
The ‘One Thing’ Principle:
Here’s a little mindset shift that can make a big difference as you prepare to pack, move, or reset your home: Every time you move through your current environment, be it your House or Apartment – when folding laundry, cooking dinner, jumping in the shower – notice One Thing. One thing that’s broken, stained, unused, unloved or simply no longer serving a purpose. Don’t pack it. Don’t store it. Don’t carry it into your next chapter.
Toss it, donate it, or recycle it right then and there. Let that “One Thing” go – and feel lighter each time you do.
It might be:
-
The kitchen tongs with the broken clasp.
-
A Kids’ dress too stained to save.
- A Set of Single Bed Sheets for a single bed you no longer own!
-
That pile of cords you don’t even know the purpose of anymore.
One Thing a day = One Less Burden Tomorrow. Your future self will love you for it.
Let It Go Zone:
A dedicated spot in your home, maybe a Basket, Plastic Tub or Box where you can toss that One Thing you come across as you get on with your normal day.
- RECYCLE BOX for Paperwork, Drawings or Paintings shhh don’t tell the kids!
- DONATION BOX for Good Quality Clothing or Shoes.
- GIFT/SELL BOX for items that could be passed on to friends, family or sold on a Marketplace.
- RUBBISH BOX for items that you simply have no use for anymore.
- SENTIMENTAL BOX for items that you do not want misplaced or need taken to your Mums House or Storage first to ensure they are safeguarded before any ‘open homes’ or the chaos begins.
General Tips:
- Use good quality storage boxes such as those sold at Monash Self Storage Centres
- Fill boxes to correct capacity – do not under or over fill as partially full or bulging boxes may tip over or collapse
- Heavy items should be packed into small boxes so that they are easier to move
- Label or number boxes for easy reference when you need to locate your goods
- Keep an inventory of your stored goods, and estimate their value in case of damage in transit
- Cover your goods with plastic sheets and protectors to prevent moisture and dust
- Avoid wrapping items with newspaper where ink may stain and damage your goods
- Protect your fragile goods in bubble wrap
Furniture:
- Disassemble tables and beds (if possible) and wrap table and chair legs with bubble wrap before storing
- Wardrobe boxes allow you to store your clothing on hangers
- Always place a protective cover over soft furnishings
- Empty wardrobes, drawers and cupboards to protect shelving and framework
- Do not place heavy items on sofas or mattresses
- Stack lightweight chairs seat to seat with cloth or paper to separate them
- Vacuum upholstery clean before storing
- Avoid stacking or leaning furniture against outside walls to aid ventilation
Fragile Goods:
- Protect your fragile goods with bubble wrap
- Crockery and glassware should be wrapped in tissue, paper or bubble wrap before storing
- Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in mirror boxes, marked fragile and stacked on their end
- Books should be packed flat to protect their spines
Outdoor Equipment:
- Garden equipment should be cleaned before storage
- Ensure that lawnmower fuel tanks are emptied
White Goods and Appliances:
- Ensure they are clean and dry before storing
- Leave refrigerator and freezer doors ajar for ventilation, with a deodoriser inside
- Stoves and other cooking equipment should be cleaned before storing
- Avoid placing other items inside white goods
Planning your Storage Space:
- Place heavy or bulky items in the unit first to provide a good stacking base
- Plan your storage space – put those items that you need to get to most often near the front, close to the door
- Leave a walkway to the back if necessary
- Using professional storage cartons and accessories gives maximum protection and easier stackability
- To maximise space, stack similar boxes together
What can’t I store?
Victorian State and Federal Laws determine what can and can’t be stored. However, under a Standard Self Storage Agreement you cannot store goods that are:
- NO eBikes or eScooters are permitted to be Stored
- Hazardous Materials or Waste
- Dangerous (e.g. Paints, Fuel or Fuel Containers)
- Illegal
- Stolen
- Perishable
- Environmentally Harmful
- Explosive
How much Storage Space will I need?
This table is a guide only.
House Size | Space Size Suggested |
1 bedroom | 8.0 – 16 cubic metres |
2 bedroom | 22.5 cubic metres |
3 bedroom | 30 cubic metres |
4 bedroom | 40 cubic metres |
5 bedroom | 50 cubic metres |
Please discuss your needs with one of our friendly storage consultants, to assist you in finding the right space.
