If you are planning a move or just need extra space to store your belongings, organization is key: you don’t want to be rummaging for things when you need them. This is especially important when renting a large self storage space such as a 10’x20′ unit — there is a greater chance your important things could get lost in a sea of clutter if you aren’t organized.

Whether your storage needs are temporary or permanent, a 10’x20′ storage unit can fit a good amount of furniture, household goods and recreational equipment. But you will want to avoid stuffing furniture and boxes into the space without some forethought. Storage experts say there are several steps you can take before you arrive at the unit to ensure you have a well-organized space.

Get Your Belongings Ready for Storage

1. Make a list of the items to be stored. You may not remember months or years from now exactly what you have packed away.
2. Pack and label boxes. Make sure fragile items are protected with bubble wrap or packing paper and the boxes are securely sealed. Buy boxes of the same size so they stack neatly. Cardboard boxes are fine as long as they are sturdy, but plastic bins with removable lids are easy to open and reseal.
3. Cover mattresses, furniture and other items that could get scratched, dirty or damaged.
4. Dismantle furniture, when possible, to get the most out of your storage space. Use empty areas such as drawers and filing cabinets for storing small items.
5. Plan out the space on paper before you get there, making room for larger, heavier items on the floor and stacking lighter items on top. Measure your furniture and boxes as you consider the total space available in a 10’x20′ unit — 200 square feet of floor space and 1,600 cubic feet overall. Take advantage of that vertical floor-to-ceiling space.
6. If you plan to store a small boat or car, use the dead spaces available such as the floor, seats or car trunk for extra storage.

Budget for Your Storage Space Needs

Storage facilities around the country vary considerably in price. The monthly rental price you will pay often depends on where your goods will be stored. For example, in California, rents for a non-climate-controlled 10’x20’ storage unit in Los Angeles start at $164, and at $119 for the same type of storage unit in San Diego. In Colorado, the same size storage unit in Colorado Springs can cost as little as $26 while rents for this storage unit in Denver start at $50. Still in the west of the country, the cost for this size of storage unit in Portland, Oregon, start at $85. You will also want to figure in insurance to protect your goods from theft or damage.

Young Couple Moving and Rolling a Carpet

Be Prepared on Moving Day

1. Have an appropriate vehicle such as a moving van or covered truck to protect your household goods while in transit. For a 10’x20′ storage space, a 25-foot truck is recommended.
2. Use the space plan you have created to load and unload your belongings. Pack the items you will use more often toward the back of the truck so that they come off last, and place them toward the front of your storage unit.
3. Lay mattresses flat, set sofas upright and place mirrors and paintings on their ends. Rugs should be rolled, covered and laid flat.
4. Place large furniture toward the back of the unit and stack boxes against a wall. Make sure when stacking boxes that the labels are visible for easy future reference.
5. Shelves can add much-needed vertical storage space. Take advantage of bookcases or buy a shelving unit for smaller items.
6. Leave some walking space so you can get to things when you need them.

When you return to your self storage unit to go looking for things, you will be glad you took the time to organize your space. The only step left is to keep it that way!