Storage and Packing Tips

Learn the best techniques for efficiently packing and organizing your belongings within your Right Move Storage unit with our expert tips! Read on for strategies to maximize your space and confidently store a variety of delicate items.

Gather Your Packing Materials

Make sure to gather all the packing materials you’ll need before you start wrapping your items. These necessary packing materials include:

Consider keeping a pair of scissors and box cutters in your storage unit if you need to reopen a box. It’s also a good idea to have some Ziploc bags for small hardware pieces, a tape measure for accuracy, a tool kit for taking apart furniture, old blankets, extra towels for cushioning, and some trash bags.

Tips for Packing Your Belongings for Self Storage

Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary supplies, it’s time to pack your items! Whether you’re dealing with delicate vintage glassware, bulky old college textbooks, or heavy lawn equipment, our expert tips will guide you through the process of securely packing these household items for storage.

How To Pack Common Household Items

  1. Clothing. Hang clothes in wardrobe boxes, or fold and store them in clear plastic bins for easy identification.
  2. Dishes and Glassware. Wrap each dish or glass in packing paper or Bubble Wrap, placing crumpled paper at the bottom of boxes for cushioning. Use dish-pack boxes with cell dividers for added protection.
  3. Books. Pack books flat in small, sturdy boxes to prevent damage to spines, but don’t overpack as the boxes will become too heavy to lift.
  4. Furniture. Disassemble larger pieces and keep the hardware in clearly labeled bags if possible. Wrap furniture in moving blankets or Bubble Wrap and use stretch wrap to keep drawers shut.
  5. Electronics. Use a sturdy, well-padded box and clearly label it as fragile. Wrap your electronics in anti-static Bubble Wrap and fill empty spaces with packing peanuts. Avoid stacking heavy items on top.
  6. Appliances. Clean and completely dry to prevent mold and mildew. Secure all moving parts with tape and wrap them in Bubble Wrap. We also recommend storing appliances upright and not stacking other belongings on them. 

How To Pack Unusually Sized Household Items

  1. Mirrors. Fully wrap your mirrors in Bubble Wrap and use packing tape to keep the wrapping from slipping off. When you place your mirrors in storage, keep them upright and braced against a wall to keep them from falling over.
  2. Bicycles. Clean your bike with a washcloth and soapy water, then air dry it thoroughly. Remove the pedals and handlebars for additional space. Cover the bike with a blanket or plastic sheet to prevent scratches and dust buildup.
  3. Lawn equipment. Drain all the fuel from any gas-powered equipment like lawnmowers and add a fuel stabilizer. Use soapy water, towels, and a brush to remove dirt buildup, grime, and yard debris. We also recommend covering your equipment with a tarp to prevent dust accumulation.
  4. Tools. Clean and dry off each tool to reduce the risk of rust. Wrap any tool with blades in Bubble Wrap, old rags, or towels.
  5. Holiday decorations. Use clear plastic bins with lids to prevent moisture. Wrap fragile ornaments in Bubble Wrap or old towels, and fill any empty space in the bin with crumpled packing paper. Consider adding a label or a detailed list of contents for additional organization.
  6. Musical instruments. If possible, store instruments in hard cases. Loosen strings on guitars, violins, and other string instruments to reduce tension on the neck and body top, preventing warping and bulging. Wrapping your instruments in Bubble Wrap provides even more peace of mind while they’re in storage.
  7. Wine. To keep wine from spoiling, store it in a climate-controlled unit and use wine storage boxes or racks to keep the bottles secure and horizontal. Avoid storing near items that could fall and break the bottles.

How Should I Pack My Storage Unit?

After you’ve found the perfect storage unit size for your well-packed boxes, consider how often you plan to visit the space. If you need to grab and swap belongings frequently, create a storage unit map or labeling system. The more organized your storage unit is, the better you can locate your belongings quickly.

If you don’t intend to visit your storage unit often, you have more flexibility with how to pack it, but we still have some tips to simplify your experience! Begin by creating a sturdy base with the heaviest boxes and bulkiest furniture, stacking lighter items on top. Stack boxes only as high as you can reach, ensuring you make clear aisles between boxes for easy maneuvering.

Considering Climate Control

If you want to shield your temperature-sensitive belongings from intense heat and cold, a climate-controlled storage unit is a valuable investment. These specialized units maintain a stable environment year-round to reduce the risk of warping, bending, fading, tearing, melting, and other damage due to extreme temperatures. This is particularly beneficial for delicate items such as:

Properly Pack and Store Your Belongings With Right Move Storage

By following our in-depth packing guidelines and storage recommendations, you can quickly and efficiently maximize the available space in your home or business. Find out more about our storage process with our FAQ page, or check out our first-time storage user’s guide if you’re new to renting!
Discover a Right Move Storage facility near you—we have storage facilities in California, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas! Or, contact us to speak to a friendly storage associate.