Moving to a new home can be an enormous challenge, considering you have to pack up and transport everything you own. Fortunately, there are options to make your move easier and less stressful. One of the most popular moving solutions is the use of a portable storage unit. These nifty containers are convenient and affordable, and can really simplify your move. While these containers are definitely designed to ease your move, be sure to take the time to pack them correctly so you can get the most out of them. A common mistake is to dump all of your belongings inside, especially when you are rushing to move in a short timeframe. However, this can cause huge problems and major headaches when it comes time to unpack. Use these easy tips to ensure you pack your portable storage unit as efficiently as possible for your next move.

Try to Use Similar Sized Boxes

Before you begin placing items inside the storage unit, you want to make sure you are using mostly the same sized boxes. This will make it much easier to stack the boxes tightly, minimizing gaps and maximizing space efficiency inside the unit. Choose a smaller sized box for heavier items and have a slightly larger sized box for lighter items. Be sure to pack each box to the brim, as partially filled boxes are likely to cave in and collapse when other boxes are stacked on top of them. Also, be sure to seal the boxes with heavy-duty packing tape before loading them.

Load Heavier Items First

Your heavier and larger items should be packed inside the container first. This would include things like couches, appliances, tables, etc. Be mindful, however, that your heavier items are evenly distributed throughout the unit to avoid shifting during transport. Likewise, pack your heavier boxes first and then place lighter boxes on top.

Take Special Care of Fragile Items

It is important to take extra precautions when packing fragile items. Be sure to wrap all fragile items including glassware, ceramics, vases in bubble wrap before packing them in boxes. You also want to be sure and mark the box as “fragile.” Carefully wrap other items such as mirrors, electronics, and glass table tops with bubble wrap. These items can additionally be wrapped with moving blankets or towels for added protection and they should be packed along the sides of the unit and secured with moving straps to hold them in place.

Disassemble Furniture

In order to maximize space efficiency, you want to disassemble furniture such as chair and table legs and beds. Once dismantled, you want to wrap each piece with bubble wrap or moving blankets to prevent damage. Like your other fragile items, furniture should also be strapped down with moving blankets to prevent shifting during transport.

Stack Items to Form a ‘Wall’

Though it can be tempting to fill your floor space first, resist the urge because that will only make it harder to move around the unit. Instead, stack boxes from bottom to top in rows to form a ‘wall.’ be sure to pack them as closely and tightly together as possible to minimize shifting. Load larger items first such as furniture and appliances so you can stack lighter items on top. Tip: pack your essentials closest to the front of the unit so they are the first ones unpacked.