10 best packing hacks for self storage

8 best packing hacks for Self Storage

We have put together a few tricks to make your packing easier and all-around less stressful.

1. Place a Lemongrass Candle (unlit, of course) in the Boxes.

There’s always going to be some moths and bugs flying around, maybe some spiders. To deter them, place lemongrass candles or essential oil unlit candles in the boxes to deter unwanted pests. Fabric softener papers can work too, although they won’t last as long.

2. Stack to the Ceiling

When it comes to renting a storage unit, you’ll want to maximize your space. The smaller storage space you can use, the more money you’ll save.

The best way to fit all your belongings is to utilize vertical space. Stack your boxes on top of each other until they reach the ceiling. If you are worried about putting too much weight on bottom boxes, consider using a shelving unit – you’ll still take advantage of all that vertical space, but you’ll be putting less pressure on your packages. Or place the heavy boxes on the bottom.

3. Bubble Wrap Your Valuables.

Mirrors, ornaments, pictures, and paintings. When you’re packing for storage, you may not think to take extra precautions to protect your belongings. After all, they’ll just be sitting in storage.

However, you’ll be stacking boxes on top of each other and moving them around periodically as you dig through your unit. Moving them around increases the chance that something will break.

Don’t take any chances. Instead, pack your fragile items with bubble wrap to ensure they’re still intact when you want to use them.

4. Label Boxes

Not everyone takes the time to label the boxes. You might have plastic containers or boxes. It’s worth labelling the boxes with labels like, “living room”, or “kitchen”, and also writing the accompanying items in the box. For example, “Kitchen – glass and ceramic pots”, or “Living room and remote control, family photos, etc”. Unpacking will be a breeze.

5. Disassemble What You Can

Do you have a large table or TV stand going in your storage unit? This can take up a lot of precious room. Instead, follow storage unit tips and disassemble what you can. Wrap the pieces together and keep all screws in a bag taped to the bundle. You’ll be able to save room in your storage unit and won’t have to worry about losing parts.

5. Use All the Space

Fill your dressing table drawers and cupboards with items also. This will save you heaps of space. Rubbish bins and plastic laundry tubs can be filled with clothes, rugs and towels.

6. Make an Aisle

So, the day has come where you transfer everything to your storage unit. After a while, you may run out of steam and be tempted to throw it all in there as quickly as possible. Don’t forget to make an aisle in the rush of things. You’ll want to plan for one aisle going down the centre of your unit with the labels on your boxes face the aisle. You’ll be able to see all your belongings without having to jump over boxes or push things aside.

7. Treat Leather

Are you storing leather furniture? You may not think about preparing that couch for long-term storage. However, you should take the proper steps to clean and preserve anything leather.

Leather conditioner will do the trick. It’ll help ensure that your leather furniture and clothing comes out of storage looking good as new.

8. Make Sure Everything is Dry

Everyone’s worst nightmare is to walk into their storage unit and find everything wet! While the facility takes the proper measures to ensure there’s no leaky roof, that doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods.

Dishwashers and refrigerators can both hold water inside them. You’ll want to make sure you drain your dishwasher and defrost your refrigerator before you store them. If you don’t, that water will end up leaking out eventually and can soak your boxes.

9. Use Vacuum Seal Bags

Alright, so we’ve already mentioned two great ways to keep moisture and pests out of your self-storage unit. While these are both excellent storage unit tips to follow, you should take one more precaution.

Store anything you can in vacuum-sealed bags. This includes clothes as well as drapes, blankets, bedding, and pillows. Not only will the vacuum-sealed bags protect your belongings from moisture and pests, but they’ll help save space as well!

10. Pace yourself and ask for help

Employ family and friends to help you move or pack. Be kind to yourself and take regular breaks, pack a nourishing food and bottle water. Play music or listen to an audiobook to make the project enjoyable.