A storage unit is a useful way to house your belongings, whether it's just for a short time during a move or over a longer period. To get the most out of your storage locker, you'll need to pack and protect your belongings the right way. Each different type of item has its own storage tips; here are some recommendations for taking care of your possessions when you pack them for storage.

Books

Pack books in small but sturdy cardboard boxes; don't overload them, as boxes full of books can be very heavy and may crush or split. Load the largest books into the boxes first, placing them flat and stacking other books on top of them, then pack voids with filling material like bubble wrap, clean packing paper or foam pellets. When putting book boxes into your storage unit, leave room for air to circulate around them. Proper airing will help keep the boxes free of moisture.

Clothes

Wash clothes destined for storage and air them out before packing them in plastic containers with resealable lids. Vacuum bags can help to cut down on the space taken up by bulky items, but be careful when using these on natural fibres like wool or silk, as prolonged compression can cause damage. One easy way to store clothes is to use a standing wardrobe box, which has a top rail from which you can hang coat hangers. You can take hanging suits, jackets and dresses right out of your wardrobe, hang them in the large wardrobe box and then seal it up. As with books, take steps to make sure your clothing boxes are well-ventilated. 

Power tools

Remove batteries from electrical devices and store them together. If you have petrol-driven tools such as a lawnmower, make sure that the fuel tanks are completely empty before putting them into storage. Lingering fuel in the tank can release small amounts of vapour, which can give stored items an unpleasant odour. 

Furniture

Take furniture apart for storage, removing shelves and drawers and unscrewing table legs if possible. Label components so that you know which parts correspond to which piece of furniture. Keep small parts like screws or shelf supports in resealable plastic bags and store them with your furniture; if it won't damage the finish, you can even attach them to the corresponding pieces with painters' tape. Bundle loose components together by wrapping them up with stretchy plastic film.