Sorting a storage unit can be overwhelming, especially if you’re packing it with a lot of items. Follow this step-by-step guide to organize your storage unit for easy access and navigation. You’ll find what you need when you need it, with minimal hassle and frustration, and without the headaches!
How to Organize Your Storage Unit for Easy Access
Step #1 Plan Before You Pack
Take a minute before you begin stuffing your gear in boxes to plan out how you’ll organize your storage unit. First, consider the storage unit size. Think of the things you’ll be storing, and determine what items you will need to get to often and try and place those near the front.
Make a rough sketch of the plan to get an idea of where everything will go. Then, follow the plan when packing your storage space.
Step #2 Use Uniform Boxes
Using uniform-sized boxes makes organizing your unit much easier. Invest in sturdy, high-quality boxes that can withstand being stacked and moved around. Label every box clearly on multiple sides so you can easily identify its contents from any angle.
Step #3 Make an Itemized Inventory List
Make a list of what you’re storing in your unit. This strategy helps you keep track of where everything is. Number your boxes and take an itemized account of their contents in a notebook or a spreadsheet.
Later, when you need something specific, it makes it easier to find what you need. A rough map of the storage unit and inventory will indicate where to find the box you want.
Step #4 Disassemble Larger Items
Disassemble large furniture and bulky items so they occupy less space. Take off the legs from the tables, and dismantle bed frames and chairs. Stack them.
Keep all screws, bolts, and small parts in a labeled baggie. Tape them to the piece so you don’t lose track of them. This allows for easy assembly when you remove them from the unit.
Step #5 Use Vertical Space To Organize Your Storage Unit
Make the most of vertical space with shelving units. Store boxes and heavy items on the bottom shelves and the lighter ones on top. It helps you accommodate more boxes and makes the best use of available space without shifting everything around.
When stacking boxes, be sure to put larger and heavier boxes on the bottom. Place smaller boxes on top to avoid damage.
Step #6 Leave a Pathway
Leave a pathway from the front to the back of the unit. This allows access to what you store at the back of the unit without moving everything in front to get to it. The pathway ought to be wide enough to walk through comfortably.
Step #7 Store Items by Frequency of Use
You should place items used more frequently towards the front of your unit. Store seasonal items or items set for long-term storage towards the back. For Example:
- Holiday Decorations
- Seasonal Clothing
- Sporting Equipment
- Camping Gear
Step #8 Protect Fragile Items
Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper, and clearly mark the boxes as fragile. Opt for a sturdy container, such as plastic rather than a cardboard box.
Place these boxes on top of heavier items. Doing this will prevent crushing fragile items. Additional padding, like blankets, provides extra protection for delicate items.
Step #9 Use Labels and Color-Coding To Organize A Storage Unit
Label each box with its corresponding number on your inventory list and by room. These strategies are extremely helpful for quick identification. For example: “Kitchen 1” or “Bedroom 2.”
Also, consider using a color-coding system. Examples of this are red labels, which might signify kitchen items, blue, bedroom items, and green holiday decorations.
Step #10 Store Similar Items Together
Group similar items together, like dishes in one box or all kitchen items in the same section of the storage unit. Keep all tools together, all clothing together, etc. When you organize everything, you don’t need to search through boxes to find what you’re looking for.
Step #11 Use Clear Storage Bins for Important Items
For those things that you frequently remove from the unit, store them in clear plastic bins. These are perfect for storing items that you need to get to often such as:
- Tools
- Office Supplies
- Files or Documents
- Hobby Supplies
Step #12 Maintenance Requirements for Self-Storage Units
Visit your storage unit from time to time to reorganize items or to review or adjust your inventory list. Check if there’s any pest infestation or moisture damage to the boxes. Another reason people prefer plastic containers is that they are moisture-proof.
Keeping Your Storage Unit Organized
If you’re storing your property in a storage facility, it’s a good idea to keep it organized. Save yourself the trouble of searching through multiple boxes for a specific item. Follow these tips on organizing your storage unit.
Clark Storage – Best and Most Secured Storage Units in the Area
Our family business objective is to provide you with the best service and facilities in a secure location. As you get to know our facilities, you will note they were selected for your ease of access, location, and security. Please let us know how we can continue to improve your storage needs and fulfill your high expectations. We have storage units in Council Bluffs, Glenwood, and Pacific Junction. Contact us today. We are also offering a Move-In Referral Program, click here for more information.
