Moving Home? Tips to Store Your Items Safely
Moving house can be stressful, but knowing how to store your belongings securely makes things much smoother. At March Self Store, we help movers from across Fenland, Cambridgeshire and beyond with flexible, secure storage and practical advice. Whether storing furniture short-term between moves or packing up an entire family home, here are our expert tips for safe storage—so your items stay protected until you need them.
Packing Fragile and Valuable Items
Use sturdy boxes
Cardboard boxes sold on-site are reinforced and ideal for fragile items like glassware, crockery, or artwork. For extra security, use bubble wrap or packing paper between layers. However, if possible we always recommend to try and carry your boxes from the bottom when possible to reduce any risk of breaking whether you use our boxes or your own.
Fill empty spaces
Prevent movement by filling gaps with soft material—towels, old t-shirts, or packing peanuts work well.
Label carefully
Mark boxes with “fragile” on at least two sides for easy identification, so you and anyone helping will handle with care.
Avoiding Moisture Damage
While the risk of moisture is generally low—especially in our well-ventilated indoor rooms—it’s always wise to take a few simple precautions to keep your belongings in top condition, whether using indoor or outdoor storage.
Wrap soft furnishings
Protect mattresses, sofas, and fabric items with covers or dust sheets for extra peace of mind.
Only store dry items
Before storing washing machines, hoses, or garden equipment, ensure everything is fully dry. This helps keep your unit fresh.
Keep appliance doors open
For items like fridges, freezers, and washing machines, leave doors open slightly. This allows air to circulate and prevents mould or musty smells from developing (moisture can get trapped inside closed spaces).
Raise off the floor when possible
If storing in an outdoor unit, consider using pallets or boards (available on request) to give extra airflow beneath furniture or boxes.
Our secure indoor units offer additional protection thanks to their location inside the building, but with a few simple steps, your belongings stay safe and sound in any of our storage options.
Labelling and Organising Boxes
A well-labelled storage unit makes moving much easier later.
Number your boxes
Create a master list, so you know where everything is (e.g., Kitchen #1, Lounge #5).
Room-by-room packing
Keep items from the same room together for simple unpacking.
Consider clear plastic boxes
Especially for essentials you might need quickly.
Staggering Moving In and Moving Out Dates
Sometimes, moving out and moving in don’t line up. Short term storage bridges the gap between homes.
Flexible contracts
March Self Store offers minimum stays to suit your timeline—no need to rush.
Reserve ahead
Book your unit before moving day to guarantee space.
24/7 gated access
From 6:00am–10:00pm come and leave as you please. Book extended access as needed, making it easy to drop off or collect at your convenience.
On-site Supplies and Services
Packing materials
Buy boxes, tape, bubble wrap and protection covers directly at March Self Store—no last-minute panic.
Trolleys and forklift access
Free to use while on site for heavy or bulky items (ask about availability for larger moves. Forklift must be handled by staff and is only available during office hours).
Parking right outside
Both indoor and outdoor units offer easy loading, saving time and hassle.
How to Store Furniture When Moving
Disassemble where possible
Beds, tables, garden kit—all store more compactly when taken apart.
Protect corners and surfaces
Wrap with blankets or cardboard to prevent bumps.
Store vertically
Place sofas, mattresses, or wardrobes on their side where safe, to maximise space.
Leave a walkway
You’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to find a box or piece of furniture in the back!