We’re confident that our container storage solutions generally offer savings of up to 75% against conventional self-storage operators. So booking a unit at one of our storage locations will generally ensure your bank account is happy. But invest five minutes of your time in reading this article, and you could save even more. Because today we’re sharing a host of self-storage packing tips!
Self-Storage Packing Perfectly and Saving
Saving Your Sanity
Let’s not beat about the bush – moving house or office premises is stressful. So, take a few simple steps to save your sanity and carry out a little preparatory work before you even begin your self-storage packing.
There’s nothing like a bit of list-making to help you feel organised. It’s like a Sharpie pen and a large Post-it pad come bearing calm! Start with an inventory list. Identify the contents of each carton you pack and number that carton. Once your goods are tucked in their storage haven, you’ll be able to get to a specific item quickly.
Saving Space
Stacking is your storage friend. So, wherever possible, use self-storage packing boxes of the same size. This will make it easier for you to stack safely. If you’re storing larger pieces of furniture like sofas and mattresses, store these on their ends. And if you’re storing on a longer-term basis, it could be worth investing in some metal shelves to keep your container super organised.
Always start filling your container around the outside walls, leaving yourself space to move around. This is particularly important if you’ve booked one of our large 20ft containers you never know when you might need to get something at the back! View all our storage sizes here.
How to Pack and Protect Furniture for Storage
Disassemble Where Possible
For larger furniture items such as beds, tables, and wardrobes, disassembling them before storage can save space and prevent damage. Keep screws and bolts in a labelled bag and tape it securely to the respective furniture piece.
Protect with Covers
Use dust sheets, blankets, or specifically designed protective covers to shield furniture from dust and potential scratches. Wrap mirrors and fragile furniture in bubble wrap and store them upright to reduce pressure on the glass.
Use Pallets or Boards
To keep furniture off the floor and ensure airflow around your items, place them on wooden pallets or plastic boards. This extra step can help prevent moisture damage over long-term storage. Air flow is important for protecting your items from damp and condensation, which our storage units are protected from with Grafotherm.
Saving Your Belongings
Our containers are modified shipping containers and completely waterproof, with vents providing continuous airflow. So, when you store with us, your goods are in safe hands. But there are a few extra things you can do to ensure items remain in tip-top condition when stored:
- Always clean furniture and household goods before storing.
- Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or foam sheets to protect fragile items like mirrors and pictures.
- Keep electronics in their original packaging, if possible, or wrap them in anti-static material.
- Store books in airtight plastic containers to prevent moisture damage.
- Label everything clearly to make retrieval easier later.
Saving the Planet
Self-storage packing invariably requires packing materials. There are some environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic and bubble wrap available, such as biodegradable packing peanuts and recycled paper. Most importantly, we encourage you to reuse and recycle packing materials wherever you can.
We’re committed to sustainability. Our drive-up container storage is built to withstand harsh conditions, ensuring a long lifespan. This means fewer building materials are used, significantly cutting down on waste generation. When containers are eventually retired, they’re repurposed for other uses, extending their lifecycle even further. Plus, our modular design allows us to use unconventional and underutilised land, minimising our environmental footprint.
Final Thoughts
At Blue Bear Self Storage, we don’t just meet expectations—we exceed them. From value and convenience to security and sustainability, we’re here to make storage better. Now that’s better.
By following these self-storage packing tips, you’ll maximise space, protect your belongings, and make unpacking a breeze. Whether you’re using our facilities at Buckingham, Bury St Edmunds East & West, Corby, Huntingdon, Petersfield, and St Ives (Cambs), you can rest assured that your items are stored securely and efficiently. Happy packing!
Now that’s better self-storage packing.
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