Dubai is a city known for its busy life, and if you are a person who moves within Dubai, Abu Dhabi and across various regions of UAE, you must know how stressful the shifting process is! Renting self storage units from StoreIT for business storage or personal needs is an ultimate solution to ease stress, however many people found retrieving items even more stressful. So, what makes storage space more organized and cost effective is how well you pack items for storage.
This article will go over smart packing tips to ensure you fully optimize your storage unit to save time on retrieving items, avoid breakage during storage, and maximize storage space with efficient packing.
Why Smart Packing Matters
Probably the most common mistake that people make is treating storage spaces like a free space to dump unused items, as boxes are filled with no plan or strategy in place. This usually leads to:
⦁ Broken or damaged items
⦁ Cluttered unused storage space
⦁ Increased frustration when trying to retrieve items
⦁ Increased storage cost due to larger unit boxes or spaces being rented
⦁ Increased cost due to renting larger unit boxes or spaces
Strategic and smart packing helps to avoid all of these issues. With effective planning and order, the right packing allows for the safe storage of valuables, while also being easy to retrieve items that are needed.
Let’s dive into smart planning and the most efficient ways to pack your items.
1. Emphasize Clear Labeling on Boxes
Box labeling often sounds simple and basic, but it is often overlooked. Each box must contain the following information:
⦁ Concise brief on the box’s contents
⦁ Room details (e.g., kitchen, bedroom, office)
⦁ Handling notes: “This Side Up”, “Fragile”, “Heavy”
To streamline handling, use labels or mark with permanent markers. Moreover, to ensure quick identification, labels should be applied on at least 2 sides. For classification, colors can be assigned to different categories enhancing the organization further.
Pro tip: An easy master inventory list can be maintained (printed or digital) that details the contents and location of all the boxes.
2. Maintain Consistent Box Size
Using boxes of the same dimension increases stacking stability and efficiency, reduces waste, and increases overall safety. Select the recommended box size for different items.
⦁ Heavy items like books or tools are best suited to small boxes.
⦁ Household items, decor, and clothing can use medium boxes.
⦁ Over packing large boxes should be avoided; these will be hard to lift and at risk of collapsing.
⦁ Consistency provides vertical space and reduces risk of tilted or leaning stacks.
3. Maximize Storage by Going Vertical
One of the best ways to maximize space is to utilize vertical storage. Items that you can store vertically includes;
⦁ Stand mirrors, flat items, and mattresses wrapped in covers or padding upright.
⦁ Store long items like ladders or shelving units standing upright against the walls.
⦁ Place lightly packed boxes on top of heavier ones.
Think of the storage unit as a Tetris game. Arrange everything in a way that maximizes space and every square inch counts.
4. Maintaining an Aisle
While it might be tempting to completely fill the storage unit, it might be difficult retrieving stuff later.
If you leave a narrow space between boxes, this will help you to take out boxes or items that are kept on the back side. Place most needed items at the front such as seasonal items, and business documents. It saves your time and effort while retrieving items.
5. Protecting Breakables
Use the following to protect fragile items:
⦁ Glassware and ceramic items are best served with bubble wrap or foam.
⦁ Electronics and mirrors are best served with blankets or towels.
⦁ Use partitions to keep fragile items from knocking into each other in boxes.
⦁ Clearly label fragile boxes and don’t stack them beneath heavy boxes.
These items are best stored in plastic containers with lids to protect them from dust and moisture adding an extra layer of protection.
6. Break Down Large Furniture
Wardrobes, beds, and large tables are considered large furniture. They tend to take up a lot of space. Try to take apart and pack away such items.
⦁ Remove table legs, headboards, and shelves
⦁ Individually wrap pieces using blankets or padding
⦁ Store bolts, screws, and tiny bits in labeled plastic bags. Seal and tape them to the furniture piece they belong to.
This method conserves space and protects against wear and tear or damage while moving.
7. Consider Climate: Especially in UAE Weather
The UAE’s hot and humid weather can damage electronics, leather, documents, and artwork. To protect your items:
Storage provider offers versatile options for storing different items especially for delicate items like electronics, leather products, papers, and sensitive art pieces along with an access to controlled environment. Some of the useful tips while storing sensitive items are;
⦁ Put moisture absorbers or silica gel in sealed containers to keep the items safe.
⦁ Never keep perishable items or items that can melt, spoil, or warp in heat.
⦁ Always consult your storage provider. They can assist you in selecting the appropriate unit to accommodate all your items.
8. Smart Layouts Can Save Space
Design a layout for your storage unit before you start filling it.
⦁ Store lighter items that are used frequently near the front of the unit, and positioned out of reach.
⦁ Place at the back heavier items such as appliances or archived files that are seldom used.
⦁ Use storage shelves to create vertical space in your storage areas.
⦁ Use drawers and cabinets for soft goods to maximize space.
⦁ Always load bulk-heavy items first, and then fill in the gaps with boxes and smaller items.
Choose the Right Storage Provider
Packing smart is only half the battle, the storage company is just as important. Key factors that you need to consider in a storage provider;
⦁ Clean and well-maintained storage units
⦁ Climate and humidity controlled units
⦁ Safe and secure storage with 24/7 surveillance and access
⦁ Convenient locations near your home or business
⦁ Flexible rental plans
Conclusion:
Storage space filled with well organized and labelled boxes save time and cost of storing. Utilizing smart packing tips for business or personal storage protect items from potential damage and breakage. In Dubai moving and packing with StoreIT Self Storage provide flexible storage rental for safe and secure relocation.
