How to Best Use Your Storage Unit

Self Storage Tips & Tricks


Renting a storage unit is the easy part. Getting your belongings packed, loaded, and protected so they come out the same way they went in takes a bit more thought. We've put together a complete guide to help you avoid the common mistakes that lead to scratched furniture, crushed boxes, and that frustrating moment when you can't find what you're looking for. Let's get you moving the right way!

Start With a Plan

A little prep work upfront saves hours of frustration later. Before you pick up a single box, take a few minutes to think through what you're storing and how you'll access it.
  • Take inventory first. Write down what you plan to store, room by room. Keep this list somewhere safe outside the unit so you can reference it without driving across town.
  • Measure your bigger items. Furniture, appliances, and bikes take up the bulk of your space. Knowing their dimensions helps you pick the right unit size the first time.
  • Schedule around your life. Book your moving day when you have help available and the weather looks reasonable. Confirm your facility's access hours so you're not racing the clock.
  • Decide if you need climate control. Wood furniture, electronics, photos, leather, musical instruments, and important documents hold up much better in a temperature-controlled unit.

Use the Right Packing Supplies


Skipping quality packing supplies is where most storage problems start. Damaged boxes lead to damaged belongings.

  • Stick with sturdy, uniform boxes. Matching sizes stack better and use space more efficiently. Avoid free boxes from grocery and liquor stores since they often carry pests and can collapse under weight.
  • Pick up the essentials. Packing tape, permanent markers, bubble wrap, packing paper, and furniture covers should be on your list before you start.
  • Buy a few extra. You'll always need more boxes than you think. Picking up a few spares beats stopping mid-pack to make another supply run.

Pack by Item Type


Different belongings need different handling. Treating everything the same is how things break.

Books and Documents

Pack books flat in small boxes to protect the spines and keep the weight manageable. Slip a sheet of packing paper between hardcovers to prevent scuffing. Store important documents in waterproof bins rather than cardboard.

Glassware, China, and Dishes

Wrap each piece individually in packing paper. Stack plates on their edges, not flat, since they're stronger that way. Line the bottom and top of the box with extra paper for cushioning. Mark every side of the box as fragile.

Electronics

Use original boxes when you have them. If not, wrap each item in bubble wrap and pack snugly so nothing shifts. Remove batteries from remotes and small electronics to prevent leaks. Store TVs and monitors upright toward the back of your unit where they're less likely to get bumped.

Clothing and Linens

Hang what you can in wardrobe boxes to avoid wrinkles. Vacuum-sealed bags work well for bulky items like comforters and out-of-season clothing. Tuck linens and soft items inside drawers, suitcases, or appliances to use space you'd otherwise waste.

Mirrors, Artwork, and Frames

Wrap each piece in bubble wrap, then sandwich it between two pieces of cardboard. Always store these upright, never flat, and label them clearly. Lean them against a sturdy wall or piece of furniture so they don't tip.

Tools and Garden Equipment

Stand rakes, shovels, and other long-handled tools upright in a clean trash can or bucket. Drain all fuel from lawnmowers, trimmers, and snowblowers before storage. Wipe metal tools down with a light coat of machine oil to prevent rust.

Protect Furniture and Appliances


Furniture is usually the most expensive thing in your unit. A few extra steps keep it looking like new.

Sofas, Chairs, and Upholstered Furniture

Cover everything with breathable furniture covers, not plastic sheeting, which can trap moisture and lead to mildew. Stand sofas on end when possible to save floor space. Don't stack heavy or sharp objects on cushions.

Tables and Wood Furniture

Remove table legs and wrap them separately. Bag any hardware and tape the bag to the underside of the table so you don't lose pieces. Skip the plastic wrap on wood, since it can trap moisture and leave marks on the finish.

Beds and Mattresses

Store mattresses flat if you have the floor space, since standing them upright too long can cause sagging. If you must stand it, make sure it's fully supported on both sides. Disassemble bed frames and keep all hardware in a labeled bag attached to the frame.

Appliances

Clean and fully dry refrigerators, freezers, and washers before storing them. Leave doors slightly cracked to prevent musty odors. Use the inside of appliances as bonus storage for towels, linens, or lightweight pillows.

Load Your Unit the Right Way


How you arrange your unit makes the difference between easy access and a nightmare retrieval. Think it through before you start unloading the truck.

  • Heavy items go in first and on the bottom. Build a foundation with appliances, dressers, and sturdy boxes, then work your way up with lighter items.
  • Leave a center aisle. Even in a small unit, a narrow walkway down the middle lets you reach things in the back without unloading everything in the front.
  • Put frequently accessed items near the door. Seasonal decorations, business records, or anything you'll grab regularly belongs at the front.
  • Label all four sides of each box. You won't always see the top, so labels on every side save time when you're searching for something specific.
  • Use vertical space. Most units have higher ceilings than you'd expect. Stack carefully so nothing topples, and put fragile boxes on top of sturdier ones.
  • Keep air flowing. Leave a few inches between your items and the walls when you can. This helps with airflow and gives you room to shift things around.

Keep Your Belongings Safe Long-Term


If your items will be in storage for more than a few months, a little extra care goes a long way.

  • Cover everything with breathable furniture covers to keep dust off without trapping moisture.
  • Treat metal items. A wipe-down with machine oil prevents rust on tools, bikes, and metal furniture.
  • Visit your unit occasionally. A quick check every few months lets you catch any issues early and rearrange if you need access to something new.
  • Consider tenant insurance. Most facilities offer affordable coverage that protects you against unexpected damage or loss.

What You Can't Store


Every storage facility has rules about what's allowed, and these exist for good reasons. Keep these items out of your unit.

  • Hazardous materials: Paint, paint thinner, gasoline, propane, fireworks, ammunition, and anything flammable or combustible.
  • Perishable food: Pantry items, pet food, and produce all attract rodents and insects that can ruin everything else in your unit.
  • Live animals or plants: Storage units aren't built for living things.
  • Wet or damp items: Anything stored wet will grow mold quickly and can spread to surrounding belongings.
  • Stolen or illegal goods. This one shouldn't need saying, but it's worth mentioning.

Ready to Get Started?


A well-packed, well-organized storage unit makes the whole experience easier from move-in to move-out. If you have questions about what size unit you need or which features make sense for your belongings, our team is happy to walk you through your options. Find your nearest National Storage location and reserve your unit online today.