Storage Tips

Renting a storage unit requires more effort than putting your belongings into boxes and leaving them there. There are ways to streamline and simplify your packing, moving, and overall storage process. Use our UpLift Self Storage tips on how to maximize your self storage experience.


Assess Your Needs


A great place to start is to determine what you need your storage unit for. Ask if you need personal storage for household furniture or commercial storage for product inventory. Next, create a list of all the items you plan to store, noting the quantity of each. This process helps map out your storage unit layout in advance.


Choose the Right Storage Unit Size


Once you’ve assessed your needs, the next step is to determine how much space you’ll need. There are several storage units across our storage facilities to choose from. 


Use our 5x5 storage unit for boxes of seasonal decorations and clothing. Have large furniture or appliances? A 10x10 or 10x15 storage unit can fit those items. Our 10x30 storage units are perfect for moves and downsizing. Use our online size guide to find the perfect storage unit for your needs today!


Determine Whether You Need Climate-Controlled Storage


Another storage type to consider is climate-controlled storage. These storage units remain at a steady temperature year-round to create a stable environment for your valuable items, like electronics, books, and musical instruments. Climate-controlled storage is your best choice for temperature-sensitive items that you want shielded from the elements.


Gather Any Packing Materials You Need


Before you get your belongings for storage, you’ll need the ideal set of tools to get the job done. Create a list and gather all the necessary packing supplies for your packing and storing process. Common packing materials include: 


  • Moving boxes
  • Heavy-duty packing tape
  • Padding material
  • Clear plastic bins
  • Mattress covers
  • Labels and permanent markers


Tips for Packing Your Belongings


As you pack your items, consider ways to save space in your storage unit and avoid future headaches. Here are some of our practical packing tips to use:


  • Disassemble furniture. Take apart furniture to group items for space efficiency.
  • Use vertical space. Save space by using temporary hooks and shelving for items that can be stored vertically.
  • Wrap fragile items. Shield items made of fragile materials, such as glass, by wrapping them with protective material like newsprint or Bubble Wrap.
  • Keep all boxes off the storage unit floor. To prevent moisture or dust from attaching to your belongings, avoid letting any items make direct contact with the storage unit floor.
  • Leave heavier items closer to the bottom. Stack boxes by weight with heavier containers near the bottom.


Find Your Storage Unit at UpLift Self Storage Today


Put these tips into use by renting a storage unit at UpLift Self Storage. Our vast selection of top-tier storage facilities, along with various storage unit types and sizes, helps create space at your home or business at flexible monthly rates. 


Contact us or find your nearest UpLift Self Storage facility online to secure your storage unit rental today! Check out storage FAQs for additional information about our self storage solutions.

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How to Pack Your Storage Unit

As part of our dedication to being your local self storage experts, we have put together this list of storage tips for specific items.


These tricks are sure to improve how you pack your storage unit and keep your items safe.


If you have any further questions not answered here, please reach out to our team!

  • Bedding, Clothing, Curtains, Drapes and Linens

    Fabric items like clothing, curtains and drapes are best if stored on hangers. If hanging cartons are not available, such items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers or cedar chests along with bedding and linens.

  • Appliances

    A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances. Be sure to make a note if you place anything inside. Boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators, and freezers. Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are clean and dry before you pack them.

  • Dishes and Glassware

    Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and the top of boxes containing glassware. All glass items should be individually wrapped: nest cups and bowls together and stand plates, saucers, and platters on their edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of cartons. Again, fill all open pockets with packing paper. Label all boxes containing glassware and do not place heavy items on top.

  • Furniture

    Place a pallet, corrugated cardboard mat, or plastic sheet on the floor before placing furniture. If possible, stand sofas and mattresses on end. Disassemble beds and tables and wrap table legs in paper. If a table will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with the legs pointing up. Use dresser tops for stacking cartons and dresser drawers for linens or small, delicate items. Keep upholstery off the floor. Most lightweight chairs can be stacked “seat to seat” or placed upside down on tables, which cannot be disassembled. Finally, place a light cotton dust cover, such as a bed sheet, over your furniture.

  • Books and Documents

    Pack books flat to protect the spines. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption. Use packing to fill all empty pockets in each box. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books and do not overload.

  • Holiday Decorations

    Save the original cartons that contained delicate ornaments. Pad the ornaments with packing paper or newsprint. Wrap strings of lights around a piece of cardboard before placing in a carton lined with packing paper.

