You might be considering a storage unit because space at home has disappeared, or you’re in the middle of a move, or you’re shifting into something smaller. It seems simple enough to rent a space and fill it, but you would be amazed at what a difference a little preparation can make to the value you get out of your unit.
Our team is committed to making your storage experience as organized and stress-free as your move, which is why we have prepared a few tips on how to pack a storage unit.
Maximize Your Storage Space with a Few Key Tips
Packing a storage unit efficiently is about protecting your belongings and simplifying future unpacking. Following a few smart tips can help you avoid hassle later, whether you’re preparing for a move or storing items for long periods. From choosing the right sized unit to using the right materials, a little effort upfront can make a big difference.
1) Planning to Save Time Later
While it may sound unnecessary, drawing up a broad plan of how you are planning to pack your storage unit can seriously increase the efficiency of the space inside the unit, as well as keeping its contents safe and easily accessible. Here’s some easy steps you can take to save yourself from a headache in the future:
Choose Uniform Box Sizes
Try to limit the variations in the box sizes that you are intending to store. The greater the variety of boxes, the more difficult it will be to arrange them efficiently. At Issac’s Moving & Storage, we can provide you with any packing supplies you may need, such as packing tape, bubble wrap, plastic wrap, stretch wrap, cardboard boxes, plastic bins, and packing paper.
Store by Access Needs
If you’re using the unit for both long-term and short-term storage, place the long-term items at the back. This keeps frequently needed items accessible. Apply the same rule to heavy or bulky items and position them at the base or rear of the unit, creating a stable foundation for stacking lighter items on top.
Maximize Vertical and Hidden Space
Large items can help create a stable base for stacking, making them useful for forming a foundation beneath lighter and smaller belongings. Tall pieces like mattresses should be placed along the walls, ideally upright, to take full advantage of the unit’s vertical space unless the manufacturer recommends storing them flat. Hollow furniture such as wardrobes, tables, or refrigerators can also serve double duty by holding additional packed items inside. Whenever possible, disassemble furniture and pack it flat in labeled bins, keeping all screws, tools, and hardware together to ensure easy reassembly later.
Label Everything Clearly
No matter how confident you are in your memory, always label boxes clearly. Be specific and if boxes contain a variety of stuff, be detailed. This will save you a lot of time should you need to come back for a specific item or you send a family member to retrieve something. Use a permanent marker to place the label clearly on every face of the box, allowing you to identify it no matter how it is placed. Make an inventory list summarizing all the boxes, their contents, and where they are and hang this on a clipboard at the door to the storage unit.
Leave Room to Move
Ideally, always try to get a right sized unit that is slightly larger than what you need. This allows you the extra space to leave room in between your goods, giving you easy access to a much larger portion of the contents of your unit than if you had stacked everything wall-to-wall. This is particularly useful during spring cleaning when you might need to move things in and out frequently.
2) Prepare the Storage Unit
When you first check your unit, make sure that it is clean and dry. Not all owners take good care of their storage facility, but thankfully at Isaac’s Moving & Storage, each and every climate controlled storage unit is always kept clean and ready to go!
If you’re going with a different storage company, it is always a good idea to raise your items off the floor of the unit if you can. The easiest way to do this is to get several shelves or pallets and strategically lay them on the floor of the unit before placing any goods inside. This can go a long way in protecting your goods from moisture, wet surfaces, or pests. Use plastic storage bins with old sheets, blankets, or old towels to protect fragile items, electronics, and delicate items. When packing clothes or winter coats, consider vacuum sealing to save room and further protect your clothing.
3) Isaac’s Storage Options
Isaac’s Moving & Storage provides secure, professional storage at our state-of-the-art facilities. Your belongings are packed into individual wooden storage vaults that remain sealed and protected inside our climate-controlled warehouses. Each warehouse is military approved and equipped with 24-hour surveillance.
Our storage system is flexible. Whether you are using our facilities for short- or long-term storage, when you need something, our team will locate your vault and make your items available for pickup or delivery.
Each Isaac’s vault can hold roughly:
- A queen-size mattress and foundation
- A full sofa (up to 7’8”)
- Dresser and nightstand
- Reclining chair
- 32″ television and stand
- Coffee table and lamps
- Around ten 18″x18″x24″ boxes
Whether you’re between homes, renovating, or managing an overseas assignment, Isaac’s provides secure, climate-controlled storage with full accountability.
Ready to Organize Your Storage the Right Way?
Always use a reputable and safe storage service, such as Isaac’s Moving & Storage. With a 77% return and referral rate and more than 25 years of experience, we are the best in the business.
If you are preparing to move, cleaning up, or simply need more room at home, now is the right time to get organized. For expert guidance on how to pack a storage unit, or to speak with a team member about booking storage services for your needs, reach out to Isaac’s Moving and Storage.
We will help you simplify the entire loading and storing process. For more information, recommendations on how to maximize storage unit utility, or booking, contact us at contact us at Isaac’s Moving and Storage today.
