The Dos and Don'ts of Packing for Self-Storage

Whether you’re moving to a new home, travelling around the globe, or simply looking to declutter your living space, self storage is a fantastic solution.

However, proper preparation and packing is key to ensuring your belongings remain safe and organised, whilst also maximising your space and minimising your costs. 

From preparing your belongings, to choosing the right containers and labelling your boxes, we'll cover everything you need to know to best pack your storage unit. After all, we’re here to provide you with not just the space but the top tips as well!

Why Should You Prepare Your Belongings Before Storage?

items from potential damage during transportation and storage. Properly packing and securing items reduces the risk of breakage, scratches, or other forms of damage.

Additionally, organising your belongings before storage allows for easy access should you need to get something out, saving you time and effort in the long run. If you need an item from your storage unit, the last thing you want is to be faced with unlabelled boxes, folders placed around with no rhyme or reason and no space to look for anything. 

Follow our steps to best optimise preparing and packing for self-storage!

1. Assess Your Storage Needs Beforehand

Understanding your needs beforehand is going to save you time, effort and potential headaches down the line. Making note of what you’re wanting to store, and categorising them based on size, fragility and how often you use them, will help you to decide on the unit size you need. 

You’ll also need a rough idea of how long you’re planning to store your belongings. If it’s just for a short period, you might prioritise easy access as you may plan on visiting and taking items out frequently. 

However, for storage over the longer term, you’ll need to consider what items you won’t need for the forseeable, and which you may need to retrieve, so you can plan for bulkier items at the back and easier access of smaller belongings. 

Remember, we offer flexible solutions at Kangaroo Self Storage, so you can stay for as long as you need and extend your contract whenever required.

2. Consider Security Measures

It’s one thing to keep your belongings stored out of the way, it’s another thing entirely to make sure they stay secure whilst out of your care. When choosing where to store your belongings, consider the following do’s and don’t’s:

• DO choose a secure facility. Opt for a storage facility like Kangaroo Self Storage with 24-hour CCTV surveillance, burglar alarms, and smoke detectors. Knowing that your belongings are being monitored will give you peace of mind.
• DON’T forget to lock your unit. Use a sturdy padlock to secure your storage unit, and don’t forget to lock it before you leave.

It’s just as important to make the necessary arrangements to ensure you’re also protecting your belongings. 

As we cannot insure your belongings for you, you must also consider the following:

• DO organise insurance coverage. Ensure your belongings are adequately covered by insurance. Check with your insurance provider to see if your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy extends coverage to items in self-storage.
• DO document your belongings. Before packing them for self-storage, create an inventory of your items. This includes taking photographs or video recordings and making a detailed list, including any serial numbers or unique identifiers. This documentation will be invaluable in case of loss or damage.
• DO keep copies of important documents. Although your documents are safe with us, we always recommend storing copies of important documents such as contracts, receipts, and insurance policies digitally or in a safe place outside the storage unit.

Make Sure You Have Enough Essential Packing Supplies

When it comes to actually packing your belongings, gathering the proper supplies beforehand is essential. 

You’ll also want to consider what order to pack your belongings. It’s usually a good idea to start packing non-essential items first and leave frequently used items for the end. Remember to label each box with its contents clearly, and even consider creating an inventory list to keep track of everything you’ve packed.

Here is what we recommend:

• DO use sturdy boxes. Invest in quality cardboard boxes that can withstand the weight of your belongings, and avoid using damaged or worn-out boxes as they may not provide adequate protection.
• DON’T forget labels and markers. Labelling your boxes is essential for easy identification when retrieving items. Be sure to include a clear description of the contents and any necessary handling instructions.
• DO buy bubble wrap and packing paper. Wrap and cushion fragile items, glassware, and electronics with bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent damage during transit and storage.
• DO secure with packing tape. Secure your boxes with strong packing tape to keep them intact and provide extra stability during stacking.

Having more supplies than you think you’ll need is best, as proper packing is crucial for protecting your belongings. Don’t forget; you can pick up all the supplies you’ll need at our Box Shop located at all our self-storage sites and online.

4. Maximising Space and Accessibility

When it comes to maximising space and accessibility to your self-storage unit, all the above points should be considered. But, on top of this, looking at how you fill your unit is key.

Remember to stack items strategically, placing heavier ones at the bottom and fragile items towards the top. Similarly, as mentioned, place items you’re less likely to need at the bottom or the back so you can easily reach the things you’ll need.

Regularly review and reorganise your unit as your storage needs change, and don’t forget we’re completely flexible at Kangaroo Self Storage. If you need more space, and we have the units available, we’re more than happy to help you move your items over to a roomier unit.

Here are some tips on what to do and don’t do to efficiently store your belongings:

• DO disassemble and stack furniture. If possible, take apart large furniture items such as bed frames and tables before storing them, as this will save space and make them easier to transport and store. 
• DO clearly label small parts like screws and bolts. Securely attach them to the corresponding furniture piece to keep everything organised. Then, when it’s time to put everything back together, you’ll have everything in one place. 
• DO double wrap your fragile items. Make sure anything at risk of breaking is wrapped individually in bubble wrap and paper for an extra layer of cushioning to minimise the risk of damage caused by impacts or vibrations.
• DO utilise vertical space. Maximising vertical space is a great way to optimise your storage unit. Stack boxes and furniture vertically, starting with the heaviest items at the bottom and gradually working your way up.
• DON’T let any space go to waste! Fill empty gaps in boxes, furniture, and storage bins with smaller items, pillows, or soft furnishings. This will help prevent any shifting during transportation and storage.
• DON’T use different-sized boxes. By using boxes of the same size, you can easily stack and arrange them neatly in your storage unit, creating a more organised and efficient space.

Storing Safely at Kangaroo Self Storage

At Kangaroo, your peace of mind is our priority, which is why our storage experts are always on hand to answer your questions and help out wherever we’re needed.

Or, feel free to contact us, and we will do our best to help you prepare for storing with us.