Packing Guide for Storage Units 2026
How to pack furniture, electronics, clothing, and valuables for self storage — plus organization tips, climate control advice, and what never to store.
How to Pack Each Item Category
Different items require different packing approaches for safe storage. Follow these category-specific guidelines.
- ✓Disassemble all furniture that can be taken apart — tables, bed frames, bookshelves
- ✓Wrap all furniture in moving blankets or furniture pads to prevent scratches
- ✓Cover upholstered items (sofas, chairs) with breathable fabric covers — never plastic (traps moisture)
- ✓Stand mattresses on their side to save floor space; use a mattress bag for protection
- ✓Remove legs from tables and tape them to the underside of the table
- ✓Store furniture on pallets or wooden boards to keep it off the concrete floor
- ✓Leave drawers in dressers but remove contents — pack contents separately in boxes
- ✓Use original packaging whenever possible — it's designed for the item
- ✓Wrap screens (TVs, monitors) in anti-static bubble wrap, then moving blankets
- ✓Store TVs upright — never flat — to prevent screen damage
- ✓Remove batteries from all electronics before storage (batteries can leak)
- ✓Coil cables loosely and label them — use twist ties, not rubber bands (rubber degrades)
- ✓Place silica gel packets in boxes with electronics to absorb moisture
- ✓Consider climate-controlled storage for electronics — temperature swings cause damage
- ✓Wash all clothing before storing — stains and odours set permanently over time
- ✓Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes — keeps them wrinkle-free
- ✓Store folded clothes in sealed plastic bins (not cardboard — absorbs moisture)
- ✓Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths and insects
- ✓Never store clothing in plastic bags long-term — use breathable fabric bags
- ✓Vacuum-seal seasonal items (winter coats, duvets) to save space
- ✓Store shoes in their original boxes or individual cloth bags
- ✓Pack books flat or spine-down in small boxes — never spine-up (damages binding)
- ✓Use small boxes only — a large box of books can exceed 50 lbs
- ✓Store important documents in waterproof, fireproof containers
- ✓Wrap documents in acid-free paper or plastic sleeves to prevent yellowing
- ✓Consider scanning important documents before storing originals
- ✓Keep a digital inventory of what documents are stored and where
- ✓Place silica gel packets in document boxes to prevent moisture damage
- ✓Wrap dishes individually in packing paper — never newspaper (ink transfers)
- ✓Pack plates vertically (like records) — they're stronger on edge than flat
- ✓Use cell dividers for glasses and stemware
- ✓Clean and dry all appliances thoroughly before storing
- ✓Remove all food residue — even small amounts attract pests
- ✓Store pots and pans nested together with paper between each
- ✓Pack small appliances in their original boxes or wrap in moving blankets
- ✓Wrap artwork in acid-free paper, then bubble wrap, then moving blankets
- ✓Store paintings and framed art upright — never flat (can warp)
- ✓Use picture boxes or custom crating for valuable artwork
- ✓Consider climate-controlled storage for artwork, antiques, and collectibles
- ✓Photograph all valuables before storing for insurance purposes
- ✓Do not store irreplaceable items in storage — keep originals at home
- ✓Use corner protectors on framed items to prevent damage
Does Your Item Need Climate-Controlled Storage?
Ontario winters and summers create extreme temperature swings. Some items require climate-controlled storage to survive.
| Item | Climate Control? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | Recommended ✓ | Temperature swings cause condensation inside components |
| Artwork & antiques | Recommended ✓ | Humidity causes warping, cracking, and mould |
| Wine & spirits | Recommended ✓ | Temperature fluctuations ruin flavour and corks |
| Musical instruments | Recommended ✓ | Wood warps and cracks in humidity extremes |
| Clothing & textiles | Recommended ✓ | Humidity causes mould and mildew |
| Furniture (wood) | Recommended ✓ | Wood expands/contracts with humidity changes |
| Vehicles | Standard OK | Standard storage is fine; use a car cover |
| Tools & hardware | Standard OK | Metal tools can handle temperature variation |
| Plastic items | Standard OK | Generally unaffected by temperature |
| Sports equipment | Standard OK | Standard storage is usually sufficient |
Ontario climate note: Storage units in Ontario experience temperatures from -20°C in winter to +35°C in summer. Climate-controlled units maintain 10–25°C year-round and 30–50% relative humidity — essential for sensitive items.
