The Best Way to Pack Items that Are Going into Storage

How to Pack for a Storage Unit

Deciding to utilize storage services can be an ideal way to create more space in your home. While storage spaces are generally affordable and easily accessible regardless of where you live, you can make the most of your storage space by properly organizing and packing the items you place in storage. Failure to do so can increase the cost of storage, make it challenging to find things, and, in the worse case, even result in items being damaged.

Here are 7 tips to help you learn how to pack for your storage unit so that your valuables stay protected and easy to find when you need them. Whether you're keeping clothes in a storage unit, storing artwork or books, or you're planning to store furniture in a storage unit, these professional strategies can help.

Tip #1 How to Pack for Your Storage Unit: Take Inventory

The first order of business is to take an inventory of your belongings and decide what you want to keep. Do you want to place seasonal clothes in your storage unit? What about books, fragile items, or business records? Do you need to store furniture in your storage unit? An accurate inventory will help you find the right size storage space and to locate your stored items quickly.

Tip #2 How to Pack for Your Storage Unit: Invest in Storage Containers

It's worth investing a little money in high-quality containers as you prepare to move items into storage. For example, clear plastic bins are ideal because you can easily see into them. If you're using cardboard boxes, check them for any signs of damage and make sure they are sturdy.

Tip #3 How to Pack for Your Storage Unit: Label Your Boxes

Labeling your boxes by room of origin and contents is a critical step, even if you're using clear plastic storage bins. It is ideal to use a black marker to label the general contents of the box or bin on all sides. Be sure to indicate if there are fragile items.

Tip #4 How to Pack for Your Storage Unit: The Right Way to Keep Clothes in Your Storage Unit

Without a doubt, using wardrobe boxes is the best way to keep clothes in your storage unit. They will stay free of wrinkles, mold, and mildew, and they'll be easy to access. Vacuum-sealed bags can be safely used for winter jackets, puffy coats, or down comforters and will save storage space, though keep in mind that vacuum-sealed items will come out of storage wrinkled.

Tip #5 How to Pack for Your Storage Unit: The Right Way to Store Furniture in Your Storage Unit

Before moving any appliances or furniture into storage, be sure the item is clean and dry. Even a drop of moisture from a refrigerator or freezer can lead to mold and mildew in your storage unit. Allow at least 2 to 3 days to completely air out (with open doors) your unplugged refrigerator or freezer after emptying and cleaning it before putting it into storage. The doors should be closed when the item is in storage.

Large multi-piece furniture—including beds, dressers with mirrors, 2-piece china cabinets—must be disassembled to fit into storage. Place all nuts, bolts, screws in a plastic bag and tape the bag to the under or back side of each respective piece of furniture. When preparing to store furniture in your self-storage unit, wrap each item in moving pads or blankets to protect them from scratches. However, if you are utilizing Camelot’s storage services, this step is completed for you by your Camelot crew to ensure our high standard of protection for your belongings while in our care in our secure facility.

Tip #6 How to Pack for Your Storage Unit: The Right Way to Pack Books and Paper Business Records

Books and business documents are common items that need to be stored. Small boxes are best for these items to keep the weight of each box manageable. Clearly labeled 2-piece record storage boxes are best for business records. Books are best packed upright, as they would appear on a shelf, for longevity. Be sure to create a detailed inventory for book and document boxes in case you need to access the contents during their time in storage.

Tip #7 How to Pack for Your Storage Unit: The Right Way to Pack Fragile Items

Packing items such as wine glasses, dishes, or artwork can be intimidating; however, by taking a little more time and care with the right technique, you’ll be able successfully protect these items while in transit and storage. Use plenty of bubble wrap and packing paper to safely stow away these fragile items. Visit our Packing Services page to watch some video tutorials on how to pack fragile items. If this task becomes overwhelming or too time-consuming, consider hiring professional packers to help you complete it.

Camelot Moving & Storage: Your #1 Source for Professional and Reliable Moving and Storage Services

Whether you're moving locally or relocating to another state, you'll be in expert hands with Camelot Moving & Storage. We offer decades of experience helping families of all sizes (including pets!) with their storage needs as they prepare to relocate to a new home! Learn more about us and visit our contact page to connect with our relocation team.