How to Organize a 5’x10′ Storage Unit

From storing seasonal tools and decorations to keeping your things safe during renovations, there are many great reasons to consider renting a self storage unit. With a 5’x10′ storage unit, it doesn’t have to break the bank either. This utility-sized unit can be a superb choice for medium-sized furniture and much more, but to really make the most of the space, you’ll need to be organized.

So, before you start packing, it’s important to plan ahead. Fortunately, we’ve got a few tips that will help you make the most out of your storage unit. So, whether you’re looking for long-term storage or just a place to keep things out of the way for a week or so, we’ve got you covered.

Make a Plan Before You Start Packing

With a good plan of action, you’ll get the best bang for your buck, as well as the best unit for your needs. First of all, it’s worth looking at a few different options, as the price can vary considerably. For example, a standard 5’x10′ unit in El Paso, Texas, averages $74/month. That fee can drop considerably in other cities, such as  Omaha, Nebraska, at $53/month, or Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at $50/month.

Local variations can swing wildly too. Renting a 5’x10′ unit in Hillsborough County, Florida, costs $114. However, you can pay as little as $30/month or as much as $234/month, depending on location and amenities such as climate control, which brings us to our next point.

Think about whether you’ll need additional amenities. For example, in humid climates, like in Texas, you might benefit from a unit with climate control to better protect your belongings. Renting a 5’x10′ climate-controlled unit in Houston, Texas costs around $76/month, whereas in the same type of unit in Dallas costs around $80/month. It can be well worth the extra cost though, especially if you’re planning on storing items sensitive to heat and humidity such as furniture, clothing, appliances, wooden instruments and paintings.

Once you’ve chosen your unit, prepare a list of all the things you want to put into storage, complete with their dimensions. Don’t forget to get packing supplies for easier stacking and to ensure your items won’t get damaged.

Get Ready for Your Move

As moving day approaches, you can start packing your items. Use sturdy boxes for smaller items and bubble wrap to keep fragile pieces safe. Be sure to label your boxes so that you know what’s inside when you come to retrieve things.

Consult your list and sketch out a map of how everything will fit into your unit. For best results, keep heavier, sturdier items on the floor and stack lighter items and boxes on top of them. Remember to make the most of the vertical space and think about buying a shelving unit for extra storage space. Here are some more rules of thumb to bear in mind:

• A full-sized mattress will fit in a 5’x10′ storage unit, but it should be laid flat on top of everything else to maximize the space and protect the mattress. Cover it to keep it clean.
• Store strong tables, desks and furniture upright on the ground, and place lighter items on top of them.
• Roll clothes up to reduce the space they take up, or vacuum pack them into boxes.
• If possible, disassemble larger pieces of furniture. Place the hardware in a bag and tape it inside a drawer or to an outside edge.

With your map prepared, you’re ready for moving day. First though, plan out in which order everything should be packed into a moving van (if you’re using one) or your car.

Organizing Your Storage Space on Moving Day

Renting a moving van or using a professional moving company can really speed up the process of moving your things into storage. Keep your space plan on hand to load the truck up efficiently, ensuring the light, stackable items go in first and come out last.

Using your map, fill up your storage space, remembering to leave space to maneuver. Leave a walkway in the middle so you can easily get to your stored items. Position boxes and other containers to make sure that you can clearly see the labels. If you anticipate collecting certain items sooner than others, keep them near the front. Finally, tape a list of everything you’ve put into storage on the inside of the door.