Packing and storage tips
A clean, well-packed unit is easier to live with and easier to dig through later. Here is how we tell neighbors to do it.
Start here
Pack it once, find it later
A little planning up front saves you a dig later.
Sort before you pack, use similar-sized boxes so they stack square, and label every box on more than one side. The goal is a unit you can walk into and find what you need without unstacking the whole thing.
Not sure how much space you need? Compare unit sizes or call an owner and we will help you pick before you pay.
What goes where
Climate or drive-up
Store climate-controlled
- Wood and upholstered furniture
- Electronics and appliances
- Photos, documents, and books
- Instruments and artwork
- Leather and anything that warps
Drive-up is fine
- Tools and yard equipment
- Patio and outdoor furniture
- Totes of household goods
- Seasonal and holiday gear
- Most boxed, non-fragile items
Loading the unit
Load it like a pro
1
Leave a center aisle
Keep a walkway down the middle so you can reach the back without unloading the front.
2
Heaviest on the bottom
Stack heavy boxes and furniture low, lighter items on top, so nothing crushes underneath.
3
Keep favorites up front
Put anything you will want sooner near the door so you are not digging for it later.
4
Raise it off the floor
Set boxes on a pallet or boards, and avoid leaning items against the unit walls.
Pack smart
Before you pack, and how to protect it
Before you pack
- Sort and donate what you will not want in six months
- Use similar-sized boxes so they stack square
- Label every box on more than one side
- Gather tape, covers, and packing paper first
Protect what matters
- Cover furniture with blankets, not plastic on wood
- Disassemble what you can and bag the hardware
- Stand mattresses upright and keep them off the floor
- Wrap fragile items and fill the gaps in the box
Reviews
Clean units, helpful owners
★★★★★
The cleanest and most supportive in town. Rented twice, once in summer and once in winter, with no issues. Highly recommend.
Abdullah A., on Google
★★★★★
Amazing experience from Axis Self Storage. The communication is phenomenal and they answer all your questions. Great security on the units, too.
Sean H., on Google
★★★★★
Great service from Tom at Axis. He was super helpful and responsive in finding a storage unit that met my needs. The process is very convenient.
Ivan V., on Google
Common questions
Packing
questions
Do I need a climate-controlled unit?
For wood furniture, electronics, photos, documents, and leather, yes. Tools and most household goods are fine in a drive-up unit. If you are unsure, climate control is the safe call. See climate-controlled storage.
How do I keep furniture from getting damaged?
Cover it with moving blankets so it can breathe, and avoid wrapping wood tightly in plastic, which traps moisture. Disassemble what you can, bag the hardware, and keep everything off the floor.
Is there anything I cannot store?
For safety and per the rental agreement: no food or perishables, no animals, no hazardous materials, explosives, firearms, or flammables, and nothing toxic or illegal. Keep heirlooms, jewelry, art, and irreplaceable items at home, and remember units are for storage only, not living space.
How do I store a boat or RV for the winter?
Clean and dry it first, winterize the engine and lines, top off the tank, and cover it. A battery tender helps on longer stays. See vehicle, RV, and boat storage.
Get in touch
Reserve your unit
Reserve online in minutes, or send a note and an owner replies the same day. Not sure on size? We will help you pick before you pay.
Prefer to talk? 785-236-8202