How to Organize Storage Space for Your Big Move

Packing was a breeze when you had two shirts to your name.

But now those two shirts have multiplied to a closetful, along with dozens of shoes, socks, and trousers you’ve picked up the way. And those are just the wearables.

The garage is full to bursting with everything from lawnmowers to weed whackers to racks and hoes and your Aunt Georgina’s garden gnome collection. There’s fertilizer, gas, antifreeze, and oil. How can you get all your stuff into storage? Should you? Your move is only a couple of months away.

Decide What to Move & What Not to

You’ve heard it before: start by decluttering. Decide what you can live without.

• If you’re moving a short distance, then moving most things will save you from the trouble and expense of repurchasing them later.
• If you’re downsizing to a smaller home, give away, sell, or dispose of whatever won’t fit the new space.
• If you’re making a long-distance move, remember that every pound counts. Save by selling or giving away everything except essentials and buying again on arrival.
• Anything delicate, valuable, or irreplaceable should stay with you until it’s safe to move later.

Sort & Count What’s Left

Once you’ve determined what will go into storage on moving day:

• Sort your belongings and group items together (i.e., clothes, kitchenware, outdoor equipment).
• Make an inventory list of each group and count how many boxes or containers they need.

Determine the Best Storage Option

Storage units come in various sizes, types, and prices. To determine the best option for your needs:

• Measure the size of your belongings to figure out how much space you’ll need.
• Consider climate-controlled storage units for items sensitive to temperature changes.
• Look into renting a portable storage unit that can be delivered to your new location when needed.
• Compare costs between different storage facilities. Request quotes for your intended use and ask about any additional fees.
• Review the security features of potential storage options. Look for facilities with surveillance cameras, gated access, and individual unit alarms.
• Check accessibility to ensure the storage unit is easy to reach, especially if you need to access your items frequently. Confirm the facility’s hours of operation and any access restrictions.
• Always read the contract terms and understand the storage facility’s policies. This includes their insurance policy on stored items and rules about what can’t be stored.

Packing Your Things

• Use sturdy cardboard boxes or plastic containers with lids for better protection against dust, moisture, and pests.
• Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper before placing them in boxes.
• Label each box clearly with its contents, category, and which room it belongs to (if applicable).
• Distribute weight evenly by placing heavier items at the bottom of the boxes and lighter items on top to prevent crushing.
• Avoid overpacking boxes so their weight remains manageable and they’re less likely to cause breaks during transport.
• Seal all boxes with packing tape and reinforcing edges to maintain their shape during transit.
• Keep an essentials box with necessary items like toiletries, clothing, and important documents for easy access during the move.

Furniture Care

• Use furniture blankets or pads to protect large items from scratches and dents.
• Disassemble furniture when possible to save space and make moving easier, keeping all screws and small parts in a labeled bag taped to the main piece.
• Cover furniture with plastic wrap or sheets to prevent dust accumulation and damage during storage.
• Store large items upright, if possible, to save space and facilitate transport.

Appliance Care

When storing appliances, follow these steps to ensure they remain in good condition:

• Clean all appliances to remove any food residue, dirt, or dust.
• Dry appliances thoroughly after cleaning to prevent mold and mildew build-up. Leave refrigerator and freezer doors open for at least 24 hours before storing.
• Remove and securely wrap any detachable parts, including shelves, drawers, and trays, to prevent them from shifting or breaking during transportation and storage.
• Carefully coil and secure cables or hoses with zip ties. Tape them to the appliance to prevent them from becoming a tripping hazard or being damaged.
• Never stack appliances on top of each other. Store each appliance on a stable, flat surface.
• Use old blankets, furniture pads, or specialized appliance covers to shield them from dust and scratches. Avoid using plastic, which can trap moisture.
• Always keep appliances upright to maintain structural integrity and prevent oil or refrigerant from leaking.

