Tips for Packing Portable Storage Boxes

These portable storage solutions are a great way to move many items at once, greatly speeding up the moving process.

However, packing these moving and storage containers can be a bit overwhelming. With so much space, it can be hard to know where to start. You want to pack as smartly and efficiently as possible to avoid damaging your items or wasting space.

To help you pack your portable storage boxes, we’ve put together some helpful tips on how to best reduce empty space and prevent your items from getting damaged.

Think of a plan

Before you load your items into the containers, consider how much space you have and how much you want to load. Make a list of all the items you’re going to put into the containers and decide in what order they should go in and where.

Once you’ve made a plan, organize your load based on the size of the box and the mass of the items.

Securely place your items

To prevent your items from getting damaged while you’re on the road, you can use the straps and hooks that most portable storage boxes come with. These extra features allow you to tie down large items tightly so they don’t move around. You can use additional ropes, bungee cords, and other materials to secure your items in place.

Disassemble Furniture

If possible, disassemble any furniture you are packing into the container. With smaller pieces, you will be able to fill more space while also reducing the likelihood of damage to your items.

Wrap Fragile Items

While your items will be packed inside the extra space storage containers, they can still move during handling or get damaged when unloaded. That’s why it’s crucial to wrap fragile items with bubble wrap, furniture padding, newspaper, and other shock-absorbing materials.

Build Walls

It’s best to store items vertically to create a wall and make sure to utilize as much space as possible. Building walls will also make the packing process easier because you won’t have to step over anything. Walls also allow you to work from the back of the unit to the front.

Another benefit of building walls is that it creates a barrier that can prevent smaller items from moving and getting damaged.

Distribute Weight Evenly

When loading your items, make sure to evenly distribute the weight from the back to the front and side to side, similar to how you built the walls. Don’t put in large items first, as this will make the weight unevenly distributed. Instead, place large items like furniture and appliances in the unit to evenly distribute the weight.

Fill the Gaps

To ensure you get the most out of your portable storage box, be sure to fill all the gaps with smaller items. Filling unused space will also help maintain stability and prevent items from shifting around.

Keep Stability in Mind

While most of the other points listed above will help maintain stability, there are extra steps you can take. To make your load more stable, use boxes that are all the same size - this will ensure you can stack them more directly while reducing gaps.

Put Important Items in the Front

For items you know you’ll need to access right away, pack them in the front; this way, they’ll be easy to get to when you need them. Toiletries, clothing, and cooking supplies are just some examples of items you’ll most likely need to access easily.

Keep the Container Locked

Most portable storage boxes don’t come with locks, so you’ll have to provide your own. When using on site storage units, make sure it’s locked when not in use and keep the key somewhere safe. These are some helpful tips to ensure you pack your portable storage box efficiently and safely.

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