Are you tired of looking at possessions that get used rarely, like that carpet-cleaning machine or those seasonal lawn chairs and skis? A small self storage unit may be just what you need, and you can get one at an affordable price. If this solution is for you, spare yourself future headaches and do some preplanning. Think how to organize your storage space, so when you arrive with your items you can get the job done right.

Decide How Much Will Fit In

If you’re considering renting a 5’x5’ storage unit, you need to figure out what you can store there. The floor space is 25 square feet and the volume is 200 cubic feet when you factor in an eight-foot-high ceiling, which is typical at most storage facilities. Scratch items wider than five feet off your list unless they can be disassembled. Once you’ve gathered your items together, begin to organize them before you even pack your first box.

Organize Step by Step

Storage experts recommend taking several important steps before moving day. If you take the time to plan your storage space, you will be able to fit more stuff in — and, just as important, be able to find things when you need them. Let’s break down some often-recommended advice from storage professionals:

• Create a list of all the items you are storing. How detailed you want to get is up to you. Some people itemize each box and number it to match their list.
• Before packing, you may even want to take photos of your items.
• Get boxes of the same size for easy stacking.
• Consider using bins for easy access.
• Fill each box to capacity. Clothing is best stored rolled up to maximize your space.
• Label each box on its visible side, where you can see it when you visit your storage unit.
• Make use of empty spaces — if you’re storing suitcases, place items inside. Use bookshelves and dresser drawers for added storage space.
• Pack similar items together and resist throwing in the odd thing at the last minute — it could cause a stressful scavenger hunt down the road.
• Disassemble large items.
• Cover and protect any freestanding items that may get scratched or damaged.
• Map out the space beforehand. Plan to put larger, heavier items on the floor and stack smaller items as high as you reasonably can.

It’s Moving Day

You’ve now got the keys to your storage unit and it’s time to put everything to bed until you need it at some point later. Use the plan you’ve created as a guide and work back to front, floor to ceiling. As you stack boxes, place heavier ones in the unit first, followed by lighter ones. Place boxes containing items you will need more frequently toward the front of the unit. Make use of those dead spaces under desks and chairs but make sure you’ve left enough room to access what you need down the road. Try to stack high, but make sure everything is sturdy so it won’t come tumbling down in a heap when you’re trying to find something later.

Moving House with Wrapped Furniture

A 5’x5’ storage unit is about the size of a large closet, so space could be tight. To maximize the space even more, consider using shelves for smaller items and putting things such as bicycles and folding chairs on racks. Throughout your storage rental, remember to take care when adding or removing items from your unit. Restack boxes neatly, reseal or shut them tight, and keep the unit tidy to avoid having to rummage around on your next visit. Remember: “A place for everything and everything in its place!”

A 5’x5’ storage unit might be sufficient for your storage needs if you organize it well. And it doesn’t need to be expensive — for instance, the average monthly costs start at $16 for a Denver storage unit and $20 for an Oklahoma City storage unit. In Florida, street rates start at $39 for a Tallahassee storage unit, at $22 for an Orlando storage unit and at $19 for a Miami storage unit. Happy storing!