Everybody has stood in front of a storage unit that is overflowing and wondered what they were thinking. Storage initially appears to be as easy as packing, putting away, and then retrieving your belongings. It’s rarely that simple, though, as anyone who has experienced it knows.
Most people make the same few mistakes when getting items ready for storage, and those slip-ups can cost more than you’d expect — from broken belongings to wasted time and money. Let’s look at some of the most common packing errors and how you can steer clear of them entirely.
1. Using Whatever Boxes You Can Find
Grabbing free boxes from the supermarket feels smart until one gives way under your stuff. Those banana or produce boxes weren’t made to last — they bend, tear, and fall apart when exposed to heat or moisture. They also don’t stack neatly, which makes your storage unit a nightmare to organise. Invest a little more in sturdy, consistent moving boxes. They are made to protect the contents within, are strong, and stack easily. When it prevents you from later having to deal with crushed boxes and broken possessions, the small initial cost is worthwhile.
2. Packing boxes so full that they are impossible to lift
Packing too much is simple. Although the box weighs as much as a refrigerator, you still feel like there is some room inside. Then it rips, or worse, you have to push it. Heavy stuff like books belongs in the small boxes. Big ones are for the lighter things — doonas, pillows, clothes. Keep it simple: if you can’t lift it without puffing, take some things out. You’ll thank yourself later.
3. Forgetting to Label Everything Clearly
It’s funny how confident we get while packing. You look at a box and think, “I’ll remember what’s in that.” You won’t. A few months later, you’ll be digging through ten boxes just to find a single item. Do yourself a favour and grab a marker. Jot down what’s inside — even just “kitchen stuff” or “winter clothes” helps. Write it on the sides so you can see it no matter how the box is stacked. Trust me, you’ll save yourself a heap of frustration later.
4. Neglecting Climate-Sensitive Items
Not everything handles storage the same way. Wooden tables can twist or crack when the weather changes. Old photos curl up, and electronics can stop working if they get too hot or damp. A regular storage unit might seem fine, but those temperature swings do damage over time. If you’ve got things you actually care about — guitars, paperwork, family albums — look for a climate-controlled unit. It may be a little pricey, but the good thing about it is that your things are safe.
5. Storing Items Without Proper Cleaning
Rushing the cleaning process with the thought of cleaning it thoroughly later can lead to the growth of pests, moulds and odours. Pests may be drawn to even a small amount of food left in a cupboard. The musty odour that grows on damp clothing or furniture is persistent. Before packing for storage, take a minute to wipe things down, let stuff dry, and leave the fridge cracked open. It’s boring work, but it saves you from gagging when you come back for your things.
6. Failing to Disassemble Furniture Properly
Big bits of furniture take up way more space than you think. I’ve seen people shove whole tables or bed frames into storage just because they didn’t feel like taking them apart — then wonder why nothing else fits. Take the time to pull things down. To prevent losing them, tape the piece to the small bag containing the screws and bolts. To help you remember how it goes back together, take a quick picture before you begin. To prevent scratches, wrap the components in an old blanket or sheet.
7. Ignoring Pest Prevention Measures
I’ve seen what happens when people forget about pests. You open the door months later and there’s mouse droppings, chewed boxes, maybe a dead cockroach or two. It’s not fun. Don’t pack food, not even pet food. Use decent tubs if you can, not flimsy boxes that fall apart. And before you load up, have a quick look around the unit — if it looks dirty or smells damp, ask for another one. It’s easier to deal with that now than to pull out ruined stuff later.
8. Packing Without Thinking About Access
A lot of people pack their unit like it’s a puzzle — neat, tight, and packed to the roof. It looks good until you need that one box right at the back. Try to think about what you’ll actually need again soon. Put those things where you can reach them. Leave a bit of space to squeeze through instead of blocking yourself in. And don’t pile heavy stuff on top of fragile boxes — it’s a mistake everyone makes once. A bit of planning now saves a lot of swearing later.
9. Skipping Insurance
Plenty of people think their home insurance covers things in storage, but most of the time it doesn’t — or it barely does. You might be responsible for paying for everything if something is lost or damaged. Asking your insurer what is truly covered is worthwhile. If it’s not much, the storage place will usually have its own insurance option. You get peace of mind for a relatively small price.
10. Trying to Do It All Yourself
Everyone starts out thinking they can handle it — a few boxes here, a couch there — until it turns into an all-day job and your back’s screaming. Moving stuff isn’t just about muscle; it’s about knowing how to lift, stack, and pack without breaking things or yourself. It makes sense to hire a company like Butler’s Removals & Storage for this reason. They actually know the shortcuts that make it safer and faster, they have the proper equipment, and they do this every day. Sometimes working alone is simply not worth it.
Avoid the Headaches Before They Start
As anyone who has packed a storage unit knows, things never go as planned. Everybody has that one box that doesn’t fit or something they wish they had done differently. Making the effort to do it correctly now will save you a great deal of trouble later. And if it’s all feeling like too much, getting help with packing services is worth it. The crew at Butler’s Removals & Storage can do the hard work for you so your stuff stays safe and you stay sane.