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
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today. With the right unit and the right game plan, you can store your largest belongings with zero stress.