Storage Solutions

Storage Unit Organization 101: How to Pack a Storage Unit

messy self storage

If you are in between homes, storing your items in a storage unit is your best option. Not only are these units safe and secure, they come in a variety of sizes so that you can find one that is large enough for all of your belongings. If you are planning to store your belongings in a unit, there are a few storage unit organization tips that you should follow. If you know how to pack a storage unit, you will be able to keep your items safe while maximizing the space.

Make Lists and Mark Your Boxes

One of the first rules of self-storage organization is knowing what is in each box. While packing your boxes, you should make a list of what is in each box and then label each box based on the room where the contents belong. If you are going to need something from a box while in storage, the list will tell you exactly where the item is. When marking the boxes, you should label each side of the box and the top.

This will allow you to see the label regardless of how it is stacked. Also, if there are fragile items in a box, be sure to write that on the box as well. When the boxes are completely packed, seal them up with packing tape. This will prevent dust from forming.

Choose the Right Boxes

When packing up your boxes, you should only use two sizes. This will make stacking them easier. Also, make sure that the boxes are sturdy. They need to be able to withstand the weight of other boxes that are on top of them. Since stacking is the best way to make the most out of your space, you should use the sturdiest boxes that you can find. When packing up your bedding, using plastic bags might seem like the best idea, however, it isn't. Storing bedding in plastic bags can cause mildew.

Need some boxes for your move or storage? Stop & Stor offers boxes that you can use for purchase. Find out more about these here.

Storing Appliances

When storing your refrigerator and freezer, make sure that they are completely defrosted. Also, be sure to store them with the door open slightly. If there is any leftover moisture, leaving the door open will help dry them out the rest of the way. Before storing your washing machine, you should make sure that the machine and the hoses are completely drained.

Packing the Storage Unit

To make the most of the space that you have and to keep your belongings safe, there are a few tips that you should follow.

Create a Planogram

Before bringing your things to the storage unit, you should create a plan-o-gram so that you know where things will go in the unit. While normally used for grocery stores and retail shops, this will save you the trouble of rearranging the unit to make everything fit. Also, the plan-o-gram will help you find your boxes if you need to get something while your items are in storage.

Pallet the Ground

Before putting your belongings in the unit, you should arrange pallets on the floor. This will keep your things slightly elevated so that rats, ants, and silverfish don't make their home under your boxes. It will also help if severe weather strikes and the floor of your unit is flooded.

Key Important Items in the Front

If you believe that you are going to need something while your things are in storage, keep the most important items in the front. You don't want to dig to the back of the unit to get the things that you might need. A big thing here are items that have seasonality that you'll be consistently reaching for. This may include winter or summer clothing, sporting equipment, trip supplies or holiday decorations. 

Use the Storage Shelves

If your unit has shelves, you should use them. It is best to put smaller boxes and items on the shelves. Also, if there are items that you think that you might need while your items are in storage, they should go on the shelves as well. This will allow you to access the easier.

Dismantle Your Furniture

When storing your furniture, you should take it apart to save space. When you take your furniture apart, you should keep the screws and other hardware in a storage bag and then use duct tape to stick it to the piece of furniture that it belongs with. This will save you the trouble of searching for the hardware when you are ready to put the furniture together again.

Protect Your Belongings

To keep your belongings safe, you should use moisture absorbers and mothballs in key areas. If you know how to pack a storage unit properly, you can be sure that you are getting the most out of your space and that your belongings are safe. Also, if you need something while your belongings are in storage, you will be able to find them quickly and easily. If you follow the storage unit organization tips listed above, your unit will be packed correctly.


Established in 1980, Stop & Stor is a family owned and operated business that has become New York’s Self Storage Leader by offering cutting-edge facilities in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.

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