A little planning goes a long way.
Whether you’re moving house, decluttering, or storing long-term — the way you pack and organise your unit makes a big difference. Our team has helped thousands of Gold Coast customers store smarter.
These tips cover everything from how to stack boxes to protecting furniture, appliances and valuables. A well-packed unit is easier to access, maximises your space, and keeps your belongings in the best possible condition.
Packing your boxes
Start with what you don’t need
Pack items you definitely won’t need access to first. These go deepest into the unit. Things you may need periodically stay closest to the front.
Use the right box size
Heavy items (books, tools) go in small boxes. Light, bulky items (linen, pillows) go in large boxes. This keeps things manageable and prevents boxes collapsing.
Fill boxes completely
Partially filled boxes crush when stacked. Use packing paper, bubble wrap, or clothing to fill gaps and keep contents safe. A full box is a strong box.
Label every box clearly
Write the contents and room on the top AND side of every box. When stacked, only the sides are visible — labelling both saves a lot of time later.
Protect fragile items
Wrap fragile items individually in bubble wrap or packing paper. Mark the box “FRAGILE” and store these on top — never at the bottom of a stack.
Use quality boxes
Uniform, sturdy boxes stack better and protect contents more reliably than mixed sizes or flimsy supermarket boxes. We stock a full range in our Box Shop.
Organising your storage unit
- Put large, heavy items in first — furniture, appliances, solid boxes. Build up from there.
- Stack boxes on top of furniture and large items to use vertical space — our units have good ceiling height.
- Stand long items (bed frames, mirrors, timber boards) on their side against the wall to save floor space.
- Use the inside of wardrobes, drawers and appliances to store smaller items and boxes.
- Create a clear pathway down the centre of your unit so you can access items at the back.
- Line one full wall with boxes stacked as high as possible to free up the rest of the floor.
- Keep items you’ll need to access regularly near the front and clearly labelled.
- Disassemble furniture where possible — table legs off, bed frames flat — to save space.
Tips for specific items
TVs & Electronics
Store in original boxes if possible. Stand TVs upright, never flat. Wrap in bubble wrap and protect the screen with cardboard. Keep electronics off cold concrete floors.
Fridges & Freezers
Clean and dry thoroughly before storing. Leave the door slightly ajar to prevent mould and odours building up inside. Never store with food residue.
Clothing & Linen
Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. Fold and pack linen in vacuum bags to save space. Add mothballs to protect against pests during long-term storage.
Documents & Files
Store documents in sealed plastic tubs rather than cardboard boxes — moisture can warp paper over time. Keep in a clearly labelled, accessible spot near the front.
Furniture
Cover all furniture with breathable dust sheets — not plastic, which traps moisture. Remove legs where possible and store drawers stacked flat to save space.
Artwork & Mirrors
Wrap in bubble wrap and store upright — never flat. Use picture boxes for framed items and mark them clearly. Keep away from walls that may get damp.
Lawn Mowers & Machinery
Drain all petrol and oil before storing — flammable liquids are not permitted. Clean off dirt and grass, and run the engine dry to prevent fuel degradation.
Mattresses
Store mattresses flat if possible, or upright with support so they don’t bow. Use a breathable mattress cover — not plastic. Keep off concrete using pallets or boards.
Items you cannot store
- Fresh or perishable food
- Flammable liquids & fuels
- Illegal items of any kind
- Explosives or chemicals
- Live plants or animals
- Unstored petrol (drain machinery)
Storing long-term
- Create an inventory list of everything you’ve stored — a simple spreadsheet or notes app works well. You’ll thank yourself later.
- Take photos of valuable or fragile items before storing so you have a record of their condition.
- Check your home and contents insurance policy covers items in external storage — many do, but it’s worth confirming.
- Visit your unit periodically to check for any issues and reorganise if your needs change.
- Use desiccant moisture absorbers (silica gel packs) inside boxes for long-term storage of electronics and documents.
- Avoid sealing furniture or appliances in plastic — use breathable covers to prevent moisture build-up and mould.
- Our units are ventilated to reduce humidity — this is a big advantage over sealed container storage in Queensland’s climate.
Need boxes and packing supplies?
We stock a full range — boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, mattress covers, padlocks and more. Available in-store or with free delivery to Gold Coast suburbs.
Free packaging delivery suburbs
Big Box Self Storage Labrador offers free delivery on moving boxes and packing tape orders to the following Gold Coast suburbs: Arundel, Biggera Waters, Benowa, Bundall, Burleigh, Carrara, Chevron Island, Chirn Park, Clagiraba, Clear Island Waters, Coombabah, Currumbin, Eagle Heights, Elanora, Gaven, Guanaba, Helensvale, Highland Park, Hollywell, Hope Island, Isle of Capri, Jacobs Well, Labrador, Main Beach, Maudsland, Mermaid, Miami, Mount Tamborine, Mt Nathan, Mudgeeraba, Nerang, Oxenford, Pacific Pines, Paradise Point, Parkwood, Reedy Creek, Robina, Runaway Bay, Sanctuary Cove, Sorrento, Southport, Surfers Paradise, Upper Coomera, Yatala.
Find the right unit for you.
Secure, clean, affordable storage on the Gold Coast. No lock-in contracts.