  • Mirrors, Windows, Glass Sheeting and Screens

    These items should be stored on edges, not flat. We offer a selection of mirror/picture boxes that can be purchased at our office.

  • Tools

    Metal tools should be cleaned and wiped with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to prevent rust. Long handled tools such as rakes, shovels and hoes should be clean, lightly oiled and tied in bundles.

  • Bicycles and Other Metal Items

    To avoid rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.

  • Mark Your Calendar

    Make a timeline leading up to moving day for cleaning out, labeling, and organizing your life before you move. Take a little time each week or day to check off the list, one room or closet at a time.

  • Don't Rush

    Taking time to carefully load your storage space will ensure the best results for your belongings.

  • Leave Some Room

    Leave air space around the perimeter to aid ventilation. Boxes of the same size make for easy stacking.

  • Clear a Path

    Leave a walkway to the rear of your space for convenient access to all items.

  • Think Outside of the Box

    Using plastic storage containers is a great option for accessibility without the hassle of packing tape.

  • Use Quality Materials

    Use high-quality packing boxes designed especially for the job and seal them completely with packing tape.

  • Make a List and Plan Ahead

    Create a list of labeled boxes for easy reference. Color coordinating or numbering each box is a great trick to stay organized.


    Also, gather up plenty of sturdy, corrugated cartons, packing paper, bubble wrap, sealing tape and marker pens, along with any furniture covers or shelving you intend to use in your storage unit.

  • Keep, Give, Trash

    A month before you move is a great time to clean house. Plan a trip to your local donation center with old clothes, toys or sporting equipment, garage and lawn gear. If something is broken, expired, or no longer of use, lighten your load and throw away what you won’t be taking with you.

  • Pack Efficiently

    Pack as much as you can in the same size boxes. Fill boxes tightly, but take care to neither overpack nor underpack. (Bulging cartons tip when stacked, while half full boxes tend to collapse). Use wadded up newsprint, bubblewrap, rags, towels, or blankets to fill in empty spaces. For maximum protection seal cartons with tape.

  • Manage Weight

    Pack heavy items such as books and tools in small boxes. For easier handling limit the weight of all cartons, regardless of size, to 30 lbs. or less.

  • Label All Boxes

    Clearly label boxes so you know their contents, and keep a list (as well as pictures and descriptions) at your home or office for reference. Mark clearly all boxes containing fragile items.

  • Clean Stored Items

    Clean and dry appliances before storing. Secure all movable parts with paper, or wedge and wrap a paper pad around each item for protection. During transport tape all doors shut, but remember to wedge them open for storage.

  • Placement

    Store items you’ll need most often at the front of the unit. When you pack your storage unit, create a center aisle for access to all items.

  • Preparation Prior to Your Move
    • Buy packing supplies 
    • Start packing boxes as soon as possible 
    • Send address change cards 
    • Get copy of school records 
    • Have clothing dry cleaned 
    • Check on items in repair shops 
    • Notify utilities and telephone companies 
    • Set a date for utility disconnection and hookup 
    • Return borrowed items and things you’ve lent out
    • Use Drawers
    • Use bureau drawers to store small, fragile items. Secure items in drawer by filling empty spaces with towels or packing paper.
  • Cover Chairs

    Protect chair legs by wrapping them in packing paper. Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic chair covers.

  • Use Paper for Breakables

    Use lots of paper to pack dishes and glassware. Place a layer of packing paper inside the bottom and top of cartons. Wrap each dish and glass separately and cushion them with crumpled paper. Plates are best stacked on edge. Pad mirrors and paintings with paper. Place them in special mirror packs or large boxes; mark boxes.

  • Separate Lamps and Lampshades

    Wrap large lamp bases in padding and wrap smaller lamps completely before placing them in boxes. Pack delicate lamp shades separately. Do not use newsprint to wrap lamp shades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink stains. You can purchase unprinted wrapping paper, foam wrap or bubble wrap at our location to help protect delicate items. Do not store heavy items on top of cartons containing lamps or lampshades.

  • Don't Put Boxes on the Floor

    Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption.

  • Moving Day!
    • Discard all flammables, such as paint and gasoline
    • Finish packing. Leave out items for moving day
    • Empty and defrost refrigerator and freezer
    • Have everything packed, except bedding
    • Pick up ice and beverages
    • Strip beds. Cover mattresses with mattress bags unless they are going in storage
    • Turn water and lights off
    • Lock windows and doors