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Storage & Packing Tips — Harbor View Self Storage

Whether you're storing furniture between moves, stashing seasonal gear, or clearing out space for a renovation, a little planning goes a long way. These tips will help you protect your belongings, make the most of your unit, and avoid the most common storage mistakes we see at Harbor View.

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Choosing the Right Unit Size

Getting the size right is the first decision — and the most important one. Go too small and you'll be cramming things in awkwardly or renting a second unit. Go too large and you're paying for air.

A few rules of thumb:

One large moving truck (26 ft) typically fills a 10×20 unit. If you're not sure what size truck you'll need, your moving company can advise — then use that to backtrack to a unit size.

If you plan to access your unit regularly, size up slightly. A unit you can walk into and retrieve something from in two minutes is worth a few extra dollars a month compared to one you have to excavate.

The most common size for most customers: a 10×10 fits the contents of a typical 1-bedroom Vermont apartment, including a washer/dryer and refrigerator. It's the single most-used size in self-storage for a reason.

For a detailed breakdown of every size we offer and what fits in each, see our Unit Size Guide

Packing Your Unit the Right Way

Start with a plan

Before you load a single box, sketch out where categories of items will go. Heavy items (appliances, furniture, heavy boxes) go toward the back and bottom. Frequently accessed items should be near the front. Seasonal items you won't touch for months go deepest in.

If you're storing long-term and won't need access often, pack as densely as possible — floor to ceiling, wall to wall, no wasted space. If you'll be coming back regularly, leave a center aisle wide enough to walk through.

Maximize vertical space

Most people store horizontally and waste significant cubic footage overhead. Stack boxes to the ceiling. Use wire shelving units (they're worth the investment for long-term storage) to create stable stacks without boxes crushing each other. Disassemble bed frames, tables, and shelving so they lay flat.

Box smart

• Use uniform box sizes where possible. Standard medium boxes (18"×12"×12") stack cleanly and efficiently. Oddly-shaped boxes create dead space and unstable stacks.
• Don't overpack boxes. If you can't lift it comfortably, it's too heavy — and it may collapse on the bottom when stacked.
• Fill boxes completely. Half-full boxes collapse under weight. Fill gaps with packing paper, bubble wrap, or clothing.
• Label every box on the side, not the top. When boxes are stacked, top labels are invisible. Label all four sides if you want to be thorough.
• Create a master inventory list. Number your boxes and keep a simple spreadsheet or notebook listing what's in each. You'll thank yourself in month four when you need to find something specific.

Protect furniture

• Wrap upholstered furniture in plastic wrap or moving blankets. Even in a climate-controlled unit, dust is a factor over time.
• Cover mattresses with a mattress bag — available at hardware stores. Don't lean mattresses against a wall for extended periods; store them flat or upright with support to prevent warping.
• Protect wood surfaces with moving blankets or furniture pads. Stack chairs seat-to-seat to reduce footprint.
• Remove legs from tables, desks, and bed frames and tape hardware to the underside of the piece in a labeled zip bag.

Electronics and appliances

• Original packaging is ideal if you kept it. If not, use foam and heavy-duty plastic wrap.
• Drain appliances completely before storage. Washers, dryers, and refrigerators with residual moisture can grow mold even in climate-controlled environments. Run appliances through a cycle and leave doors propped open for 24 hours before storage.
• Clean refrigerators and ovens thoroughly. Any residual food or grease will attract pests.
• Coil cords loosely and label them. Don't wrap cords tightly around devices.

Documents, photos, and valuables

• Store documents in waterproof bins or file boxes, not cardboard alone. Even in a climate-controlled unit, peace of mind matters for irreplaceable papers.
• Store photos and artwork flat, not standing upright. Use acid-free materials for anything you care about long-term.
• Don't store truly irreplaceable items in any storage unit if you can avoid it. Original legal documents, family heirlooms, and jewelry are better kept at home or in a bank safe deposit box.

What NOT to Do

A quick list of the mistakes that create problems down the road:

• Don't skip labeling. Even if you think you'll remember, you won't — not six months later.
• Don't store food of any kind. It attracts pests into the facility, which harms everyone.
• Don't block your access aisle with the first load. Move things to the back first, then fill toward the front.
• Don't stack heavy boxes on top of fragile ones. Use your heaviest boxes as the base layer.
• Don't put a damp or wet item into storage. Mold grows from residual moisture even in climate-controlled environments. Everything going into storage should be clean and completely dry.
• Don't store items that aren't yours without written permission from the owner. This creates liability complications.

Ready to Reserve a Unit?

All Harbor View units are indoors, climate-controlled, and available to reserve online. Facility access is 6am–9pm daily.

See Available Climate-Controlled Storage & Reserve Online