How to Organize Your Storage Unit
Good organization makes your storage unit easier to use and protects your items.
Create an aisle down the middle
Leave a 2-foot aisle down the centre of your unit so you can access items at the back without moving everything. This is especially important for long-term storage.
Store frequently accessed items near the front
Think about what you'll need to access during storage. Seasonal items, documents you might need, and tools should be near the door. Items you won't touch for years go in the back.
Stack heavy boxes on the bottom
Always place heavy boxes on the floor and lighter boxes on top. Never stack boxes higher than 5 feet — they become unstable and can topple. Use shelving units for better organization.
Use shelving units
Freestanding metal shelving units dramatically increase your storage capacity and keep items off the floor. They also improve air circulation, which reduces moisture buildup.
Label every box on all sides
Label boxes on all 4 sides and the top with contents and destination room. Use a colour-coding system (coloured tape) by category. Create a master inventory list with box numbers.
Keep an inventory
Create a numbered inventory of every box and item in your unit. Store a copy at home and in the cloud. This saves hours of searching and is essential for insurance claims.
What NOT to Store in a Storage Unit
Some items are prohibited by storage facilities, dangerous, or simply not suited for storage.
- ✗Food and perishables — Attracts pests and creates odours
- ✗Plants — Cannot survive without light and water
- ✗Pets — Illegal and dangerous
- ✗Hazardous materials — Paint, chemicals, propane, gasoline — fire hazard and prohibited
- ✗Firearms and ammunition — Requires special licensing and secure storage
- ✗Cash and irreplaceable documents — Not insured; use a bank safety deposit box instead
- ✗Stolen goods — Illegal
- ✗Wet or damp items — Causes mould and mildew — damages everything in the unit
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use cardboard boxes or plastic bins for storage?
For long-term storage (3+ months), plastic bins with tight-fitting lids are significantly better than cardboard boxes. Plastic bins are waterproof, pest-resistant, and stackable. Cardboard absorbs moisture, can collapse under weight, and is vulnerable to pests. Use plastic bins for clothing, documents, and valuables. Cardboard is acceptable for short-term storage of non-sensitive items.
How do I prevent mould and mildew in my storage unit?
Use climate-controlled storage if possible. Place moisture absorbers (DampRid, silica gel packets) throughout the unit. Never store damp or wet items. Use breathable covers on furniture (not plastic). Elevate items off the concrete floor using pallets or wooden boards. Leave space between items for air circulation. Check your unit periodically, especially after heavy rain.
Do I need insurance for items in a storage unit?
Yes — your homeowner's or renter's insurance may cover items in storage, but coverage is often limited (typically 10% of your home contents coverage). Check your policy. Most storage facilities offer their own insurance at $10–$30/month. For high-value items, consider a separate storage insurance policy. Always photograph and inventory your stored items before moving them in.
How do I pack a sofa for long-term storage?
Clean the sofa thoroughly before storing. Cover with a breathable fabric sofa cover (not plastic — plastic traps moisture and causes mildew). If possible, disassemble the legs and store them separately. Place the sofa on wooden pallets to keep it off the concrete floor. For leather sofas, apply a leather conditioner before storing to prevent cracking.
What size storage unit do I need?
A 5×5 unit (25 sq ft) fits a small bedroom's worth of boxes and small furniture. A 5×10 unit (50 sq ft) fits a 1-bedroom apartment. A 10×10 unit (100 sq ft) fits a 2-bedroom apartment. A 10×20 unit (200 sq ft) fits a 3–4 bedroom house. When in doubt, go one size up — it's easier to organize and access items with extra space.
Can I access my storage unit at any time?
Access hours vary by facility. Many modern self-storage facilities offer 24/7 access with a personal access code. Others have gate hours (typically 6am–10pm). Some facilities offer extended hours for an additional fee. Check access hours before booking, especially if you need early morning or late evening access.
Related Guides & Resources
Packing Hacks
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Storage Unit Size Guide
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Climate Controlled Storage
Temperature-regulated storage units
Packing Supplies
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Self Storage Guide
Everything about self storage
Moving Checklist Ontario
Complete Ontario moving checklist
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