How to pack your storage container correctly in these 5 easy steps (an infographic)
How to Pack Your Storage Container
When preparing to put some of your belongings into storage for any amount of time, there are several things to take into consideration. Different types of items need to be packed differently, depending on factors such as fragility, size, and weight. Above is a convenient infographic detailing the most important steps. Below we’ll provide an extended list of guidelines to follow when preparing your storage containers:
Wrapping Tips
Make an inventory. Write a list of everything you are putting into storage as you pack them.
Pack as many items as you can into boxes. They protect your belongings more than wraps.
Reinforce the bottom of boxes with tape.
Put a lid on it. You don’t want your items falling out or getting dusty while being stored.
Wrap up your delicates. Use bubble wrap, crumpled paper, foam peanuts, or other fillers to ensure that fragile items don’t shift around and break no matter how far you have to move them.
Do NOT pack perishables/dried foods. Insects and rodents can hitch a ride to your storage and breed. Spoiled food will cause odors.
Evenly distribute weight. This makes the containers easier to carry and also reduces the chances of items shifting around in transit.
Put heavy items in smaller boxes, lighter items in larger boxes. No one wants to lift a huge box of books!
Pack tightly. Boxes shouldn’t bulge or cave in. You can use crumpled paper or other fillers to get rid of empty space.
Use special boxes on certain items. Picture frames, mirrors, and flat-screen TVs should be bubble wrapped and placed in specialized boxes.
Take extra care with lamps. Remove all light bulbs and wrap and box the lampshades separately from the posts.
Label all boxes.
Protect your furniture with moving blankets. You can use moving bands (giant rubber bands) or shrink-wrap to stabilize moving blankets. Tape is more difficult to remove.
Wrap soft furniture with plastic. This includes couches, mattresses, etc. Use mattress covers or stretch wrap.
Cover appliances. Use cardboard or moving blankets.
Use moisture absorbers. These can reduce the formation of mold, mildew, and odors.
Truck Packing Tips
Dollies can save your back while moving around heavy boxes and furniture.
Put heavy items at the back end of the truck. Our trucks load at an angle, and this prevents heavy items from crushing lighter ones. Other moving trucks may require you to evenly distribute the weight.
Pack the truck wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling. You can use all available space.
Place heavier boxes on the bottom. By putting lighter boxes on top, you avoid crushing them.
Fill spaces with small and large items. You don’t have to put all your boxes in one area and all your furniture in another.
Tie down your belongings a section at a time. Mattresses and other soft furniture can be used to hold smaller items in place.
Secure the truck with a lock when unattended.
Feel free to contact us with any further questions you might have about moving your stuff into storage. Keeping your belongings safe is our primary concern.