Whether you’re in the process of moving or just clearing some clutter, it is important to know how to organize a storage unit and keep it clutter-free. Putting some thought into how you pack and organize your belongings will save you the headache of sifting through an unorganized mess every time you need to find specific items. Check out these helpful tips and tricks to keep your storage unit organized and tidy!
1. Create a List of All Inventory
When you are placing a lot of items into storage, it can be quite difficult to remember everything. While large furniture pieces are easier to remember, smaller items tend to get overlooked and forgotten. To keep everything straight, create and maintain a list of all of the items you have stored in your unit. It is also a good idea to create some sort of map indicating where the items are located inside the storage unit.
2. Consider Using Clear Bins Instead of Cardboard Boxes & Label Your Boxes
While cardboard boxes are completely okay to use in a storage unit, plastic bins make it much easier to keep track of what is going inside your storage unit. Unlike cardboard boxes, plastic bins allow you to see what is inside the container without having to dig through it, making items much easier and faster to locate.
Additionally, one of the most important aspects of organizing your storage unit is labeling your boxes. It is recommended that you label the top and at least one side of every box, including a box number, the room it came from, and everything that is inside.
3. Store Large, Heavy Items on the Bottom Towards the Back
As you begin packing your storage unit, start by placing large, heavy belongings, such as furniture, towards the back of the storage unit on the bottom. Unless you want to damage or crush lighter boxes, heavy items should always be stored on the bottom of the storage unit. This creates a stable base for lighter boxes and items.
4. Put Items That You Will Need to Access in the Front
There’s a good chance that you will use certain items more frequently than others, such as seasonal clothing. While you don’t need these items every day, you will be retrieving them from the storage unit about once a year. Placing these belongings in an easy-to-reach spot near the door will save you time and the hassle of digging through boxes every time.
5. Create a Center Aisle
When packing a storage unit, it can quickly become an un-navigable maze. Making a center aisle through your storage unit will save you the pain and embarrassment of struggling to get to the back of your storage unit.
6. Shelve or Stack Boxes
If you are planning to leave your belongings in storage on a long-term basis, placing sturdy shelving along the unit can be quite beneficial. If not, stack your boxes with these guidelines in mind:
- Stack from back to front of the storage unit in order of need.
- Put your larger, heavier boxes down first. Stack lighter boxes on top.
- Consider using a brick-wall pattern when stack same-size boxes.
Contact USA Self Storage Today
Locally owned and family-managed, USA Self Storage is the perfect solution for you! We have locations all over central Arkansas and video surveillance to keep your belongings safe. Here at USA Self Storage, our contracts are flexible, meaning you can pay month-to-month. Contact us at 501-701-0707 to get your storage unit set up today!