November 12, 2024
When it is time to pack for a move or place items into storage, we all opt for the same solution: find the most readily available cardboard boxes from your local supermarket and see how much you can stuff in before they explode.
The problem with this is that you place your possessions at serious risk of damage while being transported, packed or stacked. Using flimsy packaging offers practically no real protection.
There is a more reliable option: Len’s Self Storage packaging materials. They are specifically designed with durability and sustainability in mind. Read on as we explain just how Len’s affordable packaging products play an essential role in all your packing and storing.
Choosing The Right Storage Boxes
Let's start by talking about the most common and versatile packing materials: storage boxes. You can find all the boxes we discuss in Len’s box and packaging shop.
Why Pay for Boxes?
The reinforced cardboard boxes you find at Len’s are excellent at protecting your belongings from damage during transport. Their construction allows them to be much more capable of stacking and storing heavier items.
Quality materials can withstand long-term storage much better as low-quality boxes will start sagging over time and will need to be replaced continuously.
Ultimately, using quality storage boxes, will provide you with peace of mind that your items are safe during transport and while in your storage unit.
Small Len Boxes: For Knick Knacks & Must-Haves
Len’s small boxes may be slight in size, but they are just as tough and durable as our medium and big boxes. Coming in at 46cm x 46cm x 28cm, there is enough room to store books, small decorative items, collectibles and boardgames, clothing accessories like scarves, hats, gloves, shoes and more.
Medium Len Boxes: The Perfect Fit
The Medium Len Box is 46cm x 46cm x 51cm. It offers the perfect amount of space for kitchenware like plates, bowls and cups. It is also great for home decorative items like photo frames, flowerpots, candles etc.
Big Len Boxes: For Everything & Anything
With dimensions of 46cm x 46cm by 78cm, Len’s Big Boxes can fit kitchen appliances and gadgets. They are also big enough to fit bulky winter clothing items, linen, dissembled small furniture items, toys, sport equipment and much more!
Custom Storage Boxes
Custom storage boxes are specially designed to serve specific storage purposes, but because of their unique designs, can often be used for other purposes.
Archive Boxes
Archives boxes are extra strong storage boxes designed with document and file storage in mind. It comes with a snug lid and handles on the side for convenient carrying and stacking.
Wardrobe Boxes
When you need to safely transport coats, suits, dresses and other clothing items that you do not wish to fold, Len’s wardrobe boxes are what you need. They will protect clothes from dust, dirt and creases. Sized at 52cm x 46.5cm x 124cm, the Len’s wardrobe box also includes an internal hanger bar that fits approximately 30 hangers.
Recycled Small Box
Made from recycled materials, this box is ideal for the environmentally conscious. Its unique 50cm x 33cm x 38cm dimensions make it a very versatile box that can be used to store a range of items that don't fit in our standard boxes.
Essential Packaging Accessories
At Len’s you will find everything you need for storage, including our range of packaging accessories which includes:
Tape: Brown tape is perfect for sealing boxes securely or securing items inside. Len’s tape comes in a 50mm width, wide enough to seal even the most stubborn storage boxes.
Tape Dispenser: While a tape dispenser may not be considered essential for most people, when you are busy with a taxing move, having a tape dispenser you can operate easily with one hand becomes worth its weight in gold. It includes a retractable blade and an adjustable brake, keeping you in full control.
Padlocks: Len's packaging shop has key padlocks as well as combination padlocks. Padlocks are used to secure your storage unit but can also be used during your move to secure valuables.
Utility Knife: Utility knives help you open packaging materials but is also helpful for cutting up and collapsing boxes once you are finished with your move.
Anti-Slip Cotton Gloves: Soft, comfortable, yet extremely durable, our anti-slip gloves give you improved grip, allowing you to handle storage boxes with added confidence.
Using Protective Materials
Protective materials are a type of packaging that creates a protective layer to keep items free from dust, dirt, scratches, scuffs and dents. You can find these materials in various sizes in our protective packaging shop.
Paper Covers: Paper covers protect items from dust and debris and include mattress covers, carpet covers and more.
Packing Paper: Wrap and protect fragile items like glassware or fill voids in boxes.
Bubble Wrap: The ultimate protection for fragile items bubble wrap is also fantastic at filling empty spaces in boxes.
Shrink Wrap: When you need to wrap an irregularly shaped item to protect it from the risk of water damage as well as dust and dirt, shrink wrap will help you accomplish it.
Packing Techniques for Different Items
Let's talk about how you can pack and protect different types of items for a move or for storage.
Fragile Items
- Individually wrap each item in packing paper or bubble wrap. Use tape to secure the wrapping.
- If your boxes feel a bit weak, use tape to cover the base of the box to reinforce it and add some rigidity.
- A layer of bubble wrap or packing paper on the bottom of a box helps add extra cushioning.
- Always place heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top.
- Use packing paper or bubble wrap to fill the gaps in the box after packing, this will prevent items from shifting during transport.
- Use a “Fragile” sticker on the box to alert movers or family members to its contents.
- When possible, avoid stacking items on top of a box that contains fragile contents.
Clothing and Textiles
- Wash and dry linen and textiles before you place them in storage to avoid any existing stains and odours setting in over time.
- For long-term storage, plastic storage bins offer more protection and security than even a reinforced cardboard box.
- Vacuum sealing textiles and clothing helps protect them from moisture, dirt and pests, but it may cause your items to lose their shape when stored too long.
- Wardrobe boxes are the perfect way to prevent creases and damage, and still allow items to breath while in storage.
- For extra delicate items like vintage fabric or wedding dresses, place layers of acid-free paper between folds to prevent material from yellowing over time.
- Use cedar balls to keep pests away. Mothballs also work but their strong odour may be hard to remove from fabric after long storage periods.
- Keep storage boxes off the floor whenever possible as this places your items at risk of water damage in case of flooding. It also allows for better air circulation, keeping your boxes dry and damp free.
Electronics and Appliances
- Backup the data on any digital devices you wish to place into storage.
- Remove all batteries and cords. Place cords and cables in a separate bag, either inside the storage box or taped securely to the side. Clearly label the bag.
- Use the item’s original box or the appropriately sized Len’s storage box.
- Wrap items in bubble wrap to protect them during transport and storage, you can also use anti-static wrapping materials for a further layer of protection for electronic devices.
- With appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, storing the items with their doors slightly ajar will prevent mould and mildew buildup while in storage.
Long-Term Storage Considerations
Desiccants and silica gel packets are an excellent method of moisture control for items in long term storage. They are useful for clothing, linen, electronics and delicate items storage.
It is also a good idea to use Len’s StoreProtect insurance option for any valuable items. Len’s offers a minimum coverage of £100. You can learn more about StoreProtect here.
Len’s Covers All Your Storage Needs
We have the quality packaging materials you need to allow you to confidently store your belongings, including strong cardboard boxes made for stacking, wrapping materials that keep delicate items free from bumps and shifting during transport, plus basics like tape, fragile stickers and padlocks.
When you need a secure, all-in-one storage facility that will make your life simpler, Len’s is the only name you need to remember. Visit our stores in Edinburgh and Glasgow to find out why Len’s has been a trusted name in storage for the last 60 years.
