How to Prepare Your Belongings for Storage

Start With Sorting: Decide What Goes Into Storage

Before you pack, determine exactly what needs to be stored. This prevents overcrowding and helps you maximize space.
Consider separating items into categories:

• Seasonal belongings – holiday décor, winter clothing, lawn equipment
• Furniture – couches, dressers, bookshelves
• Keepsakes – photo albums, collectibles
• Business items – archived documents, inventory, equipment

This first step will help you stay organized throughout the entire process and avoid unnecessary storage costs.

Choose the Right Packing Materials

One of the biggest mistakes people make when preparing for storage services in Janesville, WI, is using cheap, flimsy packing supplies. Quality materials protect your items from moisture, dust, and accidental damage.

Must-Have Supplies Include

• Sturdy boxes in multiple sizes
• Bubble wrap or foam padding
• Furniture blankets
• Packing tape
• Plastic wrap for securing drawers and doors
• Mattress covers
• Silica gel packets for moisture control

If you’re storing long-term, investing in high-quality materials saves more money in the long run by preventing damage.

How to Pack Fragile Items Safely

Fragile items require special care before they go into storage in Janesville, WI. Glassware, ceramics, and decorative pieces can easily break if not packed properly.

Tips for Fragile Packing

• Wrap each item individually using bubble wrap or foam
• Avoid leaving empty space in boxes to prevent shifting
• Label boxes clearly as “FRAGILE – HANDLE WITH CARE”
• Use dividers for glassware and stemware
• Consider climate-controlled storage for antiques

By taking time to properly wrap and secure fragile pieces, you greatly reduce the risk of breakage.

Protecting Electronics Before Storage

Electronics are sensitive to temperature changes, humidity, and dust. Before using storage services in Janesville, WI, make sure your devices are prepared for long-term protection.

Best Practices for Electronics

• Save and reuse the original packaging when possible
• Wipe devices down and remove dust
• Wrap screens in microfiber cloths
• Store cables in labeled bags
• Remove batteries to prevent corrosion

Consider using climate-controlled units for large or high-value electronics such as TVs, computers, or sound systems.

Furniture: Preparing Large Items for Storage

Furniture takes up the most space, which makes proper preparation essential. Fortunately, a few steps can help reduce the size of your load and ensure your pieces stay in great condition.

How to Prepare Furniture

• Disassemble tables, bed frames, and shelving where possible
• Wrap individual parts with blankets or padding
• Store screws and hardware in labeled bags taped securely to the furniture
• Clean and dry all surfaces completely
• Apply furniture polish to wooden items to prevent cracking

Using storage in Janesville, WI, is much easier when furniture is broken down, padded, and protected before it goes into your unit.

Label Everything for Easy Access Later

One of the most overlooked parts of preparing for storage is labeling. When using storage services in Janesville, WI, labeling can save you hours of searching later.

Good Labeling Practices Include

• Label each box on multiple sides
• Include contents, room, and level of fragility
• Create a numbered inventory list
• Keep one copy of your inventory at home and one in your storage unit

This step makes it easy to find what you need—especially during moves, renovations, or seasonal rotations.

Organize Boxes by Weight and Fragility

How you arrange boxes matters just as much as how you pack them. Poor placement can result in crushed belongings, damaged furniture, or unstable stacking.

Remember the Basics

• Heavier boxes go on the bottom
• Fragile items stay high and secure
• Frequently used items should be placed near the front
• Furniture should be positioned upright with padding
• Leave a small pathway for easy access

By organizing strategically, you maximize your space and protect your belongings during storage in Janesville, WI.

Climate Control: When You Should Consider It



Climate-controlled storage services in Janesville, WI, are especially helpful for items sensitive to humidity and temperature changes. If you're storing anything valuable, delicate, or made of organic material, climate control is worth the investment.