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How to Store Large Items | Souther Storage

How to Store Large Items Like Furniture, Appliances, and Equipment Safely

When it comes to storing large items—like couches, refrigerators, bed frames, washers and dryers, or even heavy-duty equipment—simply "putting them away" isn’t enough. These items require more care, more planning, and more space. Whether you're decluttering, remodeling, or moving to a new home, understanding how to store these big-ticket items safely can protect your investment and keep your storage experience stress-free.

At Southern Storage TX in Channelview, we make it easy with large drive-up storage units, secure outdoor parking, and flexible rental options designed for real-world needs. Here's a complete guide to help you store large items the right way—without damage, disorganization, or headaches.

Start With the Right Unit Size
The first step in storing large items safely is choosing a unit that actually fits them—and gives you room to move around. Cramming big furniture into too-tight quarters risks scratching wood, bending frames, and making access nearly impossible later on.

Here at Southern Storage, we offer a wide range of spacious, affordable units built for exactly this situation:
  • 12x25x10 – Ideal for household appliances and a full living room set. Includes roll-up door and drive-up access.
  • 12x30x10 – Perfect for a multi-room move or large-scale equipment. Great for storing both furniture and work tools together.
  • 15x45x14 – A true powerhouse of space. Tall doors and deep storage make this perfect for oversized equipment, trailers, or full-home contents.
Need outdoor parking for a trailer or truck? Our 10x25 paved parking spaces are clean, convenient, and cost-effective at just $42/mo for your first month. These open-air spaces are ideal for storing trailers, pickups, and other large vehicles that don’t need to be enclosed.

Not sure which size is right? Use our easy-to-follow Size Guide to estimate what you’ll need based on your inventory. It walks you through every step—from listing your items to selecting the right unit size based on volume and shape.

Disassemble When You Can
Large furniture and bulky appliances take up more space than you might think. Disassembling them can help you maximize your storage area while reducing the risk of damage during transport and stacking.
  • Beds, tables, and shelving units should be broken down into flat components. This allows them to be stacked vertically or along a wall.
  • Tape or bag all hardware—screws, bolts, washers—and either attach them to the main piece or label them clearly in a storage bin.
  • Consider snapping photos before disassembly, so reassembly later on is quick and frustration-free.
Not only will this save space, but it also makes loading and unloading much easier—especially with our drive-up access units, where you can pull right up to your roll-up door and get to work.

Clean and Prep for Long-Term Storage
Before you store, clean. It’s the golden rule for anyone putting large items into a storage unit. Dust, grime, leftover food residue, or even moisture can cause serious problems over time—including mold, mildew, corrosion, or unwanted pests.
  • Appliances: Empty and clean refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines thoroughly. Defrost and dry them completely. Prop doors open with a towel or wedge to prevent musty smells and mildew.
  • Furniture: Clean fabric surfaces and use furniture-safe cleaners on wood or leather. Cover with breathable cloth or moving blankets—avoid plastic, which can trap moisture.
  • Equipment: Remove any gasoline, oil, or fluids from power tools and machinery. Wipe down exposed metal with a rust inhibitor or cloth.
These steps help ensure that everything you store comes out just as good as it went in.

Store Items Strategically
Think of your storage unit like a game of 3D Tetris. The better your layout, the easier it will be to find what you need—and avoid damaging anything in the process.
  • Stack vertically when possible. Use tall shelving units or place flat items like disassembled furniture vertically against the wall.
  • Heavy items go on the bottom, lighter and fragile items on top.
  • Keep an aisle down the center so you can access everything without needing to unload half the unit.
  • Label everything and keep a master list (or take photos) for easy reference.
  • Bonus tip: bring in wooden pallets to raise items off the floor—especially important in non-climate-controlled units—to promote airflow and avoid contact with condensation.
Take Advantage of Drive-Up Convenience
When you’re dealing with furniture and large gear, convenience isn’t optional—it’s essential. At Southern Storage TX, all our larger units feature roll-up doors and drive-up access, so you can pull your vehicle right up to your unit and load or unload without the strain of carrying heavy items down long hallways or stairs.

This also makes it easy to rotate seasonal items, swap out equipment between jobs, or retrieve that one box you forgot you needed—without rearranging everything else inside.

