How To Prepare Your Belongings For Self-Storage
Self-storage can be a lifesaver when you're in the midst of a house move, renovating your home, or simply needing to declutter your space.
Whether you’re looking for a short-term solution or a long-term fix, knowing how to properly prepare your belongings for storage is important for keeping them in top condition.
By following these steps, you can make the whole process stress-free—and ensure that your items stay safe and sound for as long as you need.
And when you’re ready to store, The Box Co. is here to help you every step of the way. From collection services to secure, climate-controlled facilities, we’ve got everything covered.
1. Clean Everything First
One of the most important parts of packing anything for storage is to make sure it’s all clean.
Whether it’s your furniture, clothes, or kitchenware, giving everything a good clean will help to prevent dust and dirt from settling in while your items are tucked away. This is especially important if you’re storing things for a long period.
For furniture storage, wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth and use a gentle cleaner to remove any stains or dirt.
Give your upholstery a good vacuum, and if necessary, use fabric cleaner to freshen things up. Don’t forget appliances like fridges or microwaves—make sure they’re thoroughly cleaned and dry to avoid any musty smells or mildew forming over time.
Pro tip: Dry everything completely before packing to prevent dampness, mould, or mildew from building up in storage. A few extra minutes spent drying could save your items from serious damage.
2. Disassemble Large Items
Next up is disassembling any large furniture items that can be taken apart. This includes things like bed frames, tables, and wardrobes. Not only will this help save space in your storage unit, but it also reduces the risk of damage while in transit or storage.
Make sure to keep all screws, bolts, and small parts in labelled plastic bags, and tape them to the corresponding furniture. This way, when it comes time to put everything back together, you won’t be left scratching your head wondering where all the pieces have gone!
The Box Co. also offers a packing service, where our team can expertly disassemble and wrap your furniture, saving you the hassle and ensuring everything is stored safely.
3. Use High-Quality Packing Materials
When it comes to storing your belongings, you’ll want to invest in sturdy, reliable packing materials.
Cheap boxes might seem like a good idea at the time, but they often collapse or degrade over time, especially in long-term storage. You don’t want to arrive back at your storage unit to find your belongings in a crumpled mess.
Use strong cardboard boxes for most items, and for more delicate or valuable things like mirrors, artwork, or electronics, use bubble wrap, moving blankets, or specially designed protective covers. If you’re storing clothes, consider using wardrobe boxes to keep them in shape and protected from dust and creases.
At The Box Co., we provide all the packing materials you’ll need, from sturdy boxes to bubble wrap, tape, and labels—making your packing experience seamless.
4. Label Your Boxes Clearly
Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later if you take the time to label each box clearly.
It might be tempting to skip this step when you’re in the middle of a busy move, but it’s important for staying organised. Instead of just labelling a box "Kitchen", be specific—write "pots, pans, utensils" so you can easily find what you need when unpacking.
And don’t forget to mark any fragile items as “FRAGILE” so that everyone handling them knows to take extra care.
5. Pack Strategically
It’s tempting to just pile everything into your storage unit as quickly as possible, but packing your unit strategically will save you time and effort down the road.
Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter, more delicate items on top. If you’re storing things you’ll need access to frequently, make sure those items are placed near the front of the unit.
If your storage unit is large enough, consider leaving a small aisle so you can access things at the back without having to unpack the whole lot.
At The Box Co., we do all the hard work for you. We collect, store and re-deliver your items - ensuring you only pay for the space you use!
6. Avoid Storing Dangerous Items
Before packing up your items, make sure you know what you can and can’t store. Most storage facilities, including The Box Co., have restrictions on certain items for safety reasons. For example, flammable materials like petrol, gas canisters, or fireworks are not allowed, as are perishable foods or plants.
If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask—we’re always happy to clarify and make sure your items are suitable for storage.
7. Consider Insurance Coverage
While storage facilities like The Box Co. take security very seriously, with 24/7 surveillance and secure access, accidents can happen.
That’s why it’s worth considering insurance coverage for your more valuable items, giving you peace of mind in case of any unexpected damage or loss.
The Box Co. offers insurance as part of our storage services, so you can rest easy knowing your belongings are protected.
8. Choose The Right Storage Provider
Finally, when it comes to storing your belongings, choosing the right storage provider is important.
At The Box Co., we offer flexible storage solutions to meet your needs. Whether you’re storing a few boxes or a whole house worth of furniture, we provide a collection service, secure units, and flexible contracts to suit your timeline.
Plus, our storage units are climate-controlled, meaning your items are protected from temperature fluctuations that could cause damage.
With The Box Co., self-storage is simple, secure, and hassle-free.
Ready To Get Started?
If you’re looking for safe, reliable storage, The Box Co. is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your storage needs, and let us take the stress out of storing your belongings.
From packing materials to collection services and security, we’ve got everything you need for a seamless storage experience!