How to Load Your Moving Container and Protect Your Belongings

Preparing your belongings for a move can be a daunting task, but with the right packing strategy, it doesn't have to be.

Whether you're relocating across town or need extra storage space during your move, Go Mini’s Portable Storage has you covered. We’re sharing our best tips that will help you pack your container like a pro. Let's get started!

Gathering Your Packing Supplies

Before you begin packing, gather all the necessary supplies. While reusing old packing materials can be a great way to save time and money, avoid using supplies susceptible to damage, such as flimsy boxes, boxes exposed to moisture, wooden crates, or newspaper.

Getting dozens of boxes, packing tape, and furniture pads is often as difficult as it is expensive. But as your one-stop shop for all things moving and storage, Go Mini’s has partnered with UBoxes to ensure your valuables stay safe and secure!

Whether you need supplies for the entire home or just one room, we supply:

• Room kits
• Boxes
• Packing peanuts
• Packing tape
• Glass and dish packs
• Mattress covers
• And more!

Choosing the Right Container Size

Choosing the right size for your storage container is crucial. Go Mini’s offers three container sizes – 12, 16, and 20 feet. As the first national portable storage franchise to offer 20-foot containers, you can be sure that we always have a container to fits your needs.

Before booking your Go Mini, ask yourself:

• “What am I moving?” If you’re moving furniture like couches, beds, and tables, there’s a good chance you’ll need our largest unit. But if you just need to move a few boxes of clothing or small furniture pieces, a 12 or 16-foot container might be your best bet.
• “Where am I moving from?” The size of your dorm, apartment, or home will play a big role in what length container you need. While dorm belongings can generally get by with our 12-foot container, a whole home move will likely need our largest size.

By determining the right size, you can ensure you have ample space for all your belongings without wasting any. Still not sure what’s the best option for you? Try our Storage Container Calculator, or just ask your local Go Mini's team!

Start Packing

Now that you've gathered your supplies and chosen the appropriate container size, it's time to start packing. Here are some tips to help you pack efficiently and avoid packing mistakes:

1. Label boxes: Label which items go to which room and list what each box contains. This will make unpacking easier.

2. Color code boxes: Color code your moving boxes to easily identify where they belong.

3. Pack heavy and light items separately: Make sure you’re still able to lift your boxes and carry them to the Mini.

4. Fill empty spaces: If boxes aren’t filled, use packing paper or bubble wrap to minimize shifting.

5. Pack essentials last: Essential items should be packed last. Consider packing a “necessities” box and loading it last or even carrying it with you to the car so it’s easy to grab as soon as you arrive at your destination.

Choosing the Right Boxes

Even with quality packing materials, your items can be damaged if not packed in a box appropriate for their size. Here's a quick guide on what to pack in each moving box size:

1. Small boxes: Ideal for small but heavy items like small appliances, canned goods, books, and smaller glassware. The small size minimizes shifting and helps prevent damage.

2. Medium boxes: Although larger than small boxes, medium boxes should not hold more than 65 lbs. They're perfect for smaller household items like kitchenware, blenders, coffee makers, toys, and other miscellaneous items.

3. Large and extra large boxes: Large and extra-large boxes are best for bigger, lighter items such as pillows, towels, lampshades, and bulky clothing, not big, heavy items. These boxes can also store thick comforters and seasonal clothes.

Loading Your Go Mini

Now that your items are well-packed and organized, it's time to master the final step of the process — loading your Go Mini.

1. Start by arranging the heaviest items: Place heavy furniture and appliances on the floor first, being careful to distribute weight evenly. This keeps the container from shifting and ensures it can be loaded properly onto our truck for transport.

2. Use vertical space: Stack boxes and furniture vertically to maximize space. Remember to place heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top.

3. Pack in layers: Pack in "layers" from the back to the front of the container, placing large bulky items on the bottom layer and then stacking boxes and fragile items on top.

4. Fit items like a puzzle: You want your items to fit together like a puzzle. This will help them support each other and hold each other in place to avoid shifting during transit.

5. Load odd-shaped items later: Awkwardly shaped or fragile items should be loaded in near to last, as they can be used as fillers to fill any gaps and provide extra protection for your belongings.

6. Fill empty spaces: Use towels, blankets, or cushions to fill in any gaps between items. Place sheets or pillows between your items and the ceiling of your container to avoid scuffs and scratches.

7. Secure your items: Use the wall anchors and straps or bungee cords to secure larger items in place. Our Go Mini’s containers include several interior tie-down points along the walls. Be sure to secure heavy items using ratchet straps, bungee cords, or rope.

Before you start filling your Go Mini, ensure that everything is packed correctly to minimize the risk of items breaking in transit.

Reach Out to Your Local Moving and Storage Experts at Go Mini's

Moving can be a daunting task. But with careful planning, the right materials, and a Go Mini's container, it doesn't have to be a hassle.