How To Organize Your Storage Unit in 13 Easy Steps

Self storage is a popular service assisting people when they’re moving, downsizing, moving in with their extended family and when going to college. Additionally, the service can help you better manage your business and keep an organized home. What’s more, self storage is a rather inexpensive service, but there are rate differences based on location. Big cities where demand is high tend to be pricier than less hyped-up locations. For instance, renting a storage unit in LA can cost upward of $265/month. The same goes for San Francisco ($284/month), New York City ($260/month) and Seattle ($210/month). Other cities, such as Oklahoma City ($81/month), Columbus ($99/month) or Austin ($126/month) offer lower rates.

Check out self storage rates in other cities below:

Now that you know how much self storage costs, taking your belongings to a storage unit should be a piece of cake, right? If you’re renting a unit for the first time, you should know there are some dos and don’ts in this respect. Here are tips to help you make the most of your storage unit space:

1. Consider what you can’t put in a storage unit

The list of things you can put in a storage unit can be quite extensive, but a few items can’t be stored in a unit. For instance, toxic and flammable substances, perishables, plants and live animals typically can’t be kept in a storage unit. Always check with your storage facility for a full list of things that aren’t allowed in storage.

2. Make an inventory of stored items

As you prepare to put your belongings in storage, start by making a list of everything you intend to keep in your unit. Make an analog inventory you can keep inside the unit, and it’s a good idea to also have a digital copy of it in case the first one gets lost. Use it to mark items that come and leave the unit so you can easily keep track of your activities and know what you have inside a storage unit at any given time.

3. Label everything

Label bins and boxes before taking them to your storage unit. This will help you find specific items when you come looking for them – a much more foolproof system than counting on your memory, especially if they’ve been sitting in storage for a while. Store bins and boxes with the label facing the front of the unit – this way, the contents will be visible as soon as you come into the unit.

4. Find out which storage unit size you need

After finding out what items you want in storage (and which are prohibited), you should find out what storage unit size you will need. This will depend on the items you’re planning to store. A 10’x10’ unit is the most popular unit, and it can fit the contents of an entire room. For instance, you can rent a 5’x5’ unit if you’re planning on storing seasonal decorations and smaller sports gear. If you’re moving and need a place to keep the contents of a two-bedroom apartment, a 10’x15’ unit is perfect. For larger homes, such as a three-bedroom, a 10’x20’ unit is best or 10’x30’ if you need space for the belongings from a four-bedroom house.

5. Pack items accordingly for storage

Putting some of your belongings in storage requires some basic preparation. As a general rule, clean everything before taking it to your unit but consider personalized treatment for each type of item as follows:

Furniture

As the most commonly item put in storage, furniture requires some basic care to make sure it stays unharmed while in storage. Disassemble furniture and stack as many pieces as possible for maximum use of space. Avoid plastic packing materials – except for bubble wrap for smaller items such as a lamp – as it can’t allow proper airflow that stops mildew from forming. Drape furniture with old sheets or drop cloths. If taping is required, avoid doing so directly on the furniture to avoid removing paint or fabric from the piece.

Clothing

Clean and fold clothing before putting it in storage. Avoid boxes for clothing storage. Instead, go for containers with clip-on lids – as this will protect clothes from dust and moisture. Add cedar balls to the clothing containers to ward off moths and unpleasant odors. For your delicate outfits, go for wardrobe boxes, as this storage solution helps clothes keep their shape while preserving them in good condition.

Appliances

Appliances require removal of any liquid, glass shelves or fragile parts – ideally packed separately to minimize any potential damage. Once in storage, keep them unplugged. Also, to prevent any odors, keep the doors open and place baking soda inside. As appliances have mechanical and electronic parts that can rust and fissure when exposed to excessive moisture, a climate-controlled unit is ideal for preventing this type of damage.

Vehicles and tools

Drain any fuel from vehicles and tools to avoid any damage to your other items stored. Any leak could potentially do so. The best practice for keeping tools in the best shape while in storage is to rub them with oil as this prevents rust formation and corrosion.

Fragile items

Remember to pad up fragile items such as kitchen dishes, ornaments and other breakables. Use bubble wrap and place them in clear bins instead of regular boxes.

6. Clean the storage unit

If you’ve used the storage unit before, declutter and clean it before bringing a new batch of items. Going through stored items first will help you better organize your space. This way, you’ll be able to find what you store more easily, and dirt and pests are less likely to damage your belongings.

7. Plan how to store items based on unit layout

Use the unit’s layout to your advantage when storing your items. Start by making a simple sketch dividing your unit into sections. Pack items from the same category in the same spot to make later retrieval easier for you. If you’re renting a larger unit, dedicate one corner of your unit to the contents of a single room for the same purpose of finding what you’re looking for when you come back to visit the unit.

8. Create airflow between stored items and the floor

To avoid moisture from damaging the items stored closest to the floor, create some padding between it and the item. Pack freestanding belongings on top of pallets. This will allow airflow to circulate keeping your stored items dry – even if you’re going for a climate-controlled unit. Similarly, leaving a small space between the walls of your unit and the items has the same beneficial effect.

9. Turn to shelving units

To make the most of your storage space, bring freestanding shelving units. Not only do they help you keep packed items organized, but they also allow you to use vertical space and make accessing stored items much easier. Using shelves eliminates the issues associated with stacking – if you inadvertently place a heavier bin on one containing fragile items such as glassware, they’d be damaged. You can ask the facility if they offer shelves or you can bring your own.

10. Keep items frequently used in the front

Place items you need more frequently closer to the entrance of the unit. This way, you can easily find them next time you visit without rummaging all the way to the back of the unit. Think business documents, holiday decorations and clothing.

11. Have a walking aisle in the middle

To make access easier to items you’ll need, create a middle aisle. This will save you from having to move everything when you’re searching for a specific item. Having a walkway in the middle ensures that the unit won’t become a maze difficult to navigate. Moreover, this system helps you better use your unit space and allows your belongings to enjoy the benefit of air circulation.

12. Upgrade your unit (size/climate control)

It’s tempting to get a small unit and fill it up until you run out of space. However, a crammed unit could make it difficult for you to find your belongings. You can always upgrade your unit size to make sure your items have room to breathe. Discuss it with the facility manager – they might have valuable insights on the unit size you need for your belongings. Additionally, if you’re storing items that are sensitive to heat and humidity, you should upgrade to a climate-controlled unit. This prevents them from being damaged, especially if you’re storing them long-term.

13. Take photos

Taking photos of your unit after you pack it will help you know what you have inside, and it is also helpful if you ever need to file a self storage insurance claim. Photos can stand as proof to the insurance company of what you have inside the unit.

It’s worth it to invest some effort and time in making sure your unit is properly stored and organized – is there anything else you’d like to know about organizing your storage unit? Leave us a comment below.