Before moving items into your storage units, smart organisation tips and self storage tips can make a difference. Discover space-saving tips and clever storage unit ideas to help you pack efficiently and keep your items easily accessible all year round.
Whether you're downsizing, moving, or simply decluttering your home, renting a storage unit is a convenient way to keep your belongings safe and accessible. However, making the most out of your storage space requires more than just packing boxes and stacking them haphazardly. Smart packing techniques and effective organisation strategies can help you make the most out of the space while ensuring that everything is easy to access when needed.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through essential self-storage tips and clever storage unit ideas to keep your items safe, organised, and easily retrievable. From practical space-saving tips to creating a clear labelling system, you’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes and optimise your storage unit layout for efficiency. Whether you're storing seasonal items, extra furniture, or important keepsakes, these self-storage tips and tricks will help you make the most of your space and keep your unit clutter-free.
1. Space-saving packing techniques
When using storage units, space efficiency is a top priority. These tips will help you make the most of your available storage space:
- Use tools like vacuum-sealed bags or compression bags for soft materials like winter coats or blankets you don’t need for a few months!
- Utilise packing cubes to compartmentalise items and make it easier to access groups of things at one time, such as specific sewing equipment or summer golfing clothes.
- Nest smaller items inside larger ones to save storage space, such as socks in shoes or wetsuits in surfboard bags.
Storage Unit Ideas for Efficient Organisation
Having a clear labelling system will save you time and energy when sourcing items from your storage unit when you need them. These organisation tips will help you find what you need faster:
- Use clear labels
Labels with clear notes about what each box contains and text that’s easy to read will help you easily identify the box and the items you are looking for. This will help ensure that you don’t have to go through multiple boxes before finding what you need.
- Be consistent with your labelling style
This includes using standard and consistent acronyms like "WIN" for winter or "SUM" for summer. Also decide on a specific location for labels on every box, such as the top right corner or on one side, to create a uniform look that allows for easy scanning and recognition.
- Consider colour-coding
Colour coding will enhance the organisation of your stored items, making it easier to identify categories at a glance. Assign specific colours to different seasons, such as blue for winter items, red for summer belongings, green for spring gear, and orange for autumn essentials.
- Label everything!
This will save you countless hours of searching and reshuffling. Each box, bin, and bag should have a clear label indicating its contents, even if they contain seemingly obvious items. This will help to avoid confusion later when you’re accessing your storage space.
Self Storage Tips and Tricks for Optimal Space Usage
Transform your self-storage unit into an efficient, accessible space with these organisation tips:
- Create an inventory list
Keep a detailed list or digital inventory of everything you’re storing. Include box numbers or labels, along with notes on the location within the unit. This will save you time and frustration later when you need to locate specific items.
- Clear a central walkway
Make sure you have a walkway into the back of your storage unit so you can access all your items! When packing your personal storage unit, push items right into the corners and walls so the middle of your unit has a people-sized space for you to move around in.
- Prioritise frequently access items
Ensure the items you need in the near future are easily accessible at the front of the unit and on top of the piles. For example, put draw shelves you need regular access to at the front of the unit, and do not block the drawers with other items.
- Use vertical space
Many people underutilize the vertical space in their storage unit, leaving valuable wall height empty. Storing items only on the floor creates clutter and limits the space available for additional belongings.
If you are wondering how to use vertical space, here’s a storage tip: stack boxes and bins, and use sturdy shelving units. This will allow you to store more items and keep the floor space clear, making it easier to access your belongings.
- Avoid over-packing boxes
Pack boxes with a manageable weight, ensuring that heavier items are in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger ones to prevent damage to items, or injury when moving or accessing items. Take care to not fill boxes to the brim with fragile items—use cushioning materials like bubble wrap or packing paper to protect delicate belongings.
2. Create a map of your storage unit
One of the biggest mistakes is not planning the layout of the storage space before moving items in. Without a clear strategy, people tend to randomly stack boxes and items, which leads to clutter and difficulty accessing things later.
Once you’ve unpacked all your items into your storage unit, map out the unit so you have a reference of where things are located for easy access. You can use a bird’s-eye view or a drawing of each wall with clear labels of each item.
By applying these self storage tips and tricks, you’ll be able to organise and maximise your storage space efficiently. Whether you're storing seasonal items, clothes, or sports equipment, these storage unit ideas will help you pack effectively and keep your unit well-organised for easy access all year round!
Simplify Your Storage with a Handy Do's and Don'ts List
Our Do and Don't list offers a straightforward checklist to the best practices for organising your storage unit. It helps to ensure you’re optimising space while avoiding common mistakes that lead to clutter and confusion. Be sure to print out this list and keep it on hand as a quick reference to make the most out of your storage space!
