Packing Mistakes That Cost You Money (and How To Avoid Them)

Erin Stuckey • July 10, 2025

No matter how many times you move, it can often feel like a challenge. Even people who have moved several times still make simple mistakes that can cost them a lot of money. Fortunately, Apple Self Storage is here to help. Let’s go over the most common packing mistakes and learn how a residential storage unit can actually help your moving budget.

1. Not Knowing the Cost of Movers

If you don’t have a truck or trailer, you’ll probably need to hire movers. The average cost of two Canadian movers ranges from $130 to $200 per hour for a local move. For long-distance moves (more than 100 kilometers), the cost can be as high as $5,000.

The later you book, the more limited your choices become, and the higher price you’ll pay. By booking early, you save money and increase your chances of getting reliable, experienced movers.

2. Underestimating How Long Packing Takes

Even if you’ve booked affordable movers, you could still end up wasting money if you’re not ready when they show up. Movers often charge by the hour, and any delay means you’re paying them to wait.

Try to be fully packed a few days before your move. That way, if anything unexpected happens, you’ll still be ready in time. Also, make sure to clean before and after packing. It’s easier to pack your bags when there’s no clutter, leading to a faster and cheaper move.

Don’t Forget To Pack an Essentials Box

Some things need to be within reach throughout your move. Keep a separate bag or two for items you’ll need right away in your new place. That way, you’re not digging through boxes or wasting money buying duplicates.

Essentials may include:

  • Toiletries
  • Medicine
  • Spare clothes
  • Phone chargers and other electronics
  • First-aid supplies
  • Cleaning products
  • Any other daily-use items

3. Using the Wrong Packing Supplies

Saving money by reusing boxes is great, but packing belongings into old or weak boxes can be risky. Packages that are worn out or sealed with old tape can break apart during your move. If one of these boxes splits open while being carried, your fragile items could fall and break.

Even if a box remains intact, items can still get damaged inside if they’re not packed properly. Use new boxes when possible, and wrap fragile items in packing paper or Bubble Wrap. Tight packing helps protect your belongings from bumps, drops, and shifting during the move.

4. Overpacking Boxes (and Paying the Price)

There’s a difference between packing your boxes tightly and overpacking them. When boxes are too full, they’re harder to stack. This makes your move less efficient and increases the risk that boxes will fall over.

Overpacked boxes can also become heavy and hard to move. Many movers charge more for overweight boxes, and carrying them can be dangerous. Always check your moving company’s weight policy to avoid surprise fees.

5. Storing Your Items in the Wrong Places Before Your Move

Sometimes your leases don’t overlap, or your move gets delayed . You might think about storing things in a garage or basement, but that can be risky. Without proper storage conditions, temperature-sensitive items such as electronics, vinyl records, and wooden furniture can be damaged.

To help prevent warping, fading, and cracking from extreme heat or cold, we recommend keeping your belongings in a climate controlled storage unit .

Consider Renting Self Storage

If you need a place to store your possessions between homes, a residential storage unit is a great solution. At Apple Self Storage, our storage unit sizes range from 5’ x 5’ (similar to a closet) to 10’ x 30’ (large enough for a whole house). No matter what you need to store, we have space for it.

If you don’t want to hire movers or move everything in a single day, storage offers greater flexibility. Renting a unit comes with a fee, but it can save you money compared to hiring a full-service moving crew and lets you move at your own pace.

Packing Tips for Moving into a Storage Unit

Whether it’s your first time using a storage unit or not, here are some hacks for moving and how to get the most out of your space:

  • Pack boxes tightly and neatly. You want to maximize your space and keep things stackable.
  • Store heavier items at the bottom. This helps build a strong base and prevents your boxes from getting crushed.
  • Use tape and Bubble Wrap. Surround fragile items in Bubble Wrap, and tape your boxes so nothing slips out.
  • Label and organize boxes. Knowing where to find your belongings within your storage unit makes your move so much easier, especially when you’re not in a rush.
  • Take apart furniture when possible. Couches and beds take up a lot of space when left fully assembled.

