Updated on June 14, 2024
So you've booked your moving and storage container from 1-800-PACK-RAT - congratulations! You might be wondering now: what should you expect? When you rent a portable container from 1-800-PACK-RAT, you are getting the most convenient way to move or store your stuff while knowing that our all-steel constructed container will keep your stuff safe from the elements and prying eyes.
The process is straightforward: one of our expert drivers will drop off your container at your home in the spot you specified during your reservation process. Once done, you can take as long as you need to pack your belongings! No rushing to do everything all in one day as other moving companies force you to do or drive your stuff back and forth in a moving truck to a traditional storage facility.
But how do you pack a moving container or store your stuff correctly? Take a look through our quick guide on how to pack your portable storage container for great tips and tricks to get the most out of your storage space.
How to Protect Your Furniture and Other Items in Your Container
Protect your mattresses before loading
Nobody wants to sleep on a dirty bed, and no matter how clean your container is, mattresses can be accidentally dropped on the ground or scrape walls, floors, etc. It is well worth the money to purchase a mattress protection cover for all your mattresses to keep them as clean as possible during your move. If you cannot find a mattress protector, you can also cover your mattress with a fitted sheet on the top and bottom that you can wash before packing it to keep it clean and protected.
Do's and don'ts of using shrink wrap
Shrink wrap is one of those things that is perfect for protecting some of your stuff, but it can cause many problems if used incorrectly. If you have a few boxes or fragile items to pack together, shrink wrap can be perfect for holding stuff together while adding a layer of protection to them. It can also be a great way to keep certain pieces of furniture safe from damage.
Do not shrink-wrap leather or suede, though. You will get condensation between the leather and the shrink wrap, creating mold that can spread inside your container. When it comes to materials such as leather, suede, cloth, etc., consider using furniture pads, towels, or other similar padding options to keep your furniture safe.
Use spray-on fabric protector
Consider buying a spray-on fabric protector to protect your upholstery. Read the instructions carefully to ensure you apply the product correctly and use it on only materials the manufacturer recommends. The spray can also be helpful to protect the furniture from spills and stains once you move in.
Use Your Container's Interior Space Efficiently
Load your mattresses first
Load all your mattresses into the container first by laying them down and then flipping them up against the back wall of the container, filling the space from the floor to the ceiling. Doing this will get some of the most oversized items you need to load out of the way while padding the back of your container. They will also be less likely to shift, providing a barrier against your stuff moving around, especially if you place heavier items in front of them to hold them up.
Pack furniture and other heavy items first to avoid any items being crushed
Use large and heavy items, like furniture, as a base to stack lighter items on top or in between. Dressers, desks, tables, etc, are some of the heavier and bulkier items you will place in your container. Try packing your boxes and other items in and around these heavier pieces to keep everything in place during the move. There will be a lower chance of content shifting if everything is adequately braced.
Secure fragile items and boxes containing easily breakable items
You can place fragile boxes under desks or between table legs to help keep them safe and protected. Be sure to have plenty of bubble wrap, moving blankets, towels, etc., that you can use to wrap or use as a space filler in spots that have significant gaps. Create a barrier with whatever you have to prevent any issues from potential shifting during transport.
Tips and Tricks You Can Use Moving Your Stuff Into Your Container
Pad your moving dolly or hand-truck
One of the more common ways customer's belongings can get damaged during a move is when you use unpadded moving dollys or hand trucks. Even just rubbing up against the metal of a moving dolly can cause damage to a piece of furniture. Use a blanket to pad the dolly from top to bottom so it will not damage any of your furniture or other valuable items, as long as your cover doesn't interfere with wheel movement.
Cut handholds into your cardboard boxes if they don't already have some
Most moving boxes come with handholds pre-cut into the box itself. However, if you are using boxes that don't have handholds, we highly recommend cutting some yourself. Use a knife or box cutter to cut handholds on both sides of your boxes, no matter how heavy the box may be. Your boxes will be less awkward to carry, place, and pick up instead of having to grip the entirety of the box itself.
Have an assembly line for moving your stuff into and out of your container
One of the easiest and quickest ways to get your portable moving container packed/unpacked and ready to go is to form an assembly line from your home to your container so that boxes and other non-furniture and large items can be passed back and forth. Have someone in your home who knows what needs to be packed/unpacked first and someone else in the container who knows how everything needs to be placed to avoid any issues on the other end of your move.
Use 1-800-PACK-RAT for Your Moving & Storage Needs
We hope this quick reference guide will help you as you start packing your 1-800-PACK-RAT portable moving and storage container. You can also visit our comprehensive container packing page for more help or give one of our friendly moving experts a call. We can also recommend some trusted third-party labor providers if you need professional labor assistance for packing/unpacking services.
No matter what your moving and storage needs are, 1-800-PACK-RAT makes them simple.