Top 9 Tips On How To Organize A Storage Unit

If you need a place to store your belongings, consider renting from a local SecureSpace Self Storage facility. Our storage units are the perfect solution for temporary or long-term storage – during or after a move. That being said, ensuring your storage is packed, organized and planning is essential. Otherwise, what good is it if you can’t find anything? Here at SecureSpace Self Storage, we know that packing and organizing can seem daunting, but our team of experts is here to help! From simple organizing tricks to some crafty packing hacks, we have all the tips and tools necessary to maximize the space inside your unit while ensuring your items are arranged efficiently.

1. Create An Inventory List

Moving is a big undertaking, and whether you’re packing up and moving or just storing some of your items, being organized can make the whole process practically painless. Grab yourself a pen and paper and begin writing down every item going into storage – from the small trinkets to appliances. Taking the time to write it down and add photos is key in ensuring the move-out process runs smoothly. You don’t want to be scurrying through your items for hours to discover what you have! By organizing everything onto a spreadsheet and numbering where things are located within the unit, you’ll breathe more easily, knowing exactly where everything is from day one until move-out day. Put in some extra effort now with documenting everything so your future self will thank you later on!

2. Consider Using Clear or Colored Plastic Bins

Using plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes to store items can be hugely beneficial in the long run. Not only do clear plastic bins last longer, but they also help you quickly identify what’s inside a container with just a glance. This makes it easy to locate the items you need without wasting time digging through everything. Plus, if you’re using your unit for business purposes, growing your inventory, or personal organization, organizing your goods in clear containers can make sorting and inventory checks much easier and quicker. With a bit of extra expenditure – and less time spent looking for items – investing in good-quality clear plastic bins is usually worth it if you use a long-term storage unit!

3. Breakdown Furniture

Moving and storing furniture can be a real challenge. To save time and maximize space, it’s a great idea to disassemble large items such as headboards, bed frames, mattresses, and table legs before placing them in storage. Positioning them vertically toward the back of the unit allows for more floor space for other items. Remember to store flat mattresses so they don’t bend or warp! Handy tip – if you have a dining table that you can’t take apart, you can use it as extra shelving inside the storage unit by stacking boxes on top.

4. Large & Heavy Items Go In The Back

It’s easy to overlook the simple organization that packing a storage unit requires. Here’s a tip: start with heavier items first. Pack boxes and furniture in first, working your way up with lighter materials such as flat art pieces and picture frames. This systematic approach is not only wiser when saving space but will make it much easier when it comes time to unpack during relocation or retrieval later on. Not only will this help the packing and moving process, helping you avoid any potential back strain or frustration of being unable to find something quickly, but it will also be less stressful overall. So remember – get the heavy stuff out of the way first!

5. Store Items You May Need In The Front

Regarding packing, it can be easy to forget items you’ll need more often than you would think. Your children’s old bed frame might never get used during the move, so pack that far in the back of the container. Meanwhile, store your clothes or holiday decorations for next season closer – in a more accessible place – because you will likely have to access them more frequently. Keeping this in mind from the start helps you stay organized and efficient; consult your list when packing to remember what items need to remain easy to reach and which can be tucked away further.

6. Store Items Vertically

Going vertical is an essential packing and organizing strategy for storage units. Start by stacking your Boxes high, keeping furniture upright, and using any shelving and surfaces within the unit. If you need to reach items stored in hard-to-reach places, keep a foldable ladder or step stool safely tucked away with your belongings for easy access. Remember, maximizing the height of your storage unit will give you greater flexibility for efficient packing in the long run.

7. Label Everything

To avoid the dreaded panic of looking for something that you can’t remember where you stored it, we recommend that all boxes and bins be appropriately labeled and orderly. Not only is it convenient, but it’s also necessary – especially if what is being stored has been sitting there for a while. The labeling process can be done with a permanent marker or printed labels, but whichever method you choose, make sure the labeled part is facing outwards so that you can quickly identify it when searching inside the storage unit. Labeling your boxes doesn’t just save time finding what’s needed – it also makes organizing within the storage unit much simpler!

8. Create A Clear Entrance

Creating a clear entrance to your storage unit is an essential organizational strategy. You can save time, energy, and unnecessary frustration by devising a plan that allows quick and easy access to the items you most often need. It may be helpful to consider this entrance as “the main gate”; all you need do is decide which items should lie closest to that entryway. From there, it’s helpful to assign designations or categories for what should go where—considering both purposes and placement. By maintaining an organized structure while also staying mindful of its flexibility (for when life throws unexpected changes), your storage unit will remain an orderly and useful space for years to come.

9. Don’t Forget

When renting a storage unit, it’s essential to research what’s accepted and what’s not. Knowing in advance will help you avoid any surprises or complications down the road. Additionally, make sure you rent the right size storage unit for your needs – one that’s too small won’t be able to store all of your items securely, while one that’s too large will be unnecessary. Investing in quality packing supplies can also ensure a safe and hassle-free process. Don’t forget to place small electronics and cords inside waterproof plastic baggies; this way, you guarantee a worry-free experience! Lastly, don’t forget to thoroughly clean the unit and your items before placing them inside: this will make organizing more accessible, provide optimal protection against germs, and make it easy for everyone on both ends of this process. All in all, whether you are storing items long-term or short-term, following these steps can make renting a storage unit much easier!

Still, Need To Rent A Storage Unit? 

SecureSpace Self Storage is your one-stop shop for secure storage solutions. Whether you’re looking for a short or long-term solution or need large or small spaces, our team of experts can find what works best for you. We have convenient and affordable storage units available, and our state-of-the-art security system gives you extra assurance that your belongings will remain safe. We understand your possessions are valuable and essential, so take the worry out of it by choosing SecureSpace Self Storage. Reach out to our team with any questions you may have or easily reserve a storage unit online today!

Thanks For Reading!

Thank you for taking the time to explore our top tips for organizing your storage unit! We understand that storage units can quickly become disorganized and overwhelming if not managed properly. That’s why we took the time to provide helpful advice from experts in the area of home storage organization. If you want to level up your skills even further, check out our blog for more great tips. Whether it’s information on organizing space, materials needed to get the job done right, or best practices when renting a storage unit, we have got you covered!

Checkout Our Size Guides

5×5 Storage Unit Size Guide

5×10 Storage Unit Size Guide

10×10 Storage Unit Size Guide

5×15 Storage Unit Size Guide

10×15 Storage Unit Size Guide

10×20 Storage Unit Size Guide

10×25 Storage Unit Size Guide

10×30 Storage Unit Size Guide

10×20 Car Storage Size Guide

12×40 RV Storage Size Guide

Some Of Our Other Articles