Essential Packing Supplies You’ll Need for Storage

Moving is an inevitable part of life and it’s never an easy task either, especially if you haven’t decluttered in a long time. The key to a seamless move into a storage unit as easy as possible is to plan and ensure you have everything needed before getting started. Nothing delays a lengthy process anymore than having to stop halfway through to get more packing supply like boxes and tape.

Whether you’re downsizing, decluttering, or moving to a new home, having the right packing supplies is crucial for ensuring your belongings stay safe and organized in storage. To make the process easier, we’ve put together a list of essential packing supplies you’ll need for a smooth and successful storage experience.

1. Sturdy Boxes

Cardboard boxes are the backbone of any storage plan and often the first thing everyone grabs when gathering moving supply. However, those looking to stay on a budget tend to go for any boxes they can grab, regardless of size or condition. Though the savings are favorable, it can be detrimental to the integrity of your belongings if the box is in poor condition or isn’t rated to hold the items you’re intending on storing in them.

Not only should the box be durable enough to withstand transporting the items, the box should also be ready to endure the time spent in storage. If the storage unit isn’t climate-controlled then the items being stored will be subject to various weather and conditions. These changing conditions can cause boxes to deteriorate overtime, especially when stacked and under pressure for long periods of time.

Same Size vs Various Size Boxes

It may seem like an obvious choice to get a box sized for the diffferent type of items being stored, however, box size is a major consideration if organization is a priority. For those who are concerned about reaching the limit of your storage unit capacity, uniform boxes are ideal.

Uniform boxes are the easiest way to maintain organization in the storage unit since you won’t be forced to play a tricky game of Tetris with different sized items as you load your storage unit. If organization isn’t a top priority then various sized boxes are less of a concern, but uniform boxes make it easier to keep an orderly storage unit.

2. Plastic Bins with Lids

For long-term storage or items you want extra protection for, plastic bins with tight-fitting lids are a great choice. Plastic bins are expensive initially, but they are considered an investment, because they will continue to serve you for many years and future moves. Additionally, plastic bins will provide better storing conditions inside the container than regular cardboard boxes. In the event your items are exposed to water, like if it’s raining during your move, then the items inside will remain dry while a cardboard box’s integrity will disintegrate.

Additionally, plastic bins are much easier to move since there’s less transport considerations. For instance, they can endure sitting in the back of a truck bed better than cardboard which is best transported inside.

Finally, plastic bins add extra protection against pests, which can cause havoc to stored items. Some pests can damage stored items by eating them, crawling over them, or laying eggs which will hatch more pests and increase risks of spreading diseases. There are also some pests that are capable of chewing through cardboard boxes, whereas plastic is far more difficult to penetrate.

3. Packing Tape

Packing tape is a must-have moving item, because not only is it for taping boxes together and shut, but it serves other roles like banding items together.

When you’re moving, the goal is to be as streamlined as possible which involves sometimes combining items so you can move more than one thing at a time. Packing tape can help you consolidate items, making your move more efficient by moving more items in one trip.

The overall goal of efficient moving and storage is to take as few trips as possible. It’s important to prioritize high-quality packing tape, because you’re relying on this tape to safeguard and hold your items together during moves. Poor quality tape can potentially risk the structural integrity of your box which puts your items at risk of damages.

4. Bubble Wrap and Packing Paper

Delicate items like glassware, ceramics, and electronics require extra protection during moving and sitting in storage. Bubble wrap is the gold standard for protecting sensitive items since it can conform to the item itself and add a thick layer of padding. Packing paper also provides extra surface protection to items so they stay in pristine condition, especially when used with bubble wrap.

Additionally, if the box is accidentally dropped or suffers damage during the move, the items will be safer with the combination of bubble wrap and packing paper.

The old home remedy for transporting delicate items was to use newspaper and wrap items in used towels, however, these materials aren’t as strong against fall damage unlike packing paper and bubble wrap.

5. Stretch Wrap

Stretch wrap (also called plastic wrap or pallet wrap) is perfect for adding an extra layer of protection for items like furniture. The stretch wrap adds a layer between the stagnant air in the storage unit and the wrapped items, stopping dust, dirt, and other air pollutants from accumulating.

If you’re intending on storing sensitive items like upholstered furniture then it’s even more imperative to use stretch wrap to keep the items in the best condition possible. Another unique use of stretch wrap is using it to keep items together, if you need to bundle things together as well as keep drawers closed and secured.

