Storage Tips - How To Pack Electronics

October 14, 2014 admin

It can be pretty confusing the first time you use a storage shed knowing what to store and how to store it. Our team at Guardian Storage are trained to know exactly what will work best for you and are able to provide many packing and moving tips to make your move less stressful.

To help with this process our blogs are intended to inform and educate you on moving and packing tips – written with knowledge and expertise acquired over the many years we have been providing storage to New Zealanders.

Here are some basic tips on the storage of electronic goods such as televisions, stereos, DVD players, computers and battery operated appliances and toys:

TV’s, DVD Players and Sound Systems

Electrical equipment should always be handled with care. If you can save the original boxes the equipment came in these are ideal to use for repacking. This is especially a good idea for large items such as large-screen TV’s - 60 inch plus size screens can be quite difficult to box!

If you don’t have the original packaging then wrapping items in bubble-wrap, packing them in boxes and sealing securely will offer suitable protection for your electrical items. Bubble wrap should be used bubble side facing inwards to best protect the product, especially if it is an LCD or plasma screen. Remember to pack out any gaps in the cartons, you can use scrunched-up newspaper or plastic bags to fill the gaps if needed, ask your storage supplier if you are not sure.

DVD players should be empty, and tape shut the open/shut slot so it cannot accidentally open if the box is knocked. It is important to prevent dust collecting in the ventilation slots so make sure you use bubble wrap before you pack in a suitable sized box. Discs need to be in their case or in a CD pouch.

All cables should be tied and secured, including any extra connection cables. It is a good idea to label extra cables so you know what they are for and/or tape them to the correct equipment.

Battery Toys & Appliances

Make sure you remove the batteries from all appliances to avoid damage from leaking batteries and to prevent them turning on by mistake – this includes cell phones. You can keep small appliances and toys together in a well labelled box.

Computers

If you are storing a Laptop take out the battery and wrap separately. We recommend the original box that your computer came in for packing, otherwise foam padding or bubble-wrap and good quality packing cartons will do the job. We also recommend that you use an old towel or sheet in the bottom and top of your box/carton to prevent sliding around and to provide extra protection to the computer. Remember to tape cords to the item and pack out any gaps. If you are unsure about storing your computer, refer to the manufacturer’s manual or consult your retailer, especially if storing for longer than six months.

If you have silica gel packets/sachets these can be used in the box to help keep equipment dry. And make sure you label all boxes and items with a vivid, this makes unpacking a lot less stressful.

Guardian Storage can provide you with boxes and storage supplies – view our range online or visit one of our branches in Auckland, Hamilton or Tauranga or give our team a call on .

storage units

Motorhome Travelling – Store Your Furniture With Guardian Storage

September 14, 2014 admin

Increasingly popular amongst the New Zealand ‘baby boomer’ population, and a preferred way to travel for many Kiwi families, Motorhomes and Caravans are a great way to discover all that our country has to offer. For many travellers a weekend or yearly holiday is just not enough, so many of you are opting to sell or rent out your house and travel on an extended trip.

But before you pack-up and hit the road you need to organise what you will do with a lifetime of memorabilia, your treasured heirlooms and your favourite lazy-boy! That’s where Guardian Storage can help you.

Thanks to the quality of our storage units and the high level of security we provide, leaving your possessions with us is a fantastic option. We have a range of unit sizes to suit all needs, from 9 cubic metres to store boxes, tools or important records to 54 cubic metres which can store a whole 4 bedroom house lot of furniture. We also rent our storage units on either a short or long term basis, with a one month minimum rental period that is automatically extended each month until you choose to terminate it. And you can visit your unit as often as you like during operating hours.

To top this off our units are clean and climate controlled, and we have state of the art security to give you peace of mind while you are travelling on the road.

With four convenient locations in Manukau, Silverdale, Hamilton and Tauranga Guardian Storage is ideal for storage if you’re thinking of going travelling.

