Using a self-storage unit can be a great solution for decluttering your home, managing a move, or storing seasonal items. However, to truly benefit from this service, preparation is key. A comprehensive checklist will not only help you pack efficiently but also ensure that you have everything you need.

This guide covers essential packing materials, strategies for protecting your belongings, and tips for organising your storage unit effectively.

What You’ll need:

Knowing what you’ll need to pack your belongings can make a world of difference, especially when storing your belongings. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Boxes

Investing in a variety of sturdy boxes is crucial.

Small Boxes: Ideal for books, small appliances, and fragile items like glassware. Small boxes are easier to carry and reduce the risk of injury from overloading.

Medium Boxes: Great for clothing, shoes, and toys. These boxes provide enough space for moderately sized items without becoming too heavy.

Large Boxes: Use these for lighter, bulkier items such as bedding, blankets, or seasonal decorations. Remember that large boxes can get quite heavy quickly, so avoid overfilling them.

Bubble Wrap and Packing Paper

Protecting your items is essential when storing them.

Bubble Wrap: Perfect for wrapping delicate items like pottery, glassware, or electronic devices. It provides cushioning that helps prevent breakage.

Packing Paper: Use this for wrapping non-fragile items or filling empty spaces in boxes to prevent items from shifting during transport. You could even just use things like newspaper as your packing paper, the important take away is that your your things are properly cushioned.

Packing Tape

A strong, durable packing tape is necessary for securing your boxes. Look for tape that can withstand heavier items and is resistant to peeling. Duct tape is a great option as it’s more durable than simple celotape.

Labels and Markers

Labelling your boxes is a time-saver when you need to locate specific items in your storage unit.

Labels: Invest in labels to ensure that you can carefully organise your belongings, this will help with packing your storage. Consider colour-coding for different categories (e.g., kitchen items in green, clothes in blue).

Markers: Use permanent markers to clearly write the contents of each box on the label. Include any special instructions, like “Fragile” or “This Side Up.”. This will help you with packing, loading and unloading.

Furniture protection

When storing furniture, protecting your belongings is crucial. Here are some strategies to ensure your items remain in great condition:

Furniture Covers: Utilising protective covers or blankets can shield your furniture from dust, dirt, and potential scratches.

Couch and Chair Covers: These can be made from plastic, fabric, or even old sheets that you might have lying around. Ensure that all furniture is covered to avoid moisture damage and dust build-up!

Plastic Wrap: Plastic wrap is useful for securing furniture parts and preventing movement, it can also be used to wrap your furniture the same way covers do.

You can use plastic wrap to bundle together items with loose parts, such as a dining table and its legs. As mentioned previously, it can also be used to cover the entire piece of furniture for added protection.

Padding: For items with sharp edges, padding can provide essential protection.

One thing you can get is corner guards, these help to cover the edges of furniture. This helps prevent damage not only to the furniture but also to other items stored nearby.

Planning your Storage Unit

A well-organised storage unit can save you time and effort in the long run. Here are some strategies to keep everything in order:

Before filling your storage unit, take some time to plan how you’ll arrange everything.

• Store frequently used items near the entrance of the unit: This will help you later when accessing your storage, things you use should be easier to access while seasonal or rarely used items can go further back.
• Keep a list: Maintaining a list of stored items can be incredibly helpful. Consider using a simple spreadsheet or even just a notebook to keep track of your items. You could include details like the box numbers, fragile items or contents for a quick reference.

Items to Consider Storing

Deciding what to store is crucial, and will massively impact your planning and preparation. Here are some common items that you might decide to put in your self-storage unit:

Seasonal Clothing

Storing off-season clothes can free up valuable wardrobe space.

What you need:

• Rail, or boxes dpeending on how you intend to pack your clothing.
• Labels for identifying the contents of each bag or bin.
• Markers for clear writing on the labels.
• Hangers for items that need to retain their shape, like suits or dresses.

Sports Equipment

Sports enthusiasts often have a range of equipment that can take up significant space, for example: Bikes, kayaks, golf clubs, fishing gear and other gear can be safely stored until they are needed again. Make sure to clean and dry items before storing them to prevent mould.

What you need:

• Bags or padded cases for smaller equipment like golf clubs or fishing rods.
• Cleansers or wipes for wiping down equipment before storage.
• Bungee cords or tie-down straps for securing larger items like bikes or kayaks.
• Shelving or hooks for organised vertical storage within the unit.

Furniture

Furniture can take up considerable space, especially when you’re downsizing, moving, or redecorating. Self-storage is a great way to keep pieces you want to hold onto but aren’t currently using.

For example: Sofas, chairs, tables, beds, and dressers are commonly stored items. If you’re moving to a smaller space, you might need to store extra pieces until you can decide what to do with them.

What you need:

• Blankets or furniture covers for protection during storage.
• Bubble wrap for wrapping delicate parts or edges.
• Tape for securing furniture covers and protecting any loose parts.
• If you haven’t already, you may also need to bring for disassembling furniture, such as screwdrivers.

Our Storage Tip for furniture: Disassemble larger furniture whenever possible to save space and make transportation easier. Use blankets or furniture covers to protect items from dust and scratches, and consider wrapping legs and edges with bubble wrap for added protection.

Hobby Supplies

For those who enjoy hobbies or crafts, the materials can take up significant space, especially if you have multiple projects on the go. You should use labelled bins or containers to keep supplies organised. Consider creating a dedicated section in your unit for your hobbies, making it easier to access your belongings when inspiration strikes.

What you need

• Plastic bins or boxes for organising supplies.
• Labels for identifying the contents of each bin/box.
• Marking pens for writing on boxes
• You could also bring some shelving to create a dedicated space for your hobby items.

Appliances

Sometimes, kitchen appliances or other equipment can take up valuable counter or storage space in your home. For example, mixers, slow cookers, or seasonal appliances like ice cream makers or deep fryers might all be stored until they’re needed again.

Make sure you clean appliances thoroughly and dry them before storing to prevent any moisture-related issues.

What you need:

• Boxes or bubble wrap for cushioning and protecting appliances.
• Cleaning supplies to ensure each item is free from residue before storage.
• Labels to indicate the type of appliance in each box.

Final thoughts

Proper preparation is essential for a successful self-storage experience. By following this checklist and gathering the right packing materials, you can ensure that your belongings are stored safely and efficiently. A little planning goes a long way in creating a smooth storage process. For example, having an idea or ideally a list of the things you want to pack gives you an idea of what you’ll need to prepare for packing these belongings. With everything in place and pre-prepared, you’ll be ready to tackle your storage needs without any problems!.