Moving house to storage? Pack like this

Moving house to storage isn't quite the same as packing for a regular move. Choosing to pack for storage will save you time and energy later down the line plus make storing things so much easier. Whether you're downsizing, renovating, heading overseas, or just bridging the gap between two homes, the way you pack makes all the difference between a storage unit that's organised and accessible, and one that becomes a black hole of mystery boxes and forgotten stuff. Scary to enter and even moreso to try and find that elusive carton.

The good news? A bit of planning upfront saves a lot of headaches later. Here's how to pack smartly when you're moving into storage.

Start with a plan (Seriously, don't skip this)

Before you grab a single box or roll of tape, take stock of what you're putting into storage. Group your belongings into categories — furniture, kitchen items, clothing, documents, fragile items — and think about what you might need to access while your possessions are in storage. Those items need to go in last so they come out first.

Also, think about how long your items will be stored. Storage for moving house is usually short-term storage for a renovation or similar situation and is very different from long-term storage for a big overseas move. The longer your stuff sits, the more important it is to pack it properly — especially when it comes to moisture, pests, and protecting valuables.

Use the right boxes and materials

Not all boxes are created equal. For storage, quality counts. Here's what to use:

• Heavy-duty cardboard boxes — Avoid the free boxes from Bunnings or the supermarket for anything weighty. Invest in proper packing boxes that can stack without collapsing.
• Uniform sizes where possible — They stack better, saving vertical space in your unit.
• Plastic tubs with lids — Great for items you may need to access, as they're stackable, waterproof, and easy to label. They can be transparent too, which makes identification easier.
• Bubble wrap and packing paper — Wrap fragile items individually.  Newspaper can work in a pinch but it can leave ink on delicate surfaces.
• Wardrobe boxes — If you have hanging clothes going into storage, these are worth every cent.

Moving house to storage: What NOT to pack

There are a few things that simply shouldn't go into a storage unit, no matter how convenient it seems. Most storage facilities have a prohibited items list, but as a general rule, keep these out:

• Perishable food — Anything that can rot, mould, or attract pests has no place in a storage unit.
• Flammable or hazardous materials — This includes petrol, paint, cleaning chemicals, and gas cylinders.
• Plants and living things — For obvious reasons.
• Irreplaceable documents or valuables — Keep passports, birth certificates,  jewellery, and sentimental items with you or in a bank safe.
• Wet or damp items — Always make sure everything is completely dry before packing to avoid mould and mildew, which leads to deterioration of the items.

How to pack each room for storage

Bedroom

Disassemble bed frames and wrap the parts in moving blankets or bubble wrap. Store mattresses upright if possible — flat stacking can cause them to warp or develop pressure points over time. Use vacuum storage bags for bedding, pillows, and soft furnishings to save significant space and keep them protected from dust.

Kitchen

Wrap plates individually and pack them on their edge (like records in a crate) rather than flat — this distributes pressure more evenly and reduces the risk of breakage. Nest bowls together with packing paper between each one. Pack glasses in cell divider boxes if you can get them. Make sure all appliances are clean and dry, and leave fridge and freezer doors slightly ajar if they're going into storage. Sodium bicarb in an open container helps eradicate unwanted smells in your fridge or freezer.

Lounge and living areas

Couches and armchairs can be stood on their ends to save floor space. Wrap timber furniture legs in bubble wrap or moving blankets to prevent scratches. For flat-screen TVs, the original box is always best — if you don't have it, get a TV box from a moving supplier. Never lay a TV flat without proper support.

The labelling system that will save you

While you might be tempted to save time now, it's worth putting in a little effort to make everything so much easier later. Label every single box — on the top and on the side — so you can read it without unstacking everything. Include the room the box came from, a brief summary of contents, and whether it's fragile.

Even better, keep a simple written or digital inventory. A quick spreadsheet or even a notes app on your phone listing what's in each box can save hours of searching later. Number your boxes and match them to your list. It sounds like extra effort, but when you're hunting for your kid's footy boots six weeks before the season starts, you'll be very glad you did it. When you stack the cartons, leave the description outwards so at a glance you can identify it.

Stacking strategy inside the unit

Think of your storage unit like a game of Tetris — a well-planned layout makes a huge difference in how much you can fit and how easy it is to navigate.

• Heavy items on the bottom — Bookshelves, filing cabinets, and appliances go on the floor. Boxes go on top of furniture, not the other way around.
• Leave a walkway — A central aisle means you can get to everything, not just the front row.
• Items you need most often go nearest the door — Don't bury seasonal items you'll need in a month.
• Fill gaps in furniture — Drawers, wardrobes, and pots can all hold smaller items to maximise space.
• Use pallets or shelving if possible — Getting boxes off the concrete floor protects against moisture and makes a big difference in long-term storage.

Note that if you are moving with a moving and storage company, like ours, we pick up your things from your home, put them in our secure storage facility and then deliver them afterwards to your new location. So there is no dealing with units and no Tetris. It's an ideal situation when dealing with simultaneous settlement or longer periods between homes. 

Storage for moving house — Choosing the right unit size

One of the most common mistakes people make when using storage for moving house is underestimating how much space they need. Furniture takes up far more room than you'd expect, especially once you factor in awkward shapes and the space around items to prevent damage.

As a rough guide: a small unit (around 3x3m) suits the contents of a one-bedroom flat. A medium unit (around 3x6m) works for a two to three-bedroom home. A large unit (around 6x6m or more) is better suited for a four-plus bedroom family home. When in doubt, go slightly bigger — you'll thank yourself when you're not playing furniture Jenga just to get in the door. Contact your storage for moving house experts if you are unsure about what size unit is suitable for your needs.

Climate control and security — Worth the investment?

If you're storing items for a longer period or your unit contains electronics, musical instruments, wooden furniture, or artwork, a climate-controlled unit is worth the extra cost. Australian summers can turn a standard storage unit into an oven, which is brutal on electronics, timber, and anything with glue or adhesive.

On the security front, check what your facility offers — CCTV coverage, individual door alarms, and secure perimeter fencing are all good signs. It's also worth checking whether your home and contents insurance policy extends to items in storage, or whether you need to arrange separate cover.

A few final tips before you pack that last box

• Take photos before you close up — A quick walk-through with your phone means you have a visual record of what's in there and how it's packed.
• Don't pack boxes too heavily — If you can't comfortably carry it, neither can the removalist. Aim for around 20kg maximum per box.
• Protect timber and metal furniture from rust and moisture — A light coat of furniture polish on timber and a thin layer of machine oil on tools and metal items goes a long way.
• Check in periodically — If your items are in storage for a while, pop in every couple of months to check for any signs of damp, pests, or damage.

Using storage for moving house is a smart solution when life gets complicated — and it's even smarter when you go in prepared. A little organisation and the right packing approach means less stress, fewer damaged items, and a whole lot less time rummaging through boxes trying to find the TV remote.

Pack it correctly the first time, and your storage unit will work for you — not against you.

Happy Moving!