6 ESSENTIAL MOVING SUPPLIES TO CONQUER YOUR NEXT MOVING DAY

ulok • July 4, 2019

Moving can be stressful. Just the thought of it makes everybody let out a collective groan full of frustration and exhaustion. There are a lot of moving parts (pun intended), things to pack and a lot of things that can go wrong. On the other hand, moving often means the beginning of a new chapter. It means leaving the past behind and anticipating new adventures. When done right, moving can also be stress free and even joyous. The first and foremost thing to cover when you plan your move is to buy all the proper moving supplies needed. When all your goods are packed in neatly labeled boxes, and your fragile belongings are safe from breaking in transit, your stress levels will be much lower; leaving you free to be excited about the future. This article will help you figure out the essential moving supplies you need to make your next move as easy as it gets. It’s worth mentioning that you can find all these supplies at our own One Stop Supply Shop! So here they are:

Boxes

The quintessential element of any big or small move is a box. Boxes to pack your clothes, crockery, fine china, dog toys etc. Naturally, you need various sizes of boxes to match your needs. Downtown U-Lok offers many different sizes of boxes for precisely that reason.

  • 2 Cube Box – The small 2 cube box measures at 18” x 15” x 12” and is perfect for smaller items such as your books, kids’ toys etc.
  • 4 Cube Box – the medium 4 cube box is measured at 18” x 18” x 20” and can accommodate things such as small electronics, kitchen supplies and utensils etc.
  • 6 Cube Box – The large 6 cube box is measured at 22” x 22” x 22” and is a good fit for your extra bedding, pillows, larger items etc.
  • Wardrobe Box – For all your clothes, we have the wardrobe box that can hold up to 30 clothes on a hanger, nicely covered and ready to move. This box takes away the need to fold your clothes and put it into a box individually, just take it off your closet bar and hang it up the wardrobe box!
  • File Box – As the name implies, our smallest box size is perfect for all your files, whether it be for storage or your office move.

Pro Tip: Did you know that most places that sell moving boxes sell regular packing boxes that are flimsy and low grade? Our moving boxes are moving grade, meaning extra thickness in the material and sturdier construction. What’s better is that the prices are comparable!

Moving Blankets

The floor of your rented moving truck is dirty and abrasive; making it the easy place to scratch your precious furniture. Moving blankets provide the necessary protection from unnecessary scratches and makes it easier to move furniture in and out of the truck! You can even use your extra moving blankets to bundle up your TV, picture frames/artwork and mirrors, protecting it from any accidental damage during transit.

Wrapping Paper and Bubble Wrap

One of the main things often overlooked during moving is the protection of fragile items such as glass vases, fine china and other showpiece items. It is heartbreaking to find these items broken when you finally unpack the boxes after the move. We recommend using wrapping paper for your glasses and fine china to protect it in transit, while bubble wrap is a must for larger items.

Mattress, Sofa and Chair Covers

Mattresses, sofas and chairs can get damaged, scuffed or get stains on them due to accidental spills. Putting a cover on them provides protection from these unwanted outcomes and keeps your furniture undamaged. These covers are also good to have if you are putting any of these things in storage, the covers keep the dust off the furniture.

Downtown U-Lok offers mattress covers for all mattress sizes and sofas.

Packing Tape

Perhaps the only thing as important as your boxes? The packing tapes! You will need this to pull off the big move and you will need a lot of it. The high adhesive packing tape can be purchased in single quantities or you can buy a pack of 3, which comes with a free dispenser.

Miscellaneous (but important) Items

Hand gloves with grippy rubber on the palms to ensure you hold on to the slick boxes and avoid injury. Bungy Rope with hooks on each end to hold down certain items in transit and Sharpie pens to properly label all your boxes, making it easy to place them in the right place at the destination.

As you can see, Downtown U-Lok Storage has it covered when it comes to providing you with the supplies needed to ensure a stress-free move. If you need any of the things mentioned above for your next move, give us a call!

