You can stack as high as you can safely reach and lift down, and packing upwards is a great way to fit more into a smaller unit. Heights vary between our sites and units, so if you have a tall item, tell us its height and we’ll check it against the unit and its door before you book.
Tall furniture: let us check it first
Our units are listed by floor area, and sizes are approximate, so it’s always worth checking anything tall before moving day. Measure the item standing upright, including feet, castors or a cornice, and call us on 0800 2545585 with the figure. We’ll check it against the unit you’re looking at and, just as important, its door opening, because that’s the gap your tallest piece has to pass through.
If your unit is on an upper floor, a tall item also has to get up there by lift or stairs, so mention it when you book and we’ll look for a ground-floor unit if that’s easier. At Lincoln, some second-floor units are listed as restricted height, so ask us before choosing one of those for anything tall.
Stacking high, safely
A well-built stack keeps your things safe and easy to reach. Our tips:
- Use sturdy boxes of a similar size. Matching boxes stack evenly; mixed sizes lead to wobbly piles.
- Fill each box properly. A half-empty box squashes under the weight above it.
- Heaviest at the bottom, lightest on top. Don’t overload a box: it’s harder to lift and more likely to collapse.
- Keep stacks to about five boxes high, unless the bottom boxes are built for heavier loads, and never build one you can’t take down without climbing.
- Let furniture do some of the work. A wardrobe standing upright makes a good wall to stack boxes against. Keep heavy boxes off the top of chests of drawers and cabinets, which can be squeezed out of shape.
- Leave an aisle, with the things you’ll need most near the front, so you never have to climb over a stack.
If you’ll be visiting often, a small, sturdy step stool kept in your unit is much safer than standing on boxes.
One thing that shouldn’t be stacked at all: anything with a built-in battery, such as an e-bike, laptop or cordless tools. Give these space and air around them. Our guide to storing e-bikes and batteries explains why.
Not sure what size you need?
Stacking well can mean a smaller, cheaper unit. Our guide to choosing a unit size helps, or get a price online. If height matters, call us on 0800 2545585 and we’ll help you choose.
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