Professional Packing Tips for Self Storage Success

Maximize space and protect your belongings like a pro

📅 August 2025 ⏱️ 7 min read 📦 Packing Tips

The Fort Oglethorpe Packing Method

After helping thousands of customers in Fort Oglethorpe, Rossville, and Chattanooga, we've developed proven packing strategies that maximize space and protect belongings in Georgia's challenging climate.

💡 Pro Tip from Our Team

Pack your storage unit like you're loading a moving truck - heaviest items on bottom, create a foundation, then build up. This prevents damage and maximizes every square foot.

Essential Packing Supplies

Must-Have Supplies

  • Uniform box sizes - easier to stack
  • Heavy-duty tape - Georgia humidity needs strong adhesive
  • Bubble wrap - protects fragile items
  • Furniture covers - dust and moisture protection
  • Plastic bins - better than cardboard in humidity
  • Moisture absorbers - essential in Georgia
  • Labels and markers - find items easily

Georgia-Specific Additions

  • Pallets or platforms - elevate boxes off floor
  • Plastic sheeting - extra moisture barrier
  • Cedar blocks - natural pest deterrent
  • Desiccant packets - extra moisture control
  • Vacuum storage bags - compress clothing/linens
  • Metal shelving - won't warp in humidity

Step-by-Step Packing Strategy

Step 1: Create Your Foundation

Start with the heaviest, largest items to create a stable base:

  • • Appliances against the back wall
  • • Furniture pieces along sides
  • • Mattresses standing on edge (saves 75% space)
  • • Pallets or platforms for elevating boxes

Step 2: Fill Hollow Spaces

Use every inch efficiently:

  • • Pack clothes inside dresser drawers
  • • Store linens inside appliances
  • • Fill furniture hollow spaces with boxes
  • • Use vacuum bags for bulky items

Step 3: Build Your Box Wall

Create organized, accessible storage:

  • • Stack heaviest boxes on bottom
  • • Create aisles for access to back items
  • • Keep frequently needed items near front
  • • Label all box sides, not just tops

Step 4: Top Level Strategy

Use vertical space safely:

  • • Lightest boxes on top levels only
  • • Secure tall stacks to prevent falling
  • • Leave space below ceiling for air circulation
  • • Store long items (skis, fishing rods) vertically

Georgia Humidity Protection

Combat Moisture Damage

💧

Moisture Absorbers

Place DampRid or silica gel packets throughout unit

🌬️

Air Circulation

Leave small gaps between items and walls

📦

Elevation

Keep everything off the floor using pallets

Ready to Pack Like a Pro?

Expert Packing Advice Available

Our Fort Oglethorpe team has seen it all. Call us for personalized packing advice based on what you're storing and your specific needs.