Packing Tips

Are you ready to create more space in your home or business? Moving, decluttering, and downsizing can be overwhelming experiences, but with our helpful packing tips, you can take the guesswork out of managing your stored belongings. 

Gather Essential Moving Supplies for Packing

Start your packing experience off right by collecting all the moving supplies you need. This includes packing tape, Bubble Wrap, cardboard boxes, furniture blankets, and mattress covers. Wardrobe boxes are especially handy for storing your clothes without wrinkling them. These boxes are taller than they are wide and have sturdy bars that allow you to hang shirts, dresses, curtains, and other fabrics.

If you already have these items but run out while packing your storage unit, swing by Overflow Garage. We have moving supplies for sale on-site to save you a trip to the store.

How To Pack Your Belongings for Storage

Once you have all the moving supplies you need, it’s time to pack! While everyone’s packing needs and experience differ, a few universal tips can help create an easier storage experience.

Before packing, group your belongings by room to assess what you have and create an inventory list. When you can visually categorize everything you need to pack, it sets you up to successfully keep track of your items while they’re in storage.

Pack Similar Items Together

Packing similar items together may seem like common sense, but the urge to throw whatever fits into a box can quickly take over when you’re scrambling to pack everything for a move. Go room by room and pack items by their theme. Pack your yarn, craft paper, crochet needles, and similar items together if you have a crafting nook in your home office. Similarly, pack your cookware together so you can readily unload them in your kitchen the next time you need them.

If you have more unusual items left over that don’t have a common use or theme, use the co-worker/cousin organization method when packing. The co-worker/cousin method helps you logically decide what like-with-like items make sense to pack together. Lint rollers and scissors, for example, serve different purposes but could be considered personal care or office supply cousins.

Label Your Boxes

Before you tape your boxes shut, use the inventory list you created earlier to label them. You can either write directly on the boxes with a permanent marker or create labels to stick on them. Consider numbering your boxes so you can locate and organize them more easily.

Use the Same Box Size When Possible

Using a uniform box size simplifies your moving and storage experience. We recommend using medium-sized boxes to keep their weight manageable for you, your loved ones, or your moves to carry. The exception to this rule is heavy items like dumbbells, books, or electronics. Split these belongings into multiple small boxes to prevent them from becoming too heavy and potentially tearing the boxes.

How To Pack Furniture for Storage

Unless they’re lamps or small home décor, you won’t be able to pack your furniture into boxes. However, you can still use packing tips to shield it from damage while moving or storing it. If you plan to store mattresses, we recommend cleaning and wrapping them in covers to protect them from dirt.

Similarly, to keep couches clean, you can either wrap them in plastic wrap or dust covers. Moving blankets also provide a buffer between them and the walls of your moving truck while they are being transported to your storage unit.

Find an Overflow Garage Storage Facility Near You

Now that you’ve filled your brain with helpful packing tips, you can start loading your boxes for self storage! Overflow Garage can help you find an affordable, convenient facility near you in Oklahoma or Texas. If you have questions about storing your belongings, check out our FAQ page or storage tips for more insights.