Choosing the Right Boxes for Your Self Storage Needs: A Guide

Are you planning to store your belongings in a self-storage unit? If so, one of the most important steps to consider is choosing the right boxes to pack your items. Different types of items require different types of boxes, and using the wrong box can lead to damage and breakage during transport and storage. In this post, we will discuss the different types of boxes available and their specific uses, so you can choose the right ones to keep your belongings safe and secure.
Types of Boxes
Not all boxes are created equal, and some items require certain types of packing material to be kept whole and undamaged. Here are some types of boxes you'll need for different items:

  • Hat boxes: Use hat boxes to prevent wide-brimmed hats from getting smashed.
  • Jewelry box or plastic organizer: Use these to safely store specialty jewelry in its own strong box before placing it in a larger box. Plastic zip organizers are also a good choice to keep necklaces separated and untangled.
  • Dish boxes: Square-shaped specialty dish boxes can be used for stacking dishes or other fragile items.
  • Small China boxes: Mini cube-shaped boxes with handles can be used to keep smaller plates and other small China items safe.
  • Lamp boxes: Use tall and narrow lamp boxes to keep table lamps and floor lamps upright and secure.
  • Television boxes: Use specially designed boxes to protect your TV during transport and storage.
  • File boxes: Use file boxes to store important documents.
  • Mattress boxes: Use these to protect your mattress from dust and dirt.
  • Utility boxes: Use utility boxes to store brooms, vacuums, mops, and other tall utility items.
  • Corrugated boxes: These boxes resist breakage and are more durable, especially for heavier items.
  • Poster tubes: Use poster tubes to protect your posters and other artwork.
  • Mirror and picture boxes: Use these boxes in different sizes to accommodate large mirrors and pictures.
  • Wardrobe box: Use a wardrobe box to keep clothes unwrinkled and preserved. They can also be used for storage of other items such as decor, wreaths, and other home items.
  • Hat boxes: When packing hats, fill the crown of the hat with tissue paper or bubble wrap to help keep its shape. You can also use the same technique for other delicate items such as vases or figurines.
  • Jewelry box or plastic organizer: Use small zip-lock bags to keep pairs of earrings or sets of jewelry together. This will help prevent them from tangling or getting lost.
  • Dish boxes: Use plenty of packing paper or bubble wrap to cushion each dish, and be sure to label the box "Fragile - This Side Up" to help prevent damage during transportation.
  • Small China Boxes: Stack plates vertically rather than horizontally, and use packing paper or bubble wrap to separate each plate. Be sure to label the box "Fragile - This Side Up" to help prevent damage during transportation.
  • Lamp boxes: Use bubble wrap or packing paper to wrap the base and shade of the lamp separately, and use the "Fragile - This Side Up" label to keep the box upright.
  • Television Boxes: If you have the original box, use it to pack the TV. If not, wrap the TV in a protective cover or blanket, and use a sturdy box that is slightly larger than the TV. Fill any empty space with packing peanuts or bubble wrap to prevent movement during transport.
  • File Boxes: These boxes are typically designed to hold letter or legal-sized documents, and often have built-in handles for easy carrying. Be sure to label each box with its contents, and consider using colored labels to help you quickly identify specific files.
  • Mattress Boxes: Use a box that is specifically designed for your mattress size, and be sure to use plenty of packing tape to seal the box.
  • Television Boxes: When packing your TV, it's important to make sure it's secure to prevent damage during transit. Consider using a specially designed TV box or a box that's slightly larger than your TV, so you have room for extra padding.
  • File Boxes: When storing important documents or files, it's important to use sturdy file boxes to keep them protected.
  • Mirror and Picture Boxes: These boxes are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate any size of mirrors or pictures. For extra protection, wrap each item in bubble wrap or packing paper before placing it in the box. To keep the item from moving around, add some crumpled packing paper or foam peanuts to the bottom and top of the box.
  • Wardrobe Box: These boxes come in various sizes and are perfect for keeping your clothes unwrinkled and preserved during storage. They have a metal bar across the top that allows you to hang your clothes inside the box, similar to a portable closet. These boxes can also be used for storing other items such as decor, wreaths, and other home items.
  • Utility Boxes: These boxes come in handy for storing tall utility items like brooms, vacuums, and mops. They are usually taller and narrower than regular boxes, making them perfect for storing these items without taking up too much space.
  • Corrugated Boxes: These boxes are more durable and can resist breakage, especially for heavier items. They come in various sizes and can be used for a variety of items such as electronics, books, and kitchenware. Use packing paper or bubble wrap to protect the items inside, and be sure to label each box with its contents.
  • Poster Tubes: These cylindrical boxes are ideal for storing posters, maps, and other documents that you don't want to fold. Be sure to roll the document carefully and secure it with rubber bands before placing it in the tube.

Using the right boxes and packing materials for each item is crucial to ensuring that your belongings stay safe and secure during storage. Make sure to label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs to, and consider using color-coded labels for even easier identification. Don't forget to use plenty of protective materials like bubble wrap and foam peanuts for fragile items, and pack everything tightly to prevent shifting during transport. With these expert packing tips, you'll be able to store your items with confidence, knowing that they are well-protected and organized.
The advice on this website is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only.