Getting the Best from Your Storage Container

Choosing a shipping container for storage is one of the most secure and cost-effective ways to store your belongings.

Whether you’re moving house, renovating, storing business stock, or putting away a classic car or motorcycle, a quality
storage container provides excellent protection all year round.

At O’Brien Container Storage, we supply new one-trip containers. This means they have only made a single
journey from the manufacturer before entering service, so they are clean, watertight and in excellent condition.

Designed for Storage

Our containers are fitted with 8–12 ventilation points around the container. These vents allow natural airflow,
helping fresh air circulate and creating an ideal environment for long-term storage.

Before every new customer moves in, each container is:

  • Cleaned and swept out.
  • Checked to ensure it is dry and ready for use.
  • Prepared so you can move your belongings straight in with confidence.

Good Storage Starts with Good Packing

The condition of your stored items is largely determined by how they are packed before they arrive.

We always recommend storing clean and completely dry belongings. If furniture, clothing or boxes are packed while damp,
that moisture naturally stays with the contents.

A few simple steps before moving in can make all the difference.

Think About Where Your Items Have Come From

If your belongings have been stored in a garage, shed or a property that has suffered from condensation or damp,
they may already contain a little moisture.

That’s perfectly normal, but it’s worth allowing everything to dry where possible before placing it into storage.

Appliances Need a Little Preparation

Items such as:

  • Washing machines
  • Dishwashers
  • Fridges
  • Freezers

should always be fully drained and dried before storage.

Although they may appear empty, they often retain small amounts of water, which can slowly evaporate over time.

Storing Vehicles

Many customers safely store cars and motorcycles with us.

One simple tip is to allow the engine to cool before locking the container. A warm engine naturally releases heat and
moisture as it cools, so giving it a little time beforehand helps create the best storage environment.

If you’re visiting your vehicle regularly, simply opening the container while you’re there also allows fresh air to circulate.

Household Goods and Vehicles

If you’re storing valuable household furniture alongside a motorcycle or vehicle for an extended period, it may be worth
considering separate storage.

Vehicles naturally introduce a little more moisture than furniture alone, so separating the two creates the ideal
environment for both.

We offer a range of container sizes, and sometimes a small additional container is a worthwhile investment for complete
peace of mind.

Moisture Absorbers

Many long-term storage customers choose to use moisture-absorbing crystals or dehumidifier tubs.

These are inexpensive, easy to buy online (often much cheaper than specialist storage products) and provide another
layer of protection during long storage periods.

Protecting the Floor

Our containers are cleaned before every new customer moves in, but we also recommend laying down old blankets,
dust sheets or protective covers before placing furniture or boxes inside.

It’s a simple way to keep everything clean and makes loading and unloading easier.

Fresh Air Is Your Friend

One of the easiest ways to keep your storage environment in excellent condition is to visit from time to time.

If you’re storing for several months, opening the doors for a few minutes during a visit allows fresh air to circulate
naturally. Many customers do this anyway when checking on their belongings.

Our Top Tips

For the best possible storage experience:

  • Store clean, dry belongings.
  • Drain and dry appliances before storage.
  • Allow vehicles to cool before closing the container.
  • Consider separating household goods and vehicles for long-term storage.
  • Use moisture absorbers if storing for extended periods.
  • Lay down dust sheets or protective covers if desired.
  • Visit occasionally to let fresh air circulate.

Storage Made Simple

Thousands of businesses and homeowners successfully use shipping containers every day because they provide secure,
practical and reliable storage.

With a little preparation before loading and a few simple storage habits, your belongings will remain in excellent
condition throughout their stay.

At O’Brien Container Storage, we’re always happy to offer advice before you move in. Every storage
requirement is different, and our team can help you choose the right container and share practical tips to ensure you
get the very best from your storage experience.

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