Storing Fragile Items in Self Storage

The proper storage of fragile items in a self storage unit is neither tricky nor a well guarded state secret, it is just a matter of taking the time to do things right. The right way to pack fragile items for self storage is a little different than you might use if you were making a cross country move, so it is worth taking a little refresher course. Once you pack a couple of boxes using this system the rest of your packing will fly by and you’ll know all your fragile goods will be safe and secure while stored.

The first step is to start with the right materials. Some people will swear that you need bubble wrap, but for the purposes of storage, wrapping paper is just as good and more cost efficient. You will need plastic for electronics, and of course you will need boxes. When buying boxes you do not need to spend extra money on specialty boxes designed for dishes, glasses or anything like that. What you want instead are well constructed sturdy small boxes that have handles on the sides.

When you begin wrapping fragile items, start with your electronics. You want to wrap electronics in plastic before boxing them up so that they are protected from any exterior sources of moisture. When you pack your kitchenware, you should be wrapping each piece in paper individually. Once you begin placing them in a box, a sheet of newsprint should be placed between each piece. The one thing you absolutely want to avoid is just stacking each piece on top of the other and hoping for the best. Also, be careful not to let dish filled boxes get too heavy.

Ideally, you want to store fragile items on shelves. If that is not possible then you need a storage strategy that will prevent any accidental damage. If you have to stack boxes with fragile items, make sure a plastic barrier is in place on the floor before you do anything else. Try to avoid stacking anything on top of boxes filled with fragile items, and do not stack any box with fragile items on top of an already high stack.

As long as you take care to pack each fragile item separately and store them properly, your fragile items will be safe and secure in self storage for a long time into the future.