Storing important items for a long time requires quality protective packaging to maintain their condition from elements, such as dust, pests and temperature changes. Many businesses rely on storage units to safely keep supplies, products and documents for extended periods. Similarly, professionals attending graduate school often need to store educational materials securely.
To ensure the longevity of your stored items, read these packing tips for storage units to discover the most reliable protective materials, including moisture barrier bags, desiccants and vacuum-sealed bags to safeguard your investment. We’ll also provide practical tips to prepare, pack, label and organize your items efficiently.
5 Top Protective Packaging Materials for Long-Term Storage
Keep your valuable supplies, products or paperwork in good condition by using the following protective packaging:
1. Moisture Barrier Bags and Desiccants
Understanding how to pack for storage includes selecting materials that shield against environmental threats like moisture damage. Moisture barrier bags are designed to block humidity, condensation, corrosion and airborne contaminants that can degrade stored materials over time.
These bags are often made of aluminum foil or other materials such as metal and glass sheets. They create a sealed environment that helps preserve items or products from moisture damage caused by humidity in hot environments. Moisture barrier bags and desiccants can be used for clothing, pharmaceutical products and electronic components.
To ensure long-term protection remains effective, a sufficient amount of desiccant must be placed inside the bag to absorb additional moisture. Desiccants are effective drying agents placed inside packaging to absorb residual moisture from closed environments.
2. Heavy-Duty Plastic Boxes and Totes With Lids
Built for strength and long-term use, plastic bins and totes with lids offer long-term storage solutions in environments where exposure to dust, debris and pests like insects and rodents is common. Their fitted lids help keep contents clean and undisturbed, making them ideal for garages, warehouses and self-storage units.
The durable plastic construction resists impact and wear, while stackable designs save valuable space. Available in various sizes, they’re well-suited for organizing tools, equipment and sensitive supplies, such as photography and video equipment, medical and scientific instruments, and outdoor gear. For maximum protection, ensure lids are sealed securely and include desiccants to prevent moisture buildup and mold, preserving the item’s quality and lifespan.
3. Vacuum-Sealed Bags
Removing air from packaging is an effective method of storing items for a long time. Vacuum-sealed bags do this by locking out oxygen, moisture and bacteria that cause degradation, corrosion or molds. Vacuum-sealing is ideal for storing dry goods, textiles and other soft materials. They also significantly reduce storage space by compressing items like clothing or bedding.
To avoid damaging the seal, avoid storing sharp or rigid objects that could puncture the bag. Instead, store smooth, pliable items and periodically check for leaks to ensure continued protection during long-term storage.
4. Acid-Free Packing Paper
Designed to prevent deterioration, acid-free packing paper is crafted from pH-neutral materials that resist yellowing and crumbling over time. It helps preserve delicate items and documents and protects them against chemical degradation and brittleness, which are common threats in long-term storage units.
When it comes to storage and packing, this paper ensures items remain uncontaminated. Unlike newspapers, which can stain and damage items with acidic ink, acid-free paper helps maintain the condition of stored products. Use it to wrap and cushion valuable objects like photographs, ceramics and paintings. It’s also ideal for placing between stacked textiles or photographs for archiving.
5. Military Specification Packaging
When reliability is paramount, special military specification packaging (mil-spec) delivers unmatched protection. Developed to meet stringent U.S. Department of Defense standards, mil-spec packaging safeguards sensitive equipment, components and supplies from moisture, static discharge, corrosion and extreme temperatures.
These heavy-duty packing materials undergo strict testing to ensure long-term durability, including moisture barrier bags, desiccant bags and sealable pouches with anti-static properties. Their effectiveness extends beyond military use, serving industries such as manufacturing, health care and aerospace applications. Mil-spec packaging ensures important supplies and products remain functional even after prolonged storage in any condition.
Essential Self-Storage Packing Tips
To secure valuable supplies and equipment for long-term self-storage, follow these practical packing tips:
- Clean and inspect items: One of the most overlooked packing tips for storage is thoroughly cleaning and checking all items before boxing them up. Dust, grime or moisture left on surfaces can cause damage, attract pests or lead to mold. Start cleaning well in advance to allow everything to dry completely. This also gives you time to assess each item for wear or defects, ensuring you’re not storing something already broken.
- Seal and reinforce boxes: To protect your items during extended storage, make sure every box is securely sealed. Use high-quality packing tape to close all seams and reinforce corners. This prevents dust and moisture from seeping into plastic containers and keeps any cardboard boxes from collapsing under pressure. Reinforced boxes also stack better, reducing the risk of tipping or damage from shifting contents.
- Use labels and create an inventory system: A smart approach to organizing begins with proper packaging labels and a simple inventory system. Knowing how to pack for storage includes marking boxes clearly on at least two visible sides, ideally near the top. For quick access, use consistent labeling, numbering or color-coding. Keep a matching digital list of contents to save time, especially when retrieving seasonal items or rotating business supplies. Make sure to mark fragile boxes for proper stacking to avoid handling damage.
- Maximize space by stacking properly: Practice strategic stacking for efficient storage and packing operations. It’s more practical to place heavier, less-used items at the bottom and toward the back of the storage unit. Lighter or frequently accessed boxes should stay on top and closer to the front. Plan your layout in advance and take advantage of vertical space without compromising safety. A well-stacked unit prevents damage and makes it easier to retrieve what you need later.
Choose Edco Supply Corporation for High-Quality Protective Packaging
Reliable packaging is essential for storing valuable items, from company supplies and stocked products to important paperwork. Edco Supply Corporation provides excellent protective packaging solutions, including highly durable and versatile mil-spec packaging for long-term storage. We also offer commercial moisture barrier bags, desiccant products and labels to complete your protective packaging needs.
Since 1954, Edco has been providing high-quality military specification packaging to diverse industries, ranging from manufacturing and electronics to food service companies. As a leading supplier delivering products across the United States and Canada, our team of world-class professionals is ready to assist you in finding the right packaging materials for your application.
Contact us online today to learn more about our protective packaging products or to request a quote for your unique packaging needs.
