Tips for Packing a Storage Unit

Storage Framingham, MAPacking a self-storage unit requires some planning and skill.  Your ultimate goal is to use all of the space in the most efficient way, while maintaining access to all your items in the event you need something while they are in storage.  Here are a few tips to help you pack your storage unit.

1.     Leave a walkway.  When you are packing your unit, make sure you leave a small path down the middle.  If you need something later, you won’t have to unpack the whole unit to find something, even if it’s all the way at the back.  You might feel like a pathway is a waste of space, but if you need to find something, you will be happy it’s there.

2.     Use boxes AND labels.  In order to maximize the space in your unit, try to use boxes that are uniform in size, so they can be stacked high.  This will utilize the available vertical space.  Be sure to label the boxes, and be specific!  After months in storage, you won’t remember which kitchen box contains the coffee pot.  Be sure to face the boxes so the labels are toward the walkway for easy identification.

3.     Take an inventory.  Before you pack your items and place them into storage, make a list of what you are storing.  This is important for a couple of reasons.  First, it will help you to recall what’s inside, if you need to access something later on.  Second, if there is some sort of disaster or accident, and you need to file an insurance claim, you will already have an accurate accounting of what was inside. 

4.     Use covers.  Our buildings are solid and well-built, with concrete floors.  All units are swept clean, but covering your furniture will protect it from dust and moisture.  Consider using mattress covers, sofa covers, and upholstery bags.  Placing a rug or tarp on the floor, or using pallets can keep items safe from condensation during high humidity times.

5.     Pack tallest to shortest.  Store your tallest and bulkiest items like furniture and mattresses closest to the walls.  Start with the tallest items in the back and the shorter items in front, closest to the aisle.  This will give you a clear view of what’s inside your unit at first glance and help you to use the space in the most efficient manner.

23 comments:

  1. packaging a storage unit requires extensive skills. You mentioned some fantastic tips for packaging a storage unit. However, if you really want to be away from any kind of stress regarding safety of your belongings in the storage unit, get it done by a professional.
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  2. I am looking for a very specific type of self storage though. What I need to find is a climate controlled self storage. That way I know that my things are going to be well taken care of.
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  3. Thanks for the tips! Some of them might sound obvious, but I can't even tell you how many times people have forgotten to leave a walkway in units I've seen. Every time they want something they have to unpack the entire unit.

    Jenn | http://www.storageinphila.com/

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  4. I want to make sure that I get the most out of my storage unit. The main thing that I needed it for was the boat. I have a lot of space around it that I need to fill with things. http://southbend-storage.com/

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  5. Do these storage units sell boxes? That would be so helpful to keep the dust of the more valuable items that we want to store. I know that labeling the boxes is essential as well!
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    Replies
    1. The storage units that I've done business with have sold boxes. I'm not sure if it's a standard service that all storage facilities offer though. I would ask the storage facility you have a contract with to make sure.
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  6. My husband and I have a boat but no where to store it so we use a storage unit. I think it is a really great option when you have big things like a boat, motor home, or ATV's to store. It's really convenient and I am really happy someone recommended us to get one. http://unitedselfstoragepayette.com/

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  7. I've been searching for self storage units near my new home. I am going to be storing somethings while I am moving. I think that this will be the best thing for me to do so that I won't be as overwhelmed. I have never had a storage unit before, so I don't know what the best way to pack them is. This will be very helpful for me.
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  8. These are great tips. I want to rent a storage unit to put my old computer things in. I have lots of old computers that I have been saving for a few years. I hope that they become antiques in a few years. Then I can sell them for a lot of money. http://www.ventuparkstorage.com

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  9. I like the second tip a lot. I am moving this Saturday and will need to use a storage unit for a while. I want to make sure to label everything so that I can find things easily if I need. http://www.stor-king.com/Storage_Units_Upland_CA.html

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  10. This looks like a very nice and well fun storage facility. I have a buddy that is getting ready to go on a trip for a couple of months, and he is trying to find a self storage facility that he can put his stuff in. Neither of us have ever had to do this before, so we aren't sure what to look for in a quality service. This article has some awesome insights that I think will help us find what we are looking for.

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  11. Really that is a very enjoyable blog and very influential too! You have discussed here, these practical tips for self storage in willowbank, very nicely .These seem very convincing too for the users. Please share the contacts of your own storage agencies for future.

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  12. I agree that when packing up your storage unit that you should put the tallest stuff in the back and the shortest in front. I have a lot of stuff in my storage unit and was not able to find my old computer because it is hidden in the very back. I am going to reorganize my unit. Thanks for the tips.

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  13. It is really difficult to manage the storage items at a storage unit. But by following your tips, this task seems easy. Can you also give some tips for maintaining Boat storage in Brisbane? Actually I am planning to start a storage company there focusing on boat storage purpose.

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  14. I learned that it's important to leave a walkway in your storage unit the hard way. I accidentally left an important gift in a box at the back of my storage unit and we had to unpack almost 10 items of furniture to get it because everything was packed so tightly. When we put everything back we left a walkway, but I wish I would have done that the first time! Thank you for these tips for using a storage unit. http://www.santamonicaministorage.com

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  15. Nice blog and thanks for sharing information about secure self storage,
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  16. Thanks for the great advice. I've been trying to make sure that I get the best out of my storage unit. I feel like I've been doing most of the things right, except for packing the unit itself. I just feel like I'd be able to fit so much more in if I packed it differently. I'm definitely going to have to try out your method.
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  17. It seems like you're dealing with a big, life-size puzzle. My wife has a problem with hoarding Christmas decorations. It's been ten years since we put some of those decorations up, but she insists on keeping them. I wish we could just get a storage unit and put them all there. http://safekeepingselfstorage.com/baytown/

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  18. I think you're right: having labels is absolutely vital. If you can't find where you put anything, it makes the storage facility almost useless. Unpacking the whole facility every time you need a picture frame is a pain! Thanks for sharing your expertise and experience with us. http://www.storagestation.ca

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  19. My brother is getting ready to put all their furniture into storage while they build a house. I really like your suggestion to cover all your furniture to protect it from dust and moisture. It seems important to store your belongings correctly to prevent them from any damage. http://www.carolina-storage.com/

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  20. I am soon going to make a shift and hired a extra storage space to keep belongings. But thanks to your post, I have asked my storer in Singapore to have labels for every package.

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  22. Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking. temporary storage units

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