How to Pack a Storage Locker
Packing a storage locker is like putting together a giant jigsaw puzzle. Put it together well, and you will fit a lot of stuff inside. Put it together poorly, and less will fit, and you will probably also damage the items you are storing. Storage lockers tend to be narrow and short, but also tall. As a result, storage lockers must be packed vertically. With a little planning and care, you can pack a storage locker efficiently and safely. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Inventory what you need to fit in the storage locker. Separate your items into three categories: heavy furniture, boxes and irregularly shaped things.
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Pack your items into uniform-shaped boxes. This makes putting them in a storage locker much easier. Boxes of the same size can be stacked, making good use of vertical space. Be sure to tape the boxes well and mark them with the contents. If you don't, you will have a hard time finding things in boxes that all look alike.
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Separate items you must have access to from the things you won't need for a while. Items meant for long-term storage go into the storage locker first. Items you will need right away go in last so they will be closer to the door.
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Put the big, sturdy items in first. These are things like couches, beds, tables and other furniture. Put these items on the floor and against the walls. Be sure to cover them with moving blankets for protection. It's also a good idea to place them on top of pallets or cardboard. Beds and box springs should be placed on their sides leaning against a wall. Furniture can then be placed on top of other furniture. Turn the second layer of tables, chairs and couches over so the tops touch each other. Be sure a blanket is between them. Allow yourself room to work in the storage locker. Don't move more furniture in until what is already inside is stacked to the ceiling.
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Top with large uniform-shaped boxes. Since they are the same size, they can be stacked. As a general rule, put the heavier boxes on the bottom. That way, the boxes on the bottom wont buckle under the weight of heavy boxes on top.
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Pile on lighter boxes. Medium- and small-sized boxes go on top of the large boxes. Here is where you need to start piecing together the puzzle. Stand on a step ladder and fill the spaces until they are stacked all the way to the ceiling. Light items like pillows are great for the top layer. Irregularly shaped items like fake plants or magazine racks can also go on top.
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Repeat the process as you work your way toward the door. Bring in more heavy furniture and pile boxes and other items on top until you reach the ceiling again. It is important to keep a mixture of large, medium and small items available as you pack the storage locker. This way you always have items that can fill in the empty spaces.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure items are secure and stable. If they are loose, they can fall on top of you. You can be severely hurt in a storage locker avalanche.
