Organizing a storage unit might not seem like a top priority when it comes to self-storage, but trust us, it’s more important than you think. The most obvious reason is that you want to maximize your storage space and avoid paying for extra space you don’t need. Additionally, a well-organized storage unit saves you the frustration of digging through piles of items to find what you need. By keeping things tidy, you ensure your things are easily accessible whenever you need them.
And hey, your future self will thank you for taking the time to make a plan for organizing your storage unit. We’ve got your back! Check out these nine easy ways to get your storage space in perfect order.
9 Tips for Organizing Your Storage Unit Like a Pro
Organizing a storage unit isn’t as complicated as you may think now. It all boils down to simple preparation. Here are nine tips for effective organization to help you get started.
1. Label Your Boxes Well
Starting off strong, one of the simplest yet surprisingly effective ways to organize your storage unit is by labeling your boxes.
You might think you’ll remember all the contents of each box, but experience shows that after a while, people tend to forget minor details (or, in this case, the contents of unmarked boxes). It’s unlikely you’ll recall where you packed your books or old photos in a month, let alone longer.
Make sure you label your boxes thoroughly—on the top and at least on one side. Position the label facing forward so it’s visible upon entry. Include the box number, the room it’s from, and a detailed list of contents.
The future ‘you’ will thank you for sparing unnecessary stress when searching for specific items. Detailed labels make a world of difference and can save you a lot of time and effort.
2. Create a List of All Inventory
Additionally, consider creating a master inventory list. Along with labeling your boxes, a master list will help you find your things much more quickly and easily. We understand this might sound like a lot of work, but trust us, it takes far less time to organize your unit beforehand than to search chaotically through your storage space later on.
Number each box and then write down the corresponding number on your list along with a detailed description of its contents. This way, you can easily refer to your list when needed.
3. Store Items Inside Clear Bins
Another way to keep your storage unit organized is to store your items inside clear plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes. This way, you’ll see what’s inside each box and keep track of your stuff more easily. You won’t have to dig through your storage unit to find that pair of boots or your school yearbook, but you’ll know right off the bat which bin to open.
Clear plastic bins also offer better protection against pests and moisture, so there’s an added benefit for you!
4. Disassemble Furniture and Store Items Upright
Consider disassembling furniture to maximize space in your storage unit and organize it more efficiently. For instance, you can take apart bulky items like bed frames and headboards, as well as disassemble table legs. This will make them easier to pack but also more stable.
We also recommend strategically positioning all your heavy boxes for both stability and better use of space. Store heavy items vertically such as sofas, dressers, and bookshelves towards the back of your storage unit. When you store them upright or on the side, you’ll open up more floor space for other things in your self storage.
5. Store Heavy Stuff on the Bottom and Lighter Stuff on Top
It’s all about strategic thinking when organizing storage units. Careful preparation will save you a lot of time and struggle later on, so make sure you’re smart about it. Before you start piling up your boxes and risking turning your unit into a mess, think about how you’re going to store your heavy things.
Experience has shown that one of the best storage solutions is to place heavy boxes at the bottom and lighter items on top. It’s a safer, more practical, and overall more efficient storage solution that will help you find your stored items more easily later on. It also helps protect your fragile items and allows easy access to your storage unit.
6. Remember to Go Vertical
We can’t stress enough the importance of utilizing vertical space in storage units. So, when organizing your storage unit, remember to go vertical with your items. Stack boxes high and furniture upright. In case you have some shelving units, don’t let it go to waste. Use those shelves or stacking boxes to create extra storage space for your things.
You can also consider adding wire shelving or hanging shelves to take advantage of vertical space even further. This will allow you to stack smaller boxes or fragile items off the floor, keeping your unit neat and easily accessible.
7. Place Items You Need More Frequently Toward the Front
This one may sound obvious, but many people overlook it. But we’re here to remind you!
Make sure you remember to put items you plan to use more frequently toward the front of the storage unit when you’re stacking items. It will make your life much easier and simpler, but also help you avoid the frustration of having to dig through everything just to find that one item.
To give you a general idea, these are the items you might need more frequently than others:
- Seasonal items and clothing like heavy coats, boots, hats, and swimsuits
- Hobby supplies such as crafting, painting, or camping gear
- Baby and toddler items like strollers, cribs, and toys
- Holiday decorations
- Tools like screwdrivers or hammers that you might need for household repairs
8. Create a Center Aisle
If you don’t want your storage unit to look like a maze, you may want to consider creating a center aisle. This simple yet effective organizational hack can make all the difference when you’re trying to find or retrieve items quickly and efficiently. So, if possible, create a clear path down the center of your storage unit for easy access and flexibility.
9. Use the Right Packing Materials
Finally, remember to use the right packing materials for your stuff. It helps organize a storage unit by ensuring that items are stored safely, efficiently, and systematically. Your things will be protected and are more likely to remain in good condition while in storage. Plus, it’s much easier to pack things when they’re wrapped in bubble wrap or placed in sturdy boxes.
Clear bins are not the only tool that can help you be organized with your stuff. You can also take advantage of vacuum-sealed bags, silica gel packets, mattress covers, labeling supplies like markers and tape, etc.
How to Pick the Best Storage Unit Size for Your Needs
When it comes to organizing storage units, it’s not just about making the most out of your space. It’s also about picking the right storage unit for your needs. This is where size truly matters.
If you’re not sure how to choose the right size, we’d like to help out. Here are our key tips for selecting a storage unit:
- Identify the main purpose of the storage unit – Determine whether you need your unit for storing personal belongings, business items, or a combination of these;
- Make a preliminary list of items – Create a list of everything you’re planning to store and categorize them by size to estimate how much space you’ll need;
- Estimate the size and dimensions – Measure the exact dimensions of your largest items and estimate the total cubic footage;
- When in doubt, choose a bigger storage unit – If you’re unsure, it’s always wiser to go one size bigger and opt for a slightly larger unit;
- Understand storage unit dimensions – Familiarize yourself with common storage unit sizes and understand how much they can hold.
In general, the rule of thumb is the following:
| Unit Size | Dimensions | Storing capacity |
| Small units | 5’x5′ to 5’x10′ feet | Good for storing boxes, small furniture, seasonal items |
| Medium units | 10’x10′ to 10’x15′ feet | Can fit the contents of a one-bedroom apartment |
| Large units | 10’x20′ feet and larger | Ideal for multi-bedroom homes, large furniture, or vehicles |
Final Thoughts
To rent the right size storage unit for your needs, it’s essential to thoroughly research what top storage facilities offer and then to organize your belongings properly.
If you’re still in the process of finding a reliable storage service provider in your area, check out My Storage Box in Ponca City, Oklahoma. We offer affordable, easy access, and secure storage units in various sizes to meet your specific needs. You can contact us 24/7, 7 days a week, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you in finding the right storage unit for your belongings!