7 Tips for Packing a Portable Storage Container

Portable storage containers are a great way to store, protect, and transport your belongings during a move. But it can be intimidating to figure out how to properly pack everything in there. Don’t worry, the experts at U-Box by U-Haul have some handy tips to help you make the most of your portable storage container!

1. Declutter Before Packing

Moving is a great opportunity to declutter, especially since you only have so much space to work with while packing a storage container. For example, if there’s a piece of furniture that’s on its last legs, take some time to decide if it’s worth coming along to your new home. Consider giving your unwanted items some new life by either donating them or even hosting a garage sale in order to score some extra cash!

2. Know How Many Containers You Need

Depending on where you rent your container from, you may need more than one to fulfill all your moving or storage needs. But knowing how many you need will depend on the size of the container.

For example, U-Box containers can fit about one and a half room’s worth of stuff. And on top of this, we also have a handy tool to help you estimate how many you’ll need. All you need to do is plug in how many bedrooms you’re currently packing up, and we’ll do the math for you! 

Other companies may offer bigger sizes, but remember, the bigger you go, the higher the cost! U-Box containers are a happy medium because you aren’t paying for any extra space you aren’t using. We even refund you 100% for any U-Box containers that you don’t use. 

3. Know What You CAN’T Store

There are some items that U-Haul won’t allow you to store in a U-Box container. This includes stuff like: 

• Fireworks or other explosives 
• Propane, butane, or other flammable chemicals
  • Protip: Make sure any grills, heaters, torches, or other gas-fueled items are completely empty.  

• Plants/Animals  
• Food/Liquids 

You should also keep any valuables and personal documents with you. Try to avoid putting things like collectibles, medications, and firearms inside your portable storage containers.

4. Disassemble Furniture

To save room in your portable storage container, take the legs off of furniture like tables and chairs. You can also disassemble vanities, bed frames, and sofas. Group the respective furniture parts together and keep all necessary screws sorted for easy reassembly when you get to your new home.  

5. Record What You Store in Each Box

When you’re packing away smaller items into boxes, keep tabs on what goes where. You can do this by either writing it directly on the box, or with the My Belongings Organizer on the U-Haul app. 

The My Belongings Organizer is a box management system that’s free to download and easy to use! You can list every one of your boxes and record what’s inside. You can even take a picture for visual reference. 

With the My Belongings Organizer you can even record where you stored a box during your move, whether it’s in a U-Box container, your car, or storage unit.

6. Pack From Back to Front 

When packing a portable storage container, it’s good to pack in tiers. This means, you’ll fill up the back of the container from floor to ceiling before moving on to the next tier. Every item that you stack should be able to hold the item on top of it, so be mindful of the weight of each item. 

Certain items, like dressers, desks, or heavy boxes full of books, should be on the bottom of your U-Box container. This is so none of your lighter items get crushed in the process!

7. Secure Items as You Go

Another good way to protect your items is by securing them with zip ties and bungie cords. Use these tools to keep anything from shifting or falling during transit. Make sure you take the time to fill any gaps in your stacks with furniture pads, blankets, or other cushions. It’s also a good idea to wrap your furniture in furniture pads to protect against scratches or other forms of damage. If you need more supplies for packing your container, U-Haul has you covered. 

More of a visual learner? Check out our video that walks you through the packing process!

With these tips, your items should be safe and sound while in transit to your new destination or while in storage. And when you ship with U-Box by U-Haul, you can trust that the safety of your items is our top priority. On top of that, we can ship a U-Box container anywhere in the world, whether that be your front door or across the ocean. 

You won’t be able to find another service that’s as affordable, accessible, and easy as U-Box by U-Haul. So, what are you waiting for? Let's get moving!