Preparing for College_ Storing Your Kid’s Belongings with Smartbox Mobile Storage in Melbourne

1. Preparing for College: Storing Your Kid’s Belongings with Smartbox Mobile Storage Melbourne As your child prepares to leave for college, Melbourne parents face the bittersweet task of managing the belongings left behind. With limited space at home, using Smartbox Melbourne’s mobile self-storage units offers a practical solution to keep these items safe, organised, and out of the way. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to efficiently store your kid’s stuff in mobile storage Melbourne, ensuring both convenience and peace of mind. Assessing What Needs to Be Stored In order to determine what to keep, donate, or store, a proper assessment is the first step in the storage process. Inventory Check ● Make a List: List all the things, like clothing, books, mementoes, and sports equipment, that your child will not need while attending college but might want to hold onto for the future. Identify Items for Donation: Determine items that are no longer useful and can be donated or discarded. ●

2. Categorise Belongings ● Grouping: Organise items into categories such as clothes, books, memorabilia, and furniture to streamline the packing process. Special Care: Decide which items need special care or climate-controlled storage. ● Estimate Space Needs ● Determine Size: Based on your inventory, calculate the size of the storage unit required. This ensures you’re not paying for unused space or struggling to fit everything in. Choosing the Right Storage Unit Selecting the appropriate size and type of storage unit is crucial for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Consult with Providers ● Discuss Needs: Talk to mobile storage facilities to get recommendations on unit sizes and features. Duration of Storage: Consider how long you will need storage to ensure you select a unit that accommodates long-term needs. ●

3. Climate Control ● Sensitive Items: For items like electronics, clothing, and books, consider climate-controlled units to prevent damage from temperature fluctuations and humidity. Security Features ● Robust Security: Ensure the storage facility offers surveillance cameras, secure locks, and on-site personnel to protect your belongings. Packing Efficiently Proper packing protects your child’s belongings from damage and makes it easier to organise and retrieve items later. Use Quality Packing Materials ● ● Sturdy Boxes: Invest in durable boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. Vacuum Bags: Use vacuum bags for clothing to save space and protect against moisture and pests.

4. Label Everything ● Clear Labels: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to (e.g., “Books - Bedroom”). Colour-Coded Labels: Use colour-coded labels for different categories to simplify unpacking. ● Utilise Space Wisely ● ● Maximise Space: Fill boxes to their capacity without making them too heavy. Heavy Items First: Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top to prevent crushing. Storing Sentimental Items Memorabilia and keepsakes hold sentimental value and require special attention to ensure they remain safe and intact. Create a Memory Box ● Designated Box: Store all sentimental items in a designated box, packed carefully with protective materials. Included Items: Include childhood toys, awards, photo albums, and personal mementoes. ●

5. Store Strategically ● Temperature Control: Place memory boxes in areas of the unit less likely to experience temperature fluctuations or other environmental changes. Accessibility: Consider placing these boxes at the back of the unit if they won’t be accessed frequently. ● Ensuring Accessibility Your child might need to access certain items during breaks or after their college journey. Making these items easily accessible saves time and hassle. Plan for Retrieval ● Front Access: Organise the unit so frequently needed items are at the front and easily accessible. Inventory List: Keep an inventory list with the location of specific items within the unit for quick retrieval. ● Keep a Map ● Unit Map: Create a simple map or list of where specific items are stored within the unit for quick retrieval. Update Regularly: Update the map as items are added or removed from the storage unit. ●

6. Things Not to Put in a Portable Self-Storage Unit Understanding what items should not be placed in a mobile self-storage unit is crucial for safety and preservation. Most storage unit providers has specific guidelines to ensure the safety of your stored items. The following is a list of prohibited items for storage units. Liquids and Perishables ● Food and Beverages: Avoid storing perishable food items or beverages to prevent spoilage, pest infestations, and unpleasant odours. Cleaning Supplies: Liquids like bleach and detergents can leak and damage other items. ● Hazardous Materials ● Flammable Items: Items like gasoline, kerosene, propane tanks, and aerosol cans should not be stored. Explosives: Fireworks, ammunition, and other explosive materials pose a significant safety risk. Corrosive Substances: Battery acid, paint thinners, and other corrosive chemicals can damage the storage unit and belongings. ● ● Valuable and Irreplaceable Items ● Important Documents: Keep documents like passports, birth certificates, and legal papers in a secure place at home or in a safety deposit box. Cash and Jewellery: High-value items like cash and jewellery should not be stored in moveable storage units. Sentimental Items: Family heirlooms and irreplaceable memorabilia should be kept somewhere safe from potential risks. ● ● Live and Perishable Goods ● Plants and Animals: Live plants and pets should never be placed in mobile storage units. Plants require sunlight and water, and pets need proper care. Perishable Goods: Avoid storing perishable items that can rot or decay to prevent attracting pests and causing odours. ● Illegal Items ● Controlled Substances: Drugs, illegal substances, and paraphernalia are prohibited from storage. Stolen Goods: Any items that are stolen or obtained illegally cannot be stored. ●

7. Proper Storage Practices Understanding these guidelines ensures that you avoid potential hazards and legal issues. Here’s how to prepare your storage items appropriately: ● ● ● Check the List: Review the list of prohibited items before packing. Proper Packaging: Use appropriate packing materials to avoid damage. Label Clearly: Clearly label all boxes with their contents and intended retrieval date. Long-Term Considerations Planning for long-term storage ensures your child’s belongings are well-preserved and easy to access even after several years. Regular Checks ● Periodic Inspections: Check on the stored items periodically to ensure they remain in good condition. Address Issues: Inspect for signs of damage, pests, or moisture and address any issues promptly. ●

8. Future Plans ● Reassess Items: As your child progresses through college, reassess stored items to determine if any can be donated or discarded. Update Inventory: Keep the inventory list and map updated to reflect any changes. ● Conclusion Preparing for your child’s transition to college is a significant milestone that comes with its own set of challenges. By using Smartbox Melbourne’s portable storage units, parents can efficiently manage the belongings their child leaves behind, ensuring a clutter-free home and safe storage. With careful planning and the right storage strategy, you can rest easy knowing your kid’s possessions are well taken care of, ready for whenever they need them next.