Renting a storage unit is only half the battle—how you pack it determines whether your next visit is a quick “grab-and-go” or a weekend-long archeological dig.
Since our units at Los Hermanos Storage offer the convenience of drive-up access, you have a head start! Here is our definitive guide to packing your unit for maximum safety and efficiency.
The “Golden Rule” of Placement in Your Storage Unit
Before you move the first box, imagine a path.
- Create a Center Aisle: Never pack your unit solid from back to front. Leave a narrow walkway down the middle. This allows you to reach items in the very back without moving everything in the front.
- Frequency First: Place the items you’ll need most often (like seasonal clothes or holiday decor) right by the door. Large furniture anything valuable, and long-term archives should go against the back wall.
Think Vertically (But Safely)
You’re paying for the floor and the ceiling, so use both!
- Heavy on the Bottom: Always stack your heaviest, sturdiest plastic bins on the floor.
- The “Lego” Strategy: Use uniform-sized boxes or bins as much as possible. They stack much more securely than a mix of random baggies and odd-shaped boxes.
- Sofas and Tables: Don’t be afraid to stand sofas on their ends (use a protective wrap!) or take the legs off kitchen tables to lean them against a wall. It saves massive amounts of floor space.
Protection for Non-Climate Units
Since your items will experience the natural, dry New Mexico air, a few extra steps go a long way:
- Breathable Covers: Use moving blankets or old bedsheets to cover furniture. Avoid wrapping wood or leather too tightly in plastic, as they need to “breathe” to stay in top shape.
- Pallets are Your Best Friend: Use wooden pallets to keep your boxes and furniture a few inches off the concrete floor. This encourages airflow and protects against any dust or stray moisture.
Label Everything (Twice!)
It seems like overkill now, but “Kitchen” is too vague when you’re looking for the can opener.
- Detailed Lists: Label at least two sides of every box. Instead of “Kitchen,” try “Kitchen: Toaster, Coffee Maker, Linens.”
- The “Master Map”: Tape a piece of paper to the inside wall of your unit with a rough “map” of where things are (e.g., “Camping gear—Back Left”).
Utilize “Dead Space”
Don’t store empty air!
- Fill the Fridge: If you’re storing a refrigerator (clean and dry!), fill the inside with bags of linens or lightweight clothing.
- Dressers and Desks: Keep your dresser drawers full of non-breakable items to save on the number of boxes you need to stack.
A well-packed unit saves you time, money, and stress. At Los Hermanos Storage, our wide aisles and drive-up units make the whole process a breeze.
Stop by today to see our spacious units!
Call us at 505-445-1525 or reserve your storage unit and start your project off right.