Storage Tips from the SpareSpace Team

Wash and fully dry everything before storing, then use breathable bins or wardrobe boxes to prevent musty odors and moisture buildup.

Clean and dry appliances inside and out, remove any water lines, and store with doors slightly open (if possible) to reduce mold and smells.

Wrap breakables individually with packing paper or bubble wrap, cushion empty spaces, and keep boxes upright with “FRAGILE” clearly labeled.

Wipe down surfaces, disassemble what you can, and use furniture covers or blankets to protect from dust and scratches during storage.

Store in small, sturdy boxes, keep papers in labeled file bins, and choose a climate-controlled unit to help protect against humidity and warping.

Sort by holiday, use labeled bins, and pack fragile ornaments with dividers so decorating next season is quick and stress-free.

Store glass items vertically, pad corners and edges, and place them where they won’t be bumped or have heavy items leaning on them.

Organize tools in durable totes or toolboxes, keep sharp edges covered, and store frequently used items near the front for easy access.

Clean and dry metal thoroughly, add a light protective oil where appropriate, and consider hanging bikes to save floor space.

Set reminders for payments, access needs, and check-ins so your storage stays organized and you don’t forget time-sensitive items.

Give yourself enough time to pack carefully—rushing leads to broken items, wasted space, and boxes that are hard to find later.

Build in a little extra space so you can reach what you need without unpacking the whole unit.

Create a walkway from the door to the back of the unit so you can access items safely and efficiently.

Use odd spaces—like inside dressers, coolers, or totes—to store smaller items and maximize every inch.

Sturdy boxes, strong tape, and proper padding protect your belongings and prevent collapsed stacks over time.

Create an inventory and packing plan before move-in so you know what you have, where it goes, and how to find it later.

Sort items before you store—keep what matters, donate what you don’t need, and toss anything broken to avoid paying to store clutter.

Pack by category and weight, fill empty gaps, and keep heavier items on the bottom to create stable stacks.

Don’t overload boxes—keep them liftable and consistent in size so stacking is safer and moving is easier.

Label on multiple sides with room/category and key contents so you can spot what you need at a glance.

Storing clean items prevents odors, stains, pests, and long-term damage—especially for fabrics, cookware, and appliances.

Put items you’ll need first near the front, stack heavy to light, and keep fragile or valuable items protected and easy to reach.

Measure large items, reserve the right unit size, gather supplies, and plan your loading order so move-in day goes smoothly.

Leave lightweight items in dresser drawers (secured), or use empty drawers as organized bins to save space and reduce boxes.

Use chair covers or moving blankets to prevent scuffs and dust, and protect legs and arms during stacking and transport.

Packing paper is great for wrapping dishes and glass because it cushions well and won’t leave ink marks like newspaper can.

Remove shades, wrap bases separately, and store shades in roomy boxes so they don’t get crushed or bent.

Keep boxes slightly elevated on pallets or shelving when possible to protect from dust, minor moisture, and make sweeping easier.

Bring your plan, load strategically, keep essentials accessible, and do a quick final walkthrough to make sure nothing gets left behind.