How to Pack Your Storage Unit

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August 28th, 2024

Packing a storage unit efficiently is key to maximizing space and ensuring the safety of your belongings. Proper planning lets you make the most of your storage space and avoid potential damage to your items. Here’s a guide outlining all the essential tips and tricks for packing your unit efficiently!

Plan and Prepare

Before packing, take some time to plan and prepare:

Inventory: Make a detailed list of the items you plan to store. This helps you keep track of everything and ensures nothing is left behind.
Supplies: Gather all necessary packing supplies, including boxes of various sizes, durable packing tape, bubble wrap, furniture covers, and marker pens for labelling.
Layout: Sketch a rough layout of your storage unit. Consider the dimensions of larger items and plan how to stack boxes to maximize vertical space.

Clean and Protect Your Items

Cleaning all items thoroughly before storing them prevents mould, mildew, and odours. Dirt and grime can lead to damage over time, especially in a storage environment. Use protective coverings such as:

Furniture Covers: Protect furniture from dust and scratches.
Plastic Bins: For moisture protection, use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes, as they provide a better seal and are more water-resistant.
Cardboard on Shelves: Place cardboard on shelves and use plastic bins on the ground floor to prevent boxes from getting wet and damaging the items inside.
Bubble Wrap and Packing Paper: Wrap fragile items to prevent breakage.
Ventilation: Leave space between your items and the walls for proper ventilation, which helps manage humidity levels.

Pack Strategically

Heavy Items First: Place heavier items at the bottom to create a stable base and prevent lighter items from getting crushed.
Disassemble Large Furniture: Take apart furniture like beds and tables to save space and make them easier to move.
Utilize Vertical Space: Stack boxes and items vertically, placing heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top.
Leave Aisles: Create a walkway in your unit to easily access items without moving everything.

Label Everything

Clearly label all boxes and bins with their contents and create a master inventory list to save time when searching for specific items. Consider also using a numbering or colour code system to categorize by room or type - like green for kitchen items and blue for bedroom items. Matching the labels with your inventory list will make finding things much easier, and your future self will thank you!

Store Items You Need Access to Last

Place items you use frequently near the front of your storage unit for easy access. For example, important documents, holiday decorations, seasonal items, and frequently used tools should be stored at the front of your unit to quickly find what you need without unpacking everything.

Consider Climate Control

If you’re storing items sensitive to temperature and humidity, opt for a climate-controlled unit. These units maintain a stable temperature range, avoiding extreme heat or cold that could damage electronics with moisture, have antiques and artwork warp and deteriorate, or cause important documents and photos to fade and become brittle over time.

Stay Connected with StorageMax

Packing your storage unit efficiently by planning ahead, protecting your items, and packing strategically will save space, make it easy to find your belongings, and keep everything in great condition. Ready to get started? Connect with us to find the right-sized, climate-controlled unit to fit all your storage needs. Also, be sure to stay in touch with StorageMax. Keep your contact information, including email, phone number, and home address, up to date and notify StorageMax if you move, ensuring a smooth transition and uninterrupted service.