Renting a self-storage unit can be an excellent solution during the home-moving process because you get that extra storage space where you can temporarily store some of your stuff until the transitional period is over. If used wisely, a storage unit of the right size can prove to be a smart way to fix your sudden insufficient storage problem for a fixed amount of time.
Have you noticed the careful selection of the words “temporarily” and “fixed amount of time”? Despite the obvious advantages, paying for a storage unit may also prove to be a bad investment in the end, especially if you don’t have a clear fool-proof plan on how to prevent that extra storage room from becoming a heavy financial burden in time.
We’ve also explained in great detail how to pack for storage – that is, how you should prepare your furniture, clothes, books, dishes, breakables, and other household items before you place them in storage. And if you have managed to find a self-storage facility that matches your requirements and fits your budget, then let’s discuss the best way to pack a storage unit.
Here are the top tips for packing a storage unit like a pro packer:
Use the right type of boxes
The very first thing you need to do when packing a storage cell is to keep in mind that the type of cardboard boxes you use to store your stuff will make a huge difference. The condition and the sizes of the storage containers may seem like the least of your worries but it’s definitely a detail that you should not underestimate.
For smooth and problem-free packing of your storage unit,
- make sure the boxes you intend to use are 100% dry, strong and sturdy, with no missing flaps and no signs of previous damage. This is especially important for cardboard boxes that are not purchased brand new;
- inspect all cardboard containers for signs of infestation and if you happen to have even the slightest of doubts, throw them away;
- try to use boxes that have similar sizes so that you can stack them high one on top of the other in an attempt to maximize the vertical storage space that you are paying for anyway.
As a rule of thumb, if you plan to rent a storage unit for a long-term period (more than a few months), then it will pay off to purchase all your storage boxes and packing supplies new. Yes, using second-hand boxes will enable you to save more but such containers can never be trusted for long-term storage.
Might come in handy: Where to get free moving boxes
Pack your storage unit like a pro packer
Follow these steps to learn the best way to pack a storage container so that you maximize the storage space in the most efficient of ways.
Step 1. A master contents list is a must
You’re going to need a detailed list (aka a master contents list) of all the belongings you plan to place into the storage cell. Do not skip this step even if you’re blessed with a very good memory.
In reality, that list will serve two purposes at the same time:
- you will know exactly what is being stored in your storage unit just by consulting that universal contents list of yours, and
- if your stored items got damaged or destroyed due to a natural disaster, your detailed inventory would help you file an insurance claim.
Do not forget to label properly each and every cardboard box that you introduce into the storage unit as part of the inventorying process. Be specific when marking what’s inside each box – instead of writing KITCHEN on a few boxes, write down the concrete kitchen item that’s inside – TOASTER, CUTLERY, etc.
Read also: How to make a moving inventory
Step 2. Partly filled boxes stack poorly
Having cardboard boxes of similar size will help you stack your storage containers higher. However, your attempt to take advantage of the vertical space should not jeopardize the overall safety. Keep in mind that half-filled or partly-filled boxes are more likely to crumble under the weight and may collapse as a result.
There are three safety principles you should follow when packing your storage unit:
- Fill each box to its full capacity. If impossible, insert sufficient padding materials such as packing paper, newspapers and all types of clothing to fill in any remaining empty space inside.
- Heavier items intended for storage should go into smaller boxes while more lightweight things should be placed into larger packing boxes.
- Do not make storage containers heavier than you can handle comfortably, and more importantly – safely.
Check this out: How to pack boxes the right way
Step 3. Furniture pieces should go first
How to pack furniture in a storage unit? Your best bet to maximize the storage space is to get any furniture pieces first into the self-storage unit. Any disassembled beds, armoires, chests of drawers, desks, mattresses, tables, chairs and so on should be placed in the back section of the storage cell, positioned firmly against the wall. This way, you can use those furniture pieces as an excellent foundation for stacking while you will also get a clear view and unobstructed access to all your belongings.
