Need to rent a storage unit for your belongings? A storage unit is an excellent solution to keep your items safe between moves, store your excess business inventory, or to free up more space in your home or office. If you’re renting a storage unit for the first time, you may be asking yourself, “what size storage unit do I need?” or “how can I best pack my storage unit to save the most money?” To help you utilize your space to the fullest, here are a few essential tips to help you organize your storage unit like a pro:
1. Create an aisle
If you intend to access your items in storage frequently, create a path down the center of your storage unit so that you will have easy access to all your belongings. Leave enough space for you to comfortably take out a box and sift through its contents when you need to. Organize your space by placing items along the walls. Not only will this help maximize space, but it will help save you a lot of time in the future when you’re looking for items inside your unit as it will allow you to move more easily without having to move items around.
2. Store larger items at the back of your storage unit
As you begin packing your storage unit, place your larger, heavier items towards the back of your storage unit. This includes items such as furniture, dressers, and household appliances. Get creative and utilize hollow space by storing small or fragile items inside drawers or wardrobe pieces. Items that you will need access regularly should be placed near the front of your unit to provide you with easy access anytime.
3. Utilize shelves and boxes
Are you using your storage unit as a long-term storage solution? Consider placing free-standing utility shelves at the back or sides of your storage unit. Shelving will help save you a lot of space as it will allow you to store small to medium boxes vertically rather than just storing your items on the ground. Shelving is great for storing and organizing items such as tools, holiday decorations, business documents, and electronics.
Don’t need your storage unit short-term? Consider storing your belongings inside moving boxes or clear plastic totes and stacking them vertically inside your storage unit. Stack larger, heavier boxes down first, and then place your lighter boxes at the top.
4. Disassemble your furniture
Large furniture items can take up a lot of space and leave you with awkward, open gaps in your storage unit, which can be a challenge to fill. While taking apart your furniture sounds like a lot of work, it can help you maximize your space by allowing you to organize and fill your storage unit more efficiently. Disassembling large furniture items such as dining sets, desks, or beds before placing them in storage is a great way to free up more space inside your storage unit. Vertically store disassembled bed frames, headboards, furniture, and table legs upright and on the sides so you can open up more floor space for your other belongings.
5. Purge or donate what you don’t need
Regularly decluttering your storage unit is one of the best ways you can maximize your space and savings. The easiest way to free up space is to get rid of items you don’t need or are unlikely to ever use again. While it can be tempting to hold onto keepsakes or “just in case” items, you’re wasting valuable time, space, and money by storing them inside your storage unit. If you have items in storage you are unlikely to ever take out and put into your home, then consider selling or donating them instead.
Storage units on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland
Have questions? Feel free to call us at 1.866.647.8673 or contact us online and our storage specialists would be happy to answer any storage questions you may have! Let us know what you’re looking to store and how long for, and we’d be happy to guide you towards the right storage solution to fit your personal and business needs.
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