1st February 2024
Self storage has become the go to solution for householders and businesses looking to free up some space, downsize, or temporarily store belongings when the need arises. Packing your items properly is crucial to ensure that they remain in good condition throughout their time in storage.
So, before you even begin packing there are a few things to keep in mind. These do’s and don’ts of packing will ensure that your goods are protected while they are in storage. They will also ensure that you make the most of the available space in your self storage unit.
Must Have Supplies when Packing for Self Storage
This is a list of items to collect before you even begin packing. Good quality packing materials will protect your items, so consider these as a worthwhile investment.
- Boxes of various sizes
- Paper for wrapping breakables
- Bubble Wrap
- Packing peanuts
- Blankets, dustsheets, and covers to protect pieces of furniture
- Packing tape
- Permanent markers
- Different coloured labels for categorizing boxes
The Do’s
- Plan Ahead
Before you start packing, take stock of the items you plan to store, and work out the amount of space you’ll need. Being organised will prevent that last minute chaos of throwing things haphazardly into boxes. It will also help you choose the right sized unit for your needs. - Disassemble Furniture
This will prevent damage to your furniture and make packing it away more space efficient. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws in labeled bags and tape them securely to the corresponding piece. - Label Everything
Labeling is key to finding items quickly and efficiently when you need them. Mark each box with its contents and, if possible, create an inventory list. This small effort can save you time and frustration later. - Cover Furniture
Protect your furniture from dust, scratches, and dents by using furniture covers or blankets. This extra layer provides a barrier against dust and humidity and safeguards your items during transport and storage. - Secure Fragile Items
Wrap fragile items individually in bubble wrap and pack them snugly in boxes with extra padding. Mark these boxes as “fragile” and place them on top of heavier, sturdier items to avoid crushing. - Don’t Make Your Boxes Too Heavy
Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter more delicate items at the top. This will ensure that your boxes retain their shape and make stacking easier. - Leave Open Spaces in the Storage Unit
Leave narrow aisles between boxes and furniture in your storage unit. This allows easy access to your items without having to move everything around. A well organised space makes retrieval more efficient.
The Don’ts
Offsite storage need not be a headache when integrating it into a streamlined business. Here is how it works:
- Assume One Size Fits All
Not all items can be packed the same way. Delicate items require extra care, and oversize items may need custom packaging. Tailor your packing approach to the specific needs of each item to ensure their safety and preservation. - Use Newspaper for Wrapping
Avoid using newspaper as the ink can transfer and cause stains. Opt for clean packing paper or bubble wrap instead to provide a safe and clean cushion for your goods. - Overstuff Boxes
It is tempting to put as much as possible in your boxes to save space. However overfilled boxes are likely to burst, or be too heavy to move, and your items may get damaged. - Use Plastic Bags
Plastic bags may trap moisture, leading to mould and mildew. Instead, use plastic bins with tight-fitting lids or cardboard boxes with proper ventilation to allow air circulation.
Plastic bags tend to disintegrate after a while, and you are likely to find your belongings strewn about your storage unit. - Neglect to Clean and Prepare Items
Clean and dry items before packing them to prevent the growth of mould or the accumulation of odours. This is especially important for upholstered furniture, appliances, kitchenware, and clothing. - Stack Unstable Items
Avoid stacking unstable or wobbly items too high. Unstable stacks can collapse, leading to potential damage and safety hazards. Place heavier items at the bottom and more stable items on top. - Store Perishable or Hazardous Items
Never store perishable goods or hazardous materials in a self storage unit. This includes food, plants, chemicals, and flammable items. These can attract pests, cause damage, or even violate storage facility rules. - Ignore Pest Control
Implement preventive measures against pests by using pest deterrents or traps. Regularly check your storage near me unit for signs of pests and address any issues promptly to avoid damage to your belongings. - Ignore Insurance Options
Neglecting insurance coverage for your stored items is a risky move. While storage facilities take precautions, unforeseen events like natural disasters or accidents can occur. Consider obtaining insurance to protect your valuables.
When it comes to packing for self storage, taking the time to plan and prepare can make all the difference. By following these simple guidelines and using reliable materials, you can ensure that your items are protected and easy to access when you need them.
By packing carefully, your belongings will stay in great condition until you are ready to retrieve them. Your storage experience will be a positive one, even if you need to leave your goods in storage for the long term.
Quick Self Storage
Quick Self Storage provides the necessary storage facilities for businesses or households. When self storage is needed in Peterborough, Darlington, Liverpool and Ambergate areas, look no further than Quick Self Storage.
Accessibility, storage unit size, and convenience are all options to consider when choosing a self storage facility.
Quick Self Storage units are available in a variety of sizes, and we are here to assist you in finding the ideal solution for your storage needs.
Make the Quick Choice.
To assist you in making a quick choice, the right choice, contact us 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
In Ambergate call us at 01773 306115 or visit Self Storage Ambergate
Read some of our reviews to see what our customer have to say.
