How to Pack Efficiently

A storage unit is a convenient option, especially if you’re moving and need a place to temporarily store some of your things while you unpack. However, if you want your things to be in good condition when you retrieve them, it’s important to be careful about packing them. Follow these tips for packing efficiently and well.

• Know what you can and cannot store. The storage facility is likely to provide you with a list of rules, regulations, and restricted items. If you don’t receive one, ask for it. You won’t be allowed to store dangerous or flammable items, or perishable food, medicine, or plants.
• Decide what you need to store. Don’t store things unnecessarily, because storing a lot of items means you’ll need a large storage unit, which means more money. Before you store, clear the clutter and give away, sell, or donate anything you don’t need to keep.
• Keep a detailed inventory. It’s easy to lose track of what’s in your storage unit if you don’t have an inventory list. It may be helpful to print two lists, keeping one with you and one in the storage unit so you’ll have it on hand when you’re looking for things you need.
• Pack only clean items. It’s disheartening to retrieve items from your storage unit, only to discover they’ve deteriorated because they were put away dirty. Before you pack your things away, wipe everything down with an all-purpose cleaning spray, vacuum upholstered furniture, and clean out appliances. When you get them out of storage later, your items will be in good condition, and they won’t have any unpleasant odors.
• Use clear plastic storage bins. Storing your belongings in clear plastic bins makes it easier to find them when you need them. What’s more, airtight bins will help protect your items.
• Label everything. Labels that clearly describe the contents of boxes make things easier to find, especially if you opt for cardboard boxes over plastic bins. Be specific, listing exactly what’s in the box instead of a generic category like “kitchen items.”
• Protect your items. Especially if your unit isn’t climate controlled, take care to prevent damage to the items you’re storing. Make sure everything is dry, apply protective spray to furniture and leather goods, and seal boxes to keep out moisture. Store electronics and cords in plastic bags, pack clothing in wardrobe boxes or in hanging garment bags, place mattresses in storage bags, and cover furniture with a cotton sheet to keep pests and bad weather from damaging it.
• Prepare large items properly. Take large pieces of furniture apart before storing them, and store box springs and mattresses flat. Leave washers, dishwashers, and refrigerators slightly open to prevent mold and mildew, and wrap small appliances in bubble wrap or foam to protect them.
• Have a plan when placing things into the unit. Pack your unit strategically, placing large and heavy items on the bottom of the unit. Don’t store mattresses under heavy things to prevent damage. Keep things you’ll need to access frequently near the door or somewhere else where you can easily retrieve them. Use good quality packing supplies and the best lock you can afford.

Once your things are packed and you’re looking for a good place to store them, choose Pouch Self Storage. We’ve been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and we’re committed to keeping our clients’ belongings safe. Founded by John Yelland, who hails from Australia, Pouch Self Storage is named in honor of the kangaroo’s pouch- nature’s safe and secure storage spot. We’re an industry leader in design, building, and maintenance of self-storage facilities, and we strive to give our occupants the most advanced security systems available. At our nine Southern California facilities, you’ll find state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems that allow our self-storage managers to monitor the opening and closing of every storage unit door, 24 hours a day. Currently, we’re abiding by CDC recommendations and implementing social distancing, but you can still reach us by calling (800) 378-4598 or contacting us through our website.