How to pack a storage unit
Plan a walkway down the middle, put the tallest and bulkiest pieces against the walls at the back, and stack boxes by weight with the heaviest at the bottom. Label every box on the side that faces the walkway, keep an inventory, cover furniture and mattresses, keep things off the floor, and never store food.
Step by step
Use uniform, labeled boxes
Same-size boxes stack safely. Label each one with what's inside, on the side that will face the walkway [1].
Keep an inventory
A simple list of what's in the unit helps you find things later - and helps with an insurance claim [1].
Plan a walkway
Leave a path through the middle so you can reach things without unpacking the whole unit [1].
Tallest and bulkiest to the walls
Put furniture, mattresses and tall items along the walls and at the back, shorter things toward the door [1].
Stack by weight and use shelves
Heavy boxes on the bottom, light on top. Shelving makes use of the height without crushing anything.
Cover furniture and mattresses
Mattress bags, sofa covers and upholstery bags keep dust and moisture off [1]. Wrap furniture in blankets or covers.
Keep it off the floor, keep it dry
Raise items off the floor, use airtight containers and moisture absorbers, and never store food - it draws pests.
Packing a drive-up unit
Back your vehicle up to the door and load the back of the unit first, so the things you'll need soonest end up nearest the door. Need help choosing a size? See what size storage unit do I need.
Sources
- U-Haul Moving Insider - How to pack a self storage unit (Jan. 24, 2013) - walkway, uniform labeled boxes facing the walkway, inventory, covers for furniture and mattresses, tallest to shortest
Sources accessed October 19, 2026. Follow your owner's manual for your own vehicle, boat or equipment.
At Sparks Self Storage: 75 drive-up 10x20, 10x30 and 10x40 units on Highway 27 in Prairie du Chien, month-to-month, free disc lock with every new rental. See the units.
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35068 WI-27
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821