Packing a storage unit well makes a genuine difference. Do it properly and everything stays in good condition, you can find items quickly, and you use your space efficiently. Do it poorly and you end up with damaged furniture, crushed boxes and a unit you cannot get into without a full unpack.

Whether you are heading into our Brunswick facility or Pascoe Vale storage, this step-by-step guide will have you sorted before you arrive.

What to Gather Before You Start

Good packing starts before you even arrive at the unit. Both our Brunswick and Pascoe Vale locations stock packing supplies in-store, so you can grab what you need on the day. You will want:

• Sturdy cardboard boxes in consistent sizes
• Heavy-duty packing tape
• Bubble wrap and packing paper
• Permanent markers for labelling
• Mattress covers or bags
• Furniture blankets or moving pads
• Plastic wrap for upholstered furniture

Step-by-Step: Loading Your Unit

Step 1 – Declutter Before You Pack

There is no point paying to store things you do not want. Before packing, sort everything into three groups: keep, donate or sell, and throw away. A smaller, well-organised unit is always easier to manage than a large, cluttered one.

Step 2 – Disassemble Large Furniture

Bed frames, desks and wardrobe frames take up far less space when broken down flat. Remove legs from tables and sofas where possible, and keep all screws and fixings in labelled zip-lock bags taped directly to the furniture they belong to.

Step 3 – Wrap and Protect Everything

Protecting your belongings is not just about fragile items. Furniture scratches, upholstery attracts dust, and timber can warp if left uncovered. A few simple habits here go a long way:

• Wrap timber furniture in moving blankets secured with plastic wrap
• Slip mattresses into mattress bags to protect against dust
• Cover upholstered sofas and chairs with old sheets or plastic wrap
• Wrap fragile items individually in bubble wrap and mark boxes as FRAGILE
• Store mirrors and artwork upright, never flat

Step 4 – Pack Boxes the Right Way

How you fill a box matters as much as what goes in it. Heavy items like books and tools belong in small boxes so they stay manageable. Lighter items like linen and cushions go in larger boxes. Fill every box fully so it does not collapse when stacked, and tape all seams securely. Label each box on the top and at least one side.

Step 5 – Load Strategically

Load large, heavy items first against the back wall: appliances, wardrobes and bed frames. Stack boxes on top and in front, heaviest at the bottom and lightest on top. Leave a clear walkway down the middle of the unit so you can access the back without unpacking everything. Use the full ceiling height where weight allows.

What NOT to Store

Before loading up, make sure nothing prohibited is going in. At All In Self Storage the following are not permitted: fresh or perishable food, chemicals, flammable substances, explosives, firearms and illegal items. For the full list, see our guide on what you can and cannot store in a self storage unit in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use boxes or plastic tubs?

Both work. Plastic tubs are more durable and moisture resistant, making them better for longer-term storage. Cardboard boxes are cheaper for short-term use.

Can I store a fridge or washing machine?

Yes. Defrost and dry your fridge completely before storing, and leave the door slightly ajar. Drain your washing machine fully and store both appliances upright.

Get Started Today

Book your unit online at Brunswick or Pascoe Vale, or pop in and our team will help you choose the right size and get set up.

Melbourne’s rental market moves fast. Lease end dates rarely align perfectly with move-in dates, and even when they do, the transition between properties can leave you temporarily without a home for your belongings. For renters across Brunswick, Pascoe Vale and the broader inner north, self storage has become an essential part of the moving process.

Why Between-Lease Storage Is So Common in Melbourne

Melbourne’s rental market is competitive and often unpredictable. There are several situations where even a well-organised move can leave you needing temporary storage:

• Settlement or move-in dates that do not line up with your current lease end date
• Your new place is not ready due to cleaning, repairs or renovations
• You are moving from interstate and need a staging point
• You are between sharehouses and need somewhere safe for your furniture
• You are downsizing and need time to sort through your belongings

In areas like Brunswick and Pascoe Vale, where rental properties tend to be smaller, having a secure unit nearby gives you flexibility that friends and family simply cannot offer.

What to Store When Between Leases

Most people are surprised by how practical a storage unit is during a rental gap. The most common items people store include large furniture like sofas, bed frames, dining tables and wardrobes, white goods such as washing machines and fridges, packed boxes of belongings, and bulky hobby or sporting gear. Keeping all of this in a unit rather than a mate’s lounge room makes the whole process far more manageable.

