Packing a storage unit is like playing Tetris: getting everything in the right spot takes skill, planning, and sometimes frustration. Knowing how to pack a storage unit well means more than just tossing items inside; it’s about maximizing your paid space and wrapping each item properly to keep things organized and damage-free. Cardboard boxes are a common choice, but they can break down over time or attract pests, so consider using plastic containers for added protection.
This guide will explain how to organise a storage unit effectively, including tips on packing materials, stacking items safely, and making frequently accessed belongings easy to reach.
Why it’s Worthwhile to Organise Your Storage Unit
Organising your storage unit goes far beyond just making it look neat. It’s a move that can potentially save you thousands of pounds and countless headaches. Here’s why taking the time to pack smartly and efficiently is worth it:
- Prevents Costly Damage: Stacking items carelessly or leaving them unsecured can lead to collapses or crushed belongings. This risk is even higher with valuable items like antiques, furniture, and electronics – things that, if damaged, could cost you thousands in repairs or replacements. A little effort upfront can keep these items safe and your wallet untouched.
- Avoids Losses from Pests and Moisture: Proper packing and strategic organisation help keep pests and moisture at bay. The last thing you want is to find your belongings damaged by mould or gnawed on by insects. A well-organised unit acts as a protective shield, preserving your items in top condition.
- Maximises Your Investment: Renting a storage unit isn’t cheap – medium-sized units (approximately 75 square feet) can cost up to £100 per month. By organising your items efficiently, you make the most of the space you’re paying for. This means fitting more items without needing to upgrade to a larger, more expensive unit.
- Reduces Hassle: There’s nothing worse than rummaging through unlabelled boxes or shifting stacks of items just to find one thing. An organised unit with clear labels and logical placement saves you time and stress, making access quick and easy whenever you need it.
By putting in a bit of effort to organise your storage unit, you’re doing more than just keeping things tidy—you’re protecting your investments, making your space work harder, and giving yourself peace of mind.
10 Essential Tips for Packing Your Storage Unit
Proper storage unit organisation will keep your items protected, ensuring everything stays in good condition and is easy to find when needed. Follow these essential tips to make the most of your space and maintain easy access to your belongings.
1. Plan Your Space with Masking Tape
Start by using the size of your storage unit (you measure it if needed). Mark that space out on your floor with masking tape to create a mini mockup of your storage unit. This way, you can get a feel for where each item will go and make sure everything fits nicely before the big day.It’s a quick trick that saves you a lot of time and effort when you’re actually loading up the unit.
2. Plan for Easy Access
3. Start with the walls
4. Install Shelves
5. Pack vertically
Packing vertically is key to maximising space. Stand large furniture items, like sofas and mattresses, upright to free up floor space for other items. Place heavier items at the bottom for stability, then stack lighter boxes on top. This way, you’ll fit more into the unit without risking damage – after all, you wouldn’t place a heavy dresser on top of fragile boxes! This stacking method helps you make the most of every inch while keeping items secure and accessible.
6. Use the Right Packing Materials
Protecting your items starts with choosing the right packing materials. For furniture, wrap upholstered pieces in plastic to prevent tears or stains, and cover wooden surfaces with thick plastic wrap or moving blankets to shield them from scratches. This also allows you to stack lighter items on top of protected furniture without risking damage (within reason).
For other items:
- Mattresses: Use a mattress cover to protect from dust and moisture.
- Electronics: Wrap in anti-static bubble wrap and place in sturdy boxes to prevent damage from shocks or humidity.
- Fragile Items: Cushion delicate items like glassware or ceramics with bubble wrap, foam padding, or packing paper.
- Clothes: Store in breathable garment bags or plastic bins to keep moisture and dust out.
Using the right materials helps keep everything in top condition, even for extended storage.
7. Make Use of Every Nook and Cranny
Maximise your storage unit by using every bit of available space, especially within larger items like dressers, wardrobes, and cabinets. The drawers and shelves inside these pieces are perfect for storing smaller items. Place fragile items in bubble wrap and tuck them safely inside drawers or cupboards, giving them extra protection. By packing items inside other items, you free up more floor space and make the most of your unit’s capacity.
8. Prepare for Temperature Changes
Self-storage units aren’t always temperature-controlled, which means your items can be exposed to seasonal shifts. During hot summers and cold winters, items like electronics, vinyl records, vintage items, and old photographs can be especially vulnerable to damage from extreme temperatures or humidity. To protect these items, wrap them securely with multiple layers of protective material, such as bubble wrap, and consider storing them in plastic containers for an added layer of insulation.
By preparing for these climate changes, you’ll help ensure your belongings stay in good condition year-round.
9. Label Clearly and Create an Inventory List
Label every box with a clear, descriptive title (e.g., “Kitchenware” or “Winter Clothes”) to avoid confusion when you need to find something. Use waterproof markers to prevent labels from fading over time, and consider adding a brief contents list on each box for easy reference. Creating a detailed inventory list on your phone, in a spreadsheet, or even in a dedicated storage notebook can save time and frustration later.
For added organisation, you could number each box and log the contents in a corresponding list. If you’re storing items for an extended period, an inventory list makes it easy to keep track of what’s in storage without having to open every box. Taking photos of the contents can also be helpful, especially if you have many items in one category or want a quick visual reference.
10. Use Moisture Absorbers and Pest Repellents
Moisture can lead to mould, mildew, and odours, which can damage your belongings and even make them unusable over time. To prevent this, place silica gel packets or moisture absorbers in boxes with sensitive items like clothes, books, and electronics to keep dampness at bay.
For added protection, consider using mild, non-food-based pest repellents around the base of the unit to deter insects and rodents without attracting them. This extra layer of defence helps keep your storage unit dry, clean, and free from unwanted visitors, ensuring your belongings stay in excellent condition during their time in storage.
Ready to Pack Like a Pro? Choose Henfield Storage
At Henfield Storage, we offer clean, secure, and accessible storage units in London and Sussex to suit any need. Whether you’re storing seasonal items, furniture, or valuable belongings, our facilities are designed to keep your possessions safe.
Areas we serve in London and the UK
Reach out to our team today to learn more about our storage options or reserve your unit, and start packing with confidence!
