How to Pack and Organize a Storage Unit

Moving is a busy and at times stressful season. But it doesn’t have to be! Our team of moving experts here at Marsik Movers believes that moving doesn’t have to be a huge ordeal. With adequate prepping, packing, and organized storage, your relocation can pass with minimal stress.

If you are in the process of packing boxes to go in your storage unit, this article will detail our top tips on how to pack a storage unit.

If this is your first time packing a storage unit, our moving experts here at Marsik Movers have compiled a list of 6 helpful, organizational tips for you.

1. Create a list of all inventory

When placing a lot of items in storage, it’s difficult (if not – impossible!) to remember all of them. While large furniture pieces, such as a bed or sofa, are easy to remember, smaller items (think: artwork, pictures, electronics and clothes) are oftentimes forgotten after months (or possibly years) in storage. To keep everything straight, you’re going to need to create and maintain a list of all items stored inside the unit. As you begin the packing process, we recommend reporting each item in a spreadsheet.

2. Consider storing items inside clear bins instead of cardboard boxes

Don’t get us wrong: cardboard boxes are completely okay to use in a storage unit. They also tend to be less expensive than plastic bins. However, plastic bins make it much easier to keep track of what’s inside your storage unit. In our opinion, they are often worth the extra few bucks. Unlike opaque cardboard boxes, clear plastic bins make it possible to see what’s inside a container without having to dig through it. This will make it easier and faster to locate what you need when you need it.

3. Store large, heavy items on the bottom towards the back

As you begin packing items inside the storage unit, start with large, heavy belongings such as furniture and heavy boxes. Place them towards the back of the storage unit on the bottom. Remember: unless you want to crush smaller and/or lighter boxes, heavy items should always be stored on the bottom of the storage unit. This creates a stable base for lighter items.

4. Don’t Pack the Dirties

People are often rushed when it comes to packing storage unit items and end up packing dirty items. Please don’t do this! Your future self will thank you so much when it comes to unpacking on the other side when you have shiny, clean dishes, and fresh clothing that doesn’t smell musty. Make sure all items that are going in your storage unit are clean and neatly stowed when packing for a storage unit.

5. Place items you need more frequently towards the front

Chances are, there are some items you plan on using more frequently than others. For instance, that extra bed you no longer have room for likely won’t see the light of day for a while – whereas your baby’s pack ‘n play will. Other items that you’re sure to need more often include seasonal clothing such as heavy coats, boots, hats, flip flops and swimsuits. While you won’t need these items every day, you will be making trips to the storage unit to retrieve them at least once a year. These types of belongings should be placed towards the front of your storage unit in well-labeled boxes or bins.