Give the team at Guardian Storage a call today to find a unit that suits your budget and needs.

packing tips, removal truck

3 Helpful Packing Tips From Guardian Storage

August 5, 2014 admin

Packing Supplies at Guardian Storage

Packing up the house is a reality at some stage in our lives. Whether you’re shifting overseas, downsizing or even upsizing, you will be faced with that unenviable task of sorting through the cupboards and packing your entire home into some boxes. But packing your home like a professional doesn’t need to be stressful. The team at Guardian Storage have lots of helpful tips that can assist you with your move, here are 3 tips to get you started.

1. Plan

Sounds simple right? Planning your pack really is the number one rule before you start any serious packing. Work out how many rooms you have, including the storage cupboard, attic and spare room – then estimate how long each room will take. A rough rule is 1-2 days for each room and 2-3 days for the kitchen and garage. A good method is to have 3 piles – one pile for “give-away”, one for “throw-away”, and one pile to keep & wrap. Don’t underestimate how long it takes to sort through the “junk”, and how much time it will take to wrap china & crockery etc.

2. Have The Right Boxes and Packing Supplies

There are some key items you need when you are packing:
• packing paper, newspaper
• packing tape & dispensers,
• bubble wrap,
• furniture and mattress covers,
• small & large boxes,
• marker pens.

It pays to use the correct boxes and quality tape. Guardian Storage provide all of the above supplies, just call in to one of our stores to see the selection.

3. Pack Carefully and Label Well

You will need both large and small boxes, but don’t make the large boxes too heavy or they could fall apart. A good technique is to tape the bottom of boxes for extra support when packing heavy items.

Use plenty of tape to seal up the boxes. Make sure you use the marker pens to label every box for yourself and for the furniture removal company if you are using one. Label items carefully, include the room it is to go in and a general description of what is in the box e.g. kitchen/plates. Don’t label valuable items specifically, and you may wish to transport these items yourself for safe passage.

Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and don’t forget to label the boxes as fragile (use large letters so not to be missed). Artwork can be bubbled wrapped, or use corrugated cardboard or blankets to protect glass. For items such as TV’s and other electronic gear protect the jack points by using cushions, pillows or some other buffer.

If you are hiring a removal truck, consider which items you need to unload first - make sure you place these in the truck last!

Packing like a professional takes time and involves patience. Having a system in place and following these three key tips will hopefully make the process a lot easier.

Remember, Guardian Storage New Zealand has everything you need in Boxes and Packing Supplies. We also have removal trucks and trailers for hire. Visit our website to find out more /.

storage tips, storage units

Guardian Storage - 5 Benefits For Your Business

July 24, 2014 admin

Guardian Storage provides self storage units in various sizes ranging from 9 cubic metres to 54 cubic metres. Our smaller units are a great place to store important business documents in an environment that is low-cost and secure. The most common reason for our business clients to use a self storage unit is freeing up valuable commercial space by storing archived documents and records off-site.

For all businesses in New Zealand there is a legal requirement to store documents, usually for around seven years. Most business find that the majority of those documents are not needed on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis, and most will never be accessed again – unless required by the IRD or their accountant. So when you’re paying for valuable commercial real estate it makes good business sense to store these documents off-site and use that extra space in a smarter way. Here are 5 extra benefits for your business when using Guardian’s self storage units:

1. State of the art security

Our Self storage units use state of the art security to protect your archived records and documents. While you might not need the documents on a daily basis, most companies would be devastated if they were stolen or destroyed. Our security system ensures your unit is secured, monitored and not able to be accessed by anyone without your permission.

2. Clean & climate controlled Units

Keeping paper documents in a good condition can be tricky, especially when they are stored in basements, cupboards and attics. Often older documents can get damp, or they may be ruined by rodent or insect damage such as silverfish. Our self storage units are well-maintained, clean and have just the right climate controls for archived documents. There’s no chance your records will get wet or damaged, so when you need them, they’ll be in the same condition as the day you left them.

