Organize your storage unit.
A storage unit can be a great way to store your extra belongings, but it can also become cluttered and difficult to access if not organized correctly. If you’re like most people, you only use a fraction of the items in your storage unit. So, the last thing you want to do is dig through boxes and pull everything out looking for something.
The key to getting the most out of your storage space is to organize it in a way that makes it easy for you to access what you need. With a little planning ahead your storage unit can be organized and can save you from headaches in the future. Here are some simple tips to help organize your storage unit for frequent access.
Use one box size.
Using same-size boxes helps with stacking and accessibility. Small or medium boxes work best for most of your belongings. Keep in mind that large boxes are good for items that aren’t heavy, but when they are stacked at the bottom, they may not hold up well. They are also more difficult to remove if you need something out of them especially if they are at the bottom of a stack.
Identify items you may need to access.
When packing, you should identify things that you don’t use regularly but may need later. Carefully consider what items you may need while your belongings are in storage, especially thought to seasonal items.
Label boxes to organize your storage unit
It’s important to label boxes to find items and to keep the contents organized. Label each of your boxes on the top and at least one side with its unique box number, the room it belongs to, and the contents of the box. Use a special mark on boxes to identify that you may need to access them during storage and put them in your storage unit last. Be as detailed as you can with the contents for ease of finding items later.
Create a master list.
Creating a master contents list may seem like a cumbersome step, but this list comes in handy when you need to find a specific item. Write down all the box numbers and their contents on paper. You can also print each line from your inventory to create custom labels for your boxes.
Plan an organized layout.
Planning how to pack your storage unit should be done if you’re going to access it frequently. It’s ideal to put the furniture against the opposite wall of your boxes and leave a path in the middle of the unit. This allows access to boxes and furniture without any hassle. If you need to use the space in the middle, place moveable items there so they can be moved with ease.
Consider a larger unit upgrade.
Even if you could pack in every square inch of your storage unit, this would make retrieving items very difficult. Consider upgrading to a larger unit for a little extra space to allow room for shelving units and a path through the middle of the unit. This helps with easy access to most of your belongings.
Shelve or stack boxes.
If your storage unit is a long-term storage solution, consider placing sturdy shelves along one wall of the unit. For shorter-term, stack your boxes using these guidelines:
- Stack in order of need from back to front. The boxes that you will access most should be near the door or on shelves with labels facing out.
- Place larger, heavier boxes on the bottom, and then stack lighter ones on top. Be careful not to stack too high. If boxes are stacked above your head, they are prone to falling and creating a hazard.
- When stacking same-size boxes consider using a brick-wall pattern. This allows you to move boxes around without moving the boxes above them.
Place a map inside the unit.
Visible boxes don’t need to be mapped out, but you should list anything that is buried under other boxes on the map. Divide the unit into four or more sections and list the items with box numbers in each section on the map. If you need a box that got buried in the storage unit you can use your master contents list and map to find it more easily without digging through boxes.
Another way to organize your storage unit is to figure out what to keep and what to get rid of in your storage unit.
While these steps may take some time, they are well worth your effort. You will save yourself a lot of time and energy in the future and will keep your storage unit organized. Get the right size unit at an affordable price for all your storage needs. We hope you enjoy this list of how to organize your storage unit. Contact Garden of The Gods Storage today!