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Storage units can be very helpful when you want to organize your home and put some belongings away. Getting a self-storage unit is an excellent solution for small apartments or households with many family members. However, if you want to be able to find your items when you need them, you will have to do some organizing. We've gathered some ideas on how to organize your self-storage unit effectively to help you along the way.
Storage unit hacks
When you need to put your things in storage, you may be worried about finding them again or leaving them where it's not easy to re-access them. After all, what good does your storage unit do if you can't find anything? To help you avoid this scenario, we've created a list of storage unit hacks.
clear storage tubs
custom shelving
labeling and creating custom lists
identify items you need access to
plan your storage layout
store large items at the back
plan your walkways
don't be afraid of making mistakes
The day has come, and you've decided to reorganize your self-storage unit perfectly. First, you need to think of weather conditions since you don't want to be packing and unpacking during freezing temperatures. Once you choose the perfect timing, ideally summer or springtime, it's time to start shopping for the things you will need.
Consider using clear storage tubs
Don't get us wrong; cardboard boxes will certainly do the work and are a cheaper option. But, since packing is hard enough, having your belongings stored in clear bins will help your future storage access. Investing a couple of extra bucks in plastic containers will make it easier and faster for you to locate what you need.
Another thing worth remembering is to stick to one size of boxes or bins, or two the most. Same size boxes allow successful stacking and accessibility.
Install custom shelves
Shelving isn't difficult to build, and it's pretty inexpensive too. Having custom shelves along the walls of your storage unit will help you organize your stuff better.
It would be a good idea to install one long, large shelf to put all your see-through bins on. This way, you can go right to what you need, instead of searching forever.
Remember to label, label, and label
You can type or write the labels, laminate them or use plastic plates hospitals use outside their doors. You can also color-code all of your labels for even further simplification. The options are endless.
A thing worth remembering is that you should make content lists for each box you own and be detailed in your writing. Information you should include should be the room things come from and the contents of the box.
Plan your storage unit layout
This step can be adjusted to any type of storage you have, from your garage space, pantry, to your self-storage unit. Ideally, you should put the furniture against the wall opposite your boxes to leave a path in the middle. By doing so, you can access boxes and furniture items without any difficulties. If you need to use the space in the middle, placing your most moveable items there is a good idea so that you can remove them with ease. Chemicals and hazardous spray must be kept away from children and must have proper storage like Storemasta.
Classify items you will need frequent access to
When looking for tips to organize your self-storage unit, one that always comes across is putting things you know you'll need first helps a lot. For example, holiday and seasonal items you will want in the foreseeable future should be near the front.
Heavy furniture you might not want in your new home but don't want to get rid of just yet should be placed in the back.
Store large and heavy items on the bottom towards the back
As you begin packing your self-storage unit, start with heavy and large items and boxes. Your more oversized furniture, like tables and sofas, should be on the bottom. This will also keep your delicate items from being damaged while storing them because of the stable base.
If, on the other hand, you need to store a dining table that doesn't come apart, use it as an extra shelf for your bins and boxes.
What about the walkways?
Putting your shelving on the walls will make a lot of room for walking. Depending on the size of your unit and the number of things you have to store, leaving a walkway is a must. If you have space to walk in between your possessions, you will be able to access them with ease.
Making room for walkways involves careful planning. Remember to put the heavy stuff at the back and smaller things you will occasionally use in the front, and by doing so, create a path or two to go around your storage unit.
Don't be afraid of making mistakes
Even if you have come across our article halfway through loading your storage unit and realized you had packed unlabeled boxes, it's not too late to start unpacking. Whatever you are storing, you want to store it conveniently and with easy access in the future, so investing some time in repacking might be a good idea. You might want to start repacking similar things into separate boxes. For example, kitchen utensils go in one box, while seasonal clothes go in the other.
How to organize your self-storage unit like a pro?
While these eight steps might take some time at first, they are all worth your effort. First of all, they will save a lot of your time and energy in the future. The main focus when it comes to how to organize your self-storage unit the best way should be on accessibility. Following these steps makes your overall organization better. If you can access all of your belongings while knowing which one is which, consider your efforts a success.
