Packing and Storage Tips

No matter if you’re storing your belongings for the short or long term, it’s crucial to properly pack them before moving everything to a storage unit. Being prepared with the necessary packing and moving supplies is key to a smooth move-in and self storage experience.

Go Store It Self Storage is here to offer some helpful packing tips and storage hacks for keeping your possessions protected in your storage unit.

Packing Tips for Moving into Your Storage Unit

For maximum convenience, protection, and space efficiency, reference the following packing tips to help get your things ready for storage:

• Use bubble wrap, newspaper, or packing peanuts to fill empty spaces inside boxes.
• Use bubble wrap or newspaper to wrap dishes, glassware, electronics, furniture legs, and other delicate items.
• Use furniture covers or pads for all mattresses, upholstery, and furniture legs.
• Pack books, files, and other heavy items flat in small boxes for easier handling.
• Store clothing in a wardrobe box or on hangers.
• Consider packing and storing records, CDs, DVDs, video games, and other physical media in well-sealed boxes or airtight plastic containers for extra protection.
• Utilize valuable empty space inside of items such as large appliances, dresser drawers, or trash cans. Tape drawers and lids shut to ensure nothing falls out.
• Use packing tape to tightly seal boxes and prevent the presence of dust and debris on belongings.
• To save time unpacking, label every box on every side with a bold marker—listing both its contents and the room to which it’s going. Clearly notate boxes that contain fragile things, too, so they don’t get placed under heavier items.

Self Storage Tips and Tricks

To get the most out of your storage unit—and help ensure your stored items remain in good shape—reference the following self storage tips:

• Wrap lamp bases in protective covering, and store lampshades separately.
• Thoroughly clean and dry electronics in addition to appliances such as stoves and refrigerators, and store with their doors slightly open to encourage airflow.
• To prevent rust, wipe down metal surfaces with a few drops of machine oil.
• Use pallets to stack your boxes on, and avoid placing them directly onto the floor—as this may cause humidity damage due to poor airflow throughout the unit.
• When packing your storage unit, create a center aisle to easily access what you need and store the things you’ll need most frequently toward the front.
• Opt to store temperature-sensitive items in a climate-controlled storage unit.
• Always use a high-quality lock on your unit.

What Not to Keep in Your Storage Unit

Even though a storage rental is your space to use, there are still some basic ground rules. You should refrain from using a storage unit to store anything that falls into the following categories:

• Hazardous items like chemicals, toxic materials, flammables, or explosives
• Food and other perishable items
• Pets and other animals (including yourself!)