3. Convenient Locations & Excellent Service

You never know when you may need one of your important documents. Storing your business documents with Guardian storage means your documents are easily available and located at a site that is convenient. You can access your property whenever you need and our friendly staff will go out of their way to make sure all your needs are met.

4. Save Money

When renting or owning commercial space every metre counts. There is no sense in using up valuable office space to store archived documents. Guardian’s storage units are great value for money, our online space calculator can show you the exact size you need and from* as little as $89 per month you could have your own unit.

5. Helpful & friendly staff

Our welcoming friendly staff are what makes Guardian such a fantastic company. We will go out of our way to make sure your storage experience is first class!

So give the team at Guardian Storage a call today. We provide clean, safe and flexible self storage options for all your business storage needs.

(* depending on size and location of storage unit)

work n store

Guardian Storage Work in Store Units - Video

June 19, 2014 admin

Need somewhere to work but don’t need permanent premises? Need a workshop suitable for tackling a special DIY project? Our Work ‘n’ Store units could be the perfect option.

These units – which are available for short or long-term hire - come with a roller door, a high-stud ceiling, electricity and lighting available all at a great monthly rate. This is much better then leasing commercial premises as we take care of the outgoings, you are not tied into any long term leases and it is secure!

Hear what one of our Work ‘n’ Store clients have to say in our latest video:

removal truck

Hire a Removal Truck For Your Next Move

May 28, 2014 admin

If you are moving home or office why not do it the DIY way and hire a removal truck?

Guardian Storage Removal Truck

Guardian’s fleet of immaculately presented, modern, and easy to drive trucks are ideal for your next DIY move! Most of our trucks can be driven on a car license, many are even automatic, which can make it even easier for those who are not familiar with driving trucks.

The size of the truck you require will depend on how much you need to move. An 11 cubic metre truck will usually move a 1 bedroom home or apartment of furniture, while a 30 cubic metre truck should be suitable to move a 4+ bedroom home of furniture. Check with your local Guardian Storage office to find out more about size options.

If you are moving towns in the Auckland, Bay of Plenty or Waikato areas, ask about our ‘one way’ hire option. This means that once you reach your destination you may be able to return the truck to your nearest depot.

Guardian Self Storage has convenient locations in Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga. Call one of our team today to find out more about how we can help you with your next move .

storage tips

10 Helpful Car Storage Tips

April 28, 2014 admin

Heading off overseas? Have a car that is surplus to requirements? Or maybe you just want a secure place for your prized vintage or retro car?

Guardian Storage has the answer for you! We provide storage units that are clean and climate controlled, with state of the art security to protect your vehicle.

Car Storage at Guardian

To make sure your vehicle stays in good condition while we store it, here are 10 useful car storage tips:

Change the oil and replace the filter. Dirty oil can cause rust in the engine. You may need to alter the type of oil you use, as some are better for cars that will be stored for a long length of time.
Make sure the tank is full. A full tank of petrol can help reduce any deterioration due to condensation in the petrol tank.
Clean the car inside and out and wax the surface to protect the exterior. Make sure any small food scraps are out of the car, as mice can find their way in and do a lot of damage. Also, make sure any products you use for the interior do not have water in them as this may leave residue and cause the formation of mould inside the car.
Check the tyres are properly inflated to the correct air pressure.
If you will be placing it in for an extended period of time it’s a good idea to remove the spark plugs so that they don’t rust.
Spray the engine with lubricant to protect the engine from water and rust damage.
Ensure no animals can get in. It’s a good idea to stuff clean rags in the exhaust and ensure all the windows are closed so no small animals can make your vehicle their home.
If you are going to be gone for some time, remove the battery and give the terminals a good clean.
Any dampness within the car can cause issues when stored. It’s a good idea to lift the carpets and ensure they are completely dry before you store the car.
Lift up the wiper blades before you leave.

