How to pack a storage container

Storage units are a helping hand for a range needs, whether you’re moving home and need a space to house your belongings while you wait for the keys or perhaps, you’re starting a new business and are looking for a place to house your stock. But when it comes to packing a storage container and making the most of the space, how do you go about this? Read on to learn more.

How to pack a storage container: 11 top tips

1. Select the right size container
2. Make a list or take photos of everything you’re putting into storage
3. Use a trolley to make moving your belongings easier
4. Heavier items go in first
5. Slot fragile items down the edges of the container
6. Pack furniture vertically
7. Use shelving units
8. Use drawers and cupboards to your advantage too
9. Place items you might need near the entrance
10. Stack boxes to the ceiling
11. Cover everything with a dust sheet

Choose the right size storage container

Before we begin, it’s important you carefully work out what size storage container you need. Our helpful team can support you with this decision and we also have this handy guide available, which provides comparisons that can help you wrap your head around the size of the space.

For example, a 25 square foot unit is around the same size as a bike shed, compared to a 175 square foot unit which is around the same size as a static caravan. Looking at units in this way can help you better decide which size is best for you.

If you’re moving out of a one-bed flat, our 50 square foot unit is a good option as this can typically accommodate a single bed, a wardrobe box, a washing machine and several other boxes.

Keep a log of what you’re putting in storage

In the very unlikely event that something should go wrong, keeping a log of what you’ve put into storage ensures that if you make a claim it can be processed quickly because you have the necessary details.

Be sure to make use of our free trollies to move your belongings

This makes things much easier when moving to and from your unit to your vehicle when you arrive, just be sure not to overload the trolley and be careful with stacking items to avoid anything falling off or injuring you.

Heaviest items first

Large white goods and heavy boxes of books are some of the first items to place in your unit. Move them into your storage unit and be sure to leave some slim gaps along the side – this is to help with a tip that comes later.

The heavier items can take the weight of other boxes and furniture that can be stacked on top of them and create a protective layer for fabric and textiles you may need to store, to ensure they’re not on the cool floor.

Tip: Try to leave gaps or aisles in your unit that you can squeeze into. This then allows you to reach the far end of the unit even when it is filled – great if you need to grab something at the back later.

Slide fragile items along the edges

Take slim, fragile items such as mirrors and large picture frames and slot these behind the heavier items you’ve placed in the middle of the storage unit. These will then be propped up and protected during their time in the unit.

Pack furniture vertically

A sofa on its side, a table on its end and mattresses stacked vertically will help maximise the space and leave plenty of room for everything else. It’s also a good idea to slot chairs together, seat pad to seat pad.

Leave shelving units open

If you have any bookcases or shelving units, use these to place smaller boxes on and leave floor space free for bulkier items. You may find that you can free up a great deal of space with this trick.

Use cupboards and drawers

Don’t leave any space unused, fill drawers and cupboards with smaller items and boxes to keep them safely tucked away. Plus, it makes it easier to move your belongings in and out of storage as everything is grouped.

Place items you’re likely to need near the entrance

You may be storing some items in your unit that you’ll want to access regularly, this means it’s a good idea to feature them near the entrance so you don’t need to climb over boxes or pull items out to reach them

Stack to the ceiling

Now it’s time to maximise your space and start stacking boxes. Try to reach the ceiling with each stack, starting with heavier boxes and moving to lighter ones as you go along. This ensures you maximise the space and cram more in.

Cover your belongings with a dust sheet

This provides that extra layer of protection and ensures that your items stay clean, ready for when you next need them.

Tips for storing items in storage

• Leave your washing machine door and tray open – This ensures air circulates throughout the machine, reducing the chances of mould building up and bad smells.
• Vacuum pack clothing, bedding and towels – This packs them down to a manageable size and keeps them dry and sealed off from moisture and any pesky insects.
• Don’t place textiles on the floor – Our storage units are cool and dry but we still recommend placing any textiles on top of boxes and those heavier items, to make sure they don’t get too cold and increase the risk of moisture or damp.
• Use bubble wrap to protect your furniture – Wrap chair legs and fragile items such as lamp fittings with bubble wrap to ensure they aren’t damaged in the move.
• Label your boxes – If you need to grab anything out of storage, you’ll thank yourself later when you find your boxes are labelled and the thing you need is easy to locate.
• Store carpet and rugs rolled up and lay them down – Take a look at our guide here on how to store carpet for more details.

Need a storage unit? Get a quote today and move your belongings into one of our units with around the clock CCTV and 24-hour access.