Self storage units are quite self explanatory – it is a storage space, you rent, in order to store certain items. But it is very important that you pack your storage unit in a way that is organised and efficient. This will help to make using your storage unit much easier as you will know what is in the unit, where everything is and you will be able to access items, if and when you need to. 

Within this article we are going to talk you through the essential tips of how to pack a self storage unit.

1: Plan Your Layout Beforehand

Before you begin bringing your items to your storage unit, it is important to have a layout plan drawn up beforehand. This does not have to be anything complicated. You simply need to have a solid plan of what is going to go where in your storage unit. 

Having a layout will benefit you and whomever else will be accessing your unit because it allows you all to know where everything is within the unit. 

When it comes to actually planning your layout, you first need to think about what you are storing. 

Is everything going to be in boxes? Will there be any furniture? Would shelves or racks help?

If you are going to be storing furniture, it is a good idea to dismantle these items (if you can) and place them up against walls. With boxes, you will want to place heavier items on the bottom, if you plan to just stack them on top of each other. You will want to leave a path at the front and down the middle of the storage unit to allow you access to your items. Any items you need to frequently access need to be at the front of the unit. 

If you plan to use shelving or a rack, which is a very good idea if you are using your unit for business stock, you will still want to decide what is going on each shelf. If it is business stock, this is super important as it will make running your business so much easier. 

Once you have a finalised layout, draw or write where everything is going and then place a copy of layout at the front of your unit. 

2: Use Uniform Box Sizes for Easy Stacking

When it comes to the boxes you choose, you will want to find or buy strong, high quality boxes that are a similar size and shape. This will help with stacking and allow you to maximise the space within your storage unit. 

There are many different places that you can source boxes for free – asking your local supermarket, looking on Freecycle, asking friends or family, trying mobile apps such as Olio and so much more. Check out our article for more tips. 

The only trouble that comes with getting boxes for free is that you cannot know how many times they have already been used. It is very important that you look at each box and check that it is still in good condition and will keep your items safe within your unit. 

If you would prefer to buy your boxes, then our Box Shop will be the perfect place to buy them from. All our cardboard boxes are strong, multi-walled boxes that will help to keep all your items safe  from being damaged.  

3: Label Everything Clearly

After you have your boxes, you must remember to label each one clearly as you pack. This will make your life so much easier when you bring your items to your unit and when  retrieve your items from your unit. 

With clear labels you will be able to easily stick to your layout plan, placing items you need to access more often at the front of the unit. When it comes to unpacking your items, you will be able to get the items you need more urgently, quickly and efficiently. 

When it comes to the actual labels, you could write a content description on each box or you could number each box and write a list, detailing what is in each box. If you decide to use numbers, you will want to make a copy of your list detailing what is in each numbered box and place this with your layout, at the front of your unit.

4: Prioritise Accessibility for Frequently Used Items

If there are some items that you are storing in your unit that you need to have regular access to, these items need to be placed in a place which is easily accessible. 

A great place to place these items is at the front of your unit, with nothing on top of them or blocking your way to them. This will make your life much easier. 

If other people are helping you move into your storage unit, remember to let them know where everything goes within your layout and to place the items you need to get to regularly at the front of the unit. 

5: Implement Vertical Storage Solutions

It is important to maximise all the space within your storage unit so make sure to use the vertical space as well as the horizontal. 

You can make use of the vertical space very easily, by simply stacking your boxes on top of each other. You must do this in a safe way, placing the heavier boxes on the bottom and not going so high that the boxes could fall and hurt you or someone else. 

Another way to make the most of the vertical space is to add shelving. This will allow you to go higher as the boxes/items will be safely stored on shelving. When accessing high items make sure to use ladders and to have some with you to hold the ladder.

How To Pack A Self-Storage Unit

When it comes to packing your self storage unit it is important that, before you begin bringing items to your unit, you have a layout planned out, making sure to place frequently used items at the front of the unit. This will allow your unit to be organised and efficient. To make the layout work even better make sure to label each of your boxes in a clear manner. 

When it comes to the boxes themselves, make sure to find or buy high quality, strong boxes that are a similar size. This will allow you to stack them on top of each other and make use of the vertical space. You could also add shelving or racks. This will help you to use the vertical space and keep your unit tidy and organised.

We hope you have found our ‘How to pack a self storage unit’ tips helpful. If you would like to know more about the self storage we have on offer, please click here to find your local store.