Storing your stuff isn’t just about tossing it in a unit and calling it a day — far from it. There’s an art to packing and stacking it all.
Without a good game plan, you might end up in a jumble of boxes, wondering where on earth your camping gear ended up and why you keep hearing broken glass when moving boxes from the truck to the unit.
If you are storing your goods for more than three months or so, you will want to take even more care when it comes to wrapping and organizing your belongings. The longer your items are stored, the more they may be subjected to dust, pests or temperature fluctuations. But if you prepare your items correctly for storage, they should last for many years to come.
Preparing Items for Long-Term Self-Storage
Before you start packing, clean and inspect every item. Pay extra attention to appliances and furniture, as cleaning them may not be as straightforward as washing a shirt or a plate.
- Defrost and then clean freezers or refrigerators using a mix of bleach and baking soda. After you scrub them down, leave their doors open to keep the air moving.
- Vacuum all the nooks and crannies of your furniture items and give them a good polish. Wooden pieces especially love this as it keeps the mold at bay.
With everything clean, it’s time for a brief decluttering session, sorting items into three main piles: Keep, Throw Away and Donate/Sell. As much as you’d like to keep it all, some things are better off with a new owner. Plus, you’ll get to rent a smaller storage space and save some bucks along the way.
While at it, take a minute to also check out the storage facility’s no-fly list. Flammables like gasoline or paint, perishables and certain chemicals are usually a big no-no. When in doubt, ask.
Long-term Packing Essentials at Your Service
Packing starts with a plan and the right supplies. Knowing how to use them effectively is crucial to keep your items in tip-top shape.
Use boxes of the same size to make stacking a breeze and optimize your storage space.
- Avoid plastic bags at all costs as they trap moisture and can cause mildew or mold.
- If you opt for plastic bins (and you should, because they’re sturdy), make sure they have air holes to prevent moisture buildup.
Time for the packing essentials:
| Material | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Sturdy boxes | Heavy-duty cardboard or plastic, they are essential for all items, providing structure and protection. Use boxes of the same size to make stacking a breeze and optimize your storage space. |
| Packing tape | Secures boxes and prevents opening. Press tape down with your fingers to seal up boxes. Avoid shipping tape, which isn’t designed to hold up overtime. |
| Bubble wrap | Protects fragile items from shocks when moving. Caution: It can lead to moisture buildup in long-term storage. |
| Packing paper | Ball up sheets of packing paper or newsprint to fill empty spaces in boxes to prevent item movement, while still allowing airflow. Avoid styrofoam packing peanuts as they are a mess to deal with and have negative impacts on the environment. |
Now, add a marker to your shopping list of packing supplies and get labeling:
- Label boxes on all sides and don’t skimp on details. Include what’s inside and whether the contents are fragile. You’ll handle them better when moving in and out of storage, plus you won’t struggle remembering what went where.
- Take labeling one step further and keep a detailed list of what’s in each box. This can be done through an app or a traditional checklist.
- Create a map of where everything is located within your storage unit, especially if on the large side. Put this mini blueprint at the entrance and keep a copy for yourself.
How To Pack Different Items for Storage
The point of putting items in long-term self-storage is to keep them safe until you need them again. And keeping them safe often starts with packing each item according to their whims. Arm yourself with patience and cater to each of these categories as best you can.
Packing furniture for long-term storage
From dressers to couches, furniture is one of the most commonly stored categories of items.
Whenever possible, disassemble furniture to save space and prevent damage:
- Remove legs from tables, take apart bed frames and separate sectional sofas.
- If you’ve kept the assembly instructions for those IKEA pieces, now it’s time to follow them in reverse order. If you don’t have the instructions, you may still find them online.
- Keep all screws, bolts and small parts in a labeled bag attached to the piece of furniture they belong to.
Cover up what you cannot disassemble. Furniture covers or old blankets may be just what it takes to protect surfaces from scratches and dust.
For extra protection, wrap pieces in bubble wrap or secure with plastic stretch wrap to keep drawers and doors closed during transport. Plastic wrap can help hold furniture blankets in place, just be sure to leave some gaps for proper airflow.
Packing electronics for long-term storage
The best-case scenario is if you’ve kept the original packaging for your electronics, as their boxes are designed for just that: protecting those exact items during transport.
