By Storage Expert: Julie Butts
How to Pack for Storage Tip #1: Break Down
Our first tip on how to pack for storage is to break down every piece of furniture and every accessory that will break down. Take apart bed frames, remove table legs, and disassemble furniture such as book cases.
Remove and label cords from computers, DVD players and other equipment. Take apart gym equipment, play sets, and other large items that take up a lot of space when assembled. You might even want to unscrew the legs of sofas and chairs to make them easier to get through doorways during your move.
How to Pack for Storage Tip # 2: Condense
To make the most of your storage space, condense the space needed by packing items inside of other items. For example, pack garden and yard tools in a large trash can. Dresser drawers are often used as make-shift storage boxes for clothing, books, or odds and ends. Drawers are open on one side which can contribute to items being damaged from falls or spills. They generally don’t stack neatly and may not be designed to hold the weight packed in them which could lead to damage of your drawers.A better solution for storing items like these in a storage unit is to use plastic bins or sturdy moving boxeswhich you can purchase for a discount as a Mini Price Storage tenant. Moving boxes are stronger than most boxes. This allows you to stack boxes without the weight of the stored items crushing your boxes and contents over time.
How to Pack for Storage Tip # 3: Protect
Wrap glass, mirrors, furniture and bedding during the move and while your items are in storage. Put a furniture cover on the cement flooring of your storage unit to protect furniture and household items from being scratched.
In addition to the sturdy moving boxes mentioned above, consider using wardrobe boxes to store clothing such as formals or suits that you don’t want folded or thrown around. Wardrobe boxes are also good for storing clothing that you don’t need now but want to easily access at a later time.
Picture frame boxes are a great solution for protecting mirrors, paintings, or other framed items. Your treasure will be protected from scratches and easily identified while in storage.
How to Pack for Storage Tip # 4: Label
You’ll make your move and access to items in storage much easier if you label everything. When you take apart furniture or gym equipment, put the small parts in labeled baggies. Use a piece of labeled tape to identify electronic wires and where they were plugged in at a later date when you are trying to reassemble. Label boxes by the room or by their contents. Use whatever method works for you, but label everything you can.
How to Pack for Storage Tip # 5: Loading the Truck
Mini Price Storage provides free truck use for moving into your storage unit. You’ll save time and get the most out of the moving truck if you take a few minutes to consider how loading your truck affects unloading once you get to your unit.
The first items you’ll want to load into the moving truck are the items that will go into your storage unit last, and therefore be near the front of the unit. What will you need to access first? What do you want in the back of your storage unit? For example, if you won’t need your washer and dryer for a while, it makes more sense to store them out of the way in the back of your unit. If they go on to the truck first, you’ll have to take everything out of the truck to get to them. That means it takes longer to unload your truck and put your things neatly into storage.
How to Pack for Storage Tip # 6: The Back of the Unit
Reserve the back of the unit for things you will not need to access frequently. The back of your storage unit is ideal for washers, dryers and other large appliances. It’s also a good place to strategically pack in furniture. Remove table legs or place tables upside down to store items on top of them. Sofas and sectionals can often be stored on end to save space.
How to Pack for Storage Tip # 7: The Sides of the Unit
Pack items such mattresses, box springs and head boards along the sides of your storage unit to save space. The sides are also good for storing furniture such as desks and dressers where boxes can then be stored on top. (Bonus Tip: Leave enough space down the middle to create a pathway that allows you to get to your boxes if needed.)
How to Pack for Storage Tip # 8: The Front of the Unit
Save the front of your storage unit for storing items you may need to access frequently or in the near future. For example, seasonal items are much easier to remove from the front of the unit than from the back of the unit.
How to Pack for Storage Tip # 9: Dollies & Carts
Appliance dollies and moving carts can help you pack for storage more efficiently by saving you time. Mini Price Storage has appliance dollies available to help you move heavy items. You can also take advantage of moving carts once you get to the storage facility. Moving carts help move boxes and other items from the truck to your unit with fewer trips.
How to Pack for Storage Tip # 10: The Importance of Space
Throughout this article, we’ve tried to get you to consider space. How can you get the most out of your space by condensing, labeling, and carefully packing? How can you get the most out of your space by packing certain items toward the back, upside down or even on end? We even passed on a little tip on intentionally leaving a pathway through the middle of your unit. Here’s one more thought on space. Leave enough space to allow the access door to open and close freely.