How to organise your storage unit

Knowing how to organise a storage unit can completely change how you use it so that you can get the best out it.

A well-organized self-storage unit will save you time, alleviate stress, and make it simpler to access the items you have put into storage whenever you might need them. With the right mindset, you can easily transform a jumbled mound of things into a perfectly organized space while making sure to utilize every square inch to its utmost efficiency.

It doesn’t matter whether you store a few boxes in a small self-storage unit or store the entirety of your household furniture in a large storage unit, planning goes a long way. If you consider your storage needs and how to keep them organized, you will be able to prevent looking for one single item that is tucked away stored all the way in the back.

Planning Is Key

Before you move anything into self-storage, take time to think about the items you intend on using, and how often you will need to access them. Planning ahead will help you maximize your storage unit, and save you potentially money on needing to pay for a bigger unit.

Organize your items based on type and frequency of use.

Ski clothing, extra living room furniture, sports equipment and souvenirs such as photos, you might not need to ever touch again, while business stock or tools, are core things you use often in your business. Knowing your storage needs up front will help to actually practically organize your self storage unit efficiently.

Maximizing Your Space

One of the biggest mistakes is just to throw the boxes in the storage unit in no particular order. The best way to maximize the space in a storage unit is to take advantage of your vertical space.

Utilizing vertical height inside a storage unit gives you additional space to store items, and also does not take away from your floor space.

Put shelving or vertical shelves in your storage unit. Shelving will allow you to have additional levels to stash smaller items, and have larger items sitting off the floor (like suitcases and chairs). Store the lighter bins and boxes higher up, and place the heavy on top (for safety and ease of access).

If you’re storing large furniture type items, try to store them standing up. Taking the legs off tables or bed frames to maximize your space will allow you to mount store items vertically, keep those stashed behind and to the sides of the storage unit when you use your vertical storage.

Use appropriate containers

Put heavy items in small boxes so they are easier to move/lift. This will make it easier to organize those boxes when you are using your storage unit. One trick to reduce effort is to have every box labeled on more than one side of the box to orient yourself with exactly what you are after without having to open it.

Establishing Clear Pathways

It's easy to fill every square inch with floor space but having a few pathways between your stacks of boxes or bins makes for easy access to the items. You do not want to move half the storage unit if you need one random item in the back corner.

Reserve an area for the items you use the most near the front of the self storage unit, which allows for quick access to them. The less frequently used items can go toward the back or on a shelf higher up. Just a basic setup like this will save a ton of time and effort down the line.

Protecting Your Items

A good storage facility will keep your items dry and pest-free, but you can provide an extra level of protection. Use coverings for furniture to keep them dust-free and prevent scratches, wrap fragile items like timeless pictures and succession items in packaging.

Do not stack heavyweight items on fragile boxes. Use pallets or just boards to elevate some boxes slightly above the floor. This gives you just one more small but powerful advantage to avoid spills or moisture in your storage unit.

Long-Term Storage Organization

If you will be using a storage unit for a longer time, treat it like an organized storeroom. Store similar items together so they are easy to find.

Make a simple inventory list to record what you have and where it lives in the storage unit.

Eventually you will forget which corner has what. A little organization upfront can save you hours later. Frequent checks of what you have stored also means you can ensure nothing has broken or gone awry.

Let Organization Work for You

Good organization is more than time saving. It saves money too, which means you become more efficient at utilizing the storage unit you are renting. Instead of needing a bigger storage unit, vertical space, smart stacking, and clear shelves lets you use the one you have.

It is easy for miscellaneous items or smaller items like home décor, archived business documents, and personal memorabilia to become disorganized. Careful planning prevents the stuff from turning into clutter.

A well-organized storage unit means you have a clean unit to step into without stress every time you do. It feels good to know every individual item is in its proper home.

Practical Tips

Think in advance how often you will need access to the storage unit. Keep frequently accessed items toward the front and at a comfortable height (for example, putting the twice a year seasonal decorations up high). Use shelves and tote containers for keeping everything in sight and easily accessed.

Lighter boxes can go on top of heavier boxes for safety. Jot down a simple outline of your storage layout so you know where different stored items are located.

These little organization tips will make your visits quicker and easier.