Renting a portable storage container can be the perfect solution for moving, organizing your home, or even storing materials for your business. Storage containers offer unmatched convenience and provide tons of benefits for homeowners and businesses alike. However, not packing your portable storage container properly can lead to unused space and damaged items. Avoid these mistakes when packing your portable storage container to ensure you get the most out of your container while keeping your belongings safe from damage.

Not Having a Plan

The most common mistake people make when packing a portable storage container is not planning ahead. If you just start putting things into the container without a proper plan, you will end up misusing the space and risk damage to your belongings. In order to optimize the space in a storage container, you should always pack the heaviest and bulkiest items first so you can pack the lighter things on top. Likewise, you want to pack the most underutilized items first because they will be the most difficult to get to. It is also important to disassemble furniture before loading it in order to maximize space. You also want to make sure that all of your boxes are properly labeled before placing them into the storage container. It is important to plan before you pack so you can optimize space in your storage container.

Not Using the Proper Packing Materials

Another common mistake is not having adequate packing materials. Failure to properly wrap and pack your belongings could lead to items being damaged during the moving or packing process. It is important to purchase the right supplies before you begin loading your storage container. These items include boxes, packing paper, packing tape, bubble wrap, furniture pads, and  loading straps.

Not Loading Items Properly

It is important to load your items properly to maximize space, prevent damage, and ensure safety. One important tool that is necessary for safety is a dolly. A dolly will allow you to load heavy items quickly and safely. It is also important to create a wall when packing your storage container to allow space for moving about the container more easily. Although it may be tempting to just begin loading boxes, it is important to leave a walkway so you do not have to crawl over boxes as you pack. When you are loading a storage container, it is also important to distribute the weight evenly in the container. Avoid putting all of the heavy items in first so the back of the container isn’t drastically uneven compared to the front. Finally, in order to maximize space, be sure to place lighter boxes on top of heavier items and fill in the space between with lightweight items.