7 Tips To Master Your Self Storage Organization

What do you do when your home becomes too cluttered? When your space no longer serves its purpose of fitting everything and is overwhelmed with forgotten decorations? If you find yourself surrounded by old baby clothes and other memorabilia you no longer use, self storage is here to lend a helping hand.

Storage units offer a safe haven for all those items you aren’t currently putting to good use. But how can you turn your storage unit into an organized retreat? For guidance on organizing your own self storage unit, here’s everything you need to know.

1. Streamline access with proper labeling and color coding

Finding your belongings when you’re in a rush can be a real challenge at times. A great solution to combat this is to label everything. Leave the hassle of rummaging through your belongings behind and make everything as clear and visible as possible by properly labeling everything. Orient the labeled sides of your boxes or items toward the entrance of the storage unit so that you can spot everything the moment you step in.

To streamline the process even further, consider color-coding your boxes of belongings based on the sections of your home. For instance, use blue for bedroom items and red for seasonal furniture. Now you can quickly identify what you need without having to sift through everything.

2. Transform furniture into extra storage

A clever way to maximize your storage space is to turn the items in your unit into storage solutions themselves. Think about it: What are big closets and wardrobes if not the perfect spot to tuck away old clothes? It’s an efficient way to get the most out of your storage while keeping everything tidy and accessible. Win-win!

Dressers and cabinets can be fantastic for this too. Don’t overlook ottomans either — they’re great for hiding away books or kitchenware that might be cluttering your home.

3. Make the most of your vertical space

A clear space is an organized space, and utilizing vertical storage can free up your floor area in one fell swoop. Clear hanging shoe organizers are ideal for smaller items like crafting supplies or tools. The transparent design ensures everything is visible, so you won’t lose those little pieces in larger boxes.

If you have bikes, consider using bike racks to further optimize your unit space. S-hooks are adjustable and can also provide an adaptable hanging option. You can label or color-code them for a quick identification. Shelves are another great option for stashing your belongings, allowing you to keep everything neatly arranged and easily accessible.

4. Stack smart

Stacking is key when it comes to maximizing your storage unit, as it can help you create more room effortlessly. Clear plastic bins are your best allies here, just like the shoe organizers mentioned earlier. You can easily store old toys, books or smaller seasonal decorations in these bins and stack them by category.

Just be sure that your containers are sturdy enough to handle the weight of stacking. You want to avoid any unpleasant surprises, like a container breaking under pressure. The same goes for regular cardboard boxes, as they can be even more delicate, with the bottom potentially giving out.

5. Keep essentials within reach

One useful tip for keeping your storage unit organized is to place your most frequently accessed items near the entrance. It’s all about creating a smooth flow in your space, allowing you to easily navigate your storage unit.

Bulkier items, like furniture, bed frames and wardrobes, should be stored at the back of the unit since they take up a lot of space. You can also tuck away seasonal gear, such as ski equipment, back there. The items you use most often — like fishing gear if you’re an angler — should be right up front, easy to grab and go.

6. Rotate seasonal items

Depending on the season, it’s a great idea to rotate your seasonal items for a quick retrieval. For instance, as Easter approaches, bring forward your bunny decorations and woven baskets so they’re readily accessible, while putting away the Christmas decorations in the back since you won’t need them for quite a while.

Once you take out your seasonal items, take a moment to go through them carefully. Decide what you want to keep for another year and what can be replaced with any new additions to your collection.

7. Choose the right unit size for what you own

To avoid cluttering your storage unit and having everything crammed together with no room to access your items, choosing the right size for your unit should be a top priority.

A smaller 5’x5’ unit can accommodate some gear, chairs and smaller furniture, along with clothes or tools you might have lying around. If you need a bit more space, a 5’x10’ storage is perfect for fitting a nightstand and a twin mattress, giving you extra room to work with. For those with more to store, the standard 10’x10’ unit can easily hold the contents of a small bedroom.

Not sure how much space you actually need for your items? Check out our handy storage unit size guide, which will help you estimate everything with ease. Just add the items you wish to store, and you’ll receive the perfect fit for your self storage needs.

To keep your storage unit organized, remember to label and color-code your boxes, whether by room or by function. Whenever possible, stack your items, placing bulkier ones at the back so that the things you access most are just within reach. It’s also important to choose the right size for your containers, so be sure to add that to your checklist for a tidy and efficient space.