If the original packaging isn’t available, create a padded environment using bubble wrap, packing paper or foam inserts until you notice that the items no longer move inside the box.
Throw in some small silica packs to absorb moisture, especially if your storage unit is not climate-controlled. However, for long-term storage of electronics it is recommend you choose a unit that keeps the temps and humidity under control.
Packing clothing and fabrics for long-term storage
In the prep phase, you already made sure that all clothing and fabric items are washed, but don’t forget to also let them completely dry before packing to prevent mildew.
For long-term storage, use vacuum-sealed bags to save space and protect garments from dust, pests and moisture. Delicate fabrics that don’t fair well in a tight vacuum-sealed wrap can be rolled in breathable fabric bags or hung in specially designed wardrobe boxes. Use silica packets and herbal sachets to prevent moisture and pests.
Packing fragile items for long-term storage
It’s a broad term, but all fragile items, benefit from good individual wrapping.
- Use bubble wrap, plastic stretch wrap or acid-free packing paper and pay extra attention to corners and handles.
- Use double-walled boxes for added strength and cushion the bottom.
- Label these boxes clearly with “Fragile” and “This Side Up” stickers to ensure careful handling and correct positioning in the truck and unit.
- Got mirrors to handle? Put strips of masking tape on them in an X shape to absorb shock and prevent the glass from shattering. If you don’t have a proper box for it, wrap it in cardboard.
Packing documents for long-term storage
If you’re going to put important documents in storage, make sure they are stored in waterproof and fireproof containers. Also be sure to opt for a climate-controlled unit.
Storage Space Optimization Tips
Wondering how to make the most of your storage space down to every square inch? Use vertical space, fill gaps wisely and plan a strategic layout.
- Use standalone shelving units, as this can drastically increase the usable space. If not, make full use of the height of your storage unit by stacking boxes up to the ceiling. You can do this securely if you put the heaviest boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top, alternating box seams in a brick-wall pattern.
- Always plan for an aisle down the center or along one side of your storage unit. While you may be tempted to fill every little space with boxes and bins, this aisle will provide easy access to all items, especially those you might need to retrieve more frequently. Speaking of, place items you’ll need to access regularly near the entrance.
- Don’t rely solely on packaging materials to fill gaps inside bins and boxes — use soft items you’re already planning to store. Towels, blankets and winter clothes can cushion fragile items effectively without taking up extra room in a separate box.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Self-Storage
Are you stashing your stuff for a short sprint or a long haul? The thing is, how you pack and prepare can vary significantly and you may need to adapt your storage strategy based on the duration of storage. With short-term storage you can often do a little bit less preparation and not have to worry about the damage that can occur with prolonged storage.
If you’re planning for long-term storage, read our guide on long-term storage costs to better understand what kind of pricing to expect and how to budget effectively.
| Consideration | Short-Term Storage | Long-Term Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Necessary protection | Dust covers or simple sheets for furniture. | Sturdy, durable boxes with added moisture protection. |
| Inventory management | Keep an inventory list. | Keep a more detailed inventory and consider using an app. |
| Moisture control | Less critical but still important to keep items dry. | Use silica gel packs, sealed boxes and moisture absorbers. |
| Climate control | Necessary only for storing sensitive items briefly. | Highly recommended for temperature and humidity-sensitive items like electronics, documents and wooden furniture. |
| Box quality | Standard boxes can do the trick, but it’s best to get heavy-duty ones and reuse them. | High-quality, sturdy boxes are a must to withstand long-term stacking and storage conditions. |
Now You Know How To Pack for Storage
Whether it’s for a hot minute or a long freeze, how you pack plays a big role in keeping your stuff in prime condition.
Make sure everything’s clean, shiny and dry before wrapping it to go and don’t skimp on packing supplies, it’s a small price to pay. Grab sturdy boxes, cushion all the breakables for the ride and label everything like a boss.
Once at the storage unit, find ways to maximize that space while keeping it accessible and map it out. No one wants to play Jenga when grabbing the holiday decorations, right?
Just so that you don’t forget: Invest in climate-controlled units for the sake of everything you cherish in there. Keep it cool, keep it dry and keep it organized.
