How To Organize a 10’x15’ Storage Unit

If you are considering renting a self storage unit, you are most likely moving or just have too much stuff in your home and realize you need to get your home organized. Either way, additional storage space can help. One of the most useful storage unit sizes is 10’x15’ because it can hold large furniture pieces as well as those smaller household items you need to store either temporarily or more long-term.

A 10’x15’ unit is also among the most popular sizes, having about 150 square feet of floor space and 1,200 cubic feet if the ceilings are eight feet high. The key to making the best use of this space is organization. If you take time to properly pack and store your belongings, you will make the most of the space and get your money’s worth from self storage.

Speaking of cost, if you are wondering how to budget for your storage space, prices vary widely depending on where you live and the amenities you are looking for, such as climate control, security cameras or passcode-protected gates. For comparison’s sake, a 10’x15’ non-climate-controlled unit starts at $139/month in San Jose, California, and $95/month in Reno, Nevada. You will pay a minimum of $104/month for a unit in Tallahassee, Florida, and $40/month in Fort Collins, Colorado, while the street rate for a 10’x15’ unit in El Paso, Texas, can be as low as $8/month. If you are ready to sign a rental agreement but are unsure of what your next steps are for organizing your stuff, here are several helpful tips to help you do so:

Visualize the space

You might wonder how much stuff will fit into a 10’x15’ storage space. If you have difficulty visualizing the space, it is roughly the size of a small bedroom or storage shed or slightly smaller than a one-car garage. Moreover, the contents of a two- or three-bedroom apartment could likely fit into the unit if it’s organized well. Let’s take a look at some of the larger items this size unit can accommodate:

• Dining set
• King-size mattress and frame
• Major appliances
• Sofa and loveseat
• Entertainment center
• Patio furniture

Organization starts with packing

Start organizing your storage unit before you start packing by making a list of the items you’re planning on storing. Remember that the goal is to be able to find things later. One strong piece of advice is to box categories together, such as kitchenware, baby items, and clothing, for easier retrieval when you need them.

Try to use boxes of the same size for easier stacking. Clear plastic bins will help you to see what’s inside. Label boxes with enough detail that you will remember what you packed. Pack boxes to capacity, but avoid making them too heavy.
Make a space plan, keeping these important details in mind:

• Mattresses should lie flat on top of heavier items. Don’t lay them on the floor beneath furniture or boxes. If necessary, place them on empty pallets.
• Measure furniture to make sure it fits through the door and store it upright when you get to the unit to avoid damage. To make the most of your space, disassemble furniture when possible, and keep the hardware in a plastic bag, placed in a drawer or taped to the furniture.
• Take advantage of the vertical space by first protecting items that could get scratched or damaged. Then, plan to place larger and heavier items on the floor and stack lighter items on top. This rule of thumb should be applied to boxes too.

Placing your stuff in storage

On moving day, have your space plan handy when you load and unload your vehicle. Storage will be easier if you load items toward the back of the truck or moving van that will be stored at the front of the unit.

As you place your belongings in the unit, fill any empty drawers, bookshelves and dead spaces underneath tables and chairs with smaller items to maximize the space. Stack boxes vertically but make sure the stack is sturdy and won’t tumble down. Make a narrow aisle for walking.

With your unit well organized, keep it neat when you add or remove things, resealing opened boxes coverings. You will be glad you did when your important documents, heirlooms and household goods look just as good when they come out of storage as they did going in.