Renting one of our storage units is a great way to keep your belongings safe during a move, renovation, or decluttering process. But without a good strategy, your unit can quickly become a chaotic mess, making it difficult to find what you need. Whether you’re storing items short-term or long-term, these expert tips will help you pack your storage unit efficiently and maximize every inch of space.
1. Choose the Right Size Unit
Before you start packing, make sure you have the right-sized storage unit. A unit that’s too small will force you to stack items unsafely, while an oversized unit may mean wasted money. Here’s a quick guide:
- 5×5 or 5×10: Ideal for boxes, seasonal decorations, or a few small furniture items.
- 10×10 or 10×15: Great for apartment-sized moves or storing furniture and appliances.
- 10×20 or larger: Perfect for storing a full home’s worth of belongings.
2. Create an Organized Layout Plan
Think of your storage unit like a real-life version of Tetris. Before you start loading, plan where items will go:
✅ Place heavier, less-used items in the back (furniture, large boxes).
✅ Keep frequently used items in the front for easy access.
✅ Leave a walkway down the middle so you don’t have to move everything to reach one item.
3. Use Uniform-Sized Boxes & Stack Smartly
Mixing different box sizes can create unstable stacks, wasting space and increasing the risk of things toppling over. Use sturdy, uniform boxes and stack heavier boxes at the bottom with lighter ones on top. For added stability, stack in rows from back to front.
4. Take Advantage of Vertical Space
Maximize storage by stacking items vertically. Use shelving units inside the unit to safely store boxes and fragile items without crushing them.
5. Disassemble Large Furniture
Break down beds, tables, and other large furniture to save space. Store table legs in labeled bags and tape them to the furniture they belong to so nothing gets lost.
6. Use Vacuum-Sealed Bags for Clothes & Linens
Bulky items like blankets, winter coats, and pillows take up unnecessary space. Use vacuum-sealed bags to shrink them down and store them efficiently.
7. Label Everything Clearly
You’ll thank yourself later when you can find what you need without opening every box. Use large, bold labels or color-coded stickers to categorize boxes by room or item type.
8. Protect Fragile & Valuable Items
Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and use padding to prevent breakage. If storing valuable documents or electronics, consider climate-controlled storage to prevent damage from humidity.
9. Use Drawers & Hollow Spaces for Extra Storage
Maximize space by packing smaller items inside furniture drawers, cabinets, and even appliances. Just be sure to prop open appliance doors slightly to prevent mold and odors.
10. Keep an Inventory List
Create a master list of what’s in your storage unit, either on paper or digitally. This will help you track items and avoid unnecessary digging when you need something.
Need Storage for Your Move? We’ve Got You Covered!
An efficiently packed storage unit saves time, money, and frustration. If you need moving and storage solutions in South Jersey, our team is here to help. Contact us today for expert moving and storage services!
