Self Storage Unit Tips: How to Pack and Organize Like a Pro

Plan What You’ll Store in Advance

Label Your Boxes for Easy Access

While you might think you will remember what you placed in each box, spoiler alert: you will forget! Therefore, to make sure you can easily access everything within your storage unit, label, label, and then label some more. In addition, label each box not only with what is in it but also in the room that it belongs in within your home. When you label, you save yourself the hassle of digging through box after box and trying to find something simple like a sheet set, for example.

Use Smaller Boxes For Heavier Items

Make sure that you store heavy items within smaller boxes. This will reduce the amount of weight per box. Keep in mind that you don’t want any one box to be so heavy that you can’t easily move it around the unit. This means paying special attention to heavier items and not grouping too many in one large box that then comes virtually unmovable.

Disassemble Furniture to Save Space

Even a unit that seems plenty spacious can quickly fill up when furniture is left assembled. However, to get the most out of your storage space, it's important to take the time to disassemble furniture. Make sure you keep screws and assembly directions with the furniture when you do this, so you can easily reassemble. If you can’t disassemble a particular item, such as a dresser, use it for storage. Just make sure that you take the drawers out when moving to prevent it from getting too heavy.

Keep Your Storage Unit Dry and

Moisture-Free

Moisture can mean that mold and mildew grow, which, of course, is not ideal for protecting items. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that anything that is stored within a storage unit is completely dry. For example, if you wash clothes or linens before they are stored, make sure they are completely dry before you store them. You can also add silica gel desiccant packets to any items that might be humidity-sensitive. If you plan on storing appliances, like washers or refrigerators, make sure that they are completely empty, dry, and clean, and leave the door or lid ajar before placing items in storage.

Protect Fragile Items With

Proper Packing

Take your time packing fragile items to protect them properly. Wrap them in bubble wrap and/or pad the boxes with packing paper. You can also use towels, blankets, and quilts to wrap fragile items. This can help you protect multiple items while serving a practical purpose. Just make sure you label the box to remind yourself that you have towels or other items in with fragile items serving as protection.

Leave Room to Move Around Your Unit

The idea of laying out how you want to store items within your storage unit should not necessarily be to have items placed in every square inch of space. In reality, you want to leave yourself room to access everything, which means that you need to create an aisle to the back. You can either have a single aisle or a few. Just make sure that you have some way to access everything within your unit. After all, if you can’t get to it, it makes it impossible to access your belongings without pulling items out of the way. Make things easier on yourself by placing items that you will need to access more often towards the front.

Clean Mattresses, Couches, and Chairs Before Storing

Storing furnishings properly will prevent them from getting damaged when in storage and ensure they will be in good condition when removed from storage. Make sure that you clean couches, chairs, and mattresses before they are placed in storage. For items like this, sprinkle with baking soda and then vacuum it up. Again, make sure that any items are completely and thoroughly dry before placing them in storage to prevent mold growth. It’s also a good idea to cover your mattress and even couches and chairs. Choose wraps that are breathable and thin. They even make mattress bags for storage purposes, which can be especially helpful for this task.

Find The Right Storage Unit at

Open City Self Storage

Put all the storage facility tips listed above into action to properly utilize your self-storage unit. When you are ready to rent a unit and put these tips into action, consider our units at Open City Self Storage for all your belongings. We proudly provide 24/7 video surveillance and hassle-free electronic gate entry. Our customer-centric account management also allows you to oversee unit payments online from anywhere at any time. Contact us today to find out more about our units, ranging from 5’x10 to 10’x30’ sizes for household storage, with specialty units for vehicles ranging from 10’x20’ to 10’x25’. Our flexible solutions meet your storage needs no matter if you are relocating, expanding a business, decluttering, or needing a unit for some other reason entirely.