How you pack your self-storage unit will make all the difference when you need to access your belongings. If you store your boxes and furniture without considering how to arrange them, it can be a headache to find what you need. Even if you’re just storing your belongings between moves, knowing where your things are will streamline the moving process as you load and unload the moving truck. In our guide below, we’ll review tips and tricks on how to pack a self-storage unit.

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Prepare Your Belongings

Plastic bins are your best bet when it comes to long-term storage. It’s easy to see what’s inside each bin, and the contents will be better protected from moisture, dust, and insects. If you must use cardboard boxes, remember the following tips:  

• Large cardboard boxes are useful for light items, but they may become too heavy to easily move. You may be better off using small boxes than large ones.
• Purchase new, undamaged boxes instead of using old, worn, or stained boxes.
• Same-sized boxes stack more easily than boxes of different sizes.

Ensure items are clean and dry before packing. Anything that’s damp or dirty may develop an unpleasant odor or mildew. This is especially true of soft fabric items such as clothes, upholstery, and mattresses.

Consider investing in the following items:

Appliances

Clean and dry appliances before packing. Wipe all solid surfaces down with a multi-surface cleaner, drain any liquids, and allow ducts and hoses to dry. Remove fragile pieces such as glass shelves or lightbulbs to pack separately. 

Store refrigerators with the door propped slightly ajar, and leave a box of baking soda inside to prevent odors. Deep-clean grills and remove propane tanks before packing. 

Clothing

Clothes are often magnets for insects, so pack clothes in plastic storage boxes to keep bugs out. Wash everything before you store it, and then fold or roll clothes, keeping similar items together. Consider adding silica packets or other dehumidifiers to the boxes to absorb moisture and cedar packets or mothballs to repel insects. Delicate or expensive clothes may be better off sealed in garment bags and hung on a garment cart or wardrobe box to prevent creases.

Electronics

Make at least one backup of any stored data on laptops, PCs, or phones, and keep the backed-up material on a zip drive or hard drive that remains with you. Label all cords and wires, and coil them to prevent tangling. You may want to put them and smaller electronic devices in sealed plastic bags. Cover large electronics that don’t have packaging with sheets to create a barrier against dust and insects.

Furniture

Disassemble furniture by removing the legs from tables and taking apart headboards and bed frames. You can use furniture that must stay assembled as shelving. Vacuum and clean your furniture with leather or wood cleaner to keep it in good condition for as long as possible.

Air out and vacuum your mattress to prepare it for storage. Use baking soda or fabric deodorizer to mitigate any odor issues. After ensuring the mattress is completely dry, put it in a waterproof storage bag. Store mattresses in a flat position without anything on top of them.

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Prepare the Unit

Once your items are packed and ready to be moved, turn your attention to the storage unit. Prepare the space by sweeping out any dust and dirt, and then mop the floor. Check the unit for cracks, holes, or leaks and report these to the staff. Address any doubts about the integrity or safety of the unit before you start to move your belongings in.

Add some freestanding shelving if the unit is large enough. Shelving will help you deal with vertical space limitations and will provide flat, protected surfaces for smaller items and breakables.

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Take Inventory

Create an inventory spreadsheet or list to keep track of all of your items. The inventory can assist you in the event you need to file an insurance claim after a disaster or damaging event. Make sure your inventory includes the following items:

• Approximate monetary value of expensive items
• Brief descriptions of large items, including any pre-existing damage
• Detailed contents of each box, especially opaque or cardboard boxes
• Serial numbers or make and model numbers for electronics
• Stars next to boxes or items you want to be able to access quickly

Some storage companies offer inventory checklists to help you with this process. You may also want to create a map of the storage unit as you pack it so you know which boxes end up where.

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Use Descriptive Labels

Label your boxes by number and include a brief description of each box’s contents. You may end up storing items for longer than you expect and forgetting which box is where.

You can write directly on a cardboard box with a permanent marker, and you can use stick-on labels to identify plastic bins. Label each side of each box so you can see what’s in it no matter which side faces out.

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Organize for Access

By keeping your things organized, you’ll find what you need with ease, protect your belongings, and save space. Before you start to arrange the items in your storage unit, consider the following tips:

• Cover or wrap furniture in old sheets, drop cloths, or towels to protect it. Don’t apply tape directly to furniture.
• Furniture should go toward the back of the unit.
• If your storage unit is large enough, leave room for a walkable pathway down the middle of the unit to make boxes more accessible.
• Store boxes with the label facing out. 
• Store headboards, table tops, and anything that can remain upright against the back wall.
• The items you’re least likely to need should go in the back of the unit, and the items you’re most likely to need should go in the front.

 

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Maximize Space

You’ll likely need to pack boxes closely together, no matter your storage unit size. Remember to stack vertically as much as possible, with heavy items on the bottom and lighter items on the top. Leave a step ladder in the unit to help you access items that are higher up. Use any bookcases or shelving units to your advantage to protect small or fragile items.

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Our Conclusion

The key to getting the most out of your storage unit is to plan and pack carefully. Make sure all of your belongings are clean, dry, and well-supported. These steps are critical parts of your moving checklist.

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FAQ About Packing a Self-Storage Unit

What should you not pack in a storage unit?

You should not pack flammable, explosive, corrosive, or perishable materials in a storage unit. Check with your storage unit company for any other potential restrictions.

Do I need climate-controlled storage?

We highly recommend climate-controlled units, but they are more expensive. Your belongings will be safer from moisture, pests, and dust.

Do I need insurance for a storage unit?

Homeowners and renters insurance typically covers your belongings in a storage unit but at a substantially lower dollar limit than your home. You may want to purchase extra storage insurance, especially for valuables.

What size storage unit do I need?

The size of the storage unit you need will depend on the number of items you have to store. Storing the belongings from a multi-bedroom home typically requires a unit of at least 10 feet by 20 feet.

Can I store electronics in a storage unit?

You can store electronics in a storage unit. Pack them carefully, cover vents and openings, and store cords in sealed plastic bags.

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