How to Organize a Storage Unit to Make the Most of Your Space

Learning how to organize a storage unit more effectively can save you time, money, and stress when it comes time to access your stored belongings.

 Whether you use a storage unit for short term or long term storage purposes, we have the steps you can follow to help you organize your unit.

1. Always Plan Ahead

Before you start moving things into your storage unit, plan ahead. This means making a detailed plan of what you will store in the unit. You also need to decide which items you may need to access frequently, as well as which ones require less access, which can be stored near the back of the storage unit.

2. Gather Your Packing Supplies

Gather all the packing and moving supplies you need to pack away your items like:

• Boxes
• Pallets
• Plastic tubs
• Tarp
• packing materials
• Labels
• Markers
• Shelving or storage racks (optional)

3. Categorize and Sort

Now is the time to sort through all your belongings and put the items into different categories like clothing, electronics, furniture, and seasonal. This makes it much easier to find things later when you need them. You won’t have to scramble around the storage unit making a mess trying to find your item.

4. Declutter and Donate

Once you’ve sorted your items, this is also a great opportunity to donate or toss what you no longer need. It is also a good way to reduce the number of things you need to store which could save you money in the long term.

5. Strategic Packing

When packing your items, use heavy-duty boxes or containers that can protect your things from dust and damage. Fill the boxes to capacity to maximize space, but don’t make them so heavy that they are hard to maneuver.

If you don’t fill the boxes fully and they remain partially empty, they can collapse or tip when stored for a long time. If you have books, tools, or other heavy items, pack these away in smaller boxes that are easier to lift.

When you’re done packing, label each box with its contents and create an inventory list to help keep track of what’s inside each box or container. When stacking, make sure the heavier boxes and cartons are on the bottom with the lighter ones stacked on top.

6. Storing Your Boxes Properly

It is also recommended that cardboard boxes do not have any contact with the ground in the storage unit. Concrete floors can absorb moisture, especially in environments with fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels, like you would find in a storage unit that is not climate-controlled.

Cardboard boxes left on the concrete floor can absorb this moisture, leading to mold and mildew developing on the bottom of the boxes. This can damage the contents and weaken the boxes.

Keeping cardboard boxes off the floor can also help with pest protection. If the items are in direct contact with the floor, it makes it easier for rodents and insects to gain access. Elevating your cardboard boxes on a pallet or shelving creates a barrier that makes it much more difficult.

7. Secure the Unit

When you are done packing your storage unit, it is important to use a lock to secure and protect your belongings. If you were given a gate access code for the storage facility, you also want to keep this in a safe and secure place and don’t share it with anyone who should not have access to your storage unit.

How Do You Organize a Messy Storage Unit?

Have a messy storage unit and want to organize the collected clutter? Here are some tips on bringing some order to your chaos.

• Take a good look at the contents of your storage unit. Assess each item’s condition. You can then create a plan to organize the space and decide what you want to keep, donate, or trash.
• If necessary, you may need to empty the storage unit so it is easier to reorganize. This lets you start with a clean slate and ensures you are only putting back the items you really do need and want to keep. It also gives you the chance to clean the space by sweeping, and dusting to remove dust and cobwebs. Emptying the storage unit helps with organization when you sort and categorize your items. When doing this, purge any unnecessary items so you can create more space.
• Once everything is categorized, create different zones. For example, if you have sporting equipment or seasonal items, there should be a designated spot in your storage unit for them so they are easier to locate.

What Is the Best Way to Pack Furniture in a Storage Unit?

When packing furniture in a storage unit, there needs to be careful planning and organization to maintain space, protect your furniture, and ensure easy access.

Clean and Prepare the Furniture

Start by thoroughly cleaning and preparing the furniture for storage. Doing this will ensure that any dirt or stains on the furniture don’t cause further deterioration while in storage.

Disassemble When Possible

If feasible, disassemble furniture like tables, bed frames, and shelves. This helps save space and makes stacking and storing these pieces easier. If you do disassemble furniture, take a picture of it before and keep any instructions and fasteners together in a bag. Tape or bind all the pieces and fixtures together to make reassembly easier.

Wrap and Protect

When moving and storing your furniture, use moving blankets, pads, or bubble wrap to protect surfaces from scratches, dings, and dust. You can secure these coverings with tape, rope, or plastic wrap. Make sure air can circulate so condensation doesn’t occur when temperature and humidity change.

Storing Mattresses and Upholstered Furniture

Use a specially designed mattress cover  to protect your mattresses and other upholstered furniture from dust and moisture. Mattresses and box springs should be stored on their side to save space.

Create a Walkway or Path

Finally, when storing furniture, make sure you leave a clear path within your storage unit so you can access your items easily without having to move everything around. This saves a ton of time and effort in the long run.

Choose the Right Size Storage Unit

You also want to choose a storage unit that is the right size. You don’t want to have to cram all your belongings into a small unit. When you do this, you risk it becoming over-crammed, cluttered, and messy. Visit our blog for more tips on choosing the right storage unit.

Organizing your storage unit is going to be an ongoing process if you are storing long term, which is why it is so essential that you keep it tidy and well-maintained. It allows you to make the most out of your space and ensure your belongings remain in good condition while in storage.