6. Furniture Covers and Mattress Bags

If you’re intending on storing couches, chairs, mattresses and other furniture, then protective covers can be considered almost non-negotiable.

Though these items will be sitting in a clean storage unit, they’re still susceptible to accumulating dirt, dust, and other pollutants that can cause the material to break down. This is especially unwanted if you want to use these items at later dates or are trying to preserve them to be passed down to other generations.

Mattresses especially should be bagged, to not only keep them clean, but also pest-free. Protective covers are ideal for transport as well since that is likely the time they will suffer any damages.

7. Labels and Markers

Labeling is the lifeblood of moving and storage efficiency. Especially when using uniform boxes, it’s increasingly easy to get the items stored in each box mixed up.

Proper labeling will help you keep track of items and make organizing your storage unit even easier. A thick permanent marker is ideal for clear markings that tell you what’s inside each box and which room the box needs to be moved to after storage.

A common struggle many people face when labeling is relabeling boxes and getting everything mixed up. To overcome this dilemma, colored labeling systems can streamline this process by assigning different colors to different rooms or categories of stored items.

8. Packing Peanuts and Foam Sheets

When boxes are moved, the contents inside will naturally shift from their original spot unless secured down.

For non-fragile items, shifting isn’t a problem, however, for more delicate items shifting is a major issue. Packing peanuts and foam sheets help fill gaps inside the box adding extra protection from shifting and in case the box suffers any trauma from being dropped or hit against other surfaces.

There are different types of bubble wrap that you can use depending on the items being stored, so be sure to use the right kind for the best protection. Not all bubble wrap is intended for every type of stored item, especially smaller bubble wrap not offering enough protection for larger, bulky items or large bubble wrap potentially suffocating and compressing smaller, more delicate items too much.

9. Gloves and Utility Knife

Even though you’re likely only handling your own belongings, wearing gloves is still advisable for protection. Gloves put a thick, protective layer between your hands and potentially sharp, dirty, or surfaces that are difficult to grab. Additionally, some gloves offer better grip overall, which can make lifting and carrying items easier since you need less strength to grip and can use strength to carry more items.

A utility knife is ideal for cutting tape and breaking down boxes easier in addition to other wrappings or ropes that need to be cut during the move-in process. Though most things can be ripped by hand instead of cut, utility knives can offer a clean cut which makes for better storing, better organization, and the best use of your tapes, wraps, and other resources.

10. Rope, Bungee Cords, or Tie-Down Straps

There will come a point during your storage unit move-in process where you will need to use some sort of strap to secure items. More than likely, you will need to secure items for safe transport, but they can also be used in the storage unit too.

If you need to bundle items together to save room or or even keep an item formed in a specific shape, rope or bungee cords are extremely helpful. Tie-down straps are a necessary tool for transporting items in vehicles to ensure they don’t move around while the vehicle moves.

11. Storage Shelving

Shelving units are not a requirement for storing in a storage unit, however, depending on your reasoning for needing a storage unit they can be incredibly helpful. Storage shelves not only help keep your storage unit more organized, but they allow you to easily take advantage of vertical storage space. Using the vertical space in your storage unit is the best way to maximize the space and get the most out of your money in addition to the width and depth.

Additionally, shelves keep items off the ground which is ideal for long-term storage since it allows for better airflow around the boxes and the rest of the storage unit. If you’re using a storage unit to store business inventory then storage shelves will keep your inventory organized and easier to access instead of removing and sorting through boxes to find what you or your employees need.

Storing Made Simple

The key to a seamless move into a storage unit starts with planning ahead and gathering everything you’ll need before you get started packing and moving. Be sure to not overpack boxes to avoid straining items or potentially breaking boxes during the move.

Packing items in boxes for storage must be thoughtful since these items will be sitting for long periods without being used. Too much pressure on them will potentially permanently change their shape or original utility. Invest in high-quality packing materials like boxes, bins, wraps, and tapes which will save you time upfront, stress, and money in the long run.

By gathering these essential packing supplies before you begin, you’ll be setting yourself up for a seamless storage experience. If you have questions about what packing materials to choose or how to prepare your items for storage, our friendly team at Nova Storage is here to help! We have everything you need under one roof to make packing and moving into your storage unit a seamless process.

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Gaige Byerley Digital Marketing Associate

Gaige Byerley is part of the Digital Marketing team at West Coast Self-Storage and is a writer creating engaging content on self-storage, relocation, decluttering, and everyday living.