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Shipping containers are a popular solution for those looking for secure and reliable storage. Whether you’re storing antique furniture, priceless artwork, or fragile glassware, taking the proper precautions will ensure that your items remain safe and intact. In this blog, we’ll explore the steps to safely store your fragile and valuable items in a shipping container, covering everything from how to choose a container to organising and securing your belongings.
Why Are Shipping Containers Good for Storage?
Shipping containers are built to withstand the extreme conditions of being on a cargo ship and travelling across the ocean. This makes them an ideal choice for storing valuable and fragile items.
Weatherproof: Designed to travel across oceans, shipping containers are made of sturdy steel and equipped with watertight seals to prevent water from leaking in. They protect your items from rain, snow, and even fluctuating temperatures, ensuring your valuables remain dry and undamaged.
Secure: Shipping containers are also designed with security in mind. Their solid construction makes them difficult to break into, and with the addition of robust locks, they provide peace of mind for storing high-value items.
Versatile: Shipping containers are also available in lots of different sizes and configurations, meaning they cater to a variety of storage needs. This makes them suitable for personal, commercial, or even artistic storage purposes.
Choosing the Right Shipping Container
Selecting the right shipping container is the first important step to take. Factors such as size, condition, and additional features play a big role in ensuring that your valuables are stored safely and securely.
Shipping containers come in various standard sizes:
10ft containers are ideal for smaller storage needs.
20ft containers are popular because they offer a balance between capacity and manageability.
40ft containers provide ample space for larger collections or bulkier items.
They also come with different features that are important to consider when storing fragile and valuable items:
Ventilation: Ensure your container has proper ventilation to prevent moisture build-up and condensation, which could damage your fragile items.
Locks: Look for containers with secure locking mechanisms or consider upgrading to heavy-duty lockboxes for added protection.
Insulation: If you’re storing temperature-sensitive items, an insulated or climate-controlled container can provide an added layer of protection.
By choosing the right container, you set a strong foundation to store your fragile and valuable goods, ultimately giving you peace of mind knowing that your items are safe and sound.
Preparing the Shipping Container
Before loading your items, it’s important to prepare the container to ensure it’s clean, safe, and ready for storage.
Inspect for Damage: Thoroughly examine the container for any signs of wear and tear, such as rust, holes, or compromised seals. A damaged container could expose your items to the elements or pests, hence why it’s important to inspect them first.
Clean the Interior: Sweep out any debris, dirt, or dust inside the container. A clean space reduces the risk of contaminants damaging your valuables.
At TEU Containers, we ensure that our containers are in excellent condition before they reach customers, saving you time and effort in preparation. By taking the time to prepare the container, you reduce risks and create a secure environment for your items.
Preparing Your Items
Fragile items require extra attention during packing to ensure they remain intact during storage.
Wrapping: Use bubble wrap, foam padding, or soft packing paper to protect delicate surfaces. For added safety, double-wrap particularly fragile items like glassware and ceramics.
Packing Materials: Fill empty spaces in boxes with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent movement during transit or when items are stacked. Saving large cardboard boxes can be great for this.
Labelling: Clearly label boxes containing fragile items with “FRAGILE” or “HANDLE WITH CARE” to ensure they’re treated appropriately when being loaded or moved.
Careful preparation goes a long way in safeguarding your belongings.
Organising Your Belongings for Maximum Protection
How you arrange your items within the shipping container also plays a key role in their safety. A well-organised container maximises space and prevents damage to your items.
Heavy items on the bottom: Start with heavier, sturdier items on the bottom to create a stable base. Place lighter and more fragile items on top to avoid crushing them if your items move around in transit.
Create zones inside the container: Dedicate specific sections of the container for different types of items. For instance, keep fragile items together in one area and the bulkier, more durable items in another.
Use shelving if available: If possible, add shelving to the container to keep smaller or fragile items off the floor. This can also make accessing your items easier when you walk into the container.
Inventory list: Keep a detailed list of everything stored in the container. An inventory helps you locate specific items quickly and ensures nothing gets lost or overlooked, especially if you’re using another service to transport them and are worried about valuables.
Keeping Your Container Secure
Once your items are safely stored, securing your shipping container is the final step. Proper security measures deter theft and give you peace of mind.
Locks: Use a high-quality lock, such as a disc lock or padlock, to secure the container. For added protection, consider a lockbox that shields the lock from tampering.
Location: If possible, place your shipping container in a secure location, such as a monitored storage facility or a well-lit area on your property.
Alarm systems: For high-value items, you might want to consider investing in an alarm system or CCTV cameras for added security.
Taking these measures ensures that your container remains safe from unauthorised access.
Conclusion
Storing fragile and valuable items in a shipping container can be a practical and secure solution when done right. By choosing the right container, preparing it and your items properly, organising your belongings, and securing the container, you can ensure that your valuables are well-protected and safe.
With a little planning and attention to detail, a shipping container can become a safe haven for even your most delicate treasures.
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