The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Short- and Long-Term Storage with StoreX

Whether you're storing household items for a short renovation or planning long-term business storage, proper packing is essential. At StoreX, we take care of professional palletising, stacking, shrink-wrapping, and secure storage — but how well your items hold up in storage begins with how well they’re packed.

This guide walks you through the best practices for preparing your belongings, ensuring they're safe, easy to handle, and fit seamlessly into our shared warehouse storage model.

📦 1. Start with the Right Packing Materials

Using the right materials is critical. At StoreX, we recommend using sturdy, stackable supplies that can withstand the palletisation and shrink-wrapping process. It's also good practice to wrap some tape around the bottom of the box to ensure it's securely shut.

Essentials to use:

• Double-walled cardboard boxes

• Packing paper and bubble wrap

• Plastic crates

• Mattress and furniture covers

• Packing tape and labels

Available through StoreX: Packaging Materials are available for purchase only if you're booking our storage, packing, or transportation services. This ensures compatibility with our storage and handling process.

👉 Bob once reused old supermarket boxes. A broken plate and soggy book later, he invested in proper cartons — and his stored belongings now arrive in perfect condition.

🧼 2. Clean and Dry Everything Before Storing

Any moisture, dust, or food residue can cause mould, bad smells, or pest issues — even in our humidity-free, secure facility. Before packing:

• Wipe down appliances

• Empty and dry fridges, washing machines, kettles, etc.

• Disassemble and clean furniture, especially drawers and cushions

Think of this like freezing food — what goes in clean comes out fresh. Bob skipped this step once and ended up with a mildew-scented blender.

📋 3. Label Like a Pro

Every box should include:

• Room or category (e.g., “Kitchen – Fragile”)

• Brief inventory list

• “FRAGILE” or “HEAVY” where relevant

• Your name and contact info

This ensures:

• Easier retrieval (especially for Scheduled Access)

• Faster handling by StoreX personnel

• A smoother unpacking experience

📦 Tip: Group similar items together to streamline storage. StoreX stacks everything by pallet, so cohesive packing means fewer pallets — and lower cubic metre charges.

🔧 4. Dismantle Furniture the Smart Way

For bulky items, dismantling not only saves space but prevents damage in transit. Always:

• Remove table legs, bed frames, and sofa arms

• Store screws and small parts in labelled bags taped to the main item

• Wrap delicate parts (glass, ornaments) in bubble wrap or blankets

• Always make sure to stack plates vertically

Consider our Dismantling & Reassembling service if you're unsure. Bob tried to move a full wardrobe once. The wardrobe flew out of his pick-up truck mid-transit. Never again.

🚫 5. Know What Not to Pack

Due to health, safety, and insurance regulations, StoreX prohibits:

❌ Perishables (food, drink, herbs, medicines)

❌ Hazardous materials (e.g., flammables, aerosols)

❌ Illegal items (narcotics, contraband)

❌ Irreplaceable valuables (cash, jewellery, personal documents)

Always check with StoreX for clarification. Spot inspections are conducted to ensure compliance.

🗃 6. Maximise Space for Lower Costs

Because StoreX charges per measured cubic metre, strategic packing means cost savings.

Bob’s Pro Packing Math: He replaced 5 odd-shaped boxes with 3 uniform ones, reducing total volume by 0.5m³ — that’s a monthly saving without cutting any items.

Best practices:

• Use uniform box sizes

• Stack heavier boxes at the bottom

• Fill all space inside boxes with padding

• Use pallets and shrink wrap to prevent shift and damage

Please ensure that heavier items are stored in smaller boxes and lighter items are stored in bigger boxes for optimal movement.

Use our Space Calculator to estimate total volume — or ask us for a Free On-Site Quote.

🔐 7. Consider In-Storage Insurance

While StoreX offers 24/7 monitored, humidity-free storage, in-storage insurance is optional and recommended for high-value items. We take every precaution, but protection from theft, fire, or unforeseen incidents adds peace of mind.

Visit our Services Insurance page for details.

🚚 8. Transportation Tips (Let Us Handle It!)

StoreX can pick up your items, palletise them, and deliver them to our warehouse. We offer full Transportation Services, and fees are based on total volume. You can also combine transport with packing and storage to simplify the process.

Bob’s last move? Two StoreX professionals with a pallet jack, a clean black truck, and zero back pain. “Best money I’ve spent in years.”

✅ Final Packing Checklist

Task	Completed?
Decluttered and sorted items	☐
Cleaned and dried everything	☐
Used uniform, sturdy boxes	☐
Labelled each box clearly	☐
Disassembled large furniture	☐
Avoided restricted items	☐
Confirmed transport needs	☐
Requested insurance (if needed)	☐

📞 Need Help?

Whether you need full-service dismantling, transport, or simply want to get a quote in 60 seconds, StoreX is here to help.

👉 Get a Quote

👉 Book Packing Help

Let Bob be your example: pack smart, save space, and store like a pro with StoreX.