The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Self-Storage: Dos and Don’ts

Self-storage offers the perfect solution for placing your items somewhere outside your home safely and securely, whilst still being able to access them whenever you need them back. Whether you are moving, decluttering or simply trying to live a simpler and minimalistic life, packing your items properly before putting them in storage is crucial. This guide will explore the do’s and don’ts of packing practices when preparing for self-storage. Following these tips will ensure your items will be protected and in perfect condition during and after storage.

Do’s:

1. Planning 

Plan ahead! Packing is not one of those things you leave until the last minute before your storage term starts. Assess the items that you plan to put in storage and determine their size, weight and fragility. Based on this, gather the suitable cardboard boxes and specialised containers you will need, along with other packing materials such as bubble wrap, furniture covers and packing tape.

2. Using the appropriate packing materials 

Opt for sturdy, double-walled (meaning two zigzags of cardboard in the layer of the box) and high-quality boxes to protect your belongings during transit and storage. Avoid using boxes that have already been used previously. Many self-storage providers also sell packing materials, with reusable and sustainable alternatives. Here are some examples of packing materials offered by storage companies.

3. Label!  

Once you’ve packed all your items, label each box with its contents and which room or area in your home it belongs to. You could use colour-coded labels or create inventory lists of each box so that you will know what exactly is inside. This will save you time and energy when trying to find a specific item at your new home.

4. Disassemble furniture

Whenever possible, disassemble large furniture and appliances to save space and prevent breakage. Keep any loose parts or components such as screws and bolts in labeled plastic bags and attach them to the corresponding furniture to make sure they don’t get misplaced.

5. Protect fragile items 

Protect fragile items such as glassware, dishes and electronics by wrapping them securely with bubble wrap to prevent damage. If you see any empty gaps in your boxes, fill them in with towels, cushions and any other items that provide stability.

6. Make the most out of vertical spaces

If you are storing in a storage unit, make the most out of your space by stacking boxes and furniture vertically. Place your heavier items at the bottom as a base and stack the lighter ones on top, to prevent any crushing or damage.

7. Create aisle space

When packing and in storage, arrange your boxes so that you leave yourself enough space to walk around. This will ensure you can access all your boxes and retrieve any items easily without moving or repositioning other items.

Don’ts:

1. Overpack

Keep in mind how much stuff you are putting into your boxes and how much each item weighs. Make sure to check that you can lift them safely and comfortably before sealing your boxes. Overpacking boxes beyond their weight capacity will make them hard to lift and carry, increasing the risk of injuring yourself and damaging your belongings.

2. Use newspaper for packing

Newspaper is something many people use when packing and is seen to be a cost-effective option to wrap items. However, newspapers can leave ink stains on your items and provide minimal protection against impact due to their lack of cushioning. Use clean packing paper or bubble wrap instead to keep your items safe and pristine.

3. Store perishable items

You should never store food, plants and any hazardous items in your boxes when putting them in self-storage. These items can leak inside boxes, attract pests and cause odours. Donate or throw away these items before storing your belongings with a self-storage company.

4. Neglect climate control

It is essential to choose a climate-controlled facility for storage if you are storing temperature-sensitive items such as wood, leather, photographs, artwork, paper documents and electronics. Extreme temperatures can cause deterioration and discolouration to your belongings over time.

5. Forget insurance

Research to ensure your self-storage provider offers sufficient coverage for your belongings. Even if they do, it may be a good idea to invest in additional insurance cover, or cross check with your home insurance policy to see if they cover off-site storage. This will ensure your items are protected against theft, damage or loss.

Packing for self-storage may seem like a time-consuming and tedious process, as it requires careful planning, attention to detail and suitable packing materials. But these tips will hopefully make it an easier and simpler process for you! Following these do’s and don’ts will ensure that your items will be stored safely and securely with the storage provider, until you retrieve them again.