Loading the Storage Unit

• Begin by placing large, heavy items at the back of the storage unit. This includes furniture and large appliances you won’t need immediate access to.
• Stack similarly sized boxes together to maximize space efficiency and ensure stability.
• Use clear plastic bins for small items to easily see what’s inside without opening each container.
• Place heavier boxes on the bottom of the storage unit and lighter ones on top.
• Create an aisle in the center of your storage space for easier access to all boxes. Leave a small gap between the wall and stacked boxes for better ventilation.
• Use shelves for smaller boxes and items, which lets you take advantage of vertical space and improve organization.
• Keep frequently used items near the front of your storage unit for easy access.
• Use vacuum-sealed bags for clothing and linens to save space and protect them from dust and moisture.

Additional Packing Tips

1. Gas-Powered Items

• These items are usually oddly shaped, heavy, awkward, and difficult to pack. Drain them of all harmful liquids. This includes oil and gas from lawnmowers, weed hackers, and chainsaws.
• Purchase protective covers for chainsaws, lawnmower blades, and grills.
• Remove all attachments and pack these separately in well-protected boxes.
• Remove and empty propane tanks from barbecue grills and purge the hose thoroughly. Secure lids and all parts.

2. Tools

• Collect all tools of similar length and secure them with strong plastic tabs or cords.
• Keep small tools in the toolbox. If tools don’t fit, or you don’t have a toolbox, use a strong box and pack the items well to prevent shifting during the move.
• Use bubble wrap, old rags, or linens to protect any sharp edges or blades before you pack them.

3. Lawn & Deck Furniture

• Clean furniture and dismantle it as much as possible, including umbrellas from the table, table legs, and any glass tabletops. Place chair padding in a separate box or clear garbage bags that can cushion other items on the moving truck.
• Wash down the umbrella, dry it, and then collapse and wrap it in a mattress bag. Secure it with packing tape.

4. Children’s Stuff & Outdoor Equipment

• Sort out all outdoor equipment, bikes, and toys and clean them well before packing.
• Dismantle as much of the play structure as possible to make it easier to pack and move.
• Group small toy parts in clear plastic bags for easy inventory checks once you reach the new home.

FAQs: Organizing Storage Space

Q: How can I make the most of my storage space?

Use shelves, stack boxes vertically, and leave an aisle in the center for easier access. Pack clothing and linens in vacuum-sealed bags.

Q: What should I do with appliances before storing them?

Clean all appliances, dry them thoroughly, and remove any detachable parts. Secure cables or hoses with zip ties, and cover appliances with blankets or specialized covers to protect them from dust and scratches.

Q: How can I properly store gas-powered items like lawnmowers or chainsaws?

Drain these items of all harmful liquids, remove all attachments, and secure them in well-protected boxes. Remove propane tanks from barbecue grills and purge the hose before securing the lids and all parts.

Q: Can I store outdoor furniture?

You can store outdoor furniture by cleaning it thoroughly, dismantling it as much as possible, and packing any detachable parts separately. For extra protection, pack cushions in clear plastic bags.

Q: How should I organize small items in my storage unit?

Use shelves to keep smaller items organized and maximize vertical space, and clear plastic bins for visibility into each container. Place frequently used items at the front of your storage unit for quick access.

Q: How can I prevent damage to my furniture during storage?

Disassemble larger pieces of furniture when possible and wrap each component in furniture pads or moving blankets. Use protective covers for furniture that can’t be dismantled, and avoid stacking heavy items on top of delicate pieces.

Q: What’s the best way to store electronics safely?

Ensure that all electronics are clean and completely dry. Remove any batteries to prevent corrosion and pack electronics in their original boxes if available. If not, use padded boxes and wrap each item in anti-static bubble wrap, storing them in a climate-controlled environment to prevent damage from temperature or humidity changes.

Q: How do I protect fragile items like glassware and dishes?

Wrap glassware or dishes individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Use sturdy boxes marked “Fragile” and fill any empty spaces in the boxes with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent movement. Store these boxes on top of heavier items.