How to Pack Your Belongings for Long-Term Storage
April 22, 2025
Planning to store your items for several months—or even longer? Packing properly for long-term storage is essential to keep your belongings safe, clean, and in good condition. At United Self Storage, we’re here to help you protect what matters most with these smart packing tips.
1. Choose Quality Packing Materials
Cheap or worn-out boxes can collapse over time, especially under weight. Invest in:
Sturdy, uniform boxes
Plastic totes for extra moisture protection
Bubble wrap and packing paper (avoid newspaper—it can leave stains)
Strong packing tape to keep boxes sealed
2. Clean Everything First
Before packing, clean and dry items thoroughly. Dirt or moisture left behind can lead to mold, mildew, or unpleasant odors.
Wipe down furniture and appliances
Wash and dry clothing and linens
Polish metal items to help prevent rust
3. Disassemble Furniture When Possible
Take apart bed frames, tables, and large items to save space and prevent damage. Be sure to:
Label all hardware and tape it to the item
Wrap furniture parts in blankets or bubble wrap
Store large items vertically to maximize space
4. Pack Smart & Label Clearly
Group items by room or category and label each box clearly. Pro tip: create an inventory list for easy reference!
Place heavier items on the bottom
Use filler (like towels or bubble wrap) to prevent shifting
Avoid overfilling boxes—they should close flat
5. Protect Sensitive Items
For long-term storage, take extra care with delicate or valuable items:
Use climate-stable containers for electronics
Cover mattresses and furniture with breathable covers
Store artwork and mirrors upright and padded
6. Leave Room for Airflow
Stack boxes with a little space in between, and avoid packing right up against walls. This helps reduce moisture buildup and keeps everything better ventilated.
7. Use Pallets or Shelving
Keep boxes and furniture off the ground using pallets or shelving. This simple step adds an extra layer of protection against moisture or unexpected pests.
Store with Confidence at United Self Storage
At United Self Storage, we make long-term storage stress-free with:
Clean, secure storage units
24/7 surveillance and gated access
A variety of sizes to suit your needs
Friendly on-site team ready to help
Ready to Reserve Your Unit?
Whether you’re storing belongings for a move, deployment, or simply to declutter, we’ve got your back. Contact United Self Storage today to find the perfect long-term storage solution.

When storing fragile items, proper packing and handling are essential to prevent damage. Whether you're storing delicate glassware, antiques, or electronics, taking the right precautions will keep your valuables safe. At United Storage, we offer secure storage units to protect your belongings. Follow these tips to ensure your fragile items remain in perfect condition. 1. Use Quality Packing Materials Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and foam padding. Avoid using old or weak boxes that might collapse under weight. 2. Wrap Each Item Individually Wrap delicate items like glassware, ceramics, and electronics separately with bubble wrap or packing paper. Secure the wrapping with tape to keep it in place. 3. Use Sturdy Boxes and Label Them Place fragile items in small to medium-sized boxes to prevent excessive weight. Clearly label each box as "FRAGILE" so you and others handle them with care. 4. Pack Boxes Strategically Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter, more delicate items on top. Fill empty spaces with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent shifting. 5. Stack Carefully in the Storage Unit Store fragile boxes on sturdy, flat surfaces. Avoid stacking them too high to prevent accidental falls. Consider using shelving for extra protection. 6. Keep Fragile Items Off the Floor Use pallets or shelving to keep fragile boxes elevated, protecting them from potential moisture or accidental damage. 7. Store Electronics Properly Remove batteries, secure cords, and store electronics in their original packaging if possible. If not, wrap them in anti-static bubble wrap and place them in padded boxes. 8. Avoid Overpacking Boxes Overstuffing boxes can increase the risk of breakage. Leave some space for cushioning materials to absorb shocks. 9. Check on Your Items Periodically Visit your storage unit occasionally to ensure everything remains secure and in good condition. Store with Confidence at United Storage At United Storage, we provide clean, secure, and easily accessible storage units to keep your fragile items safe. Contact us today to find the perfect storage solution for your needs!

When renting a storage unit at United Storage, making the most of your space is key to keeping your belongings organized and protected. With the right packing strategies, you can maximize every inch of your unit while ensuring easy access to your items. Here are some essential packing tips to help you get the most out of your storage space. 1. Choose the Right Storage Unit Before you start packing, determine how much space you need. A unit that’s too small can lead to overcrowding, while an oversized unit may leave you paying for unnecessary space. Our team at United Storage can help you select the best size for your needs. 2. Use Sturdy, Uniform Boxes Using boxes of the same size makes stacking easier and more stable. Opt for durable cardboard boxes or plastic bins to keep your belongings secure and protected from dust and dirt. 3. Pack Strategically Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Store frequently used items near the front for easy access. Fill empty spaces inside boxes with packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent shifting. 4. Disassemble Large Items Furniture and large appliances take up valuable space. Whenever possible, disassemble beds, tables, and shelving units to make them easier to store. Keep screws and small parts in labeled bags and tape them to the furniture for easy reassembly. 5. Use Vertical Space Maximize storage by stacking boxes and placing shelving units inside your unit. This keeps items organized and prevents unnecessary clutter on the floor. 6. Label Everything Clearly Clearly mark each box with its contents to make finding items easier later. If you have multiple boxes with similar contents, consider numbering them and keeping a master list of what’s inside. 7. Leave a Walkway While it’s tempting to fill every inch of your storage unit, leaving a small aisle allows you to reach items without having to move everything around. 8. Protect Fragile Items Wrap delicate items in bubble wrap or packing paper and store them in sturdy boxes. For extra protection, place fragile items on top of heavier boxes to prevent crushing. 9. Keep Items Off the Floor Using pallets or shelves helps protect your belongings from potential dust buildup and improves airflow within your unit. 10. Secure Your Unit Once everything is in place, use a high-quality lock for added security. United Storage offers a safe and secure environment, but an extra layer of protection ensures peace of mind. Store Smart with United Storage At United Storage, we provide clean, secure, and affordable storage solutions. Whether you’re storing household items, business inventory, or seasonal belongings, our facility is designed to meet your needs. Contact us today to find the perfect storage unit for you!