The ultimate guide to packing and organizing a storage unit

Moving to a new city, downsizing to a smaller house, or decluttering? You must understand how to pack and arrange a storage unit to store additional furniture, get winter clothing out of the way, and conceal that extra refrigerator. Continue reading to learn how to safeguard your furniture from damage, optimize space, and prevent your favorite sweater from vanishing forever in the sea of boxes in your storage unit.

What should you do before packing my stuff for storage?

Before you can learn how to pack and arrange large storage units, you must first prepare your storage unit to store your stuff. Here’s everything you need to do to prepare to pack and arrange a storage unit, from cleaning your storage space to taking inventory of your stuff.

Make sure your storage unit has adequate room

If you’ve already reserved a storage unit, double-check that your goods will fit before you begin packing. You don’t want to begin packing and arranging your storage unit just to come home with only half of your possessions because they don’t fit.

Make a note of how much furniture you’ll be putting in your storage unit, as well as an estimate of how many boxes and other objects you’ll need to fit. Consider how much room these goods will need and then compare it to the available space. Will everything fit, or will you have to prioritize and get rid of certain items? Remember that while packing and arranging a storage unit, you can fit a lot in if you prepare ahead of time.

Check to see whether your storage unit has temperature control

Whether or whether you booked a climate-controlled area can influence how you pack and arrange your storage unit. You’ll spend less time storing your possessions for best safety if your storage space is enclosed and temperature controlled. The temperature control system will keep mildew and other weather-related issues at bay. However, if your storage unit is not climate-controlled, consider if it is worth the danger of storing valuables such as pricey apparel, electronics, and instruments in your storage unit. If you do decide to store these valuables, you must be very cautious about how you pack them in your storage container.

Clean your storage space thoroughly

Make sure your storage unit is clean and free of damage before selecting how to load it. Examine the walls and roof of the unit for cracks, sharp edges, and leaks. After that, sweep the floor. Scrub the walls and floor with soap or a disinfectant if you want to be extra careful. If your unit is not temperature controlled or located outside, you might consider laying a tarp or wooden pallets on the ground to protect your items from weather and vermin.

Clean anything that will be placed in the storage container

If you keep anything unclean, it will only get dirtier when you unpack it two, four, or twelve months later. Don’t forget to clean, wash, and dust your possessions before deciding how to pack and arrange your storage container. Here are a few things to remember:

• Wash and remove any stains from clothing;

• Wipe down and wax wood furniture;

• Clean leather furniture with a leather cleaner or mild soap; and

• Scrub fabric-covered furniture with an antibacterial cleaner and allow it to dry completely.

• Wipe off the interior and exterior of the appliances, and if necessary, perform a final wash cycle with bleach or vinegar.

Take inventory of what you’re bringing

Make a note of what’s going into the storage facility before your valuables are lost forever in a sea of boxes. You won’t have to spend hours trying to recall whether your favorite winter sweater is in your closet or your storage unit if you have an inventory list. Before deciding how to pack and arrange your storage unit, make a list of what is being relocated and include the information below on that list.

• When relevant, photos of serial numbers, model numbers, and brand logos

• A short description of the object, including any pre-move damage

• The relative monetary worth of pricey products (in case items are stolen from your unit)

• Where and how you packaged the item (in a box, storage bin, or something else)

• The storage facility’s name and address