By Ray Wang July 9, 2026
Self storage is a flexible solution for moving, downsizing, renovating, or creating extra space at home. But people often have the same practical questions before renting a storage unit . Below are answers to some of the most common ones. Can you sleep in self storage? No. You cannot legally or safely sleep in a self storage unit . Storage facilities are not designed for living. Self storage units typically lack ventilation, plumbing, and emergency exits required for occupancy. Our rental agreement explicitly prohibits living or sleeping in storage units. Please do not sleep in a storage unit for your own personal well-being. What should you not leave in a storage unit? There are several categories of items that should never go into storage: Perishable food (it attracts pests) Live animals or plants Flammable or explosive materials (gasoline, propane, fireworks) Illegal items Open or unsecured liquids that can leak Hazardous chemicals not approved by the facility Even if something seems harmless, if it can spoil, leak, or attract pests, it’s best to keep it out of storage. Is it safe to put a bed in a storage unit? Yes, storing a bed is generally safe, but preparation matters. To protect it properly: Disassemble the frame if possible Wrap the mattress in a breathable mattress cover (not plastic long-term) Store off the ground using pallets or a platform Avoid placing heavy items on top This helps prevent moisture buildup, dust, and warping over time. Is it safe to leave clothes in a storage unit? Absolutely Clothes can be safely stored if they are packed correctly. Best practices include: Using sealed plastic bins or wardrobe boxes Washing and fully drying clothes beforehand Adding moisture absorbers (like silica gel or desiccants) Avoiding vacuum sealing delicate fabrics for long periods What can you fit in a 5x5 storage unit? A 5x5 unit (about 25 square feet) is roughly the size of a small closet. It’s ideal for: Several boxes Seasonal clothing Small furniture pieces (chairs, nightstands) Sports equipment A mattress set (twin or full, depending on layout) It’s typically used for light storage, dorm items, or decluttering a single room. If you have any questions about storage unit sizes, please use our storage size guide or get in touch and one of our team members will be happy to help. How much does it cost to put everything in storage? The cost of storing “everything” depends on how much space you need. For a full household, most people end up needing medium to large units or even multiple units.  Typical cost factors include: Storage unit size Temperature control Supply and demand If you have any questions about self storage, please contact us and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have. Self storage is a practical and flexible solution, but what you store and how you store it makes a big difference. Avoid prohibited items, prepare belongings properly, and choose the right unit size to keep your items safe and accessible. If you have further questions, please get in touch and the Downtown U-Lok Storage team will be thrilled to help you.
By Ray Wang July 1, 2026
Summer is a time for adventure, travel, and making memories. Whether you’re flying abroad, going on a road trip, or visiting family for the season, one challenge often comes up: what to do with your belongings while you’re away. For many people, especially those living in apartments, dorms, or smaller homes, leaving items unattended can be stressful. This is where renting a self storage unit comes in.  Keep Your Home Clutter-Free and Safe One of the key benefits of self storage is that it keeps your home organized while you’re away. Packing your apartment with luggage, summer gear, or seasonal items can create unnecessary clutter, making your return less relaxing. By storing items in a storage facility, you can leave your home as it is, ensuring it stays tidy and ready for your return. Additionally, self storage provides peace of mind by keeping your belongings safe. Jewelry, sentimental items, personal documents, and other valuable items are protected in a controlled environment, reducing the risk of damage, theft, or exposure to weather conditions. Free Up Space for Your Travel Plans For those living in smaller apartments, dorms, or shared housing, space can be limited. Renting a storage unit allows you to temporarily move bulky items such as furniture, sports equipment, or seasonal clothing out of the way. This not only frees up your living space but also makes packing and preparing for travel much easier. You can travel light without worrying about what to do with the rest of your belongings. Flexible and Convenient Options Self storage is often flexible, offering short-term rentals that align perfectly with summer travel plans. Whether you need storage for a few weeks or several months, you can choose a unit size that fits your needs. Ideal for Students and Seasonal Residents Students and seasonal residents, in particular, benefit from self storage during the summer months. If you’re moving out of student housing or a temporary apartment, storage offers a perfect place for your belongings until the next lease or school year begins. It eliminates the need to move everything back home or pay for expensive shipping. Protect Your Valuables While You Travel Traveling often comes with the concern of leaving personal belongings unattended. A storage unit ensures your items are protected in a monitored facility, allowing you to enjoy your summer adventures. Temperature-controlled units also protect sensitive items such as electronics, artwork, or important documents from damage caused by heat or humidity. If you have any questions about renting self storage during your summer vacation, please reach out and we will be more than happy to help.
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