How to Pack a Storage Unit

Moving house or just clearing out the spare room can be a proper headache. We know because we see it every day here at Green Oak Self Storage. People turn up with a van full of boxes and a look of pure dread on their face because they don't know where to start but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare if you know what you are doing. If you want to save yourself some stress and make sure your stuff stays in one piece you need a plan. Here is our expert guide on How to Pack a Storage Unit like you actually mean it.

Getting ready for the big move

Before you even think about loading the van you need to get your bits sorted. We always tell people to start by having a good old clear out. If you haven’t touched that old bread maker in five years you probably aren’t going to use it now. Sell it on Facebook or take it to the tip. There is no point paying to store things you don’t even want.

Once you know what is staying you need the right gear. Don’t just grab any old soggy boxes from behind the local supermarket. They will just collapse when you stack them and then you've got a mess on your hands. Get some proper double walled cardboard boxes that can take a bit of weight and get plenty of packing tape and bubble wrap too. We see a lot of people trying to use bin bags but they are rubbish for storage. They tear easily and they trap moisture which is the last thing you want for your clothes or bedding.

How to Pack a Storage Unit for easy access

The biggest mistake people make is just shoving everything in and hoping for the best. Then three months later they need their winter coats or some old tax returns and they have to dig through the whole lot. When you are thinking about how to pack a Storage Unit you have to think about what you might need later.

Put the big heavy stuff at the back. Things like wardrobes and sofas should be the first things in then, you can stack your boxes in front. But here is the trick, leave a little walkway down the middle. If you pack it solid you will never get to the back without moving every single box and label everything. Use a big marker and write on the side of the box, not just the top. That way you can see what is what when they are stacked up high. We always tell people to make a quick map or a list on their phone so they know exactly which corner the Christmas decorations are in.

Protecting your prized possessions

Our units here at Green Oak Self Storage are dry and secure but you still need to look after your stuff properly. Use dust sheets to cover your furniture, to keep the dust off and stop things getting scratched when you are moving boxes around. If you are storing a fridge or a washing machine make sure they are bone dry before they come in. A bit of leftover water can cause all sorts of smells and issues over time. Leave the doors slightly ajar to let the air circulate.

For your sofas and mattresses it is best to store them on their end if you can. It saves a massive amount of floor space. just make sure they are wrapped up well so the fabric doesn't get marked. Also don’t put anything heavy on top of your cushions because they will end up all squashed and won't bounce back to their normal shape. We also recommend using wooden pallets on the floor. It keeps your boxes off the ground and helps the air flow around your stuff which is much better for long term storage.

Making the most of your space

You are paying for the height of the unit so you might as well use it. Stack your boxes right up to the ceiling if you can but put the heavy ones at the bottom. You don’t want a box of books falling on your head. If you have got shelving units bring them in. They are great for keeping things organised and stopping the bottom boxes from getting crushed under the weight of the pile.

Another good tip is to use the space inside your furniture. If you are storing a chest of drawers, fill those drawers with clothes or linens. You can put small boxes inside wardrobes too. It is all about being a bit clever with the gaps but don't make the drawers so heavy that you can't move the unit if you need to. If you are dismantling furniture like bed frames or desks, put all the screws and bolts in a small bag and tape it directly to the frame. There is nothing worse than getting to your new house and realising you've lost the bits to put your bed back together.

Why trust us with your stuff

We've been doing this for a long time and we are a family run business. We take pride in looking after people's things because we know how much they matter. We are based just near Middleton between Tamworth and Sutton Coldfield so we are easy to get to if you are in the local area. We have plenty of parking and 24/7 CCTV so you know your things are safe with us.

Our team is always about if you need a bit of advice on which size unit you need. We have seen it all so we can usually tell just by looking at your pile of stuff if you need a small locker or a big 150sq ft room. We want you to have the right amount of space so you aren't overpaying but you aren't cramped either.

A few things to remember

There are some things we just can't have in the units for safety reasons. No food or anything that might attract pests. No flammable stuff like petrol cans or gas bottles either. If you are storing garden tools, give them a good wipe down first. You don’t want to be bringing half the garden's mud into your clean storage space. If you follow these rules it keeps the facility nice for everyone.

Packing a unit takes a bit of work but if you do it right the first time you will thank yourself later. It makes life so much easier when it comes time to move everything back out again. Just take your time and follow these tips and you will be sorted. If you want to know more about our domestic storage or commercial storage options just give us a shout. We are here to help you get the extra space you need without any fuss. Training your brain to think about how to pack a storage unit before you start will save you hours of work in the long run.

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