Never Packed a Portable Storage Unit?

Packing and stacking belongings efficiently in an 8 x 8 x 16 shipping container requires careful planning and organization.

Here are some practical tips:

1. **Start with a Plan**: Before you begin packing, create a plan for how you want to organize the container. Think about what items you'll need to access first and last.

2. **Use Uniform Boxes**: Pack items in sturdy, uniform-sized boxes whenever possible. This makes stacking easier and maximizes space utilization.

3. **Heavy Items on Bottom**: Place heavy items like furniture, appliances, or heavy boxes on the bottom of the container. This provides a stable base for stacking lighter items on top.

4. **Fill Gaps with Smaller Items**: Use smaller items or cushions to fill gaps between larger items. This helps prevent shifting during transportation.

5. **Disassemble Furniture**: If possible, disassemble larger furniture items like tables or bed frames to save space and make them easier to pack.

6. **Protect Fragile Items**: Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper and place them in boxes marked "fragile." Position these boxes towards the top of stacks to minimize the risk of damage.

7. **Label Boxes Clearly**: Label each box with its contents and which room it belongs to. This will make unpacking much easier.

8. **Secure Loose Items**: Use straps or ropes to secure items that could move during transit. This helps maintain stability and prevents damage.

9. **Create Aisles**: Leave narrow aisles between stacks of boxes to allow access to items at the back of the container without unpacking everything.

10. **Utilize Vertical Space**: Stack boxes and items as high as possible, taking care not to exceed weight limits or create instability.

11. **Consider Climate **: If storing items long-term, consider using moisture absorbers or airtight plastic bags to protect sensitive items.

12. **Watch Your Weight **: Ensure weight is evenly distributed throughout the container to prevent imbalance during transport.

By following these tips, you can efficiently pack your belongings, maximizing space and ensuring your items are well-protected during transit or storage.

Collect Cardboard Boxes

Boxes can get expensive if you have to buy them, so be sure to save boxes of all sizes from your online purchases or visit your local retail stores and ask if they have any free boxes. Many stores are happy to get rid of some cardboard boxes instead of paying employees to break them down for recycling.

Supplies

If you need quality moving boxes, packing tape or other packing material, please visit our office.

Don't Forget the Lock

If you want to secure the contents, you'll have to place a lock on the door. We have padlocks available for purchase and if you let us know in advance, we'll bring it with us when we drop off the unit.