances

    Make sure that fridges and freezers are fully defrosted and dry to prevent water leakage, and wedge the doors open to allow ventilation.

  • Garden storage

    Clean all garden furniture before storing and make sure that your lawnmower is drained of petrol.

  • Keep it secure

    Purchase a padlock to secure your unit (available in store). If there will be more than one person accessing the unit (you must tell us this), you might find a combination padlock convenient. Ours are hand-made in the UK and very tough.

  • Be aware

    Do not store highly flammable liquids like petrol, spirits or paints.