- How should I pack fragile items for long-term storage?
Wrap each fragile item individually in bubble wrap or packing paper, then pack them in sturdy boxes with cushioning material on all sides. Mark them ‘fragile’ on the outside.
- What items should not be stored in a storage container?
Avoid storing perishable food, flammable materials, or hazardous chemicals. Don’t store important documents, valuable jewelry, or irreplaceable items unless in a climate-controlled, highly secure facility.
- How do I prevent mould and mildew in my storage container?
Use moisture absorbers or desiccant packets throughout the container. Ensure all items are completely dry before storing. Leave gaps between items for air circulation, and never store items directly on the floor. Plastic bins provide better moisture protection than cardboard boxes, but ensure they have moisture absorbers inside them too.
- Should I stack boxes all the way to the ceiling?
Utilising vertical space maximises your storage capacity. But you don’t want a leaning tower of boxes that could topple- and keep heavier, more stable boxes, at the base.
- How can I make items easier to access in long-term storage?
Create a pathway through the middle or along one side of the container. Store frequently accessed items near the front and less-used items towards the back.
How are your tetris skills?
Packing a storage container efficiently can save you space (and therefore money), protect your belongings, and make finding things easier when you need specific items. Whether you’re storing household goods during a move or need long-term storage for business inventory, proper packing techniques make all the difference.
Plan Before You Pack
Before loading your storage container, create an inventory of everything you intend to store. Categorise items by size, weight, and access frequency. This helps you determine which items should be packed towards the front and which can go towards the back.
Get all your packing supplies together, including sturdy boxes in consistent sizes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and strong packing tape that you can easily find the end of. Uniform box sizes make stacking easier and more stable. Plastic bins offer superior protection against moisture (but you don’t want them to be completely water tight) and pests for long-term storage, whilst cardboard boxes work well for shorter periods.
Pack Boxes the Right Way
Use smaller boxes for heavy items like books, keeping each box under 20kg for safe lifting. Use larger boxes for lighter, bulky items such as bedding or seasonal clothing. Pack boxes tightly to prevent shifting, but don’t over-pack so they burst either.
Place heavier items at the bottom of each box with lighter items on top. Label every box clearly on at least two sides and the top, noting both contents and which room they came from.
Disassemble Large Furniture
Maximise space by breaking down large furniture pieces. Disassemble bed frames, tables, desks, and shelving units whenever possible. Keep all screws and hardware in labeled plastic bags taped to the furniture. Stand mattresses and table tops on their sides against walls to create more usable floor space.
Stack from Bottom to Top
When loading your container, think vertically. Create a stable base layer using your heaviest and largest items like bulky furniture. Place appliances and sturdier boxes along the floor, working from back to front.
Stack boxes floor to ceiling, always placing heavier boxes (all those books) at the bottom and lighter ones on top.
Leave an Access Pathway
While you want to get your money’s worth and use every centimetre of space, leave a narrow pathway through your container. This walkway allows you to access items at the back without unpacking everything in front. Keep your frequently accessed items near the front.
Protect Items from Damage
Long-term storage requires protection from environmental factors (Auckland’s rain, cough cough). You can put moisture absorbers or desiccant packets throughout your container or in boxes.
Seal all boxes properly with strong packing tape to keep out dust, moisture, and insects. At Safestore Containers, we also have rodent and pest control so that’s one less thing for you to worry about.
Leave refrigerator and oven doors slightly ajar (just put some cardboard in the gap to stop it closing) to improve air circulation and prevent mould.
Create a Detailed Inventory
Number each box and create an inventory list matching box numbers to contents and location. This becomes essential when you need to retrieve specific items months later. Consider taking photos or making a map of your packed container so you can visualise where everything is stored.
Self Storage That Keeps Auckland Organised
By following these basic packing techniques, you’ll maximise your storage container space, and keep your belongings organised, protected, and accessible throughout the storage period.
If you want a quote for a storage unit in Auckland, or if you need advice about specific items you want to put into storage, get in touch. We can help you with all your storage questions.