The Best Packing Materials for Self Storage Success

Preparing your belongings for self storage requires careful planning and the best packing supplies to make sure everything stays safe, organized, and in perfect condition. StaxUP Storage – Alpine Tavern in Alpine, CA not only offers secure and affordable storage units for rent but also provides a wide range of packing/moving supplies to make your storage experience smooth and stress-free. From sturdy boxes to moving blankets to bubble wrap, here are our top 10 packing materials you’ll need for self storage success.

1. Sturdy Cardboard Boxes

To keep your things safe while they're being stored, you need strong and stackable cardboard boxes. Using heavy-duty boxes keeps them from getting damaged and makes stacking easier inside your unit. Medium and large boxes are better for moving lighter, bulkier things like clothes, blankets, and holiday decorations. Small boxes are the best packing supplies for heavy things like books, canned goods, and tools – it motivates you to split these things up, so you don't have all your heaviest items in one box. Picking boxes that are uniform in size can help you make the most of the space in your storage unit and keep things safe and in order.

2. Packing Tape

Sturdy, heavy-duty tape will keep your boxes closed while they're being moved or stored, protecting them from damage or spills. Use packing tape that's pre-loaded in a tape dispenser to make it easier and faster to close boxes; it also ensures that the seals are even and tight every time. It's a good idea to have extra rolls of packing tape on hand in case you need to strengthen the bottoms of your boxes or pack something at the last minute.

3. Bubble Wrap

Glassware, electronics, and heirlooms are all very fragile – they need extra care during transport and while being packed into your storage unit. Bubble wrap is the best way to protect more delicate objects. By carefully wrapping each item in bubble wrap, you lower the risk of breakage or shocks from bumps in the road. Use oversized bubble wrap sheets to protect larger objects, like framed art or pieces of furniture. You can also reuse bubble wrap, so it's eco-friendly and cost-effective – making it one of the best packing supplies.

4. Packing Paper

You can use packing paper for many things; it's one of the best packing supplies to protect small items and fill empty spaces in boxes to prevent shifting. Packing paper doesn't get ink on your things like newspapers do, so everything will stay clean during transit and while in storage. It's great for protecting fragile items like vases and figures and making sure that your boxes fit snugly so that they don't move around while they're being shipped.

5. Furniture Covers

It's essential to keep your furniture clean and free of dust, dirt, and scratches while you're packing and storing, especially when you plan to keep your belongings in a storage unit for a longer period of time. Plastic furniture covers are the best packing supplies for keeping things like sofas, chairs, and beds clean and free of spills and stains; meanwhile, fabric covers allow for more air flow, to keep dust and condensation from building up. Choose the right cover based on what your furniture needs. When you get your things out of storage, they'll be clean and ready to use if you use a furniture cover.

6. Stretch Wrap

One of the most useful packing supplies for self-storage is stretch wrap. Wrapping furniture in stretch wrap effectively keeps drawers and doors shut, keeping them from swinging open during transit or while inside your unit. Stretch wrap can also bundle cords and accessories with the things they belong to, making it less likely that small parts will get lost; if you wrap your furniture thoroughly, you can also prevent bumps and scratches.

7. Labels and Markers

Keeping things organized is key to stress-free storage, and labels made with waterproof markers make this process a lot easier. It's much easier to unpack when you clearly name each box with its contents and which room it belongs to. To make things even clearer, try using color-coding, where different colors stand for different rooms or types of items. This way, you'll know at a glance exactly which box you need.

8. Moving Blankets

Moving blankets provide additional padding for heavy or fragile items, making sure they stay safe during transportation or storage. Wrapping large pieces of equipment like fridges, washers, and dryers in moving blankets can prevent dents and scratches. Also, these thick, reusable blankets are ideal for adding extra cushioning to furniture with sensitive finishes. They're easy to fold up and store when they're not in use.

9. Rope and Bungee Cords

It's important to keep the contents of your storage unit secured so they don't shift or fall. You can use rope and bungee cords to keep stacked boxes stable or to attach bigger objects, like furniture, to the walls of your unit. You can also use bungee cords to keep loose things like brooms and curtain rods together.

10. Desiccant Packs

Controlling moisture is important for storage, especially in places like Alpine, CA, where humidity levels tend to fluctuate. Desiccant packs or silica gel packets are the best packing supplies to absorb excess water, preventing mold, mildew, and damage to your belongings. These are perfect when you're packing up things like clothes, books, and electronics. Putting desiccant packs inside your boxes adds an extra layer of protection that keeps your things in perfect shape.

Why Packing Supplies Matter

If you use the best packing supplies, your things will be safe, organized, and ready to use when you take them out of storage. Each type of packing material, from sturdy boxes to desiccants that soak up moisture, protects your things in different ways while they are being stored. Buying these things before you store will save you time, money, and stress.

Why Choose StaxUP Storage – Alpine Tavern?

If you need to store things, StaxUP Storage – Alpine Tavern is the place to go. Not only does our facility have clean and safe storage units, you can also buy a lot of packing supplies from our front office – sturdy boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and more. The helpful staff at StaxUP Storage can help you pick out the best packing supplies to keep your things safe. When your belongings are safely bundled up, boxed, and wrapped, you'll be able to have a safer and easier self storage experience.