Packing boxes for self storage requires meticulous preparation to ensure that all your possessions remain safe and accessible. Whatever the reason for needing to pack up an area, it always needs to be done in a well-planned and systematic way.
The more care that is taken the better. Rather take the time to pack and label your boxes with care, because when you need something, it’s easily accessed, and good packing ensures your goods are protected.
Choosing self storage is a good way to go. From a storage point of view, the environment is well suited to long-term storage. Also, by establishing a good relationship with the storage facility early on you may find that they will be on hand to give you valuable advice.
At Quick Self Storage, our friendly staff in our branches in Peterborough, Darlington, and Liverpool are on hand to assist with every aspect of the planning preparation, and relocation of your goods into a storage unit.
Because you will be faced with a choice of self storage unit sizes, you may want to check with them which size will suit your requirements. We thought it an idea to give you a heads up on the importance of correct packing and labelling of boxes for self storage.
Step One: Preparation
A relocation from your property to self storage will be most successful when the following steps are taken into consideration, starting with some planning:
- Create a packing and moving plan well before your moving or storage date.
- Determine the size and type of storage units you need and make reservations if necessary.
Next, you are going to need packing supplies.
- Collect all the packing materials and supplies you’ll need, such as cardboard boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, packing peanuts, furniture covers, labels, markers, and any special items like dish dividers or wardrobe boxes.
Don’t take unnecessary Items.
- Before packing, go through your belongings and declutter. Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need or use. This reduces the number of items you’ll need to pack and store.
Step Two: Packing
Organise you’re packing a room at a time starting with rooms or areas you use less frequently, such as guest bedrooms or storage spaces. This helps you stay organised and maintain a clear inventory.
Pack Strategically:
- Use smaller boxes for heavier items and larger boxes for lighter items to prevent overloading.
- Wrap fragile items individually with bubble wrap or packing paper and consider using dividers or cell kits for delicate items.
- Fill empty spaces in boxes with packing pads or foam padding to prevent items from shifting during transport and storage.
- For clothing, consider using vacuum-sealed bags to save space and protect from dust and pests.
Take special care with fragile items:
- Wrap fragile items individually with bubble wrap or packing paper and use dividers or cell kits for delicate items.
- Wrap each fragile item in bubble wrap or packing paper. Ensure that all sides are protected. Delicate items like glass or porcelain should have multiple layers of wrapping.
- Use packing tape to secure the wrapping in place. Make sure there are no loose ends or gaps.
- Place a layer of packing pads or foam padding at the bottom of the box to create a cushion to line it.
- Place the heaviest and largest items at the bottom of the box and the lightest, most delicate items on top. Ensure there’s enough padding between each item and the box walls. This will add extra security.
- Fill any remaining gaps with packing pads, foam padding, or crumpled packing paper to prevent items from moving or shifting within the box.
And the most important box of them all.
- Create a “first-night” essentials box containing items you’ll need immediately when you move into your new place. This box should include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and any essential tools or kitchen items.
Step Three: Labelling
Now that you have packed the boxes, clearly label each one with its contents, and the room it’s from. Recording the room the box is from helps make it easier to distribute boxes to the right areas of your new home and to access specific items while in storage. Also, maintain an inventory list of what’s in each box for easy reference.
Here’s an example:
- Box 1: Bathroom – Towels, personal effects, and accessories
- Box 2: Dining room – Table décor, plates and utensils
- Box 3: Kitchen – Plastic-ware, pots and pans
Also, indicate any special instructions for handling:
- “Fragile”: For boxes containing breakable items, like glassware or porcelain, to alert handlers to take extra care.
- “This Side Up”: If certain items are sensitive to orientation, such as electronics or artwork, specify the correct way to position the box.
- “Heavy”: If a box contains exceptionally heavy items, this label can help movers, or you know to use caution when lifting.
In addition, create an inventory list with the following details:
- A box number or label.
- A detailed list of items inside the box.
- The date you packed the box, which can help track how long items have been in storage.
- Any relevant notes or remarks about the condition of the items or the box.
Step Four Packing the Self Storage Unit
We advise our clients, when renting a self storage unit at Quick Self Storage to follow these steps when packing a unit.
- Stack heavier items at the bottom of the boxes and lighter items on top.
- Fill empty spaces in boxes with foam padding or blankets to prevent items from shifting.
- Leave pathways to access items at the back of the unit.
- Whenever possible, store boxes on pallets or shelving to prevent damage from potential moisture and pests on the ground.
Useful Packing and Labelling Tips from out Quick Self Storage Team
For further information and assistance about our storage units
In Peterborough, call us at 01733 834183 or visit Self Storage Peterborough
In Darlington call us at 01325 489562 or visit Self Storage Darlington
In Liverpool call us at 0151 8324000 or visit Self Storage Liverpool
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