Long-Term Storage Unit Packing: What You Need To Know

February 7, 2025 Exeter Long Term Storage Packaging

Wondering how to start your long-term storage unit packing to ensure your belongings remain safe and well-preserved for months or even years? Whether you’re making space at home, moving house, or looking for a secure self-storage Exeter unit, long-term storage is a reliable and convenient solution.

But to keep your items in top condition, proper packing is essential. In this guide, we discuss how to pack a self-storage unit effectively for long-term storage, ensuring your belongings remain well-protected and ready when you need them.

How To Properly Pack A Storage Unit

Long-term storage isn’t just about stacking boxes and locking the door. Without proper preparation, items can become damaged due to dust, moisture, or improper stacking. At our storage facility, we offer strong, easily accessible and highly secured storage containers designed to provide the highest level of protection. Find out more about our personal storage units.

Essential Tips For Long-Term Storage Packing

When it comes to packing a self-storage unit, following key guidelines will help you efficiently organise your Exeter storage units while keeping your belongings safe and well-maintained.

Preparing for long-term storage

Before you start packing, it’s important to prepare properly. The primary goal is to prevent damage to your belongings over time.

Start by assessing what needs to go into storage and categorising items into groups: keep, donate/sell, store, and throw away
Frequently used or sentimental items should be kept accessible, while seasonal or rarely used items can be placed in long-term self-storage

Woman organising into boxes

Clean everything before storing

Dirt and moisture can lead to mould, odours, and deterioration over time. Wipe down furniture, wash clothes, and ensure appliances are dry before packing.

Choose the right packing materials

Investing in durable packing supplies can make a big difference:

Sturdy boxes – Avoid flimsy cardboard that can weaken over time
Plastic storage bins – Great for moisture-sensitive items
Bubble wrap and padding – Essential for fragile objects
Furniture covers – Protect from dust and scratches
Desiccant packs – Helps prevent moisture buildup inside boxes

Pack strategically for long-term storage

Use a logical packing method to prevent damage and make future access easier:

Place heavy items at the bottom and lighter items on top
Stack boxes efficiently but leave an aisle for easy access
Label everything clearly, noting fragile items for self-storage
Store frequently needed items near the front

Woman Writing Label on Box while Sitting Down

Protect furniture and large items

Disassemble when possible – Take apart bed frames, tables, and shelves to save space.
Wrap wooden surfaces – Use furniture blankets or cloth covers to prevent scratches.
Store sofas upright – This helps save space while preventing sagging

More packing tips from our team

Keep furniture fixings together – bag up screws, washers and dowels when you take furniture apart, and tape the bag to the largest piece it belongs to
Use original boxes for electronics – pack TVs, computers and small appliances in their original boxes with their cables, so nothing goes missing
Don’t overfill boxes, or leave gaps – overfilled boxes can split, while empty space lets items knock together, so fill gaps with paper or bubble wrap
Label with a permanent marker – it won’t tear cardboard and stays readable on plastic boxes
Load the things you need least first – they go at the back, with anything you might need to fetch near the door
Use the full height of your unit – stack sturdy boxes high, stand dismantled furniture against the walls, and use a spare shelving unit for smaller items
Pick the right size unit – our guide to what size self storage unit you need will help, and if you outgrow your unit we can move you to a bigger one

Avoid common packing mistakes

Below are the most common self-storage mistakes to avoid so you can maximise the benefits of Exeter self-storage.

Mistake	Why It’s A Problem	Solution
Storing damp items	Leads to mould and mildew	Dry thoroughly before packing
Packing without labels	Hard to find what you need later	Label each box clearly
Using plastic wrap on wood	Can trap moisture and cause damage	Use breathable cloth covers
Stacking too high	Risk of falling or crushing boxes	Stack with stable, even weight distribution

Think about security and accessibility

When considering quick and easy long term storage Exeter units, it’s crucial to ensure that your provider has implemented robust security measures to guarantee maximum safety. While our facility ensures safety, protecting items against self-storage damage requires careful packing and organising including:

Store valuable items toward the back of the unit
Keep an updated inventory of stored items
Avoid packing perishable goods that can attract pests

Your Store Exeter self-storage for any asset can be used to store a wide variety of items, from seasonal items to vehicles and furniture, regardless of their size or value. However, some items have storage restrictions, so be sure to check what you can & can’t you store at Your Store Exeter storage unit.

Secure Your Long-Term Storage Unit With Your Store Exeter

Long-term storage unit packing isn’t complicated, but it does require careful preparation. Whether you require long-term or short-term storage, Your Store Exeter can help. Start renting your own storage unit with us, by contacting us at info@yourstoreexeter.co.uk or calling us at 01392 253119.