Packing your items for self storage carefully reduces the amount of space you need to hire and minimises the risk of damage. Here are a few tips to bear in mind.
Moving unwanted or unneeded items into self-storage can be a cost-effective way to ensure that they remain safe and secure. Some self-storage companies will come and collect your items and pack them into a container on your property. Others expect you to ferry your stuff to their unit. Either way knowing how to pack efficiently will minimise the space you need and the number of breakages – meaning you can keep your goods in storage without risk of damage.
Size Matters
Use small boxes to keep items together and label them clearly with the contents and if they are fragile, need to be kept upright or are especially heavy. Small boxes are easier to fit into your unit without wasting space and not as heavy to carry. Pack heavy boxes first and put the lightest ones at the top.
Storage Tetris
To minimise the space you need to hire, and if it’s packed at your property to minimise the risk of damage in transit, you want to avoid leaving gaps between items. Stack chairs in pairs, seat to seat and fill the gaps between the legs with blankets or duvets. Sofas are better stored on one end to use the height of the unit more efficiently.
Mattresses are best against a wall, on a narrow side, ideally with a wardrobe or chest of drawers to support them.
Fill the unit from back wall to door making sure you fill all the gaps with smaller items as you go.
Packing Materials
Make sure items are dry before you store them as they can’t dry out once packed away and you risk mould growth damaging them. This applies to packing materials like paper and blankets too.
Don’t use supermarket boxes as mould spores could already be present, especially if they were originally used for fresh produce. Removal boxes are widely available in several sizes and your storage company may even offer them to you.
Plastic boxes can be more expensive to buy but transparent ones make finding your stuff when you unpack a doddle. They won’t “breathe” so it’s especially important to make sure the contents are dry.
Bubble wrap and tissue paper are both good choices for wrapping delicate items. Bubble wrap will provide an element of shock protection should the box be dropped. Don’t use newspaper for anything other than an outer layer as the newsprint could rub off and damage your items.
Keep It Clean
It goes without saying that items should be clean before being placed in storage. Garden furniture will need to dry after washing so make sure you factor that in when booking your hire.
Tools need to be cleaned and wrapped in cloths to protect them and other items. Lawnmowers, hedge trimmers and other cutting tools will benefit from being lightly oiled before you pack them up.
Don’t Rush It
Take your time to get your packing right and you’ll be able to leave your items stored safely for as long as necessary.