Self Storage Packing Tips

General packing tips

Starting with basics. Packing your items for storage can be overwhelming, especially if you have an entire household to pack. To ensure everything is properly stored and protected, it’s important to get it right.

While we can wait for you to store your items with us, it’s important to make sure you take the time to properly pack and store your items. After all, the last thing you want is for your items to be damaged by improper packing.

We’ve put this guide together to help you get the most out of your storage unit. Here are some key packing tips to consider:

1. Use proper packing materials

Make sure you use good quality packing materials such as storage boxes that are sturdy. You’ll also want tape that won’t easily come off or peel away from the box.

2. Label everything

Labelling your boxes is essential. You’ll want to make sure you label each box with the contents and room it belongs in. This will help you quickly locate items when you need them and also help prevent damage from occurring due to stacking boxes on top of each other that don’t contain similar items.

3. Use wardrobe boxes

To save time and space, you can invest in wardrobe boxes. These are large boxes with a bar across the top that will allow you to hang clothes and other items such as curtains and drapes. Not only will this provide extra space, but it will also keep your items from getting wrinkled or crushed while in storage.

4. Pack heavy items on the bottom

Make sure you pack heavier items on the bottom of your boxes. This will help prevent the box from becoming too heavy to move or tipping over and damaging the contents inside.

5. Disassemble furniture

If you’re storing large, bulky items of furniture, try to disassemble them as much as possible. This not only helps with saving space but also prevents damage that could occur from the furniture being too big to fit through doorways.

6. Wrap up any breakables

When packing fragile or breakable items, use bubble wrap, newspaper, or packing peanuts. This will help protect them from any bumps that could occur during transport and while they are in storage.

7. Clean items before storage

Don’t forget to clean your items before you store. This will help prevent mould and mildew from forming on any of your items while in storage.

8. Pack your boxes in accordance to room

A good idea if you’re moving house. Not only will it make it easier to pack from room to room, but also when you move into your new home. This way, you can quickly unpack everything in the right room.

Packing tips for…

Furniture

Disassemble large pieces: To help save space, it’s best to take apart any large furniture such as beds and tables. This will also make it easier for you to move them into the storage unit.
Wrap fragile items: When packing fragile items such as glassware and ornaments, wrap them in bubble wrap or packing paper to protect them from damage.
Use dust sheets: To prevent dust and dirt from settling on furniture, cover the upholstery with plastic or a sheet before packing them into boxes.

Mattresses

Vacuum & clean: Before packing, make sure you vacuum and clean any mattresses to help prevent mould or mildew from forming while in storage.
Wrap with plastic: Wrap the mattress in plastic wrap to protect it from dust, dirt, and moisture.
Place on Top of Boxes: When storing the mattress, place it on top of boxes or furniture items to help save space.

Clothes

Use wardrobe boxes: To save time and space, you can invest in wardrobe boxes which will allow you to hang clothes and other items such as curtains and bedspreads.
Pack in vacuum bags: To save space, use vacuum bags to pack clothes and other soft items such as blankets, cushions, and towels.
Use hanging garment bags: Perfect for storing suits and longer dresses. To get the most out of them, hang as many items as you can in the bag and then secure the top.

Electronics (such as TVs and computers)

Back up files: Before packing any electronics, make sure you back up your files. This will ensure that no important information is lost during the move.
Wrap cables: Wrap all your cables and cords together so they don’t get tangled or damaged. You can use cable ties or adhesive tape to keep them secure.
Pack in original boxes: If you still have the original boxes for electronics, use these instead as they’re designed to provide the best protection from damage.

Arts and Antiques

Inspect for damage: Before packing, inspect for any signs of damage. If there are any cracks or chips, you may want to consider repairing them before packing.
Use packing paper: To ensure valuable items are protected, wrap them in packing paper and bubble wrap. This will protect them from any bumps or scratches while in storage.
Use foam pouches: To pack fragile items such as china and glassware, use foam pouches to protect them from any bumps or knocks during the move.

Kitchenware

Clean and dry: Make sure all your kitchenware is clean and dry before packing. This will help prevent any mould or mildew from growing during storage.
Pack plates and bowls vertically: To save space, pack plates and bowls vertically in the box. Use bubble wrap or foam pouches to protect them from breaking during the move.
Pack with peanuts: To ensure that your items don’t move around in the box, use peanuts to fill any gaps. This will also help protect them from any bumps or knocks during the move.

Books and Magazines

Place in solid boxes: To avoid any damage, make sure you place all your books and magazines in solid boxes. Line the box with bubble wrap or packing paper to keep them secure during the move.
Pack heavy items on bottom: When packing heavy items such as books, make sure they’re placed on the bottom of the box. This will help keep your items secure and prevent them from being damaged.
Keep away from liquids: To make sure your items are safe from liquid, keep them away from any fragile items that could spill during transit.

Packing tips for long-term storage

No matter how long you’re intending to stay with us , it’s always wise to take the time and effort to pack your items properly before placing them in storage. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your stay:

Make a list of items: Before packing, make a list of all the items you’ll be putting into storage so you can easily remember where everything is.
Keep valuable items secure: If you have jewelry or other precious items, it’s a good idea to use a lock box or safe so they are fully protected.
Cushion the bottom: To protect your items from any hard surfaces, cushion the bottom of the container you’re using with newspaper or packing paper.
Leave space for air circulation: To avoid any damage from condensation, leave some space between the walls of the container and your items so air can circulate.
Make sure you choose the right sized unit: The last thing you want is to arrive with your items only to run out of space. Work out what you need to store, using our storage guide to identify the right unit.

Packing materials available

Segment® has everything you need to pack your items safely. With a wide range of tools and materials you can rest assured your items will remain under lock and key. We also offer a wide range of trolleys and pallet trucks, specifically designed to assist you in moving your goods into your storage unit with minimal effort.

If you have any questions about our storage facility and services we’d be happy to help! Get in touch with us via email at hello@segmentstorage.com.