Make sure all furniture pieces are properly packed in moving blankets and wrapped up in stretch tape to keep possible dust and moisture away.
Did you know: How to move heavy furniture by myself
Step 4. Storage unit organization is key
In most cases, to pack a storage unit efficiently means to pack it safely – if packing safety is compromised, then true packing efficiency can never be achieved. The following tips for packing a storage unit have been specifically selected to provide unmatched organization and safety inside your storage container.
- Group all your things in terms of stackability. Cardboard boxes full of books can serve as good stacking foundations while containers full of fragile items (china plates and crystal glasses, for example) should not have anything on top of them.
- Pack everything tightly. All your things placed in storage should be organized in a tight and compact way so that the storage unit space can be used in the best possible way.
- Arrange things in terms of accessibility. The items you think you will need to access the most should be packed to the front of the storage cell.
- Store only dry items inside the unit. Even slightly wet boxes or household items will most likely cause serious damage when stored for a prolonged period of time due to possible mold growth.
- Leave a passage inside the unit. Knowing how to pack things in a storage unit is all about thinking a few steps ahead – that is, thinking about the next time you will need to retrieve an item. Make sure you leave a walkable path through the middle section of your self-storage unit unless you plan to take out ALL of your stored stuff the next time you need to reach an item at the back.
Useful advice: THE.BEST.packing.tips.EVER
Step 5. Hazardous items are a no-no
Remember that you are not allowed to store hazardous or perishable items in your storage unit, so just don’t do it. Anything that is flammable, corrosive or explosive is forbidden for storage, as is any item that will degrade over time and can produce or release fumes or odors (like food, for example).
Here are the top 7 things that you should never put into a storage unit.
Cost-saving info: How to get good deals on storage units
It was interesting to learn about cardboard boxes and how you should not use old boxes for your big move. Just as you stated, inspecting all of your cardboard boxes for signs of infestation, previous damage, and missing flaps should be the first thing that you do. Because we plan on moving across the country, it would be imperative for us to store some of our things in a storage unit. We will make sure that none of the boxes get wet and have ample room to breathe while in the container. Thanks again!
I appreciate what you had to say about making sure you have a master list of what you’re packing. My sister’s first reaction to anything is to always make a list and it’s always something that I forget, but that I need. I will definitely be keeping this in mind for when we make our next move.
It’s nice to see the pros and cons of using a storage unit connected to the time frame you’ll be using it for. I have a move coming up in a couple months and have been thinking about getting a storage unit to house some of my things while I get settled in. It can be overwhelming, so I appreciate the recommendation on what type and condition of containers should be used. With this new information I feel a lot more prepared for moving day!
I am happy I read your article about packing a storage unit. I liked your advice about making sure that the furniture fits first and then proceeding to fit in boxes or other belongings. I am wanting to rent a storage unit so I can declutter my house a little bit, so I will keep these tips in mind when I rent one!
My parents are planning to store some of the old furniture in a storage to give some space for new ones. It was explained here that they need to use the right type of boxes for the storage. Moreover, it’s recommended to hire professionals for quality storage units.
I really like how you said that, when packing a storage unit, it’s important to arrange the items in terms of accessibility so you can be able to get to what you need later. My husband and I are downsizing, so we don’t have room for the couch my grandmother gave us for our wedding, or for our boxes of holiday decorations. We’ll have to find a storage unit in our area that can not only keep our things safe but also allow us to pack the boxes near the door so we can access them when the holidays roll around. Thanks!
I like your tip about properly labeling every cardboard box when it comes to filling a storage unit. Finding a reliable storage facility is the best way to store your excess belongings. If I were to put some of my things in a storage unit, I would do my best to find the most reputable storage facility in my community.
I liked your advice to pack everything tightly so that you can utilize all of the space. I never thought about it that way before, but I can see the wisdom in it. It’s definitely something that I’ll try out when we start packing up for the storage unit.
I’m needing to get a storage unit because my belongings are piling up in my apartment. I appreciate that you point out that you should pack your belongings in similar sized boxes. Once I find the best storage unit I’ll have to keep this in mind.
