Whatever you’re planning to store in self storage, you’ll want to ensure these items are kept safe and in the same condition as when they were moved in.
In order to prevent damage to items and make your life easier when it comes to packing for the move to your storage unit, we’ve compiled some expert packing tips that should be followed.
At Storage Works we can also help with everything you need for storage packaging from bubble wrap to tape and boxes to mattress covers. All these items are available to buy in our branches.
Stock Up on Packing Supplies
First things first, you’re going to need a lot of supplies for packaging up your items. Make sure you stock up on everything you need including boxes of varying sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, newspapers, furniture covers, foam peanuts and a marker pen.
Don’t use boxes that have been used too many times before, as these will be prone to breaking and are unlikely to provide adequate protection.
Organise Items & Use the Right Boxes
Don’t just shove random objects into the same box. Organise all your items so that similar items are packaged up together. This will make things a lot more organised when you come to unpack them again.
Make sure you choose the right boxes for the most suitable items. For every large box you will need about 4 small-to mid-sized boxes.
Use the large boxes for light items such as bedding, towels and blankets; and the smaller boxes for heavy items like pots, dishes, and books.
We recommend to avoid packing things in bin bags as they won’t provide the protection that a box will, and lack ventilation which can lead to mould.
Label Every Box & Mark Stacking Direction
Use a marker pen to label every box so you know what is packed where. This will save you a lot of stress if you need to find a specific item.
If items require being stored a certain way up, make sure to mark the stacking direction as well. What takes a few seconds to mark this now, will help prevent disasters such as broken glasses or other delicate items when storing.
Pack Delicate Items with Care
While this may sound obvious, it’s worth taking extra care when packing your delicate items. If you want to avoid something from breaking, you’ll need to be prepared to take more time and effort when packing it.
Wrap all plates, glasses and ornaments individually in bubble wrap. Books should be placed flat on top of each other to avoid bending their spines. While clothing is best packed in a hanging wardrobe box.
Don’t Overload Boxes
You may be tempted to cram as many things as possible into a box to save on the number of boxes required. However, this should be avoided at all costs.
You should be able to comfortably lift the box, and ensure it isn’t bulging at the top or sides. By ensuring it remains square, it will remain stable when stacked in your storage unit.
Pack the heavy items at the bottom of the box to provide a stable base for lifting and try not to under pack the boxes as well. This can lead to crushing from heavier boxes. You can use foam peanuts to fill any empty space.
Tape Up Your Boxes
Taping up your boxes will help them maintain their structure and give your items extra protection. Use good quality packing tape to firmly close both the top and bottom flaps.
Disassemble Furniture
A lot of your furniture items will be able to be made smaller in order to take up less space in storage. Bed frames for example, can be taken apart and taped together.
Just make sure to keep all screws and bolts together in a secure bag. We recommend taping this to the bed frame.
Clean Items Before Storing
Before you pack away your belongings for storage you should make sure that everything is cleaned including clothes, kitchen utensils, and appliances such as washing machines and fridges.
If any dirt is left on items it can turn into mould and create a nasty surprise when you come to unpack. Ensure that nothing is packed away while it is still damp either, as this could cause mildew.
Prepare Your Power Tools
If you’re storing items such as lawn mowers or leaf blowers, you’ll need to make sure that any fuel tanks are drained before storing.
This will protect other items from possible fuel leakages and prevent them from taking on a petrol odour.
Wrap Your Furniture
To keep furniture in good condition during moving and storage, it’s a good idea cover it with protective materials. For example, remove any cushions from your sofa and wrap them in plastic bags.
By taking an organised and careful approach when packing your items for storage, you will give your belongings the best chance for survival and make the process a lot less stressful when it comes to the packing and unpacking process.