Packing Like a Pro: How to Maximize Space in a Portable Storage Container

When you’re renting a portable storage container, every inch counts, poor packing means wasted space, more trips, or worse — needing to rent a bigger container and spending more than you need to.

When you use smart packing techniques, you’re in control. You’ll fit everything safely and be able to get on with your move or renovation without the stress of “Where do I put this?” or “Did I forget something?”

Start with a Plan: Know What You’re Packing

Before you load a single box, take some time to inventory your items and get an idea of what fits. Measure big furniture and bulky things so you can choose the right container size. Overestimate a bit — but not too much! A 10% margin is usually a good estimate to use.

Use Uniform Boxes for Easy Stacking

One of the best portable storage packing tips we can share is to pack your stuff in boxes of the same size as much as possible. This simple trick helps you stack them neatly — no awkward gaps or wasted air space. Here are portable container packing tips to help you pack like a pro:

• Put heavier boxes on the bottom, lighter ones on top.
• Don’t stack boxes so high they wobble.
• Use sturdy boxes with lids that close flat.
• Leave a little space between stacks for air circulation and easy access.
• Label every box clearly on all sides. (Yes, all sides—you’ll thank yourself later.)

If you’re packing kitchen items or clothes, consider using smaller boxes to keep things light and manageable. The right boxes make all the difference when you want to maximize container space.

Unassembled Furniture

Taking apart big items like beds, tables, and shelves isn’t always fun, but it can seriously increase your space. Flat pieces slide along the walls of your container, creating pockets for boxes and smaller stuff in the middle.

Keep screws and parts in labelled bags taped to your furniture. This will save you lots of hassle when it’s time to set everything back up.

Pack Heavy Items First and Distribute Weight

Load your heaviest and sturdiest belongings at the bottom of the container. This creates a solid base for lighter and more fragile items on top, helping you avoid damage and making the most of your vertical space.

Also, try to balance the weight evenly so the container stays stable, especially if it’s being moved or transported. A stack that leans is a stack that eventually crashes. Follow these storage tips:

• Heavy items go on the bottom. Think of books, tools, and dishes.
• Medium-weight boxes next. Fill them with stuff like kitchenware and holiday décor.
• Light stuff such as blankets, pillows, lampshades on top.

Think Vertical: Stack Smartly

Most people don’t realize how much vertical space goes unused in their portable storage containers. Don’t make that mistake! Stack boxes and items all the way up to the ceiling. But be safe about it.

Label Everything Clearly

This is a lifesaver. Write down what’s inside each box and which room it belongs to. Mark boxes as fragile or heavy so you and anyone helping know how to handle them.

When it’s time to unpack, you’ll be grateful you did this.

Leave a Path If You Need Access

If you’ll need to open your container during storage, plan your packing to leave a clear aisle. Put things you might need first near the door, with less-used stuff deeper inside.

This makes life easier and prevents you from having to unload everything to get one box.

Secure Your Load

Use bungee cords or ratchet straps to keep big pieces and stacks of boxes from shifting during transport. This adds peace of mind that your belongings will arrive safely.

Bonus Tip: Keep Your Portable Storage Container Organized

Staying organized inside the container can save you time and hassle later on. Here are a few quick tips to keep things tidy:

• Create clear zones inside your container for different types of items—like boxes of kitchen goods in one corner, tools in another, and furniture stacked neatly.
• Use shelves or stackable bins if you have space to keep smaller items off the floor and easily accessible.
• Keep a packing list handy, either taped to the container door or saved digitally on your phone, so you always know where everything is.
• If you’ll be accessing your container multiple times during storage, keep frequently used items right near the door to avoid digging through everything.

What Not to Pack in Your Portable Storage Container

As you plan your move or storage project, it's easy to focus on how to pack portable storage, but just as important is knowing what not to pack. Not everything belongs in a portable container, especially if it's going to be sitting outside for a while or transported between locations. Here are a few things you should leave out:

• Perishable Food or Plants – These can spoil quickly or attract pests, especially during temperature swings common across Canada.
• Hazardous or Flammable Materials – Propane tanks, paint thinner, gasoline, and certain cleaning supplies are unsafe for portable storage due to fire risk.
• Valuables or Irreplaceable Documents – Items like passports, jewelry, or sensitive paperwork are better kept with you or in a safety deposit box.
• Live Animals or Pets (yes, it happens!) – It may sound obvious, but storage containers are no place for anything living.

Pack Like a Pro

Don’t waste time or money on poorly packed storage. Use these tips to maximize container space and make your portable storage experience easy and affordable.

Contact Make Space Storage today to rent your portable storage container and get started packing like a pro! Visit us for more details and a free quote.