Packing Tips

Packing for Storage

Before you start loading the storage vault, take a few minutes to consider the items to be packed and what the most appropriate order to pack them in is. As we want to make sure your belongings are stored in a secure and efficient manner, we have compiled a list of packing do’s and don’ts for you. We suggest you read through them before starting.

What do I Actually Need?

You’re going through some kind of temporary change of situation that means that you have to put your items into storage. Perhaps you’re decluttering before putting your home on the market, clearing old stock out of the way before bringing in a new seasonal range or storing your possessions over the summer while you head from university.

They’re all exciting times, but they can all be stressful times until you’ve got everything packed up and safely locked away in storage. To help ease what can be a flustering process, we’ve put together a handy list of what you’ll need to have ready to be all set for action.

Pen

We’re starting you off simply here, but just think how frustrating it would be to realise that you didn’t have one to hand to write a note on the side of each box reminding you what’s actually in it. Also, make sure it’s a felt tip pen. You’re only going to drive yourself mad poking a biro through the cardboard box otherwise!

Packing Tape

No, that miniature roll of sellotape that you snaffled from the office isn’t going to do. You need proper packing tape to ensure that everything stays in the box or carton that it was put in. It may be tempting to opt for something cheaper and less heavy duty, but once your items have spilled out everywhere you’ll find that it was a false economy.

Bubble Wrap

You may have always hated that picture that your auntie gave you for Christmas all those years ago, but you still don’t want the glass from it shattering all over the items that do mean a lot to you. Bubble wrap is invaluable in keeping all those fragile items protected on their journey.

Boxes

Finally! You were waiting on us getting to boxes, weren’t you? It’s not quite as simple a section as it seems though, as you still have to work out the size or range of sizes that you require. There’s no point putting something small and heavy into a huge box that’s otherwise empty, it’ll only rattle around and will make any stacking of boxes unstable.

How about your clothes?

You don’t want them to end up crumpled from lying in a box, do you? If only there was a carton available that actually came with a hanging rail inside it so that you could keep your clothes on their hangers and be able to bring them back out of storage increased?

(HINT: you can buy these from us)

How can Flexistore help?

Thankfully, at Flexistore we understand that you may not have time to grab everything you need to pack, so we sell handy Value Packs containing to ensure an easy and effective packing process. We also have wardrobe cartons that come complete with hanging rails, for the perfect clothes-storing experience. We know that different clients will have different storage needs so our packs come in either small, medium or large sizes; each one containing bubble wrap, a marker pen and a range of box sizes.

To arrange your hassle-free storage experience now, and to obtain everything you need to make the packing process pain-free, contact our friendly and professional team at Flexistore. We have centres across the UK and we’re ready to help.

How to Pack for Self Storage

Packing Do's

Pack large items into the vault first. Pack beds and sofas on the ends to use the height of the vault, then fill the gaps with smaller items.
Always pack tightly to prevent movement, and distribute weight as evenly as possible throughout the storage vault.
Kitchen appliances should be clean and dry, and remember to leave the doors slightly ajar to prevent condensation.
All small items should be packed in cartons. Use bubble wrap or paper. Ensure you fill and seal all the cartons to prevent the contents moving.
Try and use the same size of carton to pack, as they are easier to stack. Light cartons containing fragile items should be stacked on the heavier cartons to prevent crushing.
Don’t forget to label the packing cartons to help with identification when unpacking.

Mirrors and pictures should be packed on their ends, bubble wrapped and placed between mattresses and soft furnishings.
The polished surfaces of furniture should be protected with dust sheets or covers, and when loading the furniture, place the polished surfaces against each other with a sheet in between.
Dismantling items such as beds and tables will save you space, but remember to keep all fittings with the dismantled furniture.
Maximise your available packing space by filling wardrobes and drawers.
If you are storing in more than one vault, list the items in each, as it will save time if you need to access your possessions.

What Not to Put in Self Storage

Packing DoNT's

Live plants or animals
Toxic, polluted or contaminated goods
Food or perishable goods
Cash and securities
Petrol or Diesel
Flammable materials