Pack it Like Tetris: Maximizing Space in Your Shipping Container Move
Moving is stressful, but adding a shipping container to the mix can streamline your relocation and protect your belongings. Whether you’re using it for on-site storage during renovations or as a portable moving solution, knowing how to pack your shipping container efficiently will save you time, money, and headaches. At Dubya Secure Storage, we help make your move as organized as possible, which is why we’re sharing our top space-saving tips.
Planning is Key: Your Pre-Packing Checklist
- Measure & Map It Out: Know the exact dimensions of your shipping container and create a rough floor plan for where large furniture pieces will go.
- Take Inventory: Make a detailed list of what’s going inside, grouping items by size and room where possible.
- Purge Time: Moving is the perfect excuse to declutter! Sell, donate, or dispose of anything you no longer need.
- Gather Packing Supplies:** Boxes of various sizes, bubble wrap, packing paper, furniture blankets, and strong tape are essential.
Packing Strategies for Optimal Space Usage
- Disassemble Furniture: Take apart beds, tables, bookshelves, etc., whenever possible. Label parts and keep hardware together.
- Boxes are Your Friend: Uniform boxes are easier to stack and utilize every inch of space.
- Fill Furniture Drawers: Clothing, linens, and non-fragile items can be packed inside dressers and nightstands.
- Appliances Need Love Too: Wrap fridges, stoves, etc., carefully with moving blankets, and fill internal cavities with soft items to prevent shifting.
- Vertical Thinking: Use the full height! Stack boxes strategically, place mattresses on end, and lean items like mirrors safely against walls.
Loading Your Shipping Container: Tetris in Real Life
- Heavy on the Bottom: Appliances, large furniture, and packed boxes form your base layer.
- Secure as You Go: Use straps or ropes to secure items to the container’s tie-down points to prevent movement.
- Fragile on Top: Lighter boxes and carefully wrapped fragile items go last.
- Weight Distribution Matters: Aim for even distribution to prevent the container from becoming unbalanced.
- Maximize Door Space: Hang clothing rods for wrinkle-free garment transport or utilize the inside of doors for tools or flat items.
Bonus Tips:
- Label with Care: Mark boxes on multiple sides with their contents and the room they’re destined for.
- Weatherproofing: If storing outdoors, put pallets on the floor to keep items off the ground and consider a moisture absorber.
- Inventory List: Keep a master list of what’s inside the container for easy reference during unpacking.
Simplify Your Move with Dubya Secure Storage!
Don’t let packing stress overshadow your moving excitement. By planning, packing strategically, and choosing a secure storage solution like Dubya Secure Storage, you can streamline your relocation and ensure your possessions arrive safely at your new home.
Ready to reserve your shipping container? Contact us today and let’s get packing!