We sometimes don’t have enough space at home for the things we treasure or want to keep. A storage unit is a perfect solution. While many advocate for minimalist living, there are some things that you simply don’t want to give away. You don’t have to get rid of the things you don’t have space for or may not use that often. You can simply rent some more space and keep those precious things.
You may want to keep items for your kids when they grow up, or you have inherited some items that you want to keep. Or, you may have replaced things and want to keep the old version as a backup in case of problems later down the line.
Storage is the answer, you can keep everything you hold dear. However, this doesn’t mean you can store your things haphazardly. To protect your valued items, we’ve created some guidance on how to pack a storage unit. Read here for many storage unit packing tips if you want to know the best way to pack a storage unit. Following these tips will help you pack everything correctly. We give you some guidance on packing materials, what not to store and how to make sure everything stays in good condition.
How to Pack a Storage Unit
Generally, cleaning all items before putting them into a storage container or yard is essential. Whether you intend to store things for the short or long term, ensuring they are clean keeps them protected. This tip applies to everything from clothing to furniture and electrical equipment.
Taking the time to clean everything will save you a lot of heartache later. Damp or dusty items can deteriorate over time, so giving everything a quick clean will help.
Packing Items Properly for Storage
Another pro tip on how to pack a storage unit is to be careful with wrapping items in newspapers. Wrapping delicate items reduce the risk of being broken while transporting and storing. However, the ink from newspapers can transfer onto your things and damage them. So to avoid this, use acid-free paper instead. Take the time to wrap everything properly so all your fragile items are still in one piece when you come back to them later.
Packing clothes for a storage unit
Cleaning your clothes will help keep them in good condition in long-term storage. Essentially, you will need to remove stains before placing clothes into storage. This prevents the stains from setting in and being impossible to remove later.
We recommend plastic storage boxes with clip-on lids to store clothes, as the clothes will have enough room to breathe. If you are storing seasonal items or clothes for future events, keep things you will need soon at the top or front of your clothes storage. Packing clothes by season is also an excellent way to find what you need quickly without going through so many boxes.
Storing books
Moisture and dust can damage books over time. The paper can become more fragile, mold can form, and the ink can deteriorate. To protect against this, wrap each book in a plastic sleeve or cover. It protects the printed surface and spine and the pages inside, and the glue that holds it all together.
If you have a lot of artwork you wish to store, our guide on how to store art correctly in self-storage spaces is an essential read.
Packing technology in storage
Properly storing technological equipment requires the same careful attention as any other valuable items, with cleanliness being a crucial first step. Dust can be particularly problematic for electronic devices, potentially causing significant issues by working its way into buttons, ports, and connection sockets, making them difficult or impossible to use. The solution, fortunately, is straightforward yet effective: covering all technological equipment with appropriate dust sheets or protective covers. This simple precaution will prevent dust from accumulating on your computers, televisions, gaming consoles, sound systems, and any other electronic devices you need to store.
While it might seem convenient to leave batteries in your devices during storage, this is a critical mistake that could lead to serious damage. Over time, even high-quality batteries can deteriorate and leak corrosive substances, potentially rendering expensive equipment completely unusable. This is particularly important for items like remote controls, wireless keyboards, mice, and portable gaming devices. The risk of battery damage isn’t worth the minor convenience of having batteries ready to use.
Moisture presents another significant threat to stored technology. Electronic equipment is particularly susceptible to water damage, which can lead to corrosion, short circuits, and other expensive issues that often require professional repair or complete replacement. To combat this, consider placing several silica gel packets strategically around and underneath your stored devices. These moisture-absorbing packets act as a simple but effective defence against humidity and condensation, helping to maintain a dry environment around your valuable electronics.
Additionally, proper cable management is essential for long-term storage. Taking the time to disconnect and carefully remove all detachable cables serves multiple purposes. It prevents unnecessary strain on both the cables and their corresponding ports, reducing the risk of bent pins or damaged connections. This also allows you to store the cables separately, properly coiled to prevent kinks and breaks in the wiring. Remember to label your cables clearly before storage – this small step will save considerable time and frustration when you’re ready to set up your equipment again.
Packing furniture for storage
You may need to store large pieces of furniture, so dismantling these before packing them into the storage unit saves space. Also, items that you disassemble are less likely to break once they have been taken apart than trying to move them into one piece. Wrap all furniture in a fabric covering to prevent dust and moisture from damaging them. Elevating furniture off the floor or putting a cover over the floor can also prevent moisture from rising up into the furniture and causing damage.
Whether you are looking for a small storage unit or need a container yard for various items, we can help. We have a choice of local storage facilities that offer flexible contracts. Our secure yards and containers are the ideal place for keeping your items safe until you need them again. Contact us today to find out more.
