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Top 10 Self Storage & Packing Tips

Time to read: 2 minutes

Contents
  1. 1. Plan Ahead
  2. 2. Declutter First
  3. 3. Use the Right Packing Materials
  4. 4. Label Everything Clearly
  5. 5. Protect Fragile Items
  6. 6. Use Vertical Space
  7. 7. Keep Essentials Handy
  8. 8. Store Smart with Furniture
  9. 9. Security and Peace of Mind
  10. 10. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
  11. Final Thoughts

Moving house, renovating, or simply running out of space at home? Self storage can be a lifesaver but only if you know how to make the most of it. At Ready Steady Store, we’ve helped thousands of customers across the UK with their storage needs, so we’ve gathered our top 10 storage and packing tips to help make your journey smoother, safer, and far less stressful.

1. Plan Ahead

Before you start packing, make a list of what you want to store. Think about how long you’ll need storage for and what size unit suits your needs. Booking your self storage unit online early ensures availability and often saves you money.

2. Declutter First

Moving things you don’t actually need is a waste of time and space. Sort items into “keep, donate, recycle, and discard” piles before you pack. You’ll thank yourself later when your storage unit isn’t filled with unused clutter.

a comparison photo of a hallway with a hardwood floor. The left side of the image has clutter, furniture and packing boxes in, and the right side has been cleared of all these

3. Use the Right Packing Materials

Invest in strong storage boxes and packing supplies such as bubble wrap and tape. Weak boxes can collapse and damage your belongings. At Ready Steady Store, we stock everything you need to keep your items safe. View our product range here to help with your move.

4. Label Everything Clearly

When you’ve got 20 identical boxes stacked up, the last thing you want to do is rummage through them all looking for the kettle! Use clear labels (room name & contents) to make unpacking and retrieving items simple.

5. Protect Fragile Items

Wrap glass, crockery, and electronics in bubble wrap or packing paper. Always stand plates and mirrors on their sides, never flat. Extra care at the packing stage means fewer headaches when you unpack.

A photograph of someone wrapping glassware in bubble wrap to protect it while in storage

6. Use Vertical Space

Don’t just stack boxes on the floor make the most of the heigh of the unit. Sturdy boxes should go at the bottom, lighter items on top. Add shelving if you’re storing for a long time and want easy access.

7. Keep Essentials Handy

Pack a “first box” with essentials like bedding, toiletries, or kettle and mugs, the things you’ll need straight away when moving into your new home. Keep this box at the front of your unit for easy access.

Moving in Peterborough? Read our guide to using self storage when moving for advice on storage and packing during a house move.

8. Store Smart with Furniture

Disassemble large furniture where possible to save space. Wrap table legs and protect corners with cardboard. Store mattresses upright in covers to prevent damage.

An image of mattresses and bedframes wrapped in protective plastic and propped up on pallets for storage

9. Security and Peace of Mind

When you’re putting your personal belongings into storage, you want to know they’re safe. All Ready Steady Store locations are clean, dry, and have 24/7 monitored CCTV. That means you can relax knowing your items are well protected. Find your nearest storage location today.

10. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

If you’re unsure about what size unit you need, or how to pack something tricky, our friendly team is always here to advise. We’ve helped everyone from first-time movers to small business owners, so there’s no question too small.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re moving house, downsizing, or just need extra space, these top 10 self storage and packing tips will help you keep your belongings safe, organised, and easy to access. At Ready Steady Store, we’re here to make your storage journey stress-free, from booking online to moving in.

We have convenient self storage facilities across the UK, including

Looking for secure, flexible, and affordable self storage in the UK? Find your nearest Ready Steady Store and book online in minutes.

Karishma Darji

Head of Central Operations & Marketing, Ready Steady Store

Karishma is Head of Central Operations & Marketing at Ready Steady Store, bringing over 10 years’ experience in the UK self storage industry. She oversees central operations, process strategy, customer experience, and digital performance across multiple self storage locations nationwide, ensuring customers have access to affordable, secure, and easy-to-use storage solutions.

Her work is closely informed by real customer behaviour and day-to-day store operations, helping ensure all advice and guides are practical, transparent, and relevant.

Making it as easy as possible

Exclusive Enterprise Van Hire for our customers

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We've teamed up with Enterprise to bring our Ready Steady Store customers an exclusive deal. Book via our link and enjoy a 5% discount on live prices for van hire, making your move easier and more affordable.

  • Exclusive customer savings - 5% off live Enterprise hire prices
  • Flexible 24-hour hire periods to suit your schedule
  • Convenient pick-up and drop-off from your nearest Enterprise branch
Find out more

Secure storage for your belongings, around the clock

At Ready Steady Store, security is built into everything we do. Our stores are designed to help protect your belongings while giving you complete peace of mind, whether you're storing for the short or long term.

These measures are in place to help deter unauthorised access and provide safer storage for our customers.

Our security features typically include:

  • 24/7 CCTV monitoring
  • Smart locks for controlled, secure unit access
  • App-controlled entry, so only authorised users can enter

Expert insight from our store teams

Customers often underestimate how important access control and good lighting are when choosing self storage. Our teams regularly highlight these features as key reasons customers choose Ready Steady Store.
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  • 24/7 CCTV
  • Smart locks
  • App-controlled entry

Here's what our storage customers are saying

Our sustainability commitment

With climate change now at the forefront of most people’s minds, action needs to be taken. At Ready Steady Store we’re already taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint, a major factor in combating climate change.

Our latest tree planting initiative will see us reduce our footprint even further. That’s because trees absorb CO2, so they’re a great way to minimise the harmful effect of CO2 emissions on the environment. And with more trees planted, the closer we’ll be to achieving a carbon-neutral Britain, along with our goal to become a carbon-neutral business.

We’re doing everything we can to help create a sustainable future for the planet, and now you can help too. All you have to do is leave us a Google Review, and for every one posted we’ll plant a tree with our partner more:trees.

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Help Us Raise Money for the Alzheimer’s Society

This year, we’re proud to support the Alzheimer’s Society—our chosen charity partner—by committing to raise £5000 to help fund vital research and support services for those affected by dementia.

We’ve made fantastic progress with cake sales, sponsored walks, and other team-led activities. You can follow our journey and check in on our progress via our JustGiving page.

Want to help?

You can make a difference by donating just 50p Or feel free to give more, share the link, and encourage friends and family to get involved.

Together, we can make a real impact for people living with dementia.

Get your essentials from the Box Shop

Moving house? Making space? We’ve got you covered for all the essentials you’ll need in our box shop.

Page last updated: September 28th, 2026

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