Storage Tips

Storage containers are very useful when moving your home or business as they offer a durable, waterproof storage solution that gives you the time and the space to pack properly. Our steel shipping containers offer self-enclosed storage, eliminating rodent or bug problems, and because they are made to transport items long distances they also make great long-term storage options.

Here are some tips for storage to get the most out of the space and allow for your belongs to arrive in-tact.
 

Plan - create an itemised list

You should start with a game plan. Make a list of your large furniture, fragile items, and awkwardly shaped objects and decide on their order and placement.

Whether you’re moving, renovating, or simply storing items, it’s important you plan it out so you don’t bury something important you’ll need to access.

Her are a few important questions to ask yourself:
 

• Will you need to access these items on short notice?

• Will certain items need to be loaded in a specific order?

• How many heavy items do I have? 

• How much space will I need? What is my largest piece of furniture?

• What does the new layout of my home look like?

• Will I have to move the living room in before the kitchen?

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Gather your packing Supplies

Here are some supplies we suggest to make moving easier: 
 

• Moving boxes of all sizes

• Packing tape for securing items and sealing boxes

• Spare scissors  

• Bubble wrap or newspapers

• Moving blankets

No move will ever go exactly to plan, so make sure you have extra supplies. It’s better to be safe than sorry! It’s also important to stay hydrated and fed on moving day – with a busy schedule, simple snacks like granola bars and fruit are an easy solution.
 

Secure Your Belongings

No one wants to see their belongings damaged or lost. Luckily, when you use our storage containers, we ensure that your belongings are safely secured. 

Each Mobile Storage Rental shipping container is equipped with easy-to-locate anchor hoops. You can use rope, ratchet straps, or bungee cords to secure your belongings. This is a very important step you shouldn’t skip.

When you’re securing any top-heavy or awkward objects, be sure they are strapped in tightly. This guarantees nothing is damaged by it shifting or sliding during transit. We want to ensure the safety of everyone involved during your move, as well as protect your belongings. 
 

Protect surfaces

Once you’ve placed your large belongings in your storage container, it’s important to protect surfaces that can be scratched, dented or chipped. Wrap furniture in blankets, bubble wrap, or lay down cardboard to protect items like hardwood tables, paintings, and mirrors. 
 

Distribute the Weight Evenly

It’s important to keep in mind how you will distribute weight throughout the container. To avoid tipping your container, evenly distribute the weight throughout the storage container. A typical mistake is stacking all of your heavy furniture at the back while the front is full of boxes.

Ask yourself: 
 

• Am I loading too much on one side of the storage container?

• How far is the container travelling?

• Any sudden turns along the way?

• Will I be able to access my items easily with this layout?

• Am I using space efficiently?

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Pack Your Container Tightly

Try to pack your container tightly to prevent shifting during transport. Use your plan from step one, layer objects on one another to weigh them down, and fit items together to interlock them and reduce shifting.

As you pack, look for any spaces where objects can shift or fall over and fill them in with pillows, clothing, towels, or blankets. You can also stand couches on their end to allow for more floor space. (For leather couches, covering it and standing it on its end protects the leather from ripping due to weight.) Use your packing tape to make sure all drawers and cabinets are tapped shut. 

Our loading and shipping procedures ensure your container will not be subject to any steep tilting or sudden turns, but it’s still a good idea to pack your possessions tightly for added protection.
 

Keep Stability in Mind

Make sure you have a stable load by using boxes that are roughly the same size and structurally sound. If you’re reusing boxes, you can reinforce them with your packing tape. 

To make the process of unpacking a breeze, label your boxes to identify contents quickly and keep a record of what items are where. 

Place heavier items on the floor and stack lighter things on top. Do not pile items too high – try to keep it an even height.
 

Considerations for Long-Term Packing

How long are you planning on using the storage container? Some people use our containers for months as a long-term storage solution. If you’re planning to do this, consider the following:
 

• Can my items be damaged by sudden drops or rises in temperature?

• Can my items be affected by humidity?

• Are there items that can attract insects or other pests?

• Are mildew and other factors like odour and fire safety a possibility?

Here are some more expert tips to consider if you’re using our storage containers for several months:
 

• ​If you’re storing fabrics and furniture that can absorb odours, consider leaving an open box of baking soda to absorb any unpleasant smells.

• ​To protect your items from water damage, inspect your storage container on arrival with the driver to ensure your container is free of any cracks or leaks.

• Store cardboard boxes and containers with paper documents off the ground.

• Avoid storing items like pet food, food items, or plants as these can attract insects and other pests.

• Take preventative fire safety measures by planning ahead and unplugging all electronics 24 hours prior to packing them and removing all batteries.

• Under no circumstances should you store chemicals or aerosol cans in your shipping container as sudden changes in temperature can cause these items to combust or release toxic vapours.

• Take into consideration humidity and mildew by storing items that are 100% dry and packing items with a desiccant, like silica gel packets, to absorb moisture.
   

Lock up

You must provide your own lock for your storage container; remember to store the the key or combination in a safe place. Even if the storage container will remain on your property, it is essential to buy a lock that only you have the means to unlock.
 
 

Ready to start packing?

Contact us today to book your container