Renting a self-storage unit is a great way to free up extra space in your home or office. But before you start packing for self storage, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Space Centre Self Storage has put together a list of 10 dos and don’ts of packing for storage so that you can protect your belongings and make the most of the space in your self storage unit.
Some Must-Have Supplies When Packing for Self Storage
Before you begin packing for storage, ensure you have the following items on hand:
- Various sizes of boxes (small, medium, and large)
- Bubble wrap
- Packing paper
- Packing tape
- Permanent markers
- Packing peanuts
- Items you can use to protect your furniture (plastic furniture covers, blankets or throws)
Are you in the process of moving house and desperately need some packing and decluttering tips? Read this article: ‘The Ultimate Moving Home Checklist With Simple Packing Tips’
10 Dos and Don’ts When Packing for Self Storage
1. Do: Create a packing plan
When packing for self storage, creating a plan and being strategic in your packing is essential. Adequate planning will help ensure that you make the most of the space in your storage unit and that you don’t damage any of your belongings.
Some things to consider when planning your packing:
- What items do you need to store?
- What items are taking up the most space?
- Can anything be dismantled or packed in a smaller box?
- How can you pack fragile items to prevent them from breaking?
- What order should you pack the boxes in?
- For how long do you need to store your items?
By taking the time to plan ahead, you can make the process of packing for storage much easier and less stressful. Not sure if you need long-term or short-term storage? Read our blog on ‘Long Term Storage Versus Short Term Storage’.
2. Don’t: Pack haphazardly
Once you have a plan, do your best to stick to it. Packing haphazardly will only make items more challenging to find but can lead to damaged items if you don’t cushion and support them adequately. If you’re packing heavier items, be sure to pack them towards the bottom of the box and leave smaller items for the top.
When packing for self storage, it’s important to use boxes and containers of the same size as this will help save space. When stacking boxes, place the heaviest boxes at the bottom and add lighter, smaller boxes on top.
3. Do: Use good quality boxes when packing for self storage
It’s worth it to spend a little extra on good-quality boxes as second-hand cardboard boxes from the grocery store are more likely to tear and fall apart, which could cause a serious injury if the box gives way.
Sturdy boxes will better protect your belongings, especially if you are packing for long-term storage, and will help you save space in your self storage unit.
4. Don’t: Overload the boxes
Packing as much as possible into each box might be tempting, but this can make it harder to move around, especially if the box is too heavy. Overloaded boxes also increase your risk of injury and could damage your precious belongings.
When packing for self storage, avoid leaving big empty spaces in your boxes as this will cause items to shift around and break fragile items. If you can’t fill the box, consider adding packing peanuts to the top to help keep items safe and in place.
5. Do: Label the boxes
Labelling the boxes with their contents will save you time and frustration later on down the road. Be as specific as possible (e.g. ” winter clothes” instead of just “clothes”) so you can quickly locate items.
If you have a box full of miscellaneous items, it might help to categorise them by room (e.g. living room miscellaneous items). Keep each room’s boxes together so you can easily find an item you are looking for in your self storage unit.
6. Don’t: Pack too tightly
When packing for self storage, leaving a little space at the top of each box is essential so you can easily remove items as needed. Packing too tightly will make it difficult to find things and could damage delicate items.
Packing too tightly may also lead to oddly shaped boxes that will be a nightmare to stack or could cause a box to burst. For these reasons, avoid packing tightly to reduce the risk of injury from toppling boxes or damage to your belongings caused by a broken box.
7. Do: Use bubble wrap for fragile items when packing for self storage
Bubble wrap is excellent for protecting fragile items like dishware, glassware, and electronics when packing for self storage. Just be sure to wrap each item individually and cushion it well, so it doesn’t move around too much in the box.
Ensure the item is completely dry before wrapping it in bubble wrap to avoid any damage due to moisture or mould whilst in storage. It’s also a good idea to label these boxes as “Fragile” on both sides and on the top of the box to remind you to handle them with care.
8. Don’t: Store damp or dirty upholstered furniture
Any upholstered furniture you’re planning on storing, such as sofas or armchairs, should be clean and dry before you put it into storage. Damp furniture is a breeding ground for mould and mildew, which can cause serious damage to your belongings.
If your furniture is even slightly moist or dirty, it becomes a magnet for pests like insects and rodents, which could end up destroying some of your belongings.
9. Do: Disassemble furniture and protect sharp corners
If you’re storing furniture, it’s best to disassemble it if possible. Disassembling furniture will not only save space in your storage unit, but it will also protect your furniture from damage. If you can’t disassemble your furniture when packing for self storage, wrap any sharp corners or edges with blankets or packing paper to avoid scratches or scrapes.
10. Don’t: Forget about climate control
If you’re storing items that are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes (like electronics or musical instruments), be sure to rent a storage unit with climate control features. A storage unit with climate control will keep your belongings in good condition while they’re in storage.
Space Centre Self Storage: We Make Packing for Self Storage Simple
Here at Space Centre Self Storage, we know how stressful moving and packing for storage can be. That’s why our friendly, professional, and expertly trained staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have. Space Centre Self Storage can supply you with moving boxes and packing materials so that you can pack them like a pro. Contact us today for advice on packing for self storage units.