Big Yellow Packing Tips

Packing your belongings properly is key to getting the most from your self storage unit. Whether you’re moving home, decluttering, or planning long-term secure storage, careful preparation helps protect your items and makes your storage space easier to organise and access.

How to Pack Moving Boxes

Getting the basics right will make a big difference when using self storage units:

• Use good-quality storage boxes and packing materials to protect your belongings
• Fill each box fully to prevent tipping or collapse during storage
• Use smaller boxes for heavy items like books and plates, and larger boxes for lighter items such as bedding or curtains
• Label every box clearly with a permanent marker so you can find things easily later detailing what’s in each box
• Mark boxes containing fragile items with ‘FRAGILE’ and ‘THIS WAY UP’
• Avoid using bin bags, as they can tear, trap moisture, and lead to mildew

Protecting fragile and valuable items

Taking extra care with delicate belongings helps keep everything in good condition while in secure storage:

• Wrap fragile items using bubble wrap or acid free tissue paper
• Place bubble wrap with the bubbles facing inwards for added protection
• Protect pictures and mirrors with bubble wrap and clearly mark them ‘FRAGILE’
• Large frames should be stacked on their end. 
• Use padding such as cardboard, shrink wrap, or covers to protect furniture from scratches
• Add extra protection to table legs and corners to avoid damage during handling

Furniture and long-term storage tips

Preparing larger items properly will help you make the most of your storage space:

• Disassemble larger items such as bed frames where possible to save space
• Clean and dry all items before placing them into storage, including garden equipment
• Ensure refrigerators or freezers are fully defrosted and cleaned before storing and use shrink wrap to keep fridge and freezer doors closed in transit.
• Use wardrobe storage boxes for clothing, allowing you to hang your clothes in storage, keeping their shape and giving them room to breathe.
• Consider using a vacuum storage system that actually sucks air out of specially designed bags – to help you fit more clothes into your space.

How to pack a storage unit

Organising your self storage unit properly will make it easier to access your belongings:

• If you know which things you’ll need to access most often, set them aside to keep near the front, close to the door. 
• Place heavy or bulky items in first to create a stable base for other stackable boxes
• Stack boxes evenly right up to the ceiling and group similar sizes together 
  • Extra Tip: • Bring a step stool, so you can reach boxes at the top. 
• Leave a walkway where possible so you can access everything easily
• Create a simple inventory or floor plan to keep track of where you have stored all of your items

Making the most of your storage space

A few simple storage tips can help you maximise your storage space:

• Maximise empty spaces inside furniture or appliances to store smaller items - why not fill an empty fridge with books and CDs, or an empty wardrobe with light boxes? 
• Stack any chairs seat-to-seat, using some cloth or paper between each to separate them.
• Store soft furnished sofas on their ends to save floor space
• Avoid placing heavy items on mattresses or soft furnishings
• To aid ventilation, avoid stacking or leaning furniture right up against outside walls – leave at least an inch. Also, ensure refrigerator and freezer doors are left open.
• Always place a protective cover over soft furnishings. In fact, all larger items should be protected with dust sheets.

Taking the time to pack and organise your belongings properly will help you get the most from your self storage unit, keeping everything protected, accessible, and easy to manage. At Big Yellow, we offer a wide range of self storage units, along with packing materials and helpful advice to support you at every stage. Whether you need short term space or longer term secure storage, you can choose the right storage space for your needs and feel confident your items are well looked after.