Picture this: You’re standing in your living room, surrounded by stacks of boxes, rolls of bubble wrap, and a few half-disassembled pieces of furniture. You’ve decided to store your furniture—whether for a move, a renovation, or simply to reclaim some space—but now you’re thinking, “Where do I even begin?”
You’re not alone. Packing your life away into storage can feel like a daunting task, especially when it comes to your bulky, fragile, or sentimental furniture. But don’t worry—at Big Storage, we’ve seen it all. With the right strategy (and a little help from our expert movers), you’ll have your furniture packed, wrapped, and stored safely in no time.
So, grab a cup of coffee (or maybe something stronger, depending on how much packing you’ve got ahead of you), and let’s walk through the steps to make sure you pack your furniture like a pro.
Step 1: Get Your Packing Supplies Ready
Let’s start with the basics. Before you even think about touching that dining table, you’re going to need the right materials. Having good-quality packing supplies is the key to keeping your furniture in one piece during storage.
Here’s your shopping list:
- Sturdy boxes: You’ll need these in various sizes to pack smaller items.
- Bubble wrap and packing paper: Essential for wrapping delicate furniture and fragile items.
- Furniture blankets: These will protect your larger items from scratches and dents.
- Heavy-duty packing tape: You’ll need this to keep everything secure.
- Markers and labels: Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to unpack.
And if you don’t want to go running around town gathering these, Big Storage has you covered—we can provide everything you need right at our Cape Town facility.
Step 2: Break it Down (Your Furniture, That Is)
Now comes the fun part (sort of). While it’s tempting to try and move your sofa or dining table in one piece, you’ll save space—and protect your back—if you disassemble what you can.
- Remove legs from tables and chairs: This will make it easier to pack and prevent damage. Don’t forget to put all screws, bolts, and other small parts in a labelled bag. Tape that bag to the furniture it belongs to so you don’t lose it.
- Take apart larger pieces, like bed frames and shelves. It may feel like extra work, but your future self will thank you when everything fits neatly into the storage unit.
And if the thought of disassembling furniture makes you break out in a sweat, don’t worry—Big Storage’s expert movers can handle that for you, ensuring everything gets taken apart and put back together perfectly.
Step 3: Wrap it Up (Like a Present, But Bigger)
Once your furniture is broken down, it’s time to wrap everything up. Think of this as the protective layer that’ll keep your belongings safe from scratches, dents, and dust while they’re in storage.
Bubble wrap fragile pieces like glass tabletops, mirrors, and any breakables. Secure the wrap with packing tape, and don’t skimp—better to be overprotected than under.
Furniture blankets are your best friend for wrapping larger pieces like sofas, chairs, and tables. Cover everything thoroughly to avoid scratches and bumps.
Plastic wrap works well for wood furniture, protecting it from moisture and dirt. Just be sure not to trap any actual moisture inside—wood likes to breathe, so leave it a little space.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the wrapping process, Big Storage’s movers can take care of everything for you, so you can relax knowing your belongings are safe.
Step 4: Master the Art of Packing Your Storage Unit
Packing your storage unit is a bit like playing a game of Tetris—you want everything to fit, but you also need to be smart about how you arrange things.
Start with the heavy items: Your bigger pieces like couches, dressers, and tables should go at the back and on the bottom. Think of them as the base of your storage puzzle.
Stack lighter boxes on top: Save your back and your furniture by placing lighter items on top of the heavier ones.
Keep frequently-used items upfront: If you think you’ll need something sooner rather than later, make sure it’s easy to access. You don’t want to be climbing over your couch just to find your favourite winter coat.
And remember, Big Storage’s Cape Town facilities offer various unit sizes to fit your needs, with expert staff to help you optimize your space.
Step 5: Consider Special Care for Fragile or Valuable Items
Not all furniture is created equal. For those fragile or high-value items, you’ll want to take extra precautions.
Wrap delicate pieces like antiques, electronics, or artwork in protective materials and pack them carefully.
Store valuable items towards the back of your unit where they’re less likely to be disturbed.
At Big Storage, we offer additional insurance options for those extra-special items. And with our 24/7 surveillance and biometric access, you can rest easy knowing your belongings are in good hands.
Step 6: Choose the Right Storage Facility
Now that you’ve packed your furniture like a pro, it’s time to make sure you’re choosing a storage facility that takes just as much care with your stuff as you did. Not all storage facilities are created equal, and choosing the right one can make all the difference.
- Security: Look for features like 24/7 monitoring, biometric access, and well-lit premises.
- Convenience: You want a storage facility that’s easy to get to and offers extended access hours.
- Climate control: If you’re storing items sensitive to heat or humidity, climate-controlled units are essential.
- Added services: Moving supplies, professional movers, and insurance options are all bonuses that can make your life easier.
At Big Storage, we offer all of the above and more. With state-of-the-art security and a team of professionals ready to help, we’re here to make your storage experience stress-free.
Conclusion: Let Big Storage Do the Heavy Lifting
Packing furniture for storage might not be the most exciting task, but with a little planning and the right techniques, you can protect your belongings and make the most of your storage space. And if you’d rather leave it to the experts, Big Storage is ready to help—from packing supplies to professional movers, we’ve got everything you need to give you peace of mind.
So, whether you’re storing a few items or an entire household, Big Storage has you covered. Let us handle the heavy lifting while you sit back and relax!