Keep It Safe With Our Security Features
Large items usually mean valuable items. That’s why we back every unit with serious security. Your belongings are protected by:
  • 24/7 surveillance cameras
  • Gated keypad entry
  • Bright exterior lighting
  • A free high-security lock with every rental
We also protect your personal information with our SSL-secure online portal, so you can rent, pay, and manage your unit from anywhere.

Get Started Today
Whether you're moving to a new home, storing equipment between jobs, or simply making room in your garage, Southern Storage TX is here to help you store big items safely and simply.

Take advantage of our flexible month-to-month leases, online rentals, and special offers like 50% off your first month or $1 move-ins on select units.

Ready to reserve your space? Rent online or call us today. With the right unit and the right game plan, you can store your largest belongings with zero stress.
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Seasonal Storage Tips: Optimize Your Storage with Southern Storage As the seasons change, so do the needs for organizing your home. Without a solid storage plan, seasonal items can clutter your living space. At Southern Storage TX, we know that rotating your seasonal belongings effectively can help you maximize space and make your life easier. Whether you need self-storage, mini-storage, or a convenient drive-up unit, having a strategy for seasonal storage will keep your home organized year-round. Managing seasonal items—whether it's bulky winter coats or summer pool gear—requires proper planning and execution. In this guide, we’ll provide expert advice to help you store your items safely and efficiently, so your home remains clutter-free no matter the season. Begin with an Inventory The key to successful seasonal storage is knowing exactly what you have. Start by creating an inventory of your seasonal items, such as winter coats, holiday decorations, gardening tools, and summer sports gear. This will help you estimate the storage space you’ll need and make locating your items much easier when it's time to swap them out. Choose the Right Containers Using appropriate storage containers will help protect your belongings. For items like summer gear or holiday decorations, clear plastic bins with tight-fitting lids are ideal. For clothing, consider using vacuum-sealed bags to save space and protect fabrics from dust and moisture. Adding silica gel packets or using waterproof containers can also be beneficial, especially for items you plan to store for extended periods. Label Everything Clearly Proper labeling is essential for effective seasonal storage. Mark each container with both its contents and the season it belongs to—such as “Summer Pool Gear” or “Winter Coats.” This will save you time and hassle when rotating items. Keeping a master inventory list, either digitally or on paper, is also a great way to track everything you have in storage. Organize Your Unit by Season Make your seasonal rotations effortless by organizing your storage unit with the seasons in mind. Place the current season’s items toward the front of the unit for easy access, while moving off-season items to the back. For example, in spring, you can shift winter gear and decorations to the rear and bring gardening tools and summer supplies forward. This way, you’ll always know where to find what you need, streamlining the seasonal transition process. Use Vertical Space Maximize the space in your storage unit by utilizing vertical space. Sturdy shelving can help you keep smaller boxes and bins organized, while larger items like patio furniture or sports gear can be stored upright along the walls. Stacking boxes efficiently will give you more room and keep everything easily accessible. Protect Your Belongings Certain items require extra care when being stored for long periods. Winter coats, linens, and holiday decorations should be protected to avoid damage. Use garment bags for clothing, bubble wrap for fragile items, and furniture covers for larger items like patio sets. For items prone to moisture damage, like holiday lights, adding silica gel packs can help prevent issues. Rotate Items with Each Season One of the best ways to stay organized is by making seasonal rotations part of your routine. As spring arrives, store away your winter sports gear and bring out gardening tools and summer equipment. Regularly rotating items keeps your home from being overwhelmed with seasonal clutter and helps you maintain better control over your belongings. Declutter During Rotations As you rotate your seasonal items, take the opportunity to declutter. If you haven’t used something in the past season, consider donating or discarding it. This practice will prevent your storage unit from becoming a catch-all for things you no longer need, ensuring it stays organized and functional. Consider Drive-Up Storage Drive-up storage units at Southern Storage TX make rotating your seasonal items easy and efficient. With the convenience of drive-up access, you can quickly load and unload bulky items like lawn furniture, sports equipment, and holiday decorations without hassle. When selecting your storage solution, consider both the size and accessibility to ensure it meets your seasonal storage needs. Plan for Important Dates If you have items