Investing in a storage unit is a great way to make extra space in your home, especially if you’re doing renovations, decorating, or even moving to a new house.
What many new storage unit renters don’t consider, however, is how actually to save space in the storage unit they rent.
While it may seem like an odd thing to consider, if you can maximize the space in your self storage unit, you will be able to have the smallest storage unit that your items will fit into, which will save you money in the long run, especially if your storage needs are temporary such as for a house move or a renovation.
Plan Your Storage Unit Correctly
Planning to use your storage unit correctly is vital if you are looking to save money, and it can also save you time when visiting your unit to get items out of it or put items into it.
Spending some time before you rent your unit considering where things are going to go, and the layout of your storage unit will allow you to make the best use of the space that you have, and it will allow you also to store as much as possible, or as much as is needed for your project.
Stack from The Bottom Up
One of the best tips we’ve seen from our community of storage unit renters is to consider your unit in vertical layers rather than spaces.
We mean by stacking your boxes on top of each other, starting at the bottom, and working up.
We always recommend using boxes wherever possible, as this allows you to hold onto items in a safer way and allows you to move items around much easier.
Starting at the bottom of your storage unit with your heaviest boxes, you will be able to stack items on top of each other and easily get to them when you need to get them out.
Go with Stackable Boxes of Regular Sizes
Speaking of boxes, there are lots of different sizes and shapes of boxes and lots of different materials to consider. This is where we recommend using plastic boxes, preferably see-through boxes, with a label on the outside and color-coordinated to your master plan.
Cardboard boxes are great for storing lighter items and come in a variety of sizes, but to maximize the space, it’s best to go with regular-sized boxes that can stack on top of each other easily and have handles for easy maneuvering.
It’s important to note here that you should never over pack a box; it’s better to have fewer items in a heavier box and more items in a lighter box, even if both boxes are the same size.
Plan items You’ll Need Most Often
Getting the most out of your storage space isn’t just limited to where you are going to store the items in the long-term; for many storage unit renters, there will be a need to get things in and out of the unit at regular intervals, so this should be considered in your master plan.
If you are likely to need to get to items regularly, or even in a hurry on moving day, it’s best to store these items within easy reach, either at the front of your unit or in an area that is designated for quick to grab items inboxes.
If you are moving home and need a storage unit to store your possessions while your sale is going through, we would always suggest keeping out a large suitcase with some daily items such as clothes, toiletries, and electronic device chargers. Just like you would when you are going on holiday.
Get A Label System Going
Maximizing space means maximizing the efficient use of space in your storage unit.
By this, we mean getting organized from day one, and the best way to get organized is to get a label system or a color-coordinated system (or both) going straight away.
Don’t leave labeling your boxes to the last minute; whenever you pack a box, put a label on the front of it that is clearly marked with exactly what is inside, or at least which room the items belong to, such as the bathroom study, etc.
Stick to Your Layout
Once you have a plan of where things are going to go, and you have planned the most efficient route for both packing and unpacking your storage unit, it is critical that you stick to this plan and don’t deviate from it.
Far too often, we see storage unit renters who think they can just put an item in the unit quickly, and they will move it later on. This causes a huge number of problems and will mean that your unit is not living up to its potential in terms of space.
When you’re planning your unit layout, it’s also critical that you leave enough space for you to both maneuver yourself and your items and boxes around the unit. This approach means that you have a space that is flexible that you can use in a way that works for you, and it is more user-friendly for everyone who is going in and out of your unit to help.
Try Shelving
While stackable boxes are a great idea, we absolutely recommend everyone who has a storage unit using shelving. This is a ninja tip for maximizing your space in what could be a tight area.
The caveat here is to make sure that your shelving unit is strong enough to take your boxes or items that you need to store and that you can easily remove the items from the shelves when they are needed.
Get in Touch
Finding storage units in your area can be a challenge, but our friendly team is always ready and willing to help you get the best deal for the unit you need as soon as you need it.
Contact us today to get the best unit for your requirements.