Packing for self-storage can be tricky. Since your items will be sitting for a long time, you need to make sure they are secure. You also need to protect them from damage by animals or extreme weather. Plus, you need to make sure your items won't shift or break while they're sitting in a storage unit.
The process of packing your belongings for a self-storage unit is similar to the process of packing your items for a move. However, there are a few extra steps you need to pay attention to in order to ensure safe and secure self-storage.
1. Protect Your Items
You might not think anything can happen to your items while they're sitting untouched in a storage unit. However, boxes can still collapse or fall in a storage unit, and your belongings could shift, fall, and break. Thus, it's important to wrap fragile items in packing paper or bubble wrap.
2. Pack the Right Items in the Right Boxes
Cardboard boxes are the most traditional option. Plastic boxes and bins are also effective. Plus, they're less likely to sustain water damage than cardboard boxes. However, you should avoid plastic bags, which can invite mold and mildew.
Certain kinds of boxes are best for certain kinds of items. For example, wardrobe boxes allow you to hang your clothing so it doesn't get wrinkled or damaged.
The most logical way to pack your items is to put similar items in the same box. That way, you can easily find what you're looking for when you unpack your boxes from the storage unit.
Place heavier items on the bottom of the box. Pack the box so it's full—an under-packed box can easily get crushed. However, don't over pack the box, since a bulging box is difficult to stack and any items inside could get broken.
3. Label and Organize Boxes
After you've packed and taped your boxes, don't forget to list on each box what is inside. This makes it easier to organize and stack your boxes in the unit. For example, you may want to place items you'll need sooner closer to the front of the unit. You'll also want to place boxes with heavier items at the bottom and boxes with lighter items stacked on top.
To simplify the unpacking process into your storage unit, place your boxes in order in your moving truck. Pack the boxes you want to place at the front of the storage unit at the back of the moving truck. Similarly, pack the boxes you want to place at the back of the storage unit at the front of the moving truck. That way, you can unpack the boxes for the back of the unit first before moving on to the boxes for the front of the unit.
4. Disassemble and Wrap Furniture
If you plan to store your furniture, you may want to disassemble larger furniture like bed frames. You may even be able to remove legs from tables and chairs. This can help you protect your furniture and save space in your unit.
Next, you should cover your furniture with blankets, sheets or furniture covers. These covers will protect your furniture from getting scratched.
Gather pallets as well. You can place your furniture on these pallets in the storage unit so it doesn't get wet.
Packing your items for self-storage can seem complicated at first. By following these tips, you can quickly pack and organize your belongings. You'll preserve your items so they're still in good shape when you unload them from the storage unit in the future.
If you need a storage unit in Reno, Nevada, call All American Storage for secure storage.
