5 Packing Tips for Self-Storage

Self-storage is an excellent solution for moving, decluttering, a sudden life change, home renovation, or apartment living. While it might be tempting to put everything in the unit with no organization, you will use and enjoy your storage unit much more if it is organized and accessible.

Here are five tips for packing and organizing items in your self-storage unit.

1. Take an Inventory

Taking an inventory of your storable items serves two purposes.

First, it helps you choose the appropriate size for your storage unit. You will never use a storage unit that is so stuffed you can’t easily access your belongings. It’s common to not realize how many storable items you have until you take inventory. An inventory allows you to choose an appropriately sized storage unit.

Second, taking inventory helps you know what storage containers you want to use. Do you need plastic containers or will cardboard boxes work? How many boxes or containers do you need?

2. Thoroughly Label Each Box

Go beyond labeling boxes as “kitchen” or “garage.” Instead, itemize what is in each box. For instance:

Kitchen

• Plates
• Silverware
• Teacups
• Teapot

It can feel like an extra step, but this saves you time and frustration in the long run. When you end up with twenty boxes labeled “kitchen,” you’ll hardly remember what you put in where. Not to mention if a friend or relative tries to find something on your behalf.

3. Pack Furniture Accordingly

Break down your furniture as much as possible before storing it in the unit. For instance, unscrew the bedframe or remove the legs from a table.

It’s also best to wrap or drape blankets, plastic, or dropcloths over your furniture. Plastic can help prevent moisture from absorbing into cushions and fabric, while blankets or dropcloths can help prevent wooden furniture from cracking.

4. Store Clothes in Plastic

Store clothes in plastic containers to prevent bugs or moths from eating your clothes. Add silica or oxygen-absorbing packets to your containers to prevent mold growth.

5. Take Extra Care With Books

Books are cherished possessions but can become warped and faded without proper storage. Ensure your books are dry before storage (if your books have been in a moist basement or garage, air them out before packing for self-storage). Wrap them in acid-free archival paper and ensure books are flat, not turned vertically, as this can twist the spine. Because books are heavy, store them in smaller boxes.

At Peavler Moving & Storage, we provide quality, clean, accessible self-storage units. Our customers have been so satisfied with our storage units in Harrodsburg that we opened a second building in Danville! Units are going fast, so Contact Peavler Moving & Storage today for a free quote.