that you only use for specific holidays or events, planning ahead can save time and reduce stress. Set calendar reminders for key dates, so you know exactly when to retrieve those items from storage. This small step will keep you prepared without the last-minute scramble. Enjoy a Clutter-Free Space All Year Long Rotating seasonal items into storage doesn’t just keep your home neat—it makes your life easier. With the right plan and the right storage unit, you can enjoy a clutter-free, organized living space that functions smoothly throughout the year. Ready to Simplify Your Storage Routine? Southern Storage is here to help you manage your seasonal storage with ease. From a variety of unit sizes to convenient drive-up options, we have the solutions you need to rotate your belongings efficiently and keep your home clutter-free. Call us today at (281) 452-2272 to learn more about how we can make seasonal storage simple for you.
October 14, 2024
Living in a small apartment or shared space comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to keeping your environment tidy and organized. When closets are overflowing and surfaces are cluttered, even the coziest spaces can quickly feel chaotic. Southern Storage TX offers an excellent solution for maximizing your living space by utilizing self-storage. In this guide, we'll show you how self-storage can help clear clutter, embrace a minimalist lifestyle, and make the most of shared spaces with efficient storage options. Declutter Your Space The first step to making the most of a small living space is decluttering. Self-storage gives you the flexibility to clear out clutter without letting go of the things that matter most to you. Keep Sentimental Items Without Sacrifice: Parting with sentimental items can be tough, especially when space is limited. Self-storage offers the perfect solution for items you don’t use every day but want to hold on to—such as keepsakes, seasonal décor, or extra furniture. By moving these items to a storage unit, you’ll free up space in your home while keeping them safe and easily accessible when needed. Rotate Seasonal Items Year-Round: Seasonal items take up a significant amount of space in small apartments. Self-storage allows you to rotate these items throughout the year. In the summer, keep bulky winter gear, such as jackets and holiday decorations, in storage. When winter comes, swap them for patio furniture and summer sports gear. This rotation helps maintain a clutter-free, functional living space all year long. Simplify Your Space Self-storage can support a minimalist approach by helping you achieve a clean, clutter-free home while still holding on to the things that matter. Store Non-Essentials for a Sleeker Space: Self-storage lets you store items that aren’t part of your daily routine, such as extra décor, spare kitchen gadgets, or furniture that doesn’t quite fit. By moving these items off-site, you can create a streamlined aesthetic that makes your space feel larger and more open. Make Room for Multi-Functional Furniture: In small spaces, multi-functional furniture is a must. Pieces like sleeper sofas, storage ottomans, or fold-out desks can maximize the usability of your home. By using a storage unit to store bulky or less-used furniture, you create more space for versatile furniture that works harder for you. Store Hobby Gear Without Sacrificing Space: Hobbies are important, but they often come with equipment that can be hard to store in a small apartment. Self-storage allows you to store hobby-related items—such as camping gear, sports equipment, or crafting supplies—off-site. This way, you can still enjoy your passions without compromising the comfort and functionality of your living space. Maximize Shared Spaces Shared apartments bring their own set of challenges when it comes to space management. With multiple people sharing one home, it's essential to optimize storage to create a comfortable, organized environment. Self-storage offers a practical solution to maintain harmony in shared living situations. Store Overflow Items: In a shared space, extra furniture, decorations, and personal belongings can quickly overwhelm common areas. Instead of crowding your apartment with these overflow items, consider placing them in a storage unit. Seasonal decorations, extra chairs, or sporting goods can all be safely stored away, ensuring shared spaces remain clean and functional for everyone. Keep Moving Supplies Ready: Apartment living often means moving more frequently. Whether upgrading to a bigger place or relocating for a job, it helps to be prepared. Keep moving supplies—such as boxes and packing materials—in a storage unit so you're ready whenever the time comes, without taking up precious closet space. Simplify Rotations for Roommates: For shared items like holiday decorations, outdoor furniture, or group sports equipment, using a shared storage unit can make life easier. Everyone can access these items when needed without cluttering up the common areas of the apartment. This setup allows roommates to enjoy a more organized and harmonious living environment. Ready to Make the Most of Your Small Space? Self-storage is a versatile tool for maximizing small living spaces and shared apartments. By clearing out clutter, embracing a minimalist lifestyle, and efficiently managing shared areas, you can transform even the smallest spaces into comfortable and organized homes. At Southern Storage TX, we offer a wide range of storage unit sizes and flexible rental options to suit your needs. If you’re ready to maximize your living space and create a clutter-free home, call us today at (281) 452-2272 to learn how we can help you make the most out of your living space!
