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Did you know that there are 300,000 items in the average American home? Yes, you read that right, 300,000! Because of this, home sizes have tripled in the last five decades.
Upgrading your home size is expensive and throwing out your favorite items isn't ideal either. Consider renting a storage unit to combat these issues.
Keep reading to learn how to organize a storage unit.
1. Stick to One Box Size
You might have boxes of various sizes ready to be packed up. However, differently-sized boxes can make a storage unit look messy and unorganized.
Boxes that are the same size help with accessibility and stacking.
Heavy large boxes may not hold up well at the bottom. Plus, large boxes at the bottom of a stack are harder to remove when you need to get something.
Keeping boxes similar in size means you won't accidentally place small boxes on the bottom of stacks. Stacking on small boxes leads to an unstable and unsafe environment.
2. Identify Items You Need Access To
One of the best storage organization tips is to consider how often you use the items you are storing. Things you don't use often can sit in the back of your storage unit.
It might be helpful to use clear storage bins to easily identify packed items.
Make sure the items you pack up are more or less accessible based on how much you think you'll use them. This will help you with your storage unit layout.
3. Label Each Box
When learning how to organize a storage unit, box labeling will always be a must. Clearly label every box on the top and all sides with simple identifiers.
Consider labeling based on the room the items came from, the box contents, or by creating your own unique labeling system. Whatever system you come up with, make sure you remember your labeling.
Place special marks on boxes you'll need to access more often. Put these in your storage unit last so they are at the front.
To prevent organization headaches in the future, be as detailed as possible when labeling boxes. It will take some time, but it will be worth it.
4. Create a Content List
To create a content list, you can use paper or a digital spreadsheet. Write down the contents of all of your boxes along with the number or label you used.
This will take up even more of your time and might seem cumbersome, but it is helpful. When you need to find a specific item, you'll be thankful you took the time to create a list.
A content list is great for smaller storage units. Some of your boxes will be completely out of view.
If you assign box numbers, you can cross-reference that number on your content list to identify which box you have to take out.
5. Plan an Organized Layout
If you plan your storage unit layout ahead of time, you'll be more organized. Think about how you pack your storage unit, especially if you will access it frequently.
Put furniture against the wall and boxes on the opposite side. Leave an accessible path in the middle of your storage unit to access your items without hassle. Clear paths can enhance your safety as well.
You won't have to worry about being pinned or trapped by stacks of boxes. If you don't have enough room for a clear path, place your moveable items there so you can easily remove them.
6. Shelve or Stack Boxes
If your storage unit is a long-term solution for storing your items, consider shelving on the walls. Shelving will ensure everything is safely stacked without the risk of anything falling over.
If you don't have a budget for adding shelving, you can stack boxes. Keep these safety tips in mind when stacking:
Stack from back to front in order of need
Put heavier, larger boxes down first
Consider using a brick-wall pattern for same-size boxes
Above all, make sure you don't stack your boxes too high. As a general rule of thumb, don't stack them above your head.
7. Invest in Repacking
If you already packed without labeling boxes and following careful packing tips, invest in repacking. Repacking is a hassle, but disorganization is more of a hassle.
Pack together similar items like holiday decor, seasonal clothes, and cookware instead of throwing random items together.
Use your judgment to pack in a way that makes sense for you. Repack, label, and organize your boxes before putting them in storage.
8. Disassemble Furniture
If you have a smaller storage unit, you can make things fit easier by disassembling large items. When you disassemble large furniture, you pack your space more efficiently.
Store individual items upright to open more floor space with other items. However, you don't want to store your mattress upright, sideways, or vertically. Doing so can shift the inside and make it lopsided after a while.
9. Let Your Items Breathe
These days, people opt for climate-controlled storage units. Even if you have one, you need to allow your items to breathe.
Allowing space for air circulation prevents dust and dirt from collecting on your items. Outdoor storage units reach very high temperatures that can easily damage your items without proper ventilation.
If possible, use pallets for stacking boxes. Consider leaving space between the walls of your unit and your items for ventilation as well.
10. Upgrade to a Larger Unit
At Hill's Self Storage, we offer various storage unit sizes to fit your needs. As you are packing, you might realize that you need a larger unit than you originally thought.
Packing every square inch of your unit makes getting items out much more complicated. Spring for additional square footage if you run into this problem.
How to Organize a Storage Unit Like a Pro
Now that you know how to organize a storage unit like a professional, you can get started!
When you need a self-storage space, consider Hill's Self Storage in Ohio. We offer different types of units that can fit your needs.
Our facility is under 24-hour video surveillance and has computer-controlled entry to keep your items safe.
Visit us at 160 South 3 B's and K Road, Galena, Ohio, 43021, or contact us now to discuss storage unit pricing.