How to Time It Properly

Getting the timing right is the difference between a smooth move and a chaotic one. A straightforward approach that works well for most renters:

• Book your unit two to three weeks before your lease ends
• On moving day, load the unit directly from your current rental
• During the gap, access your unit as needed from temporary accommodation
• On new lease move-in day, load straight from the storage unit into your new home

This means you only move your belongings twice in total, which is far less chaotic than a rushed back-and-forth between properties.

How Much Storage Do You Need?

A 3m x 2m unit handles most one-bedroom flats comfortably. A 3m x 3m unit suits a two-bedroom rental, and a 6m x 3m gives you plenty of room for a larger shared house. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide on choosing the right storage unit size.

There is no long fixed contract required at All In Self Storage. Our Brunswick location offers 24/7 access and Pascoe Vale is open 6am to 9pm every day, so you can get in whenever you need to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to sign a long-term contract?

No. All In Self Storage offers flexible short-term storage with no fixed contract requirement.

Can I buy packing supplies on-site?

Yes. We stock boxes, tape and bubble wrap at both Brunswick and Pascoe Vale. For packing tips, read our guide on how to pack a storage unit properly.

Make Your Next Move Easier

Book your unit online or call our team at Brunswick or Pascoe Vale to get sorted before your lease ends.

Whether you are heading overseas, have a seasonal vehicle you only use part of the year, or simply have one car too many for your property, vehicle storage in Melbourne gives you a secure, accessible solution without relying on a mate’s driveway or leaving your vehicle on the street.

Why People Store Vehicles in Melbourne

Vehicle storage is more common than you might think, especially in inner-city suburbs like Brunswick and Pascoe Vale where off-street parking is limited. The most common reasons people come to us include:

• Travelling overseas or interstate for an extended period
• Storing a classic, vintage or collectible vehicle
• Seasonal use: motorbikes or convertibles not needed during winter
• Waiting on a sale or insurance payout
• Downsizing to a property without garage space
• Storing a trailer, camper trailer or work van between uses

What Types of Vehicles Can Be Stored?

At All In Self Storage we can accommodate a range of vehicle types across our Brunswick and Pascoe Vale facilities, including cars, sedans, hatchbacks and SUVs, motorbikes and scooters, trailers and box trailers, small campervans, and utes or commercial vans subject to size. Always check with our team before booking to confirm your vehicle’s dimensions fit the available unit sizes.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Storage

A bit of preparation before you store goes a long way to keeping your vehicle in good condition. For a car, the key steps are:

• Clean it thoroughly inside and out to prevent staining or corrosion
• Fill the fuel tank to reduce moisture build-up inside the tank
• Change the oil if it is due, as old oil can damage the engine over a long period
• Inflate tyres slightly above the recommended pressure
• Disconnect the battery for longer-term storage to prevent it going flat
• Use a breathable car cover to protect the paintwork from dust

For a motorbike, the same principles apply: fill the tank and add a fuel stabiliser if storing for more than a month, change the oil, lubricate the chain, and use a paddock stand where possible to keep weight off the tyres.

What to Look for in a Vehicle Storage Facility

Not all storage facilities are equal when it comes to vehicle storage. The things that matter most are security features like PIN code access and 24/7 CCTV monitoring, access hours that fit your schedule, unit sizes large enough for your specific vehicle, and covered indoor storage that protects paintwork and interiors from the elements. Our Brunswick location offers 24/7 access and Pascoe Vale runs 6am to 9pm seven days a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I store a vehicle?

As long as you need. All In Self Storage offers flexible short and long-term storage with no fixed end date required.

Is my vehicle insured while in storage?

Check with your vehicle insurer. Many policies require a vehicle to be garaged or in a secured facility to remain covered. A self storage unit typically qualifies, but always verify directly with your insurer.

Do I need to drain the fuel before storing my car?

No. A full fuel tank is actually better for long-term storage as it reduces moisture build-up. Adding a fuel stabiliser is recommended for storage beyond a few months.

Book Vehicle Storage in Melbourne Today

Secure, covered vehicle storage is available at both our Brunswick and Pascoe Vale locations. Book online or call our team to confirm availability and dimensions before bringing your vehicle in.