Packing & Packing Supplies For Self Storage

USSelfStorageLocator.com is your one-stop shop for helpful packing, moving, and self storage advice. Get the information you need to keep your important items secure and free from damage from start to finish.

Whether you're just looking to create more space in your home or relocating to another state, here you can explore self storage facilities in your area and across America to find the storage solution that's right for you.

Tip: Clear plastic containers are perfect for keeping easy track of what’s inside.More ››

Things to Consider Before Packing:

When preparing your valuables and important items for storage, you must consider how they will need to be protected from damage. The storage and packing supplies you choose will be key in maintaining the life of your stored items.

Heat and moisture are two common elements to take into consideration when choosing your storage and packing supplies. If you are not storing your items in a climate-controlled self storage facility, you need to pack delicate items such as textiles and paper in moisture-proof storage supplies. Items that are prone to discoloration such as books and magazines should be stored in dark containers to prevent fading or yellowing.

There's a Storage Solution for That!

Storage supplies come in various forms from boxes to bags, wraps to labels. If you are storing many smaller items, the type of boxes you use can be very important. Many self-storage facilities offer storage supplies for sale right in their main offices. Their staff can help you select the packing solutions that are right for your needs.

One of the most common types of storage supplies are boxes, which come in a variety of shapes designed to make packing easy and to keep your items from breaking during transport. These include:

• Dishware boxes – Specially designed with cushion inserts to hold various shapes of dishes (glasses, stemware, plates, bowls, etc.).
• Specialized shape boxes – Tall, wide, skinny, flat, reinforced cubes…no matter how awkward the item shape, there’s usually a box for it!
• File boxes – Reinforced and sized for documents and hanging file folders.
• Wardrobe boxes – designed with a bar for hanging clothes such as dresses and suits to keep them wrinkle-free.
• Original boxes – Many fragile items such as snow globes, glass décor, and small appliances come in boxes with special form-fitting Styrofoam inserts for packing…don’t throw these out, keep them for storage later!

Other Self Storage Packing Materials

If your items are too oddly shaped for a box, there are still storage supplies available to protect them. Common packing materials that you can easily find at home office supply stores or even your self storage facility office include:

• Plastic bubble or sheet wrap – Great for holding items together, adding moisture protection, or just providing extra padding for fragile items.
• Poster tubes – Used for storing posters or other rolled materials to prevent creasing or tears.
• Acid-free tissue paper – White tissue paper to prevent color damage and acid-free to deter yellowing of textiles and documents.
• Slipcovers – Used for items like for furniture, to protect from stains and dust.
• Packing peanuts – Perfect for filling in gaps between irregularly shaped items in boxes to prevent breakage.

What's In That Box?

Once everything is packed for the self storage facility, you'll want to move on to labeling and taping storage supplies. If you take care now to label all your boxes and items properly, you’ll save yourself time later when searching for something you've packed away. Creating an inventory checklist will also make it easier to locate stored items in the future.

When you have everything ready to load into your self storage unit make sure you add lift assists or a dolly to your storage supplies list. You should load larger items into the unit first, and then fill in empty spaces between them with the smaller items. If you are storing items you know you'll need to access to later on, load those items near the front of the unit for easy access.

Smart packing of your self storage unit and proper use of your storage supplies will save you time and effort in the long run!

Now You’re Ready to Go!

You don't have to go far to find the perfect self storage facility that also carries the packing and storage supplies you need to get moving. USSelfStorageLocator.com offers you the most complete self storage directory on the Web! Get started today by viewing and comparing the facilities in your area.