Climate-Controlled Storage in Odessa, TX

Storage Tips

Feel confident your belongings are safely stored with these helpful guidelines.

Fabric items like clothing, curtains, and drapes are best stored on hangers. If hanging boxes aren't available, fold these items neatly and place them in dresser drawers or cedar chests along with bedding and linens.

Thoroughly dry refrigerators and freezers before storing, and leave the doors slightly open to prevent odors. You can store lightweight items inside large appliances—just make a note of what’s inside. Boxes can also be stacked on top of clean and dry stoves, fridges, and freezers.

Line the tops and bottoms of boxes with packing material before placing any glassware. Wrap each piece individually—nest cups and bowls together, and stand plates and platters on edge. Place glasses near the top of the box and fill gaps with paper. Label boxes clearly and avoid placing heavy items on top.

Lay down pallets, plastic sheeting, or cardboard before placing furniture. Stand mattresses and sofas on end when possible. Disassemble beds and tables, and wrap table legs in paper. For tables that can’t be disassembled, place padding on the floor and turn the table upside down. Use dressers for storing smaller or delicate items, and keep upholstery elevated off the ground. Lightweight chairs can be stacked seat-to-seat or placed upside down on sturdy tables. Cover furniture with a cotton dust sheet.

Store books flat to avoid damaging the spine. Use pallets or skids to keep boxes off concrete floors and prevent moisture issues. Fill all empty spaces in boxes with packing material. Keep fragile items separate and avoid overloading.

Keep the original packaging for fragile ornaments when possible. Wrap ornaments in packing paper or newsprint, and wrap light strands around cardboard before boxing.

Store these items upright, not flat, to prevent breakage. Mirror and picture boxes are available for purchase at our office.

Clean metal tools and wipe them with a lightly oiled cloth to prevent rust. Tie long-handled tools like rakes and shovels into bundles after cleaning and oiling.

Wipe all metal surfaces with a cloth lightly moistened with machine oil to prevent rust during storage.

Create a moving timeline to clean, label, and organize ahead of time. Break it into manageable tasks—tackle one room or closet at a time.

A careful, intentional approach to packing your storage unit helps protect your belongings in the long run.

Leave space around the walls to allow air to circulate. Use same-sized boxes for easy stacking and better organization.

Leave a walkway inside your unit so you can access items stored at the back without hassle.

Plastic containers offer easy access and skip the mess of tape and cardboard.

Use high-quality boxes designed for storage and seal them fully with packing tape for best protection.

Prepare a detailed inventory of your belongings and label each box clearly. Use numbers or color codes to help you quickly identify what’s inside each one.

Gather all necessary supplies in advance—such as sturdy corrugated boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, sealing tape, permanent markers, furniture covers, and any shelving you plan to use.

About a month before your move, start decluttering. Set aside items to donate—like clothes, toys, or yard tools—and discard anything that’s broken, expired, or no longer needed.

Stick to boxes of similar size when possible to make stacking easier. Fill each box fully but avoid overstuffing or leaving too much empty space—bulging boxes can tip, and underfilled ones can collapse. Use padding like bubble wrap, towels, or blankets to fill gaps and seal each box tightly with tape.

Place heavy items such as books or tools in smaller boxes and limit the weight of all boxes to 30 lbs. or less to make lifting easier.

Clearly label each box with its contents and keep a master list with photos or notes for reference. Mark any fragile boxes accordingly.

Wipe down and dry appliances before storing. Secure any loose parts and wrap each item in protective materials. Tape doors shut for moving, but leave them propped open once stored to prevent odors.

Place frequently accessed items near the front of your storage unit. Leave a walkway down the center to easily reach items in the back.

Stock up on packing supplies
Begin packing early
File a change of address
Transfer school records
Pick up dry cleaning
Retrieve items from repair shops
Notify utility companies and schedule disconnections/connections
Return borrowed or lent items

Fill dresser drawers with smaller, delicate items. Use towels or packing paper to secure them and prevent movement during transit.

Wrap chair legs in packing paper, leave slipcovers on upholstered furniture, and use plastic covers for added protection.

Wrap each dish and glass individually with packing paper. Line the tops and bottoms of boxes with extra padding. Stack plates vertically and cushion all fragile items generously. Wrap mirrors and artwork and place them in mirror boxes or reinforced cartons.

Wrap lamp bases thoroughly and pack each lamp separately. Shades should be packed alone, using only ink-free paper or bubble wrap to prevent stains. Avoid stacking anything on top of lamp boxes.

Place boxes on pallets or skids rather than directly on concrete to prevent moisture damage.

Dispose of flammables like paint and gasoline
Pack remaining items
Defrost and empty your fridge and freezer
Pack bedding last
Bring water, ice, and snacks for the day
Strip beds and cover mattresses if placing in storage
Shut off water and lights
Lock all doors and windows

Tips for Packing Your Storage Unit

At Odessa Smart Storage, we’re committed to helping residents, businesses, and students throughout Odessa, TX, safely store their belongings—whether it’s household items, boats, RVs, or other vehicles.

Here are some useful tips to help you pack and organize your storage unit efficiently.

If you don’t see your question answered here, feel free to reach out—our friendly team is always happy to help.

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