How to Pack Your Belongings for Self Storage – A Complete Guide
Sep 11, 2025
How to Pack Your Belongings for Self Storage – A Complete Guide
Struggling with how to pack for self storage? You’re not alone.
Whether you're moving house in Ludlow, renovating in Knighton, or just decluttering your Bucknell home, packing your belongings the right way makes all the difference. Damaged furniture, broken boxes and wasted space are common issues we see from rushed or unorganised storage prep.
This complete guide shares expert tips to help you pack efficiently, protect your items, and get the most out of your storage unit—especially if you're using one of our insulated, secure units at Bucknell Self Storage.
Why Smart Packing Matters – Even in a Secure Storage Unit
Storage isn't just about where you place your belongings—it's about how you place them.
Many customers use self storage during life transitions: moving home, managing estates, growing families or even launching small businesses. These scenarios often come with stress and tight timeframes.
Packing improperly often leads to:
Items being crushed, warped or broken.
Wasted space and more containers than needed.
Increased risk of mould or moisture damage (especially in older facilities without insulation).
At Bucknell Self Storage, all our containers are solid steel and fully insulated, offering a dry and secure space—but how you prepare your items still plays a key role in long-term protection.
Step-by-Step: How to Pack Your Items for Self Storage
Follow this practical breakdown to pack like a pro and make the most of your storage unit.
1. Declutter Before You Pack
Only store what you genuinely want to keep. Use this opportunity to donate, sell, or recycle unwanted items. Less clutter = more space.
2. Choose the Right Materials
Invest in:
Double-walled cardboard boxes in various sizes
Bubble wrap or packing paper
Strong tape and labels
Vacuum bags for clothing and linens
Plastic crates for extra protection (especially for damp-prone items)
Avoid reusing old supermarket boxes—they often collapse under pressure.
3. Label Everything Clearly
Mark every box with:
Contents
Room it came from
Fragile? Mark clearly
Use a marker on two sides of each box for easy viewing, and consider colour coding if you’re managing a full house move.
4. Pack by Weight and Fragility
Heavy items on the bottom (books, kitchen appliances)
Light or fragile items on top (glassware, photos)
Keep each box under 20kg to avoid back strain
Wrap delicate items individually and don’t leave any empty space inside boxes—fill gaps with towels or paper.
5. Use Furniture Smartly
Remove legs from tables and sofas to save space
Store mattresses flat if possible
Wrap wooden furniture in blankets or protective sheeting to avoid scratches
Disassemble what you can, and store screws and bolts in labelled bags taped to the item.
6. Think Vertically and Aisles
Our 20x8ft containers offer generous room—but stacking efficiently is key:
Store items vertically where safe
Leave a small walkway so you can access things later without unloading everything
Place items you may need sooner (e.g. seasonal gear) near the front.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We often get calls from clients who didn’t realise how important packing prep was. Here’s what to avoid:
1: Using bin bags for storage: They trap moisture, tear easily under weight, and offer little to no protection for your belongings.
2: Overpacking boxes: This increases the risk of box collapse and can lead to crushed or damaged contents.
3: Not insuring high-value items: While rare, accidents can happen—insurance through providers like Insurastore adds valuable protection.
4: Forgetting to document: Taking photos before and after packing helps you keep track of items, especially for fragile setups or reassembly.
Why Choose Our Storage Units in Bucknell
As a local, family-run business, we’ve supported hundreds of customers across Bucknell, Knighton, Church Stretton, Bishops Castle, Ludlow and beyond.
With every rental, we offer:
24/7 access to your unit
Clean, dry, fully insulated containers
Support from real people – George and Charlie are always on hand
Flexible terms to match your moving timeline
Need help choosing a unit? See our Personal Storage or Business Storage pages to find the right solution.
Ready to Start Packing?
The right packing strategy means fewer headaches, fewer breakages, and a smoother transition—whether you're storing for a week or a year.
Need a secure, accessible space near Ludlow or Leintwardine? Book your storage with Bucknell Self Storage today and we’ll help you every step of the way.