Storage Packing Tips: How to Pack Your Belongings for Self-Storage

Packing Tips

1. Make an inventory: Before you start packing, create an inventory of all the items you plan to store. This will help you keep track of your belongings and ensure nothing gets left behind.
2. Choose the right boxes: Use sturdy boxes of different sizes to pack your belongings. Make sure to choose boxes that are made of thick, corrugated cardboard to ensure they can withstand the weight of your items.
3. Label your boxes: Clearly label all your boxes with their contents and which room they belong to. This will make it easier for you to find what you need when it's time to retrieve your items from storage.
4. Use packing materials: Use packing materials such as bubble wrap, packing paper, and packing peanuts to protect fragile items. Wrap each item individually to prevent them from rubbing against each other and potentially breaking.
5. Pack smart: Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter items on top. This will prevent your boxes from becoming top-heavy and potentially tipping over.
6. Fill empty spaces: Fill any empty spaces in your boxes with packing materials to prevent your items from shifting during transportation or storage. This will also help prevent damage caused by items rubbing against each other.
7. Disassemble large items: If you're storing large items such as furniture, disassemble them to save space and make them easier to transport.
8. Use plastic bins: For items that may be damaged by moisture, consider using plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes. Plastic bins are more durable and provide better protection against moisture.
9. Use furniture covers: Use furniture covers to protect your furniture from dust and scratches during transportation and storage.
10. Use pallets: If you're storing your items in a large storage unit, consider using pallets to elevate your boxes and protect them from potential flooding or water damage.

Materials Needed

• Boxes: It's important to use sturdy boxes to ensure that your items are protected. Use different sizes of boxes for different items, and avoid overpacking them to prevent damage.
• Packing tape: Use high-quality packing tape to secure your boxes and prevent them from opening during transport.
• Scissors: A sturdy pair of scissors, such as dual indoor/outdoor scissors, works great for cutting packing materials.
• Permanent markers: Use wide-tip permanent markers to label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make it easier to locate items when you need them.
• Labels: Label each box with specific details about its contents to avoid misplacing anything. Make sure to include what is inside each box and what room it goes in.
• Shrink wrap: Use shrink wrap to protect furniture and other large items from scratches and dust.
• Bubble wrap and Styrofoam peanuts: Use bubble wrap and Styrofoam peanuts to wrap and cushion fragile items like glassware and electronics.
• Furniture covers: Use furniture covers to protect your furniture from scratches, dust, and dirt.
• Wrapping paper and/or newspaper: Use wrapping paper or newspaper to wrap fragile items like plates and glasses.
• Corrugated wrap: Corrugated wrap is a pliable fiberboard that is corrugated with flutes on one side. It's a good wrapping option for irregularly shaped items.
• Garment bag: Use garment bags to protect specialty clothing items like a wedding dress, expensive coat, or tuxedo.
• Hand dolly: Use a hand dolly to move heavy appliances.

Types of Boxes

• Hat boxes: Use hat boxes to prevent wide-brimmed hats from getting smashed.
• Jewelry box or plastic organizer: Use these to safely store specialty jewelry in its own strong box before placing it in a larger box. Plastic zip organizers are also a good choice to keep necklaces separated and untangled.
• Dish boxes: Square-shaped specialty dish boxes can be used for stacking dishes or other fragile items.
• Small China boxes: Mini cube-shaped boxes with handles can be used to keep smaller plates and other small China items safe.
• Lamp boxes: Use tall and narrow lamp boxes to keep table lamps and floor lamps upright and secure.
• Television boxes: Use specially designed boxes to protect your TV during transport and storage.
• File boxes: Use file boxes to store important documents.
• Mattress boxes: Use these to protect your mattress from dust and dirt.
• Utility boxes: Use utility boxes to store brooms, vacuums, mops, and other tall utility items.
• Corrugated boxes: These boxes resist breakage and are more durable, especially for heavier items.
• Poster tubes: Use poster tubes to protect your posters and other artwork.
• Mirror and picture boxes: Use these boxes in different sizes to accommodate large mirrors and pictures.
• Wardrobe box: Use a wardrobe box to keep clothes unwrinkled and preserved. They can also be used for storage of other items such as decor, wreaths, and other home items.
• Hat boxes: When packing hats, fill the crown of the hat with tissue paper or bubble wrap to help keep its shape. You can also use the same technique for other delicate items such as vases or figurines.
• Jewelry box or plastic organizer: Use small zip-lock bags to keep pairs of earrings or sets of jewelry together. This will help prevent them from tangling or getting lost.
• Dish boxes: Use plenty of packing paper or bubble wrap to cushion each dish, and be sure to label the box "Fragile - This Side Up" to help prevent damage during transportation.
• Small China Boxes: Stack plates vertically rather than horizontally, and use packing paper or bubble wrap to separate each plate. Be sure to label the box "Fragile - This Side Up" to help prevent damage during transportation.
• Lamp boxes: Use bubble wrap or packing paper to wrap the base and shade of the lamp separately, and use the "Fragile - This Side Up" label to keep the box upright.
• Television Boxes: If you have the original box, use it to pack the TV. If not, wrap the TV in a protective cover or blanket, and use a sturdy box that is slightly larger than the TV. Fill any empty space with packing peanuts or bubble wrap to prevent movement during transport.
• File Boxes: These boxes are typically designed to hold letter or legal-sized documents, and often have built-in handles for easy carrying. Be sure to label each box with its contents, and consider using colored labels to help you quickly identify specific files.
• Mattress Boxes: Use a box that is specifically designed for your mattress size, and be sure to use plenty of packing tape to seal the box.
• Television Boxes: When packing your TV, it's important to make sure it's secure to prevent damage during transit. Consider using a specially designed TV box or a box that's slightly larger than your TV, so you have room for extra padding.
• File Boxes: When storing important documents or files, it's important to use sturdy file boxes to keep them protected.
• Mirror and Picture Boxes: These boxes are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate any size of mirrors or pictures. For extra protection, wrap each item in bubble wrap or packing paper before placing it in the box. To keep the item from moving around, add some crumpled packing paper or foam peanuts to the bottom and top of the box.
• Wardrobe Box: These boxes come in various sizes and are perfect for keeping your clothes unwrinkled and preserved during storage. They have a metal bar across the top that allows you to hang your clothes inside the box, similar to a portable closet. These boxes can also be used for storing other items such as decor, wreaths, and other home items.
• Utility Boxes: These boxes come in handy for storing tall utility items like brooms, vacuums, and mops. They are usually taller and narrower than regular boxes, making them perfect for storing these items without taking up too much space.
• Corrugated Boxes: These boxes are more durable and can resist breakage, especially for heavier items. They come in various sizes and can be used for a variety of items such as electronics, books, and kitchenware. Use packing paper or bubble wrap to protect the items inside, and be sure to label each box with its contents.
• Poster Tubes: These cylindrical boxes are ideal for storing posters, maps, and other documents that you don't want to fold. Be sure to roll the document carefully and secure it with rubber bands before placing it in the tube.