The Best Way To Pack a Storage Pod (2024 Guide)
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Portable storage containers, or pods, are a combination of a moving truck and a storage unit that can make moving to your new home much simpler. But to get the most value, homeowners and renters must know the proper way to prepare a pod. We’ve researched the best moving container companies for a variety of needs, and leading popular storage containers include PODS and U-Pack. Below, we outline the steps to effectively pack your storage pod.
1. Plan and Gather Materials
Create a detailed moving checklist to help you keep track of everything you need to do before, during, and after your move. You’ll need some packing essentials, such as the following:
- Boxes of different sizes
- Bubble wrap
- Dolly
- Furniture blankets/moving blankets
- Furniture pads
- Garbage bags
- Markers and labels
- Packing paper
- Packing tape
- Plastic bins
- Plastic wrap
- Ratchet straps
- Small, resealable plastic bags
- Storage pod lock
- Tape
Start packing by using existing materials around your house, such as blankets or towels, in place of bubble wrap. You can get free moving boxes from supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, and retail stores.
Go room by room. Start packing non-essential items into stackable, pre-labeled storage boxes. Section off a part of a room that you can use as storage until your pod arrives.
Remember that storage containers often have a weight capacity, so consider purging unused items instead of packing and moving them.
2. Pack Boxes
The purpose of a pod is to maximize the use of a small space while avoiding damage, so pad each box before packing.
Use smaller boxes to pack heavier items, such as books or canned goods, and use big boxes for lighter, more durable items. Use packing paper, clothing, or blankets to fill gaps and prevent shifting during the move.
Pack fragile items and valuables separately. You can protect materials such as dishes with special boxes, sleeves, or foam. Fill each glass and vase with crumpled-up paper for added protection.
3. Wrap Furniture and Appliances
Disassemble as much furniture as possible before the pod’s arrival, and use small resealable plastic bags to hold loose screws or furniture pieces. Use a dolly to move large items and ratchet straps to secure them inside the storage pod.
Wrap the power cord of each appliance with packing paper to prevent scratching, then wrap the appliance in a paper pad. Pack smaller appliances in boxes lined with crumpled paper, and fill any gaps with more paper or bubble wrap. Secure the cords of large appliances with tape and use stretch wrap or moving blankets for added protection.
4. Roll Up Rugs
Roll rugs tightly for easy transport on moving day, and wrap each rug in large plastic bags to protect it from dust, dirt, and moisture.
5. Clear the Loading Zone
Leave a clear path from your home to the pod for an efficient loading process. Ensure you have available space in the corners of each room to store items that are ready for loading. Make sure these areas are away from doors.
6. Pack the Storage Pod
Packing a moving container is very similar to packing a truck. Avoid packing on a rainy day, and ensure your items aren’t wet or plagued by mildew. Secure all loose items by individually wrapping each object.
Distribute the weight of your items evenly throughout the pod as you start loading. Stack boxes from floor to ceiling and secure items with ratchet straps. Pack heavy boxes, pieces of furniture, and large appliances on the bottom of the container and lighter items on top. Turn couches on end, and place cushions, pillows, and similar items in empty spaces.
7. Lock Up
Secure your pod container with a lock while it’s unattended. PODS suggests a 2 and 3/4-inch disc lock or a 1 and 3/4-inch padlock, which you can find at your local home improvement store.
Our Conclusion
You can simplify your move by knowing how to pack a pod properly and having the necessary items prepared. Ask friends or family for help moving heavier items, or hire professional movers to supply moving labor. PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT, and U-PACK (U-Haul) are reputable moving container options. We recommend getting multiple quotes to secure your most cost-effective moving choice.
FAQ About Packing Storage Pods
What should you not pack in a pod?
You should not pack hazardous materials, such as toxic chemicals, gas, liquids, waste, lawnmowers, motorized vehicles, or illegal items in a storage pod. PODS doesn’t recommend placing valuable items in containers, such as heirlooms, irreplaceable artifacts, deeds, important documents, forms of currency, and items that are not personal property.
Do you put your own lock on a pod?
Yes, you can put your own lock on a pod. You can purchase a lock through a pod company or at your local home improvement store.
Where can you find a storage pod for rent?
You can find a storage pod for rent from several companies online, including PODS, U-Pack, 1-800-Pack-Rat, Zippy Shell, and UNITS.
What are the benefits of packing your own storage pod?
Packing your own storage pod will allow you to prepare your move at your own pace and on your own schedule. Storage pods also have ground-level loading, which reduces the need for lifting heavy items onto a truck.
Should you remove the door from a storage pod?
Nothing prohibits you from removing the door from a storage pod as long as you reattach the door before transit and while the pod is unattended. Removing the door can make loading and unloading items easier, especially if you have bulky furniture or appliances that won’t easily fit through the door’s opening.
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