It’s easy to imagine that common sense is enough to pack a storage unit, but like most things, there are some pro tips that elevate your unit and improve your organization and ensure the longevity of your stuff. To keep your unit organized and in tip-top shape, be sure to follow these tips:
Plan and Label
A little forethought goes a long way when packing a storage unit. Planning how items will be placed before you start can save you a significant amount of time and effort later. Items that you expect to access frequently should be stored toward the front of the unit, while items you use less often can be placed farther back. This approach is especially helpful for customers using Pearl District storage units, where convenience and quick access are key. Keeping an inventory of what you have in storage can also save you unnecessary trips. Even with easily accessible downtown Portland storage locations, checking a list first can be a real time-saver. Before loading your unit, it is helpful to visualize how boxes and furniture will fit together and to leave a clear path through larger units so you can reach items without unpacking everything.
Moisture is the Enemy
Moisture is one of the biggest threats to items in storage, particularly in Portland’s rainy climate. Water damage alone can be costly, but when moisture leads to mildew, the problem becomes much more serious. Even indoor storage units can be affected by humidity if airflow is limited. Ventilation, therefore, is essential for protecting your belongings. Using pallets or shelving to elevate boxes off the floor helps reduce exposure to moisture, especially when storing cardboard boxes. For electronics and other moisture-sensitive items, adding silica packets can provide extra protection. While plastic storage boxes offer durability, they also restrict airflow, which can trap moisture inside. If anything placed in a sealed container is even slightly damp, it can create the perfect environment for mildew over time.
Box Best Practices
Small boxes are best for books and other heavy items. Large boxes full of books or other heavy items can become unmanageable fast. Even if you can lift it (good for you!) we get a lot of rain in Portland; for the sake of safety, perhaps minimize the risk of slipping or throwing your back out. Plastic boxes are great for visibility. Labelling your boxes is less important when you can physically see the contents. For cardboard, we recommend labelling your boxes. In either case, keeping an inventory of stored items is a great idea. Different Boxes are good at different things: Plastic is airtight and see-through. Cardboard is light, affordable, but vulnerable to water damage. Elevating cardboard boxes off the floor is especially important. Plastic bags have all the weaknesses of a plastic box, and none of the strengths. Try to avoid those. There are cardboard garment boxes, and those are ideal for storing clothes if you don’t have a rack and garment bags.
Art and Furniture
Art and furniture require extra care when placed in storage. The one point we can’t stress enough is: pad your edges! Whether it's old blankets, towels, or bubblewrap, use something to impact-proof your valuables. When wrapping paintings, however, if the canvas is open to the air, keep your wrapping material well off it. There’s always a smudge risk. Mirrors, pictures, and paintings should be stored standing, never flat on the ground. If you can, dismantle your furniture. Keep the parts and instructions near it (if not physically attached to the main piece) and clearly labeled. Keep your instructions if you plan to do this. This step can make all the difference if your unit is a little smaller than you originally thought. Make use of hollow spaces in furniture! If you’re moving something with shelves or drawers, re-fill them at the unit!
Packing for the Road
As for getting your things to the unit, make sure large items are secured, and heavy items should be back toward the cab. For more info, check out our blog on packing your U-Haul!
Check with our storage professionals for the size of the unit that will work for your needs, and look at the handy self-storage size guide on the Downtown Self Storage website for reference:
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We’ve Got Boxes, Tape & Moving Supplies
Getting ready for a move or just need to reorganize your Pearl District apartment or office? We’ve got you covered with sturdy boxes, packing materials, and tape: everything you need to make packing easy when using self-storage in Portland, Oregon.
Check Out Our Other Storage Guides
First Apartment?
Downsizing? Tips for Moving into a Smaller Space
Tidying Up for the New Year
Need a Truck? We’ve Got That Too!
Both our Davis and Johnson locations are certified U-Haul rental sites. We make it easy to move and store all in one stop: right in downtown Portland. Not sure how to load up your U-Haul van or truck? Check out our U-Haul Packing Guide for expert tips. Serving the Pearl District since 1981. Locally owned.
Downtown Self Storage – Davis Street
1305 NW Davis Street, Portland, OR 97209
503-223-2833
Visit Davis Street Website
Downtown Self Storage – Johnson Street
1304 NW Johnson Street, Portland, OR 97209
503-214-2916
Visit Johnson Street Website