Domestic Self Storage Planner

Welcome to the Storage King packing and moving guide for domestic self storage. This is essentially a self storage planning list that features some general tips and advice to overcome common challenges you will encounter during self storage. You can use our guide as is, or personalise it to create your own domestic self storage checklist that will help you tackle even the most complex moving and storage project.

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Inventory Check

Our ultimate self storage planner guide for the UK starts off with making a list of what you need to store, and how you plan to store it. This step is essential for preventing further stress, inconvenience and additional costs.

Make an inventory: List all items you plan to store.
Determine your storage duration: Will this be short-term (a few months) or long-term storage?
Identify fragile or valuable items: Note any belongings that require special protective packaging (like anti-static bags for computer components) or may be particularly delicate.
Label boxes: Use marker pens, masking tape etc. to label and mark boxes so you know what each box’s contents are. This includes clearly labelling the heaviest boxes so you can spot them on sight when in your storage unit.
Measure bulky items: Ensure large furniture or equipment will fit comfortably into your storage unit, if you are planning on using one. Storage units have a specific ceiling height and remember that you may want to stack items.
Consider accessibility: Will you need regular access to some items, or can they be stored long-term?

Remember: When you rent a self storage space, you can add or remove items to your storage space whenever you need to. This means if you make a mistake or forget something, it won’t be the end of the world.

Preparing Your Belongings

No self storage tips checklist is complete without clear instructions on how to prepare your belongings for self storage. Just follow these steps:

A quick declutter of your items will help make moving and storage simpler, take this chance to donate or sell unwanted items.
Use sturdy boxes. Avoid flimsy or damaged boxes that could collapse under stress.
Clean and dry furnishings and other items earmarked for storage. This is because stains and odours will set in while in storage.
Disassemble furniture before storage. Take apart beds, tables and large items, not only save space, but also to make cumbersome and bulky items more manageable during the actual physical moving process.
Vacuum seal clothing and linens. This helps protect items while also saving space.
Protect fragile items using bubble wrap, packing paper and/or blankets to guard against scrapes, bumps, scuffs, dust and dirt.
Use original packaging to store items whenever possible as this is purposely designed to protect against physical damage.

Moving In Schedule and Optimising Space

Next in our domestic self storage unit checklist, we come to getting your items into our space.

Pro tip: Stuck without a moving van on your big day? Use Storage King’s affordable van hire service through Hertz 24/7.

Use a trolley or dolly: Makes transporting heavy items easier. Storage King offers both free-to-use at their facilities, one less worry for you.
Pack strategically: Place frequently needed items near the front.
Stack logically: Heavier items at the bottom, lighter boxes on top. Remember when we said clearly label heavy boxes?
Leave pathways: Never fill up the whole unit from back to front, leave access to the interior of the space whenever possible.
Utilise vertical space: Stack boxes and use shelving to maximise space.
Check periodically: Inspect for dust, dampness or pest issues.
Update storage needs: Need more or less space? Change your unit specs by chatting with our helpful staff. Upsize or downsize your unit with no penalties!

Remember: Always update your unit inventory list to avoid misplacing important items.

And that completes our ultimate checklist for long-term storage or short-term storage. If you need more advice or would prefer some personal assistance, call our team on 0800 0852 954. They will happily help you get started on your self storage journey with us. Or, if you are ready to store, get your free quote today!