Save Money by Renting a Self-Storage Unit From Apple Self Storage

At Apple Self Storage, we offer affordable storage units with flexible 4-week rental agreements. With one of our Canadian-owned and operated storage facilities, you can save money, avoid the rush, and move at your own pace. If you would like to learn more about self storage or what we offer, please contact us or visit our FAQ page .

Are you ready to rent the additional space you need for your move? Visit an Apple Self Storage location near you today!

By Erik Sherman July 21, 2026
We’re making storage a unique, friendly and easy experience at Apple Self Storage on Highway 27 in Woodbridge . This facility is designed with one goal in mind: to be genuinely pleasant for the people who use it. You'll find it at 7845 Highway 27, in a spot that's simple to reach whether you're coming from Vaughan, Kleinburg, or anywhere across the Woodbridge area. With Highway 27 right there, swinging by to drop something off or grab what you need fits neatly into your day instead of eating up your afternoon. Climate Controlled Storage, Top to Bottom This facility offers a huge range of climate controlled units, which means your belongings stay in a steady, comfortable environment no matter what the weather is doing outside. That matters more than people realize. Ontario weather runs the full gauntlet, from humid summers to frigid winters, and that constant back and forth is rough on a lot of the things we store. Wood furniture, electronics, photos, paperwork, instruments, and seasonal clothing all hold up far better when they're kept in a stable space. You can store the things you actually care about and trust they'll be in great shape whenever you come back for them. A Size for Every Need One of the best parts about a facility this size is the sheer range of unit options. Spaces start small, around a tidy 5x5 that's perfect for a few boxes, seasonal gear, or the clutter that's been crowding a closet at home. From there they climb steadily upward through dozens of sizes, all the way to large units like a roomy 30x15 that can handle the contents of an entire house. That range means just about anyone can find the right fit. A growing family clearing out the basement, a homeowner mid-renovation, a small business storing inventory or records, someone downsizing, or a household between moves all have a spot that works. And because there are so many sizes in between, you're not stuck paying for room you don't need or squeezing into something too tight. You get the space that actually matches your situation. One feature that sets our facility apart: a dedicated loading bay. Instead of wrestling boxes across a parking lot in the rain or balancing furniture on a curb, you can pull in, unload in a sheltered, purpose-built space, and move your things inside comfortably. And if you realize halfway through that you're short on boxes, tape, or wrapping, you don't have to run across town. Moving supplies are available right on site, so you can grab what you need and keep the momentum going. Little conveniences like that are what make a modern facility feel like it's genuinely on your side. Security That's Personal Peace of mind is a big part of why people choose storage in the first place, and this facility takes it seriously. Every tenant gets a unique pin code for access, so entry is controlled and tied to you specifically. That personal layer of access control means you can leave your belongings here and get on with your life, confident that the only people coming and going are the ones who are supposed to. Access That Works Around Your Schedule Access hours run daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, which gives you a wide, flexible window to come and go. Early birds can swing by before work, and night owls can stop in after dinner. Either way, getting to your unit fits your routine. If you'd like a hand from the team, the office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The office is closed on Sundays and holidays, but with access hours that generous, reaching your things is never a hassle. A Fresh Start for Storage in Woodbridge What makes this new facility special is how it all comes together. Wall-to-wall climate controlled units, a sheltered loading bay, on-site moving supplies, personal pin code access, and a huge spread of unit sizes add up to a storage experience that feels modern, secure, and refreshingly easy. If you've been waiting for storage in Woodbridge that's actually built around you, the team at Apple Self Storage on Highway 27 is ready to welcome you in.
By Erik Sherman July 21, 2026
