With a little planning and some useful tips, you can ensure everything stays safe and organised. Here’s a guide on how to pack your boxes efficiently and maximise the space in your storage unit at Load n Lock.

1. Choose the Right Boxes

The first step to successful storage is choosing sturdy boxes. Avoid using old or damaged boxes that might collapse under pressure. We recommend using strong, uniform-sized boxes as they’re easier to stack and will maximise your use of space.

Pro Tip:

• Avoid plastic bags: While they may seem convenient, plastic bags can trap moisture and lead to mildew. Cardboard boxes allow for better airflow and keep your items dry and protected.

2. Pack Boxes Efficiently

When packing your boxes, make sure to distribute the weight evenly. Heavy items such as books should be packed in smaller boxes to avoid overloading and make them easier to carry. Lighter items like bedding or pillows can go in larger boxes.

Tips for Efficient Packing:

• Wrap fragile items: Use bubble wrap, towels, or blankets to protect delicate belongings. Clearly label these boxes as “fragile”.
• Fill gaps: Avoid leaving empty spaces in your boxes. Fill any gaps with packing paper, soft items, or cushions to prevent shifting during transport.

3. Organise Your Unit for Easy Access

When you start loading your storage unit, it’s important to plan the layout to ensure you can access everything easily. Place the items you’ll need most often near the front of the unit, and store rarely used items towards the back.

Tips for Organising Your Unit:

• Stack boxes carefully: Place heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter, more fragile items on top. Clearly mark all boxes with their contents for easy identification.
• Leave a walkway: If possible, leave a small path through the middle of your unit so you can access items without having to move everything around.
• Use shelving: If you have a lot of small items, consider using freestanding shelving units to keep your boxes off the floor and make better use of the vertical space.

4. Protect Your Furniture and Larger Items

Larger items like furniture, beds, and sofas need a bit of extra care. Use furniture wraps, dust covers, or blankets to protect them from dust and dirt. If you’re storing mattresses or sofas, we recommend using dedicated covers to prevent them from getting dirty during storage.

Furniture Storage Tips:

• Disassemble if possible: Beds, tables, and other large furniture should be taken apart to save space. Store the screws and small parts in labelled bags taped to the furniture pieces.
• Cover the floor: Place a dust sheet on the floor of your unit to protect your items from dirt or potential moisture.
• Keep items off the walls: Store your belongings at least an inch away from the walls of the unit to allow for air circulation, reducing the chance of mould or mildew.

5. Make the Most of Your Storage Space

At Load n Lock, we offer a variety of storage unit sizes to suit your needs, from smaller units perfect for a few boxes to larger spaces capable of holding the contents of a whole house. It’s important to think vertically when using your storage space—stack your boxes and furniture to utilise the height of the unit.

Maximising Your Space:

• Use all the available height: Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top to create stable stacks. Ensure the stacks are secure to avoid accidents.
• Store awkward items smartly: Bulky items like sofas or mattresses should be stored on their sides to save floor space.
• Hang small items: If possible, hang lighter items like clothes or curtains from hooks or rails to free up more space.

6. Maintain Your Unit

For units located outdoors, it’s important to take some simple steps to ensure that everything remains in good condition. Lubricating your padlock regularly will make it easier to access your unit, and it’s a good idea to periodically check your stored items, especially if they’re stored long-term.

Get Started Today

By packing your boxes efficiently, organising your unit well, and making the most of your storage space, you can keep your belongings safe and in good condition while they’re in storage. At Load n Lock, we provide everything you need to make the process as smooth as possible, including free trolleys, pallet trucks, and secure units that give you peace of mind.

Need help choosing the right unit or advice on how to pack? Our friendly team is always here to assist you. Give us a call on 01935 444 640 or send us an email to set up your storage unit today!