How to Pack a Storage Unit Like a Pro – Tips from Good Storage Nelson & Richmond
Whether you’re storing a few boxes or an entire household, how you pack your storage unit makes a big difference. A well-packed unit is safer, easier to access, and helps you save space — and money.
At Good Storage Nelson and Richmond, we’ve seen it all (the good, the bad, and the “why did they put the couch on top of the washing machine?”).
Here are our top tips to help you pack like a pro:
📦 1. Label Everything – Clearly and on All Sides
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget this one. Use a bold marker and label:
- What’s in the box
- Which room it came from
- Whether it’s fragile or heavy
Pro tip: Label the top and at least one side, so you can still read it even if it’s stacked.
🧱 2. Heavy Items on the Bottom
Always stack heavier boxes and furniture on the bottom, and lighter or fragile items on top.
This prevents damage and makes your stack more stable.
Avoid stacking furniture legs-up or mattresses sideways for long-term storage — it can lead to warping.
🧠 3. Use the Full Height (Your Unit is 2.4m High!)
All our storage units are 2.4 metres high, so make the most of your cubic space, not just the floor.
Use shelves or large plastic tubs to stack vertically and keep things organised.
At our Nelson location, this is especially useful in compact lockers and smaller units.
🛋️ 4. Protect Furniture and Fragile Items
Use blankets, drop cloths, or furniture covers to keep dust and moisture away.
Don’t wrap things too tightly in plastic, especially wood or fabric — it can trap condensation over time. Let things breathe.
We sell moving blankets and boxes onsite if you need them — just ask when you come in.
🛣️ 5. Create Aisles (Yes, Really)
If you plan to access your items during storage, leave a small walkway or access space through the middle.
This is one of the biggest mistakes people make. Without an aisle, you’ll be unpacking everything just to get to that one item at the back.
🧰 6. Disassemble Where You Can
Take legs off tables, remove shelves, and flatten what you can.
Put screws and bolts in a labeled bag and tape it to the item they belong to. This small trick saves huge headaches later.
🧳 7. Use Uniform Boxes
If possible, use similar-sized boxes so they stack more efficiently and securely.
Too many random shapes = wasted space and unstable stacks.
Also: avoid overfilling boxes — if they bulge, they don’t stack well and are more likely to collapse.
📍 Bonus: Choose the Right Unit for Your Needs
We’ll help you match your items to the best unit size — no guesswork.
Our Nelson and Richmond branches have a wide range of options, from compact lockers to drive-up units for full households or business storage.
Need help choosing a size? Check out our size guide or just give us a call.
✅ Packing Right = Saving Money
The better you pack, the smaller the unit you may need — and that saves you money.
Want advice? Just ask! The team at Good Storage Nelson and Richmond is happy to help you choose the right unit, packing supplies, or layout strategy.
📞 Contact us to chat or book a visit.
Storage doesn’t have to be stressful.
With the right plan, a few smart tips, and the best-run facilities in Nelson, you’ll be packed like a pro in no time.