Are you planning to leave your belongings in a storage unit for the summer? On the hunt for reliable storage for your seasonal essentials? Storage units are a great temporary and permanent solution for items you don’t have room for in your home or apartment. But before you throw everything you own into a box and call it a day, you’ll want to get organized to maximize the space you’re paying for.

In this article, we’ll teach you how to pack a storage unit​ efficiently and keep the space organized throughout the year. Here’s everything you need to know:

Key Takeaways

Store items in clear bins to keep your space organized and eliminate the guesswork when you visit your storage unit

Utilize vertical space by stacking boxes, from heaviest to lightest

Design a layout so you can keep your belongings organized and accessible

Plan Ahead Before Moving Items Into Storage

A little preparation goes a long way. Before you leave your belongings in a storage unit, you’ll want to prepare them and ensure everything is ready for storage. Here are a few storage unit organization ideas you can use to prep yourself:

  • Create an Inventory List: An inventory list will tell you exactly what items you have in storage. If you’re ever unsure where something is, you’ll have a comprehensive inventory checklist you can reference. If you’re sharing the storage unit with a family member or friend, you can create a shared note in your Notes App, so everyone has access to it.
  • Group Similar Items: Before you start throwing everything into boxes, it’s best to group similar items into similar boxes. This way, you can label boxes accordingly and keep everything organized. It will also make it easier for you to design a layout when the time comes.
  • Invest in Clear Bins: With clear bins, you’ll be able to quickly identify the contents of each box. This will keep your space organized and eliminate the guesswork when you visit your storage unit.

Use Smart Packing Methods to Make Every Inch Count

If you’re paying for a storage unit, you’ll want to make every inch of your investment count. To do this, you’ll need to be strategic with your packing techniques and efficiently use all the space, without making your storage unit feel cluttered. Here’s the best way to organize a storage unit:

Choose the Right Box Sizes

It’s best to invest in boxes that are all the same size, so you can stack everything vertically. If you invest in different sizes or shapes, it will be more challenging to use all of the vertical space in the unit.

Disassemble Furniture

It’s always best to disassemble any furniture you plan to store in a storage unit. This will help keep your furniture protected and prevent any unwanted damage. Disassembled furniture is also easier to stack and store in smaller storage units.

When dissembling furniture, it’s best to put any screws and hardware into a plastic bag and tape them to the furniture pieces, so that they don’t get lost. As you disassemble everything, take photos so you remember how to put everything back together when the time comes.

Label Everything

Every box you put in your storage unit should be labeled accordingly. This way, you’ll know exactly where everything is when you or a family member needs to grab something from the unit. To make the labeling process easier, group similar items into the same boxes.

Utilize Vertical Space

You wouldn’t believe how much vertical space a storage unit has. When stacking boxes and deciding where to put the furniture, it’s always best to use as much vertical space as possible. When stacking boxes, it’s always best to put the heavier boxes on the bottom and stack the lighter ones on the top.

Consider Accessibility

Before you start stacking all your boxes one by one, consider which items you’ll need to take frequently. These boxes should be pulled to the front of the storage unit for easy access. Items you don’t plan on using anytime soon can be stacked further back.

Take Advantage of Vertical Space Without Sacrificing Safety

Stacking storage bins is the most effective way to utilize all of the space a storage unit has to offer. However, when doing so, you’ll want to ensure that your setup is safe and doesn’t put you or your family members in danger. Here are some self-storage packing tips that you can use without sacrificing safety:

  • Stack the heaviest boxes at the bottom of the stack
  • Move boxes with items you use more frequently to the front of the storage unit
  • Invest in boxes that are the same size, so it’s easier to stack them
  • Label everything and keep an updated inventory list, so you know exactly where everything is

Design a Layout That Makes Retrieval Easy

Once you have your boxes and are ready to get organized, it’s best to think through the layout you have for the space. Deciding ahead of time where you want to stack boxes and place furniture will allow you to get more strategic with the organization process. A well-planned layout will also make the entire space more accessible.

To get started, you’ll want to revisit your inventory list and determine which items you don’t plan on taking from the unit anytime soon. These items can be placed near the back of the storage space. For seasonal essentials, such as snowboards, lawn chairs, and beach umbrellas, these items should be near the entrance of the storage unit for easy retrieval.

Small Organization Habits Lead to Bigger Space Savings

Once you learn how to organize a storage unit and design a layout, that’s when the real work begins. You’ll want to frequently visit your storage unit and look for items you can donate, throw away, or recycle. This will help you make room for new items and keep the space organized. Periodic check-ins will also help prevent clutter from building up, and keep the unit spick and span.

If you’re looking for reliable storage in Southern California, swing by Price Self Storage. Find a location near you today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Organizing Storage Units

Want to learn how to maximize your storage unit space? Review our frequently asked questions below before you get started.

Can you store furniture standing upright?

Yes, storing items standing upright will help you save space and keep the storage unit organized. Before storing everything, disassemble furniture to prevent damage and maximize space. It’s important to note that you should avoid storing some couches, sofas, and loveseats standing upright, as they can cause structural damage. For these items, you’ll want to store them vertically and cover them with a moving blanket.

What items should not be placed in a storage unit?

Perishables, plants, animals, and toxic materials should never be placed inside a storage unit. It’s also best to avoid packing important documents, such as driver’s licenses, birth certificates, or passports.

How do you label boxes for easier retrieval?

You’ll want to label every box using a black Sharpie or marker. The labeled side of the box should be faced outwards, so it’s easy to read without having to move any of the boxes that are stacked vertically.