August 26, 2024
How to Pack Your Belongings for Long-Term Storage Packing away belongings is essentially the IRL (in real life) version of our childhood favorite game, Tetris (Honestly, who didn’t love Tetris growing up?). There is certainly a method to the madness of packing. Careful packing ensures that your items remain in good condition and are easy to access when you need them. You also maximize your available storage space with proper packing. Here are some tips to help you pack your belongings for long-term storage at Southern Storage. 1. Choose Quality Packing Materials Invest in high-quality packing materials, including sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and strong tape. Good materials will protect your belongings from dust, moisture, and potential damage while in storage. 2. Label Everything Clearly This one is a biggie: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. We can’t stress that enough. This will make your life much easier when locating specific items when you need them. Consider numbering the boxes and keeping an inventory list for quick reference. 3. Disassemble Large Items If possible, disassemble large items like furniture to save space and prevent damage. Keep screws, bolts, and other small parts in labeled bags taped to the respective item, so you can easily reassemble them later. 4. Wrap Fragile Items Carefully Fragile items such as glassware, dishes, and electronics should be wrapped individually in bubble wrap or packing paper. Place them in boxes with plenty of cushioning material to prevent shifting and breakage during transport and storage. 5. Avoid Overpacking Boxes While it may be tempting to fill boxes to the brim, overpacking can lead to breakage or difficulty moving the boxes. Pack heavy items like books in smaller boxes to prevent them from becoming too heavy to lift safely. 6. Use Plastic Containers for Sensitive Items For sensitive items like clothing, documents, and electronics, consider using plastic containers with airtight lids. These containers provide extra protection against moisture and pests. 7. Create an Accessible Layout When storing your packed belongings, think about accessibility. Place items you may need sooner toward the front of the unit. Stack boxes in a way that allows for easy retrieval, with heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top. 8. Cover Furniture and Mattresses Cover furniture and mattresses with protective covers to shield them from dust and moisture. This will help keep them in good condition for when you need them again. 9. Keep Valuables and Essentials Separate If you’re storing valuables or items you may need unexpectedly, keep them in a separate, easily accessible box. This will save you time and effort if you need to retrieve something quickly. 10. Inspect Your Storage Unit Regularly Even though your items are in long-term storage, it’s a good idea to check on them periodically. This allows you to ensure everything is in good condition and make any necessary adjustments. By following these tips, you can ensure that your belongings are packed properly for long-term storage at Southern Storage . Taking the time to pack carefully will give you peace of mind knowing your items are safe and well-protected.
August 26, 2024
With a storage unit, you don’t want to pay for what you don’t need, and or be locked into a unit that’s too small. Here are some top tips to help you choose the perfect storage unit size for your needs. 1. Take Inventory of Your Items Before selecting a storage unit, list everything you plan to store. This inventory will give you a clear idea of how much space you’ll need. Group items by size and category, such as furniture, boxes, and appliances, to estimate the required space accurately. 2. Consider Future Storage Needs Think about whether you’ll need to add more items to your storage unit in the future. If you expect to store more belongings, it might be wise to choose a slightly larger unit. This way, you won’t have to upgrade later on. 3. Visualize the Space It can be helpful to visualize how your items will fit in the storage unit. Think about how you’ll stack boxes, place furniture, and arrange other belongings. You may also want to consider accessibility – will you need to access certain items regularly? If so, make sure to leave some space for easy access. 4. Consult with the Storage Experts When in doubt, consult the experts. Southern Storage's staff can provide personalized recommendations based on your inventory and specific needs. They can help you find the best storage unit size to accommodate your belongings without unnecessary space. Choosing the right storage unit size doesn’t have to be a challenge. By taking inventory, considering future needs, using tools like online calculators, visualizing your storage setup, and consulting with experts , you can find the perfect unit size at Southern Storage.
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