The Cheapest Way to Maintain Your Indoor Space: Packers and Shims
#Collaborative post
If there’s one secret tool I think everyone should have on hand – whether you’re into DIY, running a home business, or just trying to stop your wardrobe from wobbling – it’s packers and shims. They’re simple, cheap, and surprisingly effective at keeping things level, tight, and secure.
I know they don’t sound exciting. They’re not shiny new gadgets or something that will make your home go viral on Instagram. But if you’ve ever had a bookshelf lean to one side, or a cabinet door not quite line up, you’ll understand why these small bits of plastic, rubber or steel are actually super convenient.
The Power of Level in a Home
In many UK homes, especially older ones, you’ll find that walls and floors aren’t perfectly level. This creates small but annoying problems: a rocking table, a lopsided washing machine, or floating shelves that don’t quite sit flush. Shims and packers fix these problems almost instantly, without the need for expensive tools or big renovations.
Just slip one underneath the problem area, trim if needed, and voilà – your furniture, appliances, or fittings are stable and square. I’ve used them for aligning heavy bookcases, levelling curtain rails, even sorting out the slant on a baby changing table.
Gym Equipment? Absolutely.
Now, let’s talk gyms. Whether you’ve got a small home setup with a bench and a few weights, or you manage a commercial space full of treadmills and squat racks – floor level matters.
Uneven flooring can make equipment wobble, which isn’t just annoying, it’s dangerous. Shims help stabilise heavy gear, level platforms, and keep mats from shifting underfoot. I know gym owners who swear by them for quick fixes during setup or after a floor shift.
Other Unexpected Uses
- Retail & Pop-Up Shops: Temporary displays and shelving often need quick levelling.
- Offices: Filing cabinets, desks, or standing workstations that sit unevenly on commercial carpet or concrete.
- Workshops or Studios: Machines or workbenches need to be perfectly level to function safely.
Even in rental properties, where you’re not allowed to drill or re-tile, shims let you correct furniture lean without leaving a mark.
Why It’s Worth It
At a few pence per piece, packers and shims are one of the cheapest ways to improve your indoor environment. No fancy tools. No professionals needed. Just a little time and a keen eye for level.
So next time something feels “off” in your space, don’t reach for your wallet, just grab a shim for a quick, simple and stress-free fix.
