How you pack your storage unit matters. Pack it right, and you'll fit more, protect your belongings, and find what you need quickly. Pack it wrong, and you'll waste space, risk damage, and create a frustrating mess.
Here are the insider tricks we've learned from helping hundreds of customers pack their units over the years.
The Golden Rules of Packing
1. Heavy items on bottom, light items on top
This is the most important rule. Stack heavy boxes and furniture at the bottom, lighter items on top. This prevents crushing and makes your unit more stable.
2. Leave an aisle
Pack items along the walls, leaving a clear path down the middle. This lets you access items at the back without having to move everything.
3. Label everything
Write clearly on every box what's inside and which room it came from. "Kitchen - Dishes" is better than "Stuff."
4. Disassemble what you can
Take apart bed frames, tables, and shelves. This saves space and makes items easier to stack.
How to Stack Efficiently
Box stacking strategy:
- Use uniform box sizes when possible — they stack better
- Fill boxes completely — half-empty boxes waste space and can collapse
- Don't stack boxes too high — keep stacks stable and accessible
- Put frequently accessed items near the front
- Create a "map" of your unit — take a photo or draw a diagram
Protecting Your Belongings
Furniture protection
- Wrap furniture in blankets, moving pads, or plastic wrap
- Stand mattresses on end to save space
- Cover upholstered furniture to protect from dust
- Use furniture covers or old sheets for protection
Fragile items
- Wrap each fragile item individually in bubble wrap or newspaper
- Pack fragile items in smaller boxes (easier to carry, less weight)
- Mark boxes "FRAGILE" clearly on all sides
- Don't stack heavy items on top of fragile boxes
Electronics
- Use original boxes when possible
- Wrap in anti-static bubble wrap
- Store in climate-controlled units if possible
- Remove batteries from devices
Maximizing Space
Fill empty spaces
Put small items inside dressers, drawers, and appliances. Fill empty spaces in boxes with soft items like towels or clothes.
Store vertically
Stand mattresses, mirrors, and large flat items on end. This saves floor space.
Use the height
Storage units are typically 8-10 feet tall. Stack boxes and items to use the full height, but keep stacks stable.
Create zones
Organize by room or category: all kitchen items together, all bedroom items together, etc. This makes finding things easier.
Labeling System
A good labeling system saves you time and frustration:
- Room + Contents: "Kitchen - Pots & Pans"
- Priority: Mark boxes you'll need soon with "ACCESS FIRST"
- Fragile: Clearly mark fragile boxes on all sides
- Date: Add the date you packed it (helps if you're storing long-term)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't make these mistakes:
- Packing too tightly — You need space to access items
- Not labeling boxes — You'll forget what's where
- Stacking heavy on light — Things will get crushed
- Ignoring climate control — Some items need it
- Not using a lock — Always secure your unit
- Packing wet or damp items — This causes mold and damage
Creating an Inventory
Keep a list of what you're storing. You can:
- Write it down in a notebook
- Take photos of items before packing
- Use a spreadsheet or app
- Create a simple list by box number
This helps you remember what's where and is useful for insurance purposes.
Access Planning
If you'll need to access your unit regularly:
- Pack frequently needed items near the front
- Leave an aisle down the middle
- Use clear plastic bins for items you'll access often
- Keep a small box of "essentials" at the very front
The Bottom Line
Good packing takes a little extra time upfront, but it saves you time, money, and frustration later. A well-packed unit fits more, protects your belongings, and makes it easy to find what you need.
At East Side Self Storage, we're here to help. If you need advice on packing or organizing your unit, just ask. We've seen it all and can share tips based on your specific situation.