Good preparation makes moving into self storage quicker, safer and much less stressful. It also helps belongings stay clean, makes better use of the room and prevents important items from disappearing behind a wall of unlabelled boxes.
This practical checklist covers what to do before packing, how to protect common household items and how to organise a storage room so you can still find what you need.
Before you start packing
Sort belongings into four groups: keep at home, place in storage, sell or donate, and recycle or dispose of. There is little value in paying to store items you already know you no longer want.
Keep everyday essentials, passports, medication and paperwork you may need urgently somewhere accessible. If you are moving home, prepare a separate first-night box containing chargers, basic kitchen items, toiletries and a change of clothes.
Measure larger furniture and check that it will fit through doors, corridors and into the intended storage room. Our storage space calculator can help with an initial estimate, and the team can advise if you are uncertain about room size.
Create a simple inventory
Number each box and record its contents. A phone note or spreadsheet is enough for most households.
For example:
- Box 01 — kitchen — pans and baking equipment
- Box 02 — bedroom — winter clothes
- Box 03 — office — reference books and stationery
Photograph valuable or sentimental items before packing them. Keep photographs, receipts and any relevant insurance information with the inventory rather than inside the storage room.
Update the list whenever something is added or removed. This saves time later and helps you avoid opening several boxes to find one item.
Choose strong boxes and protective materials
Consistently sized boxes are easier to stack safely than a mixture of weak cartons. Use smaller boxes for books and other heavy items, and larger boxes for lighter belongings such as bedding.
You may need:
- sturdy cardboard boxes;
- strong packing tape;
- labels and marker pens;
- bubble wrap or paper for fragile items;
- mattress and furniture covers; and
- wardrobe boxes or suitable containers for clothing.
Matlock Storage sells boxes and packing materials at reception, so you can collect additional supplies if your packing plan changes.
Avoid sealing damp belongings inside plastic. Everything should be clean and completely dry before it enters storage.
Pack boxes so they remain safe to move
Build each box properly and tape the base securely. Put heavier items at the bottom, add lighter items above them and fill empty spaces so the contents cannot move excessively.
Wrap fragile items individually. Plates are generally safer packed vertically with protective material between them, while glasses and ornaments need padding around every side. Do not make boxes so heavy that they are difficult to lift safely.
Label at least two sides of every box with:
- its inventory number;
- the room it came from;
- a short description of the contents; and
- “fragile” or “this way up” where appropriate.
For specialist advice, see our guides to packing odd-shaped items and preparing bedding and blankets.
Prepare furniture and appliances
Clean and dry furniture before covering it. Disassemble larger pieces where practical, then place screws and fittings in a labelled bag attached securely to the relevant item. Protect corners and delicate surfaces, but avoid airtight wrapping around anything that still contains moisture.
Empty, clean and dry appliances thoroughly. Defrost freezers well in advance and drain washing machines or dishwashers according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Leave appliance doors slightly open where safe and appropriate to encourage airflow.
Our separate guide explains more about preparing appliances for storage and moving home.
Plan the room before loading it
Think about retrieval before the first box crosses the doorway.
- Put stable, heavier items at the base.
- Store items you are unlikely to need soon towards the back.
- Keep frequently used boxes close to the entrance.
- Leave an access aisle where the room size allows.
- Use vertical space carefully without creating unstable stacks.
- Keep labels facing outwards.
- Do not block the door or create a lifting hazard.
A quick sketch showing where each category is stored can be added to your inventory.
Trolleys and pallet trucks are available at Matlock Storage to help customers move suitable items. The free move-in van service may also be available, subject to its current terms and availability.
Check what cannot be stored
Storage rooms cannot be used for illegal goods, living plants or animals, perishable food, flammable materials, explosives or other dangerous substances. Wet or mouldy belongings should not be placed into storage either.
Restrictions can vary, so check the current storage agreement or ask the team before moving an item if you are unsure. Do not rely on a general online checklist where a particular substance, tool or piece of equipment may need special handling.
Review insurance and long-term arrangements
Keep your inventory and photographs up to date and make sure the declared value and insurance arrangements remain appropriate for the contents of the room.
For longer storage periods, inspect the room occasionally where practical. Check that boxes remain stable, items are dry and the amount of space still suits your needs.
Make moving into storage straightforward
A little organisation at home prevents a great deal of searching later. Sort first, use suitable packing materials, label everything and load the room in a planned order.
Matlock Storage offers more than 30 room sizes, extended access and individually alarmed rooms for personal and business customers. If you would like help choosing a room or planning your move, contact the Matlock Storage team for friendly advice and a free, no-obligation quote.
Planning a move from Buxton? See our self storage near Buxton page for room options, access information and details of the free Move-In Van, subject to eligibility and availability.