You may have decided or been forced to move out of your home before you’re ready. Or you may simply have too much stuff and nowhere to put it. Whatever your reason for wanting or needing to store some of your belongings, there are a few things you should do to ensure that everything is packed properly and will stay safe while in storage.

Packing for storage can be a daunting task, but if you take the time to do it right, you’ll be thankful later when everything is still in one piece. Here are some tips on how to pack your belongings for storage:

  • Choose the right size storage unit. You don’t want to pay for space you’re not using, but you also don’t want your belongings crammed into a too-small unit. Make sure to measure the items you’ll be storing and compare those dimensions to the available storage units. For example, storage units typically come in 3×5, 5×5, 5×10, 10×10, and 10×20 sizes.
  • Get rid of anything you don’t need or want. This is a good opportunity to declutter your life and get rid of anything you no longer use or need. Sell, donate, or trash anything that you won’t be taking with you to your new home.
  • Choose the right packing materials. Boxes come in all different sizes and materials. Make sure to choose boxes that are sturdy enough to hold your belongings and the right size so they’re not too difficult to move around. You’ll also need packing paper, bubble wrap, and tape.
  • Pack carefully. Take your time packing each box so that everything is securely wrapped and won’t move around during transport or while in storage. Label each box with its contents and the room it came from so you can easily find what you need later.
  • Protect your belongings from moisture. If you’re storing anything sensitive to moisture, like electronics or photos, make sure to wrap them in waterproof materials or store them in a moisture-proof container.
  • Consider renting a climate-controlled storage unit. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures or high humidity, consider renting a storage unit that is climate controlled. This will help protect your belongings from damage caused by extreme weather conditions.
  • Make a list of everything you’re storing. This will come in handy if you ever need to file an insurance claim or report something stolen. Keep a detailed inventory of everything in your storage unit, including a description of each item, the date it was stored, and its value.

By following these simple tips, you can be sure that your belongings will be packed properly and stay safe while in storage. Storage units are a great way to free up space in your home or office, but only if you pack them correctly. With a little planning and care, you can rest assured that your things will be just as you left them when you’re ready to retrieve them.