To find out more about our Car Storage option, and for more helpful car storage tips, call our friendly team on .

Sponsorship

Guardian Storage Proud Sponsors of Counties Manukau Touch Association

March 18, 2014 Guardian Blogger

As part of Guardian Storage Community Support Initiative we are proud sponsors of Counties Manukau Touch Association.

We are very fortunate to have both the BENTLEY CUP TRI SERIES TROPHY and the NORTHERN INTER-PROVINCIAL TROPHY on display in our Manukau Branch. These we’re won by Counties Manukau Touch Association Junior Representative Teams 2013/14.

Bentley Cup Tri Series Trophy And The Northern Inter-Provincial Trophy

The winner of the trophy is the province that has the most wins and runners up in each grade. Points are added up. The winner takes the Trophy and keeps it for the year.

The NORTHERN INTER-PROVINCIAL tournament is played every 3 years in the one province and then it is given to the next province to host.

Each province submits up to as many teams as they like in the U9, U11, U13, U15 in Girls, Boys & Mixed Teams.

The winner of the trophy is the province that has the most wins and runners up in each grade. Points are added up. The winner takes the Trophy and keeps it for the year.

” Counties has dominated in this tournament for the past 9 years”.

Uncategorized

Guardian Manukau Winner SSAA Facility of the Year 2012

December 27, 2012 admin

Beating out all other self storage facilities across New Zealand and Australia, Guardian Manukau was announced as the Facility of the Year.

The SSAA is the industry body that represents over 1100 Self Storage facilities throughout Australia and New Zealand, as well as a growing number also in Asia and the Middle East. Each year, the SSAA receives scores of nominations for the hotly contested Facility of the Year Award, which are then shortlisted by the judging panel.

Joining Guardian Storage Manukau and two other finalists in the running for Facility of the Year was sister branch Guardian Storage Frankton (Hamilton). And to add to the plaudits, Guardian Storage Tauranga won the Regional Facility of the Year Award.
Guardian Self Storage were the only company from New Zealand to make the finals of the two awards, and are the first company in the ceremony’s history to have scooped both top honours.

Guardian CEO Euan Armstrong says “We are beyond thrilled to see Guardian Manukau recognised as the best facility in all of Australasia. Our Manukau team work really hard to make Guardian the clear choice for customers. And we’re certainly not going to rest on our laurels now - this award’s only inspired us further. Bring on 2013!”

Guardian provides self storage units along with relocation trailers, trucks and vans for rent across the upper North Island, with a total of five branches in Auckland, Tauranga and Hamilton. In the past 18 months, the company has invested significantly in improving the customer experience from end to end - including modernising their fleet of rental vehicles and trailers, bringing on more staff, creating a free truck hire package and more.

Uncategorized

Guardian Tauranga Winner SSAA Regional Facility of the Year 2012

December 27, 2012 admin

The SSAA is the industry body representing over 1100 Self Storage facilities throughout Australia and New Zealand, as well as a growing number in Asia and the Middle East. Each year, the SSAA receives scores of nominations for both the Facility of the Year Award and Regional Facility of the Year Award, which are then shortlisted by the judging panel.

Finalists are assessed based on their performance and improvements in the areas of new innovations, financial performance, unique approaches to marketing or promotions, a positive team culture and a commitment to customer service.

Joining the Tauranga business at the winner’s podium was sister branch Guardian Manukau, which won the supreme Facility of the Year Award (for which Guardian Frankton, in Hamilton, was also a finalist).
Guardian Self Storage were the only company from New Zealand to make the finals of the two awards, and are the first company in the ceremony’s history to have scooped both top honours.

Guardian CEO Euan Armstrong says “We are abolutely thrilled to see Guardian Tauranga recognised as the best regional facility in all of Australasia. Our Tauranga team work really hard to make Guardian the clear choice for customers. And we’re certainly not going to rest on our laurels now - this award’s only inspired us further. Bring on 2013!”

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