Putting stuff away can be an overwhelming and challenging task—we get it. Helping you with this is where we come in.
How do you even begin putting your life into boxes? When the need arises for you to get storage space, what could possibly be the smartest and most efficient way to go about packing your stuff away? Just trying to figure out the answer to that question might leave you scratching your head, and often, the actual process of packing turns out to be just as confusing. We’ve either overpacked at one point in our lives, ended up being a few bags or boxes short, or arrived at a storage unit with broken belongings. To start you off, remember that it always helps to take small steps when it comes to putting things away. It’s less daunting when you look at tiny parts of the big picture, and you’ll find that when you sort out the details, the whole experience becomes so much more seamless. Keep reading to learn our expert-approved hacks.
1. DIY vacuum sealing using a regular vacuum, garbage bags, and some rubber bands
Need to save space when you store bulky clothes and fabrics? Vacuum sealing is your best bet, but not everyone can afford this kind of setup. Make do with your regular home vacuum—just put whatever you want to stow away in plastic or garbage bags, then fire up your vacuum with the nozzle of the hose inside the bag. Once the bag is tight, seal it with heavy-duty rubber bands.
2. Store small valuables in resealable bags
It’s very easy to lose small valuables when you dump them in boxes alongside other things. Using small resealable bags to store easy-to-lose objects like wires and accessories gives you easier and faster access. Not only will you be able to see the valuables through the clear bags, but you can also label them, making it so much easier to find what you’re looking for when you need it.
3. Leak-proof your bottles
Have you ever arrived at your destination with shampoo or lotion all over your clothes? Spills during transport are common because caps of bottles loosen up while in transit due to a lack of friction that holds them in place. Hack this situation by sandwiching a piece of plastic wrap in between the bottle and the screw-on cap. This guarantees that the seal is tight and immovable.
4. Make an inventory of everything you’re about to store
You probably feel like you wouldn’t forget, but trust us, it will be tough to ultimately remember everything you stored away! For easier safekeeping and relocating, list down in detail every item that you’re packing. Don’t skimp on details—your future self will thank you. If it helps you, include serial numbers, models, logos, and even the specific boxes you’ve put the valuables in.
5. Pack and stack according to priority
From time to time, you’ll want to take out some of the stuff you’ve packed up. For valuables that you foresee you’ll have to take out every so often, make sure that those don’t go into the box’s bottom. After you’ve finalized your inventory, plan out the stacking priority of the valuables in the boxes. The least likely ones to see the light of day should go in the bottom, and the ones that you know you’ll need eventually should go on top.
6. Go easy on the environment and recycle packing fillers
It’s not hard to get creative in storing and packing using materials you already have! Shred scratch paper and turn them into box fillers. Store jewelry in egg cartons so that they don’t tangle up and will be easier to find. Use tissue paper cores to store cables. Go for old plastic bags if you don’t want to purchase new bubble wrap.
With all these hacks, your next packing session will be over even before you can dread it! To help you out even more, Lane Storage Solutions offers packing materials to get you started right away. If you’re looking out for competitive and flexible prices for storage units, check out some of our storage plans that require no lock-in. For any questions or inquiries, we’d love to chat with you at (02) 8569-0371.