Storage pods combine the benefits of a moving truck and storage unit, and offer a convenient solution for moving or storing your belongings. These containers keep items safe during transport or storage, and can hold furniture, boxes, and appliances if you pack them correctly. Learn how to correctly pack a storage pod, how to first prepare your items for packing, and how to load your storage pod in our step-by-step guide.

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Understanding Storage Pods and Their Benefits

Storage pods help you to successfully store items or move them. Read more about how they work, and the advantages of using them, below.

What Is a Storage Pod?

A storage pod is a portable container that combines the functions of a moving truck and a storage unit. You can arrange for storage companies to deliver these to your home where you can pack them at your own pace. Once you pack them, you can arrange for the storage company to transport them to your new location or store them at a secure facility.

Advantages of Using Storage Pods for Moving

Storage pods companies usually offer flexible scheduling, and allow you to pack at your convenience. Loading the pods at ground level eliminates the need for ramps, which makes it easier to move heavy items. You can also use storage pods during home renovations or downsizing projects.

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Essential Packing Materials for Your Storage Pod

Make sure you have the right materials before you start packing. Read more about which tools you’ll need below.

Boxes and Containers

You’ll need the boxes and containers below to pack your storage pod efficiently.

• Cardboard boxes of different sizes
• Plastic bins
• Small, resealable plastic bags for hardware and small items
• Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes

Protective Materials

Make sure you properly protect your belongings with the materials below.

• Bubble wrap
• Furniture blankets and moving blankets
• Packing paper
• Packing tape
• Plastic wrap

Moving Equipment

The equipment below will help you to move your items more easily.

• Dolly or hand truck
• Furniture pads
• Markers and labels
• Ratchet straps

Use existing materials around your house as you begin packing, such as blankets or towels in place of bubble wrap. You can get free moving boxes from supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, and retail stores.

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Preparing Your Items for Packing

Properly preparing for your packing project will make the process smoother. Start by organizing, dismantling, and safeguarding your items.

Sort and Declutter

Take the time to sort through your belongings, declutter, and reduce the number of items you need before you start packing. Consider donating, selling, or discarding items you no longer need or use.

Disassemble Furniture

Disassemble large furniture pieces to maximize the space in your storage pod. Remove legs from tables, take apart bed frames, and dismantle shelving units. Keep all hardware in plastic bags that you’ve labeled, and tape the bags to their corresponding furniture pieces.

Wrap and Protect Fragile Items

Carefully wrap fragile items such as dishes, glassware, and electronics. Use bubble wrap or packing paper to cushion these items, and fill any empty spaces in boxes with crumpled paper to prevent shifting during transport.

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Efficient Packing Strategies for Your Storage Pod

Put a packing strategy into place to keep your pod safe and to get the most out of your storage space. Read more below.

Create a Loading Plan

Plan how you’ll arrange items in the pod before you start loading the pod. Place heavier items on the bottom of the pod and distribute weight evenly throughout the container. Consider which items you’ll need to access first at your destination and load those last.

Maximize Space Usage

Consider the tips below, which will help you to make the most of your storage pod’s space:

• Stack boxes from floor to ceiling
• Use furniture items as storage spaces
• Place items vertically when possible
• Fill gaps with soft items such as pillows or blankets

Weight Distribution Techniques

You must evenly distribute weight to keep your items safe during transport. Place heavy items on the bottom of the pod and distribute weight evenly from side to side. Use light items to fill spaces between heavier objects.

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Loading Your Storage Pod Step-by-Step

Pack your storage truck like you would a moving truck. Read more below.

Start with Large, Heavy Items

Load your largest and heaviest items into the pod. This includes appliances, furniture, and heavy boxes. Place these items against the walls of the container.

Fill Gaps and Spaces

As you load, fill any gaps or spaces with smaller boxes, bags, or soft items. This prevents shifting during transport.

Secure Items to Prevent Shifting

Use ratchet straps to secure items and prevent them from moving during transit. Create a barrier in the last section of the container with a box spring, mattress on its side, or large sheet of cardboard. This will prevent objects from falling against the door.

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Special Considerations for Different Items

Different items require different packing techniques. Read more below.

Electronics and Appliances

Consider the tips below when packing electronics and appliances:

• Remove batteries from devices
• Secure appliance doors with tape or straps
• Use original packaging when possible
• Wrap power cords with packing paper to prevent scratching

Furniture and Mattresses

Consider the tips below to protect furniture and mattresses:

• Stand mattresses on their sides to save space
• Use corner protectors on tables and dressers
• Wrap furniture in moving blankets or plastic wrap

Artwork and Valuables

Consider the tips below while packing artwork and valuable items:

• Consider keeping irreplaceable items with you rather than in the pod
• Use specialty boxes that are designed for artwork
• Wrap each piece individually in bubble wrap

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Security and Protection

When you’ve finished packing your items, begin securing your pod. Read more below.

Choose the Right Lock

Secure your storage pod with a sturdy lock whenever you leave it unattended. PODS recommends using a 2 and 3/4-inch disc lock or a 1 and 3/4-inch padlock, which you can purchase at a local home improvement store.

Weatherproof Your Pod

Weatherproof your pod with the strategies below.

• Cover furniture with plastic sheeting
• Make sure all items are completely dry before you load them
• Use moisture-absorbing products for long-term storage

Insurance Options for Your Belongings

Consider purchasing additional insurance coverage for your belongings during transport or storage. Check with your homeowners or renters insurance provider to see if your policy covers items in transit or storage.

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What Not To Pack in Your Storage Pod

There are some items that you should never pack in a storage pod. Read more below.

Prohibited Items

Do not pack the following items in your storage pod:

• Firearms or ammunition
• Hazardous materials such as chemicals, gas, or waste
• Illegal items
• Live plants or animals
• Perishable items

Items to Keep with You

Keep important documents, valuables, and essential items with you, such as the following:

• Essential clothing and toiletries
• Financial documents
• Jewelry and family heirlooms
• Medications
• Passports and identification

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Transporting Your Packed Storage Pod

Once you secure your pod, make sure you have a transport plan in place.

Understanding the Transportation Process

Once you’ve packed and secured your pod, the storage pod company will transport the pod to your desired location. The transportation process typically involves lifting the container onto a truck.

Preparing for Delivery or Pick-Up

Make sure you’re available to sign for delivery and pick-up, and clear any obstacles from the pick-up and delivery areas. Have your lock ready to secure the pod.

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FAQ About Packing Storage Pods

What should you not pack in a pod?

You should not pack hazardous materials, such as toxic chemicals, gas, liquids, waste, lawnmowers, motorized vehicles, or illegal items in a storage pod. You shouldn’t place valuable items, such as heirlooms, irreplaceable artifacts, deeds, important documents, forms of currency, and items that are not personal property, in containers either.

Do you put your own lock on a pod?

Yes, you can put your own lock on a pod. You can purchase a lock through a pod company or at your local home improvement store.

Where can you find a storage pod for rent?

You can find a storage pod for rent from several companies online, such as PODS, U-Pack, 1-800-Pack-Rat, Zippy Shell, and UNITS.

What are the benefits of packing your own storage pod?

Packing your own storage pod allows you to prepare your move at your own pace and on your own schedule. Storage pods offer ground-level loading, which reduces the need for lifting heavy items onto a truck.

Should you remove the door from a storage pod?

Nothing prohibits you from removing the door from a storage pod as long as you reattach the door before transit and whenever you leave the pod unattended. Removing the door can make loading and unloading items easier, especially if you have bulky furniture or appliances that won’t easily fit through the door’s opening.

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