Packing and Storage Tips

At Affordable Self Storage, we know moving homes or offices can be a hassle. Even experienced movers can feel overwhelmed by packing, organizing, and transporting belongings. To help bring some order to your move, check out our expert packing and storage tips below.

Create an Inventory

Avoid any surprises when moving in or out by making an inventory of everything you’re storing. This helps you stay organized, provides a clear idea of how much space you’ll need, and serves as a checklist while packing. If you want to go the extra mile, note where each box is placed in your storage unit so you can easily find them later.

Utilize a Storage Unit Size Guide

Not sure how much space you’ll need? No problem. Affordable Self Storage provides a helpful size guide, complete with 3D graphics and estimates of what can fit in each unit. It’s an easy way to plan ahead and accurately estimate the amount of space you’ll need.

Use Sturdy, Uniform Boxes

If you’re packing up a whole house, you’ll likely have a lot of boxes. To make stacking and organizing easier, use sturdy boxes that are roughly the same size and shape. Old or frequently reused boxes are prone to collapsing, which can damage your belongings and make your storage unit harder to manage. Using boxes of similar sizes and shapes, however, will help you stack safely and efficiently.

Pack Light and Tight

Uniform boxes are great, but if they’re packed poorly, they won’t stack well. Overpacking causes boxes to bulge and lose their shape, while underpacking can lead to collapsing. Fill any extra space with packing paper or newspaper to keep items from shifting during the move.

Keep boxes light when possible, with a maximum weight of 30 pounds. Place heavier items at the bottom of each box and the overall stack. This keeps your base sturdy and protects lighter items from being crushed.

Wrap Fragile Items Well

Even tightly packed boxes need special care when handling your fragile possessions. To help prevent delicate items, such as glassware and dishes, from breaking, wrap them in packing paper or foam. Spending a few extra minutes wrapping could help protect your belongings from unexpected bumps or falls.

Label Everything

Nothing slows down the unpacking process like having to open every box just to find one thing. To help streamline your move, organize your containers by category and room and label them accordingly.

Disassemble Large Furniture

Storage units have plenty of space, but it’s still important to be smart about how you use it. Large furniture like beds or desks can take up a lot of room if left fully assembled. Breaking them down makes them easier to move and helps you make the most of your storage unit.

When disassembling, don’t forget basic prep like cleaning, wrapping, and elevating furniture off the ground. Use furniture pads or moving blankets to help prevent scratching. If you’re storing items for an extended period or during hot months, consider renting a climate-controlled storage unit to help shield them from temperature fluctuations.

Rent a Convenient Self Storage Unit From Affordable Self Storage

The best storage advice we can give? Choose a self storage provider that cares about you, not just your storage needs. Affordable Self Storage is locally owned and operated, and we’re proud to serve Kentucky residents with friendly, around-the-clock customer service.
Whether you’re downsizing, renovating, or in between homes, our affordable storage units are here to make your move easier. Contact us today or find a location near you, and we’ll help you start your storage journey the right way!