Dec 1, 2023

How to Pack a Self Storage Unit

How to Pack a Self Storage Unit

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You no longer need to worry about the challenging tasks when it comes to packing and organizing your moving process. With our premium plastic moving bins and green storage bins, this is no longer a concern.

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When you have too many things and too little space, renting a storage unit is quite a convenient solution. If you're planning relocation, it can also come in handy. However, there are some things to consider when determining how to pack a self-storage unit properly. When everything is arranged nicely, the possibility of some stuff falling off and getting damaged is minimal. Take a look at some tricks and tips that can help you pack your items for the storage.

Pick the best storage solution for your items

Choosing the perfect space that will keep your things safe is the most crucial step. Not every storage unit is suitable for every type of object.So consider these features of the storage unit carefully:

  • Size of the unite –How can you determine the correct size of the self-storage? Well, based on the number of the things that you want to put in it obviously. You don't want to end up with the space that you have to squeeze to get in. Or to pay more money each month for the big storage unit that is half-empty. So assessing the number of your items needs to be done with the utmost care.
  • Condition of the storage facility - Building containing the self-storage needs to be clean, in good condition, with a great security system. Also take into regard the illumination, loading docks, drive-up access, and ample parking space. These may influence the way you pack your boxes for storage.
  • Security - Surely, the main purpose of the storage unit is to provide a safe space for your items. The facility that has an excellent surveillance system, fire prevention system, strong fence, good illumination and preferably security officer on the spot is the secure place for your things.
  • Climate control - Any items that are sensitive to temperature and humidity require the unit with climate control. When the temperature and percentage of the humidity are in order, it will prevent rotting, rusting, warping, swelling, discoloration and other possible damages to your things.
  • The accessibility - This is also an important feature, especially if you prefer to pack a storage unit in the evening when you're off work. If you want to be able to access your storage unit 24/7, search for the facilities that provide that option.
Woman writing a "pack a self storage" plan

Making a list of inventory and planning a unit's layout will save you a lot of time in the future.

It will be easier to pack a self-storage unit if you prepare in advance

When you choose the unit that suits your needs, it's time to make a plan to pack a self-storage unit. By doing so, it will make this process easier and more organized.Start by making the list of inventory. List all of the items that you wish to keep in storage. Make a plan how will you place them in the unit. Meaning, that the things that you rarely use will go all the way back, while the objects that you're using more often should be more accessible.In fact, you'll be creating a layout of your storage unit. That doesn't have to be elaborate drawing. It is only important that you can read it in the way that you can understand where you will place everything.Don't forget to add a passageway that will able you go around and have access to everything in your unit.

Packing everything

Once you have the plan to pack your storage unit, you may proceed. The next step will be placing everything in boxes. It is the same process as packing for relocation.You will need the same moving and packing supplies, but you don't have to be extremely careful when placing items in the box. Of course, some form of cushioning and protective wrapping is necessary, but nothing excessively.Regarding packing supplies, when it comes to storing your items, in the battle of the plastic bins vs cardboard boxes, plastic always wins.Cardboard loses its sturdiness and tends to root, so placing your items in the plastic bins is the best way to keep them safe. Especially if you're storing your items for a longer time.

Carboard man

Cardboard boxes aren't suitable for long-term storage.Truthfully, it isn't the most eco-friendly packing material but surely is the safest one. However, if you worry about your carbon footprint, there are some storage bins that are green and safe at the same time.Before you put anything into a box, formulate a list of the items it will contain. Do this for every box.

Label everything

When your moving boxes are full, it's time to label them. It’s important that you take this task with the seriousness it deserves. Labeling boxes properly helps you organize your things quickly and save you a lot of time. It will be easy to locate items in the storage when you label them correctly.Make sure to label any box with breakables with the big letters saying: "Fragile!".

Markers

Get some quality markers and start labeling your boxes.

Stacking up your boxes when you pack a self-storage unit

Now we come to the fun part for all those who love to play Tetris Game.Stacking boxes in a self-storage unit is just like creating a puzzle tower. One loose end and the whole structure is compromised.Start with the heavy and bulky boxes with things that you don't use often.Place them in the back of the storage unit. Don't put one heavy box on top of the other. The box may rip and the items in the bottom box can suffer damages.Use those heavy boxes as the base. The lighter boxes will go on top of the heavy ones. Boxes that weight the less goes at the end.Make sure to pack a self-storage unit by these priorities:

  • First - By the weight of the boxes;
  • Second - By frequency of the object usage.