Thanks for the great packing tips for a storage unit. I like how you said that we need to use the right type of boxes. That means we’re going to have to go out and find them quickly because we need storage soon!
I like what you said about furniture and how it should be packed first. I think that self-storage should be taken advantage of. If I were to get a storage unit, I would contact a reliable company in my community.
Thank you for your great tip on how you should try to use boxes that have similar sizes so that you can stack them high one on top of the other in an attempt to maximize your space. My husband and I are thinking about getting a storage unit for our move. I will definitely keep all of your great tips and information in mind if we do end up getting a storage unit, so I’ll know how to pack it.
Most of the Halloween decorations that I used for this year’s party cannot fit in my attic anymore, and I plan to reuse them for next year. I think I’ll store them in a self-storage unit once I find one that I can go to. Thanks for the tip that I should think about the next time I’ll get them out of there so I can make sure that I can store them in the unit efficiently.
I really liked it when you mentioned the importance of making a detailed list that contains everything that you put in the storage unit so that you have help remembering what is where. My brother will be moving in a month and wants to start packing things now so that he doesn’t have to do as much later. I will be sure to recommend he construct an inventory sheet after he finds a good storage company near him so that he can maintain organization.
I like what you said about keeping boxes 100% dry in a storage unit. Renting a self storage unit is a great way to free up space in your own home. If I were to move anytime soon, I would look for a self storage unit to rent out.
It’s good that you point out that a self-storage unit can be helpful during a move. I’m moving to a new house soon and I’m considering renting a storage unit to help me with it. I’m going to look for a good self-storage facility in my area to use.
It’s helpful to know that we should make a list of everything that’s going into the storage unit instead of only labeling boxes. We’re thinking of moving some less frequently used things into storage for a couple of months so that moving can be easier. Making sure we can easily identify what is and isn’t in the storage unit would make the process much easier.
Thanks for mentioning to use 100% dry boxes that are strong and sturdy when packing a storage unit. I’m considering looking for storage units to use next month because my wife and I are thinking about cleaning out and decluttering our basement. I think it’s a good investment to use sturdy boxes and store them with a reputable company if we decide to clean our basement.
My husband and I are thinking about decluttering our garage to make room for another car, and we are looking for advice about what to do. My husband is thinking about renting a self-storage unit, and I loved that you mentioned it is recommended to get the right boxes to protect our items. My husband and I will take your recommendations in mind to choose the right type of boxes for our self-storage unit.
It’s good that you point out that renting a storage unit can be helpful during the process of moving. I’m moving to a new house soon, so I’m considering renting a self-storage unit to make it easier. I’m going to look for a good self-storage facility in my area.
Very interesting! Now, I guess the rules would be a bit different if packing a shipping container that will travel some 3000kms??
It’s good that you point out that renting a storage unit can make the process of moving easier. I’m moving to a new house soon and I’m considering renting a storage unit to help me. I’m going to look for a good storage facility in my area to use.
Thank you for advising us to store our belongings in boxes before keeping them in a rented storage unit. My sister has to relocate to a different country for a few months and she plans on storing some of her belongings in a storage facility. I will recommend to her to store them in boxes before neatly stacking them in the storage unit.
My sister has begun moving to the new place that she recently bought and we want to help her get all her stuff to a storage unit first before we transfer everything to the house. I found it helpful when you stated that furniture should always go first to make sure that they’re placed safely at the most secure part of the unit because my sister has a lot of antique furniture that she definitely would want to keep using even in her new house. I’ll be sure to remember the rest of your tips when we rent a storage unit for her to use. Thank you!
I loved how you mentioned having a list of the belongings you’re placing in the storage unit. My sister was telling me a couple of weeks ago about how she and her husband are planning on moving into a new home soon in a couple of weeks, and since it doesn’t have a lot of storage space, they want to find a storage unit to rent. I’ll make sure to pass these tips along to them once they find a storage unit to rent!