The Ultimate Guide to Packing & Using Storage Before Moving House

Moving house is an exciting but stressful time – especially when you have to pack up your entire life’s worth of belongings. Good packing and smart storage solutions can make the whole experience of upsizing, downsizing or just relocating a smoother, safer and less stressful time.

The tips we’ll discuss below, from decluttering to the best ways to use a self-storage unit, will make your move as hassle-free as possible.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

🗑️ Step 1: Declutter First, Pack Later

Before you make any start on packing, declutter first! Moving house is the perfect opportunity to assess what you need & don’t. Why pack and pay to store items you’ll never use again?

✅ Sort your items into categories – Keep, donate, sell, recycle or throw away.

✅ Be ruthless – When have you last used it? Do you really need it?

✅ Digitize paperwork – scan and store important documents digitally (if suitable)

💡 Tip: Donate unwanted furniture or household items to local charities!

___________________________________________________________________________________________

📦 Step 2: What to Store & What to Take With You

Once you’ve decluttered, then you can decide what you’re bringing with you and what you want to store.

✅ Bring to your New Home:

1) Daily essentials

2) Important documents

3) Valuables.

✅ Put into Storage:

1) Seasonal items – Christmas decorations, summer garden furniture or ski equipment.

2) Bulky furniture – If you’re downsizing or renovating, keep large items in storage until you’re ready.

3) Family Heirlooms & Sentimental Items – If you don’t have space yet, keep them safe in your storage unit.

The following should not be brought to storage:

❌ Perishable food & plants – They’ll attract pests and rot.

❌ Hazardous materials – Paint, gas bottles, petrol, fireworks, or anything flammable.

❌ Wet or damp items – Prevent mould by drying out washing machines, fridges etc.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

📦 Step 3: The Best Way to Pack Your Items

Now that you’ve decided on what you’re keeping and what you’re storing, let’s pack like a pro!

✅ Sofas & Mattresses – Cover with protective plastic/fabric covers to keep them clean.

✅ Tables & Chairs – Remove legs where possible & store flat to save space.

✅ Wardrobes – Use the inside for storage of pillows/blankets or small boxes.

✅ Kitchen Appliances – Defrost, drain & dry fully to avoid leaks & mould.

🧰Packing Small & Precious Items

• Breakables: Wrap in bubble wrap and pack tightly in double-walled boxes.

• Electronics: Keep in their original boxes if possible or wrap in thick padding.

• Clothes: Use vacuum-sealed bags to save space and keep them fresher.

• Books: Pack flat, not upright, to avoid warping.

💡 Tip: Label EVERYTHING clearly so you know what is in each box!

___________________________________________________________________________________________

🚛 Step 4: Move Items to Storage BEFORE Moving Day

Rather than moving everything together in one day, move your items marked for storage earlier than Moving Day. This will make it as smooth and stress-free as possible.

✅Move out seasonal items, spare furniture and non-daily essentials early so your home is not packed with boxes.

✅Use storage to give you extra breathing room to move at your own pace.

✅Keep important things accessible – keep daily essentials separate & easy to find.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

🏠 Step 5: Downsizing? Keep a Storage Unit for Longer

If you’re moving to a smaller home, space might be more limited at the start so the following might help:

1) Keep furniture & keepsakes in storage while you settle in.

2) Decide at your pace – don’t make rash, rushed decisions on items.

3) Leave a walkway in your unit if possible, so you can access everything in your storage.

4) Label boxes on each of their sides to make it easier to find items.

5) Use clear plastic boxes so you can see inside without opening them.

Avoid packing mistakes like:

❌ Piling everything randomly – You’ll never find what you need!

❌ Leaving gaps between boxes – This increases the risk of things toppling over.

❌ Storing damp items – Always dry everything fully before storage.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

🔒 Why Choose Secure Storage for Your Move?

At Secure Storage, we make your moving experience easier by providing you with:

✅Flexible Storage Options – Short or long-term units available.

✅Secure 24/7 Monitored Units – Your items are safe and protected.

✅Easy Access Units – Loading & unloading is hassle-free.

✅Friendly Team – If you need tips, tricks or advice – we’re here to help!

___________________________________________________________________________________________

📢 Final Thoughts: Pack Smart, Store Wisely, Move with Ease!

✔️ A productive move starts with good organisation – declutter, pack correctly and use storage to reduce your stress.

✔️ If you’re moving house, downsizing, or just need extra space, Secure Storage is here to help. Get in touch today and find the perfect storage solution for your move!