Beyond the Boxes: Crafting Order in Your Storage Unit

Keeping your living space mess free is hard enough, and now you need to organize your storage space, too?! Although this task may seem daunting, it is necessary to maximize your unit’s available space while making it convenient for your future self to retrieve the exact item you need. This guide may not be able to do the actual heavy lifting of your items, but it will provide you tips on how to best pack your unit in an attempt to lighten the mental load.

Inventorize, Organize and Categorize

So, when looking at a pile of your belongings of all shapes and sizes, where do you start? First you are going to want to take inventory of all of your items. Create a list that can be filed in your phone or a place you will actually remember to look for it. This list will be your lifesaver when you upsize your home and are trying to remember whether or not you donated that chair to Salvation Army or if you stowed it away.

Once you have a clear list of everything you want to store, categorize your belongings into zones based on how regularly you anticipate needing them. Items used less often, such as large furniture, will be put further back, whereas skis, holiday decorations, and other seasonal items you will reach for at least once a year can get a spot closer to the front.

Get All the Right Stacking Tools

Vertical space is often underutilized for tenants renting storage units. Purchasing shelving gives you a more steady base for stacking items and keeps your items visible when looking to retrieve something, whether it’s located on the top or bottom of your pile. Check out a few options here on Amazon to get your started on the right path.

You should also invest in clear bins and a label maker so you can easily identify items that are stowed away without the need to rummage through multiple boxes. If it is not timely to get a label maker before your move in, masking tape and a marker will easily get the job done as well. Click the hyperlinks above to see our recommendations.

Start to Stack

Once your belongings are itemized, categorized, boxed, and labeled, it is time to map out a pathway so you can easily navigate throughout your storage unit. Create small aisles in your unit that allow you to access all of your belongings without having to unload your entire unit.

Larger and heavier items should be placed at the bottom allowing lighter more frequently used items to be put at eye level. This arrangement prevents the need for juggling heavy items in an attempt to avoid any accidents and provide easy access to commonly used items. Make sure your labels are facing out or towards your aisles. It may seem simple, but it will save you a ton of hassle when you are looking for “that one holiday bin.”

Any delicate or fragile items should be packed carefully using bubble wrap and padding. Be sure to stack these fragile items in a secure spot that keeps them safe while moving other items around your unit.

Stay on Top of Your Unit

Stop into your storage unit regularly to reassess your organization and make adjustments as needed, especially when you are stopping by to add more belongings to your unit. Taking a proactive approach prevents additional build up and stress when you need to find something quickly.

By implementing these practical tips, you can transform your self-storage unit into a well-organized space that prioritizes easy access and efficient use of every square inch. Whether you're storing personal belongings, seasonal items, or furniture, a thoughtfully arranged storage unit makes the process of retrieving and managing your items a stress-free experience.