Why Professional Packing Makes All the Difference

Storage frustrations often stem from poor initial packing. Hastily packed belongings result in damaged items, wasted space, and difficulty finding things when needed. Professional packing follows systematic approaches that prevent these problems.

Proper packing provides peace of mind. Knowing your possessions are protected lets you focus on other priorities without worry. For long-term storage, the initial effort pays significant dividends in item preservation.

Essential Supplies for Professional-Quality Packing

We suggest having the following materials ready before starting:

• Strong, double-walled cardboard boxes in various sizes – Invest in quality boxes that won’t collapse when stacked
• Bubble wrap and packing paper – Avoid newspaper, which can transfer ink onto items
• Packing tape – Use proper packing tape that maintains its adhesive properties
• Furniture covers – Breathable covers protect from dust while allowing air circulation
• Labels and markers – Clear labelling is crucial for future retrieval
• Plastic storage containers – Consider these for items needing extra moisture protection
• Mattress and sofa covers – Specialised covers protect large soft furnishings

The Professional Approach to Packing Different Kinds of Items

1. Furniture

Remove any removable parts (legs, shelves, drawers) and pack separately. Wrap wooden furniture in blankets or bubble wrap to prevent scratches. Apply furniture wax to wooden items for extra protection. Cover upholstery with breathable covers rather than plastic, which can trap moisture and cause mildew.

2. Electronics

When possible, store electronics in their original packaging. Otherwise, use anti-static bubble wrap (regular bubble wrap can create damaging static). Remove batteries and coil cords neatly to prevent corrosion. Store electronics off the ground on shelving within your storage unit.

3. Books and Documents

Pack books flat or with spines facing downward to preserve binding. Never pack with spines facing upward, as this damages the structure. Use smaller boxes for books as they become extremely heavy. For important documents, consider plastic folders or document boxes with moisture protection.

4. Clothing and Textiles

Clean all items before storage to prevent stains setting and pests. Vacuum-sealed bags work well for seasonal clothing but avoid natural materials like wool, which need to breathe. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets serve as natural pest deterrents.

5. Fragile Items

Wrap each fragile item individually in bubble wrap or packing paper. Create a cushioned base using crumpled paper before adding fragile items. Fill all empty spaces to prevent movement and mark boxes as “FRAGILE” on multiple sides.

Advanced Packing Techniques We Recommend

These strategies will turn you into a professional at packing and storing a number of belongings. 

Box-Packing Strategy

• Start with a layer of crumpled paper at the bottom for cushioning
• Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items toward the top
• Fill all gaps with packing material to prevent shifting
• Ensure no box becomes too heavy to lift (under 20kg) safely
• Seal with proper packing tape in an H-pattern for maximum strength
• Label each box clearly on multiple sides with contents and handling instructions

Creating an Inventory System

Number each box and keep a corresponding list of contents. This transforms finding specific items from frustrating guesswork to simple reference checking. For business storage, this organisation is especially valuable for efficient operations.

Strategic Box Placement

Plan your storage layout before bringing items in. Create a central walkway with clearly labelled boxes visible. Place most used items toward the front. Stack boxes of similar size, keeping the heaviest boxes at the bottom. Your storage solutions should include leaving access paths to reach items at the back.

Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common errors:

• Overpacking boxes – This leads to broken boxes, damaged items, and potential injury
• Using damaged boxes – Compromised boxes collapse when stacked
• Inadequate wrapping of sharp edges – Unwrapped corners can damage other items
• Storing items in plastic bags – Traps moisture, leading to mildew or mould
• Failing to clean items before storage – Dirt or food residue attracts pests
• Forgetting to label boxes creates frustration when locating specific items

The SureStore Advantage for Protected Storage

The difference between stressful storage experiences and smooth solutions often comes down to initial packing. Following professional techniques will protect your belongings, maximise space, and eliminate frustration when searching for items.

Packing properly is just half the equation—you also need the ideal facilities like drive-up storage units. Our secure storage units come standard with features that complement your packing efforts:

Our clean, dry units provide ideal environments for stored belongings. Security features, including 24/7 CCTV, alarms, and secure access systems, ensure your possessions remain safe. We offer various unit sizes to accommodate anything from a few boxes to entire households. What’s more, our van hire service provides a convenient solution for transporting packed belongings that minimises handling during transit.

Contact us today to discuss your storage needs.