When it comes to packing your storage container, of course you want to utilise as much space as you can. Hence, efficient packing and smart positioning can go a long way to make sure you get your money’s worth.
You are in luck, because in this article, you will get 5 packing tips for your small storage containers (or a big one, these tips are versatile) and how to make use of all your space.
What Is a Self Storage Container and How to Get It
Before we move forward to the packing tips, let’s make sure that you know exactly what a self storage container is.
A self storage container is a container you rent to hold your stuff, either for moving, renovation, or decluttering.
Storage companies make sure that the storage containers delivered to your place are ready for you to load. Then, after you load it, the company will come back and store it for you.
It is also easy to rent a shipping container in Melbourne. Just go to Google, and you will get multiple companies you can call.
1. Calculate What You Can Fit
To make sure that you use every possible space to store your things, calculate their sizes in cubic metres (m3). Every company will tell you how many cubic metres their container can fit.
If you know for sure how big your things are, you can plan what to put and how many boxes to pack to make use of every spare space.
2. Clean, Clean, Clean
Before any of your things go into storage, make sure it is clean. If they are not clean, you will risk exposure to dust, wetness, and vermin.
Moreover, if you store for a long time, these damages will get severe and eventually, you cannot regain the full use of your stuff.
So, make sure that everything is clean. It is for your own good.
3. Sort and Label
The best way to organise and pack your belongings is to sort them into boxes. To make it easier for you, write clear labels for each box, like ‘bedroom’, ‘kitchen’, ‘study’, etc.
Another thing to keep in mind is sorting what you cannot store. Storage companies have policies for what you can and cannot put inside a storage container. Therefore, make sure that you don’t pack;
- Plants and soil
- Weapons, ammunitions, and explosives
- Gas and aerosols
- Oils
4. Add Protection
Put extra protection on all of your things to prevent damage during transit. This includes plastic bags, packing boxes, bubble wraps, tie-downs, and furniture blankets.
Each item should be wrapped with different things to ensure maximum protection. Here’s the breakdown;
- Plastic wrap: use for mattresses, armchairs, and lounges to prevent dust collecting on the surface. This also prevents mould from developing.
- Boxes: use them to store small items and seal them with a tape. Keeping them inside boxes can prevent them from scattering and save space.
- Bubble wrap: use for boxes to absorb impact if the road is bumpy. This will help protect the stuff inside.
- Tie-downs: use for large stuff like furniture, fridge, drawers, etc. to prevent them moving during transit.
- Furniture blanket: use for furniture and fragile items like TV or PC monitors. That way, if bumps happen the items will not be broken.
5. Position Them The Right Way
The last tip is to position your item the right way. Right from the start, load bigger items first. Sofas, armchairs, fridges, tables, etc should be put first. They will form a strong ‘base’ inside the container.
Then, load non-fragile boxes around the furniture. Make sure that they are tuck in snugly to prevent movements.
As for fragile boxes, you can put them above the others to ensure they are secure. Wait to put the boxes until the things are two-thirds the height of the unit.
Monitors and TVs are best to be tied to the unit’s wall. This is to prevent jostling from the boxes and protect the screens.
Lastly, put paintings and marble surfaces against the wall. If you lay them flat, you will increase the risk of breakage.
Key Takeaways
To get your money’s worth, you have to pack effectively. Hence, pack smartly by sorting your stuff into boxes and label them clearly. This will prevent confusion when you unload them.
Plus, don’t forget to clean all your things to prevent dust and mould collecting. You don’t want your things to be unusable when you need them again.
Another thing to note is adding extra protection. If you go the extra mile to protect your belongings, you will reap the benefits in the future.
Lastly, position them the right way. This is useful to utilise all the space in the storage unit so you can fill it to full capacity.