Packing items for storage doesn’t need to be hard.
There are simple steps to follow that can make you the storage queen or king.
It’s essential to develop a system here, grouping like items together, and labelling boxes could save you a whole heap of time when it finally comes time to take your packages out of storage.
To up the ante, have a list of what is included in each box written on the outside.
You could have many boxes labelled ‘kitchen,’ but that might prove confusing when you’re looking for that specific stone frying pan.
Sensible box stacking
Stack the boxes with the heaviest at the bottom, and this will help by not adding extra weight to the lighter boxes, potentially causing damage.
Also, by having the more delicate items on top, this makes it easier when it comes time for unloading, as the lighter items will be easier to take down.
Can you imagine taking down a box that weighs over 100 kg from a stack that is perhaps 5-7 boxes high?
Save yourself the effort and potential injuries.
Cover fragile things
For fragile or brittle items, like glasses, for example, make sure to cover them individually with an insulating material, like newspaper, to reduce the risk of damage or shattering.
Then add extra padding in the box.
You could use more newspaper or bubble wrap, basically anything that will reduce shock.
Once you’ve packaged your box, it would be beneficial to label the box ‘fragile,’ in clear visible writing.
That way you or anyone handling the box has a general idea of the type of care that is required.
Choose suitable storage containers
Different items are best suited for different types of containment chambers.
Clothes are better stored in plastic containers with clip-on lids, as they don’t absorb moisture, which is essential for clothes, as opposed to cardboard which absorbs water very quickly.
Remember when storing clothes to add moth balls to the box, to prevent insects from eating your clothing in storage.
Plastic containers are also a good option for storing electrical equipment that that can be damaged by moisture, rendering them useless.
Storing furniture
If you are storing furniture, keep in mind that some can be disassembled, saving you space, which could immediately equate to dollars.
By breaking down furniture to its bare minimum size, you increase your storage space, and potentially reduce the risk of the damage to your beloved items.
Structured layout
Another good tip is to ensure that there is a walking aisle in the storage unit, it should be a clear space where you can manoeuvre up and down in the container, making all boxes accessible.
This is a much better option compared to packing everything tight, and having to remove dozens of boxes just to get to that item in the back.
Put some planning and forethought in place, and it will make accessing your things a breeze.
Clean the storage unit
As a last tip,which should perhaps come first, clean your storage unit thoroughly before loading up.
Items that can be washed before storage should be washed first, to ensure that the quality of the item does not deteriorate during their stay in the storage unit.
Follow these simple tips, and your life should be more comfortable for it.