There is a big difference between packing for a move and packing for storage. When you move, your things are in transit for a day. In storage, they can sit untouched for months, through humid summers, dry winters, and everything South Africa’s climate throws at them. Pack well and you will open your unit to find everything exactly as you left it. Pack carelessly and you risk mould, warping, pests and breakages.

This guide covers how to prepare, wrap, protect and load your belongings so they come out in the same condition they went in. New to storage? Start with how self storage works.

Start with the right boxes and materials

Good packing starts with good materials. Flimsy boxes collapse under weight, and second-hand supermarket boxes often carry moisture or pests. Invest a little upfront to protect what is inside. Before you pack, it also helps to declutter so you are not storing things you do not actually want.

• Strong, uniform boxes that stack evenly and will not crush
• Quality packing tape, used to seal the top and bottom of every box
• Bubble wrap and packing paper for fragile items (avoid newsprint, which smudges)
• Furniture blankets or moving pads for large pieces
• A permanent marker and labels for clear identification

Label smart: Label every box on at least two sides with its contents and the room it belongs to. You will thank yourself when you are searching for one thing in a full unit.

Protecting against South Africa’s climate

Humidity is the biggest enemy of stored belongings, especially in coastal regions like Durban and Cape Town, while inland areas battle dust and big temperature swings. Moisture leads to mould, musty smells, rust and warped wood.

• Make sure everything is completely clean and bone-dry before storing, because even slight damp causes mould over time
• Use silica gel packs or moisture absorbers inside boxes of sensitive items
• Raise boxes and furniture off the floor on pallets or slats
• Leave small gaps between items and walls so air can circulate
• For electronics, wooden furniture, documents and artwork, consider a climate-controlled unit

Don’t seal in moisture: Wrapping furniture tightly in plastic can trap humidity against the surface. Use breathable furniture blankets instead, and save plastic sheeting for a loose outer cover only.

Keeping pests out

Insects and rodents are attracted to food traces, paper and soft materials. A few habits keep them away.

• Never store food or anything with food residue, and clean appliances thoroughly
• Wash fabrics, linen and clothing before storing them
• Use sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard for soft items and documents
• Avoid leaving gaps that invite nesting, so pack neatly and keep the unit tidy

How to wrap furniture, electronics and delicate items

Different items need different protection. Take a little extra care with the pieces that are expensive or difficult to replace.

Furniture

• Disassemble what you can (bed frames, table legs) and bag the screws, taped to the piece
• Wrap wood and upholstery in furniture blankets rather than plastic
• Treat leather with a conditioner before storing to prevent cracking

For bulky pieces you are storing during a move or renovation, see our moving and renovation storage options.

Electronics

• Back up data, then pack in original boxes where possible
• Remove batteries to prevent leaks and corrosion
• Cushion with bubble wrap and keep off the floor

Fragile and delicate items

• Wrap crockery and glassware individually and pack upright, like records
• Fill empty space in boxes so nothing shifts
• Mark fragile boxes clearly and never stack heavy items on top

What you shouldn’t store

Some items do not belong in a storage unit, for safety, legal or practical reasons.

• Perishable or opened food, and plants
• Flammable, toxic or pressurised items (petrol, gas bottles, paint, chemicals)
• Firearms and ammunition (unless the facility is specifically licensed)
• Irreplaceable documents, passports and valuables you may need at short notice

Loading your unit the right way

How you stack a unit affects both protection and how easily you can find things later. Think of it as building a small, organised storeroom. If a move is the reason you are storing, our moving and storage guide has a full timeline.

1. Put heavy, sturdy items on the bottom and lighter, fragile ones on top.
2. Place large furniture and items you will need least toward the back.
3. Keep frequently needed items near the front for easy access.
4. Stand mattresses and sofas upright to save floor space where it is safe to do so.
5. Leave a narrow aisle so you can reach items without unpacking everything.

Quick reference: how to store common items

This applies whether you are using personal storage or business storage for stock and equipment. Storing mostly paperwork? Our document storage option keeps records secure and compliant.

Getting started

A little extra effort at packing time is the cheapest insurance you can buy for your belongings. Clean, dry, wrap and stack with care, and your things will be waiting in perfect condition whenever you need them. Compare unit sizes and pricing, then get in touch for a quote or advice on the right unit, including climate-controlled options for sensitive items.