In a study published in 2012, two fluid physicists at the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB) investigated the science behind spilling—specifically, why it’s so hard to walk with a cup of coffee without spilling it.

If you’re like most people and aren’t trying to spend an arm and a leg on a storage unit, you’ll want to pack as efficiently as possible and get your stuff into the smallest space you can in order to minimize the dent in your wallet. For everyone in the efficiency camp, we’ve got some tips and tricks that will make packing your storage unit as easy as possible!

Pack like a pro! Learn the best way to use common packing supplies like Styrofoam, packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and newspaper to protect your belongings.

With this simple guide, you’ll save yourself from the emotional turmoil of opening boxes of damaged toys at your new home by using the right packing techniques and supplies to protect those smaller items.

Storage pods—a combination moving truck and storage unit in one—are a great alternative with no time constraints. But your experience won’t be as orderly or time-saving if you don’t know how to efficiently and securely pack a storage pod.