Tips For Packing A Portable Storage Container

So you have decided to rent a portable storage container to simplify your move.  

These portable storage solutions are a fantastic way to move many of your belongings in one trip, greatly expediting the moving process.  

However, packing these containers may have you a bit stumped. With so much space, it’s hard to know where to start. You want to pack as smart and efficiently as possible to avoid destroying your stuff or wasting space.  

To help you out when packing your portable storage container, we have compiled some helpful tips on how best to go about it to reduce empty space and prevent items from being damaged.  

Think of a Plan  

Before packing your items into the container, consider the amount of space you have and how much you want to load. Create a list of everything you are putting into the container and determine what order they should go in and where.  

After creating a plan, organize your load by the size of boxes and the item’s quality.  

To help you better create a plan, here is our ‘The best order to pack your home’ article.  

Securely Place In Your Items  

To prevent your belongings from being damaged during the trip, you can use the straps and hooks that most portable storage containers are equipped with. These added features allow you to tie down large items tightly, so they aren’t shifting around. You can use additional ropes, bungee cords and other materials to ensure your stuff is secured in place.

Disassemble Furniture

If possible, disassemble any furniture you are packing into the container. With smaller pieces to work with, you will be able to fill in more space while also reducing the possibility of something being damaged.  

Wrap Fragile Items

Though your items will be packed within the container, they could still shift during the move or get damaged when unloaded. That is why it is essential to wrap up fragile items with things like bubble wrap, furniture padding, newspaper, and other shock-absorbing material.  

For more insight into packing your fragile items, check out our ‘How to pack glassware and pottery’ article.  

Build a Wall

It is best to store your items vertically to create a wall and ensure you use as much space as possible. Building a wall will also make the packing process much easier as you will not have to step over anything. The wall also allows you to work from the back of the unit to the front.  

Another benefit of building a wall is it creates a barrier that could prevent smaller items from shifting and being damaged.  

Distribute Weight Evenly

When loading your belongings, be sure to distribute weight evenly from the back to the front and side to side, similar to how you would build a wall. Don’t place bulky items in first, as it will make the weight distribution uneven. Instead, place large items like furniture and appliances through the unit to disperse weight evenly.

Fill in Empty Spaces

To ensure you are getting the most out of your portable storage container, be sure to fill in all of the empty spaces with smaller items. Filling in the unused space will also help with stability and prevent things from shifting around.  

Keep Stability in Mind

While most other points listed above will help with stability, you can take one extra step. To make your load more stable, use boxes that are all the same size - this will ensure you can stack them more straightforward while also reducing empty spaces.  

If you are unsure how many boxes you will need for your move, look at our ‘How many boxes do I need for a move?’ article.  

Keep Important Items in the Front

For items that you know you will need access to immediately, pack them right in front; this way, they are easily accessible when you need them. Things like toiletries, clothing, and cooking supplies are just some examples of items that you will more than likely need to have easy access to.

Keep Your Container Locked

Most portable storage containers do not provide a lock, so you will have to supply your own. When using your container, be sure to have it locked whenever you are not using it and keep the key in a safe place.

These are some helpful tips to ensure you pack your portable storage container efficiently and securely. You don’t want to go through the trouble of renting out a container and not use it to its full potential, so be sure to follow these steps and get the most out of your rental!  

To learn more about how portable storage containers can improve your move, check out our ‘The Advantages to Renting a Portable Self-Storage Container’ article.

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