Anyone who has rushed to move out of an apartment or scrambled to clear room before a renovation knows how stressful that can be, and how much it matters when a business has your back. At Apple Self Storage on Stevenson Street in Guelph , the help is the whole point. We put our customers’ needs first. But don’t take our word for it. This is what our real customers are saying: A Welcome That Sets the Tone Walk into a lot of storage facilities and you'll get a clipboard and a shrug. That's not how it goes here. The team, especially Ross, has a habit of treating new renters like guests in a welcoming home. "I had a welcoming experience here. Ross was friendly, answered all my questions, and made the process as seamless as possible. Also, big ups for the student discount. Highly recommend! " — Esther O. Renting a unit usually comes with a dozen small questions: How does access work? What size do I actually need? What happens if my plans change? Getting real answers up front is what turns a nerve-wracking errand into a quick, easy stop. Esther isn't the only one who noticed. Another review from the name “Hot Business” put it simply after working with two of the team members: " Ross and Henry were truly amazing, super friendly and quick ." First Time Storing? You're in Good Hands If you've never rented a storage unit before, the unknowns can pile up fast. The Apple team is patient with first-timers, walking through every step instead of assuming you already know the drill. "First time using a storage service and it was a very positive experience. Communication was excellent before my visit and I was greeted warmly by Michael and Ross when I arrived. The building is very clean and well lit. Ross took the time to explain every part of the process, including how to use the lock. The rates are great! I feel very confident in accessing my unit independently." — Janine C. That last line is the goal. We want you to feel confident in your rental. You shouldn't need to call the office every time you want to grab something out of your unit. When someone takes a few extra minutes to show you how the lock works and how to get in and out on your own, you walk away confident, not confused. Clean, Modern, and Built for Easy Loading A welcoming staff matters, but so does the building. The Guelph facility is a modern, well-kept space, and the details show up the moment you start moving boxes. "Clean and modern self storage. Lots of parking, two big loading bays that allow you to pull in and load and unload in comfort. Even a hydraulic lift plate! Kind and friendly staff that keep the place spotless. Any issues are dealt with promptly. Probably the best self-storage in Guelph, in a super-convenient location. Top marks!" — Brad C. Two covered loading bays, plenty of parking, and a lift plate for heavy items are the kind of features you don't think about until you're carrying a couch in the rain. Add climate and humidity control throughout the building and free dollies to borrow, and the actual work of moving in gets a lot less painful. Brad calls it the best in Guelph, and the convenient Stevenson Street location, close to downtown and the University of Guelph, doesn't hurt. Students Get a Real Break Guelph is a university town, and summer brings the annual scramble to figure out what to do with a year's worth of stuff. Apple makes that easier with a student discount and supplies to pack it all up. "Phenomenal service. I cannot recommend Apple Self Storage enough. Ross and Henry were extremely helpful and guided me through the whole process step by step. I'm renting for the summer, and they made everything easy by offering me the student discount and providing boxes and supplies to help with packing. I don't usually write reviews, but if you're in Guelph and looking for storage, save yourself the trouble of sorting through all the options online and book with Apple Self Storage. You won't regret it." — Dania S. Summer storage is one of those problems that feels bigger than it is. You're juggling exams, a move, and a deadline to be out of your place. A student discount, boxes ready on-site, and a team that walks you through it turns a headache into a one-stop solution. If you're a student heading home for the break, this is the easy button. It Adds Up Look across these reviews and a pattern shows up. People mention the helpful employees that truly care by name. They talk about feeling welcomed, getting straight answers, and leaving confident. They notice the spotless bays and the lift plate. They appreciate a fair rate and a discount when they qualify for one. None of that happens by accident. It happens because the people running the Guelph facility care, truly care, about our tenants. That's the difference. Stop By or Reserve Your Unit If you need storage in Guelph, come see why customers keep recommending the team by name. Apple Self Storage – Guelph 110 Stevenson St S, Guelph, ON N1E 5N4 Phone: (226) 794-5298 Email: store1061@applestorage.com Access Hours: Daily, 6:00 am – 10:00 pm Office Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sat 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sun & Holidays closed Ask about the student discount, and let Ross and the team make your next move a simple one.