Storage Checklist How to Prepare Your Belongings for Storage

Putting items into storage seems straightforward until you actually start preparing for it. Between cleaning, treating, disassembling, and working out what can and can't be stored, there's more to it than most people anticipate.

This checklist breaks it all down into clear, manageable steps so you can get your belongings ready with confidence, whether you're storing for a few weeks or a few years.

Before you pack a single thing, it's worth taking stock of how storage works. Storage is priced on volume, so the less you put in, the less you pay. Go through each room and be honest about what genuinely needs to be kept.

Items you haven't used in over a year, furniture that won't suit the new home, and duplicates you've been meaning to deal with are all good candidates for a garage sale, donation, or council collection.

Once you have a clear picture of what's going into storage, group items by category. This makes preparation easier and loading more efficient.

If Allied is managing your storage, share your list with your move coordinator before collection day. They can advise on packing materials, flag anything that needs specialist handling, and ensure the right size storage unit is allocated for your load.

Furniture requires a little more preparation than simply wrapping it up and putting it in a unit. Taking the time to clean and treat pieces properly before storage will help protect them over the long term.

Wipe down all surfaces to remove dust, dirt, and moisture before storage. Residual moisture is one of the most common causes of damage to furniture in storage, particularly for timber pieces.

Apply a layer of protective furniture oil to wooden items to preserve the grain and prevent drying or cracking. For leather furniture, use a premium leather conditioner to retain suppleness during the storage period.

If a piece of furniture can be disassembled, take it apart. This reduces the risk of damage during transit and maximises space in the storage unit. Keep all screws, bolts, and fixings in a clearly labelled zip-lock bag attached to the piece itself so reassembly is straightforward.

Avoid plastic wrapping where possible. Plastic traps moisture and prevents furniture from breathing, which can cause mould, mildew, and surface damage over time. Use breathable materials instead: moving blankets, soft quilts, or purpose-made furniture wrap.

Allied tip: Allied provides professional-grade packing materials designed specifically for long-term storage. If you want the preparation handled for you, ask about our valet packing service.

Appliances need specific preparation before going into storage, and skipping steps here can cause real damage. Allow yourself at least a day or two before collection to get through this category properly.

Switch off and defrost at least 24 hours before storage. Empty all contents, remove shelving if possible, and wipe the interior thoroughly. Once dry, leave the doors slightly ajar. This prevents mould, mildew, and odour build-up, and protects the rubber door seals during long-term storage.

Run a final empty cycle to flush residual water from the drum and pipes. Disconnect and drain the hoses, then clean the interior with white vinegar or a suitable appliance cleaner and allow to dry completely. Check your manufacturer's manual regarding transit bolts for the washing machine drum.

Where possible, pack electronics in their original packaging. If you no longer have the original boxes, use purpose-made packing materials with adequate cushioning. Mark all screens, mirrors, and glass items clearly as fragile.

Disconnect all cords, wrap them neatly, and store them in a clearly labelled zip-lock bag or small container. Keep cords with the appliance they belong to so nothing gets separated.

Garden equipment and outdoor machinery needs a little extra attention before going into storage, particularly anything with a fuel source.

Lawnmowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, and any other petrol-powered equipment must be emptied of fuel and oil before storage. Fuel left in machinery is a fire hazard and, in most cases, will void your storage insurance if something goes wrong.

Remove all dirt, grass, debris, and moisture from garden tools and outdoor equipment. Bacteria and organic matter left on items can spread and cause damage to other items stored nearby.

Outdoor furniture should be wiped down and fully dried before storage. If cushions are being stored separately, ensure they are clean and completely dry to prevent mould.

Some items cannot be stored, both for safety reasons and insurance purposes. Make sure none of the following are included in your storage load.

Paints, solvents, cleaning chemicals, aerosols, and any other flammable or corrosive substances cannot be stored. Changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure inside storage facilities can cause containers to leak or, in serious cases, combust. Storing these items typically voids your insurance.

No food, plants, or perishable items should go into storage. These attract pests and can cause significant damage to surrounding items.

Important documents, financial records, jewellery, and sentimental items of high personal value are best kept with you rather than placed in storage. If high-value items do need to be stored, speak with your move coordinator about appropriate insurance coverage and specialist handling.

How you load the unit matters as much as how you prepare the items going into it.

Place the heaviest and most robust items at the base. Boxes stacked on top should decrease in weight as they go up. Never place heavy boxes on top of fragile items or soft furnishings.

If there is any chance you will need to retrieve items during the storage period, keep those at the front of the unit and clearly labelled. This saves significant time and disruption later.

Before the unit is sealed, photograph the contents and create a written inventory. This is useful for insurance purposes and makes retrieval far easier, especially for longer storage periods.

Even in a secure, professionally managed facility, unforeseen events can occur. Weather events, atmospheric changes, and other forces outside anyone's control can affect stored items. Storage insurance protects you against these scenarios.

Allied is the only removalist in Australia with its own Financial Services Licence, which means insurance can be arranged directly through your move coordinator rather than through a third-party provider. Your coordinator can help you determine the right level of cover for what you're storing.

Allied tip: Storing items that are flammable, corrosive, or improperly prepared can invalidate your insurance policy. Work through this checklist carefully before collection day.

If this checklist feels like a lot, it doesn't have to be. Allied's valet storage service takes the entire process off your hands. A trained team will come to your home, pack your items using professional materials, transport everything to a secure facility, and return it to you when you're ready.

All Allied storage facilities are closed to the public and monitored by 24/7 CCTV. There are no lock-in contracts, and you only pay for the space you actually use.

Get a free quote today and find out how Allied can make storage simple.