How to Pack a Storage Unit So Everything Stays Safe

By Sunny Storage Team

A well-packed storage unit saves you money (you can often fit into a smaller space), saves your back on move-in day, and makes it easy to find things months later. In Central Florida, good packing also means planning for humidity. Here’s a step-by-step approach our team recommends.

Before you pack: make a plan

List what’s going in

Write down the furniture and approximate number of boxes. This helps you choose a unit size and decide whether you need climate control. At Sunny Storage, sizes include 5x5 up to 10x30 (current availability varies) — see our storage unit size guide and our guide to climate-controlled storage in Clermont.

Decide what you’ll need to reach

Items you’ll access often go near the door. Things you won’t touch for a year go to the back.

Gather supplies

• Sturdy boxes in a few standard sizes (uniform sizes stack better)
• Plastic bins with lids for keepsakes, documents and anything moisture-sensitive
• Packing tape, markers and labels
• Bubble wrap or packing paper for fragile items
• Mattress bags and breathable furniture covers
• Pallets or freestanding shelving to keep items off the floor

Our office at 1140 Hooks St sells boxes, tape, bubble wrap, mattress covers and other packing supplies, so you can pick up what you need on move-in day.

Packing boxes the right way

1. Heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes. Books and tools in small boxes; linens and pillows in large ones.
2. Fill boxes completely. Half-empty boxes collapse when stacked. Fill gaps with paper or soft items.
3. Wrap fragile items individually and mark the box “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP.”
4. Label every box on at least two sides with the room and a short contents list. Number boxes and keep a master list on your phone.
5. Make sure everything is clean and completely dry. The U.S. EPA notes that mold won’t grow without moisture, so packing damp items is the fastest way to invite mildew in a humid climate.

Preparing furniture and appliances

• Disassemble what you can — bed frames, table legs, shelving. Put screws and hardware in a labeled zip bag taped to the piece.
• Clean and dry upholstery and wood before storing.
• Cover with breathable fabric (sheets or furniture covers). Avoid wrapping wood or upholstery tightly in plastic for long periods, which can trap moisture.
• Bag mattresses to keep dust off and store them flat or on edge with support.
• Defrost and dry refrigerators and freezers fully, and prop the doors slightly open to prevent odors.
• Drain fuel from lawn equipment before storing it, and check your rental agreement for items that aren’t allowed.

Loading the unit: a layout that works

1. Start with a base layer off the floor — pallets or shelving — so air can circulate.
2. Large, heavy furniture against the back wall first (dressers, appliances, headboards).
3. Stack boxes heaviest on bottom, lightest on top, keeping stacks stable and below shoulder height for safe access.
4. Use furniture space: dresser drawers and the inside of cabinets can hold small, light items.
5. Leave a center walkway from the door to the back so you can reach everything and spot problems.
6. Keep frequently used items near the door.
7. Don’t push items tight against the walls; a small gap helps airflow.

Loading lots of heavy furniture? At Sunny Storage, the 10x15, 10x20 and 10x30 sizes also come as drive-up units, so you can pull up to the door.

Florida-specific tips

• Choose climate control for sensitive items. The EPA recommends keeping indoor relative humidity below 60% (ideally 30–50%) to help prevent mold — something an unconditioned space in a Florida summer may not achieve.
• Use plastic bins for paper and photos, not cardboard.
• Avoid storing food or anything perishable, which can attract pests.
• Visit periodically, especially after heavy rain, to check that everything is dry.

Security basics

• You’ll secure your unit with your own lock.
• Keep your inventory list and photos stored somewhere other than the unit.
• Make sure your belongings are covered. At Sunny Storage, coverage for stored property is a lease requirement; you can buy our protection plan or provide your own eligible insurance.

Ready to move in?

Sunny Storage is a brand-new facility at 1140 Hooks St, Clermont, FL, just off US-27 and State Road 50 near Clermont Landing. We offer climate-controlled and drive-up units with flexible month-to-month leases. Questions about which size or type fits? Call or text (786) 475-1690. Reserve a Unit

Sources

1. Sunny Storage home page (supplies sold at office, unit types, sizes 5x5–10x30, drive-up 10x15/10x20/10x30, own lock, month-to-month, location, phone): https://sunnystorage.com/
2. Sunny Storage checkout (coverage requirement): https://sunnystorage.com/checkout/full-form/
3. U.S. EPA mold & moisture guide (mold needs moisture; RH <60%, ideally 30–50%): https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home