Storage Units: How to Pack Your Belongings
Packing your belongings in an efficient way can make the difference between a smooth or stressful moving day. For this reason it's always a good idea to start packing items early. Whether you plan to store your possessions for a while in a personal storage unit, or load up the moving truck, packing always takes longer than people realize. Here are some simple tips for efficiently packing your possessions.
Before you even start packing there are a few things you need to do. Firstly, you should make a list of the most important items that you'll need as soon as you move in. These should be kept separately from the rest of your possessions so they don't get lost. It's also a good idea to get rid of items you don't need any more - it's amazing how much clutter the average household accumulates.
Packing Necessities
It's important to buy boxes that are sturdy and aren't going to break. Corrugated cardboard is stronger and less likely to split than regular cardboard, so you should use it for heavier items. Even corrugated cardboard boxes shouldn't be completely filled though - you should leave some space to reduce the overall weight. It's also a good idea to pack the heaviest items into small boxes so you don't accidentally overfill a box.
Labeling is also essential for efficient packing. If you forget to label boxes, or if you don't attach the labels clearly, it's almost impossible to remember which box contains which items. You should place labels on the top and side of each box, and include information such as what's contained inside, which room the box is intended for and whether it contains delicate items. Labeling does make the packing process take longer, but also makes it much easier to stay organized during and after the move. Retrieving items from a storage warehouse will be much easier if your boxes have been labeled!
Delicate items should always be wrapped individually. Ideally, bubble wrap should be used, although you can also wrap items in tissue or newspaper. For ornamental items it's a good idea to place a layer of tissue between the item and newspaper, otherwise the ink may leave prints on the object.
Packing Order
It's best to start packing from the top of your existing home and work your way down. If you have an attic, you should start here. The attic is often the most stressful part of packing, so it's a good idea to get it out of the way early on.
When you start loading boxes into a removal truck or van, try to keep boxes from the same room together. The same advice applies if you're moving your items into a rented storage warehouse. This makes it much easier to unload when you move into your new home, and saves you from having to constantly reorganize the boxes. Retrieval from your storage unit will also be much easier. You should also put heavier boxes at the bottom - don't stack them on top of lighter boxes.
Finally, important documents such as your birth certificate and passports should always be kept together in a safe place. We don't recommend storing these important documents in a rental unit - even one with good security, like Woodside!
If you're interested in a personal storage unit,
call us today at 610.832.8000 ext. 218.
We'll be happy to help you with a
storage space to fit your needs.