How to Safely Pack and Store Your Belongings: Expert Tips

Moving your belongings into storage requires careful planning and preparation to ensure everything arrives safely and remains in good condition whilst stored. Whether you’re waiting for your new build home to be completed or temporarily downsizing, this guide will help you properly pack and prepare your items for both the move and potentially extended storage periods. If you’d prefer professional assistance with your move, learn about our house removal services first.

Why Proper Packing Matters for Storage

When your belongings might be in storage for months at a time, proper packing becomes even more critical. Items improperly packed can suffer damage from:

• Moisture and temperature fluctuations
• Dust accumulation
• Weight pressure from stacking
• Movement during transportation
• Pests and vermin

Taking the time to pack correctly saves you stress, money, and heartache from damaged cherished possessions.

Essential Packing Materials

Before you begin, gather these essential packing supplies:

• Strong cardboard boxes in various sizes (or plastic bins for longer-term storage)
• Packing paper (avoid newspaper as the ink can transfer)
• Bubble wrap for fragile items
• Packing tape (invest in good quality tape)
• Furniture covers or blankets
• Mattress bags for bedding
• Plastic wrap for securing drawers and doors
• Markers and labels for box identification
• Inventory sheets to track what’s where

Investing in quality materials now prevents damage during both transport and storage periods.

Packing Different Types of Items

Furniture

Large furniture pieces require special attention:

1. Disassemble where possible: Remove legs from tables, headboards from bed frames, and shelves from bookcases. Keep all hardware in labelled bags taped to the corresponding furniture piece.
2. Protect wooden surfaces: Apply furniture polish before wrapping to add moisture protection, then wrap completely in moving blankets or bubble wrap.
3. Empty all drawers: Don’t transport dressers or cabinets with contents inside—this adds weight and risks damage.
4. Wrap upholstered items: Use plastic covers for sofas and chairs to prevent dust and moisture damage whilst in storage.
5. Elevate furniture: Plan to use pallets in your storage unit to keep furniture off the ground and improve air circulation.

Fragile Items

Dishes, glassware, and delicate items need extra care:

1. Individual wrapping: Wrap each fragile item separately with bubble wrap or packing paper.
2. Box reinforcement: Line the bottom of boxes with cushioning material before adding wrapped items.
3. Fill empty spaces: Use packing paper or bubble wrap to fill gaps between items so nothing shifts during transport.
4. Label prominently: Mark these boxes as “FRAGILE” on multiple sides.
5. Double-box valuable items: For extra protection, place wrapped fragile items in a smaller box, then place that box within a larger one with cushioning between them.

Electronics

Electronic equipment requires protection from both physical damage and environmental factors:

1. Original packaging: Use original boxes and styrofoam inserts when available.
2. Remove batteries: Prevent corrosion by removing batteries from all devices.
3. Wrap cables properly: Coil cables neatly and secure with twist ties or velcro straps.
4. Climate sensitivity: Be aware that extreme temperatures can damage electronics, so consider climate-controlled storage.
5. Moisture protection: Add silica gel packets to boxes containing electronics to absorb any moisture.

Clothing and Textiles

Clothing, bedding, and other fabrics need protection from moisture, pests, and mildew:

1. Clean everything first: Even minor stains or food particles can attract pests or cause permanent damage during storage.
2. Avoid vacuum bags for natural fabrics: While space-saving, vacuum bags can damage natural fibers over long periods. Use them only for synthetic materials.
3. Cedar or lavender: Add natural pest deterrents to clothing boxes rather than mothballs, which can leave lingering odors.
4. Proper folding: Avoid hanging clothes for long-term storage as hangers can distort shoulders and fabrics.
5. Use plastic bins: For valuable clothing or textiles, consider plastic bins rather than cardboard to better protect from moisture.

Expert Packing Tips

These professional tips will help ensure your belongings remain safe:

• Don’t overpack boxes: Heavier items go in smaller boxes, lighter items in larger ones.
• Create an inventory system: Number each box and keep a detailed list of contents.
• Take photos of valuable items and complex setups (like electronics wiring) before disassembly.
• Leave space for air circulation in your storage unit by creating pathways.
• Store items you might need access to at the front of your storage unit.
• Pack strategically based on weight—heavier boxes at the bottom, lighter ones on top.

Finding the Right Removal Company

Once everything is packed properly, you’ll need reliable movers to transport your belongings to storage. When choosing a removal company in the Gloucester, Cheltenham, or Stroud areas, look for these qualities:

• Experience with storage moves: Ask if they regularly handle moves to storage units.
• Insurance coverage: Ensure they offer adequate protection for your belongings.
• Reviews and recommendations: Check online reviews or ask for client references. (Check out our reviews here)
• Clear pricing: Get a written quote with no hidden fees.
• Proper equipment: Confirm they have appropriate tools and vehicles for your specific items.

Get help with your move from professionals who understand the unique needs of storage-bound belongings.

Special Considerations for Long-Term Storage

If your items will be stored for several months (such as while waiting for a new build home to be completed):

• Climate control: Consider whether your items need a climate-controlled environment.
• Insurance: Check if your homeowner’s insurance covers belongings in storage, or if you need additional coverage.
• Access planning: Determine if you’ll need regular access to your stored items.
• Moisture prevention: Add moisture absorbers to the storage unit if climate control isn’t available.
• Regular checks: Plan to visit your unit periodically to ensure everything remains in good condition.

Planning Your Storage Space

Before moving day arrives:

1. Map out your storage unit: Create a rough diagram of where major items will go.
2. Plan for access paths if you might need to retrieve items.
3. Keep an inventory list with your storage unit layout for easy retrieval.
4. Consider shelving for smaller boxes to maximize vertical space.

Conclusion

Properly packing and storing your belongings takes time and careful planning, but the effort pays off by protecting your valuable possessions. Whilst packing is something most people can manage with the right guidance, moving heavy furniture and boxes safely requires professional assistance.

Our team specialises in carefully transporting your already-packed belongings to storage facilities around Gloucester, Cheltenham, and Stroud. Their experienced team knows how to handle pre-packed items with care, ensuring everything arrives at your storage unit safely.

Ready to move your packed belongings into storage? Contact Man with a Van Today for a free quote on your storage move, or learn more about their specialised move into storage services.

By following these expert packing tips and entrusting the heavy lifting to professionals, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your belongings will remain in excellent condition until you’re ready for them again.