We all store our stuff at our homes in different ways. For some, it works perfectly and for others it becomes extremely difficult to find certain items, especially when you need them urgently. Just like for people who have recently moved to a new place, storing their household belongings in self-storage units will not be an easy task for them if they do not know how to organize the self-storage unit.
Here are tips that will help you in making the most of your storage unit and make it easy for you to get the items you store there whenever you need them.
Tip#1: Make a List of Items You Need to Store
Make a list of the items that you plan to store in your unit. This way, you can clearly see what types of items you plan to store and how much space they will take up. If you find that you need more space than expected, consider renting out a bigger unit.
Tip#2: Choose the Right Size for Storage Unit
The first step in organizing your self storage unit is choosing the right-sized unit for your needs. You can do this by determining how much stuff you have to store, then decide on a unit that will accommodate everything while still giving you enough room to walk around and access what’s inside.
Tip#3: Use Clear Plastic Boxes
Consider using plastic totes instead of cardboard boxes. These totes tend to hold up better over time and can be reused more than once. Then, after you put everything away in the storage unit, you can keep any extra boxes that you might need for future storage needs or any other use after moving day.
Tip#4: Disassemble and Store Items Upright
The first step to organizing your self-storage unit is to disassemble and store items upright. When you stack items, the weight of your belongings can put stress on the furniture pieces, causing damage. To avoid this, take your furniture apart and lay it down flat – this way you can see exactly what you’re storing. You should also label each item so that you know how to put them back together when it comes time to move out of storage.
Tip#5: Large Items in the Back and Bottom
Place the items that you will use most often in the front, center and top of the unit. The back, bottom and sides are great storage areas for large items such as furniture like couches or chairs and appliances like refrigerators, ovens and dishwashers. Place these larger items in the back of your unit, too. It will help make it easier to access other items that you may need to get to.
Tip#6: Make Use of Shelves
The best way to organize your unit is by using shelves. Shelves are the most effective means of storing your belongings and maximizing space. They allow you to access your items easily, while also keeping them off the ground. Each storage facility will have different rules regarding shelves, so be sure to check with a manager before you get started.
In order to install shelf brackets, you will need to anchor them into the wall with drywall anchors (also called molly bolts). Do not attach the brackets directly into the walls of your storage unit without first installing drywall anchors, because this will damage the wall board and can result in a security deposit forfeit.
Tip#7: Go Vertical
The best way to fit the most stuff in your storage unit is to go vertical. You can store items on top of each other as well as side by side. It’s also a good idea to make use of the space above eye level. Make sure that you put the heaviest boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on top, though. Also, if you are going to put anything breakable in storage, make sure that it is well-protected.
Tip#8: Place Frequently Use Items in Front
The first thing you need to do is figure out what you want to store in your unit. You are going to be storing your items for a reason, so it might be a good idea to organize the items by their reason. For instance, if you are storing things that you want to get rid of but not just yet then it would be a good idea to put those on one side or in the back. If you are storing things that you want to use again soon, then put them on another side or in the front.
Tip#9: Label Every Box
Make sure that all of your boxes are labeled appropriately. You might consider labeling them in order. You will be able to find things easier if you know where they should be in the storage unit.
It is important that you label everything so that it is easy for you to find later down the road. If possible, put labels on both sides of an item so they can be seen from multiple angles and vantage points within your self-storage unit.
Another great labeling tip is using colored tape so that all items with red tape will be found together while blue-taped items are grouped separately; this makes it easier if someone else needs access into your storage unit and they know what they’re looking for.
Tip#10: Give Yourself a Map
If your self-storage unit is large, or if you have multiple units, then it’s worth taking the time to sketch out what’s stored in each space. This will make it much quicker to find an item because you’ll know exactly where it is. A general rule of thumb is that items should be stored with like items, so all your kitchenware should be in one place, and all your holiday decorations should be in another.
Conclusion
One of the keys to success in any project or action is to have a plan – it doesn’t matter if you are organizing your closet, home, or self-storage unit. Always start by sketching the layout of your box and walls, so that you can pre-determine where the stuff will be placed in order to optimize the use of space.
If you have a lot of items in your storage unit, it might be time to re-evaluate your storage space. When the self-storage unit is too full, it becomes difficult to stay organized with all the clutter. Check out these helpful tips to help get your storage back in order while helping you save money!
Read also: Storage Mistakes You’re Currently Making and How to Avoid Them
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