The Best Hacks for Your Storage Unit
Whether you’re new to self storage or want to learn how to maximize your storage space, our experts at Anytime Storage have you covered with a wide variety of storage unit tips and hacks. As a self storage provider located throughout the United States, we’re committed to helping our friends and neighbors make the most of their storage solutions. Read on to learn how to make more space in your storage unit today!
Research Various Storage Unit Options
One piece of storage advice we always offer is to explore your storage unit options before moving in. Using a storage unit size guide helps eliminate the guesswork in choosing the right storage solution. A good storage unit size guide will even highlight what storage purposes each option is ideal for.
Create an Inventory List Before Packing a Storage Unit
If you’re preparing to move your belongings into storage, start by setting everything out and documenting each item on an inventory list. Creating an inventory list is one of the best storage tips you can use while creating more space in your home or business for several reasons, such as:
- Keeping your storage unit organized
- Simplifying the retrieval of belongings from storage
- Preventing yourself from buying duplicate items that you have in storage
There’s no “one size fits all” for a self storage inventory list. You can categorize your items by type, such as seasonality, purpose, or importance. An example of a storage inventory list may look like:
- Holiday decorations
- Ornaments (20)
- Wreathes (3)
- Tree skirts (2)
- Garlands (4)
- Kitchen tools and appliances
- Toaster (1)
- Blender (1)
- Cutting boards (3)
- Spatulas (3)
- Aprons (2)
- Summer clothes
- T-shirts (5)
- Shorts (4)
- Swimsuits (3)
- Dresses (4)
Not sure where to start? You can find several inventory list templates online to get inspiration and see which approach works best for you. If you prefer visuals, you can also create a photo or video inventory of the belongings you plan to store.
Color Code Your Storage Containers
Your time is precious, so don’t spend it playing a guessing game with 20 identical cardboard boxes in your storage unit. Packing your belongings in clear containers with various colored lids is one of the best storage unit tips we can provide.
If you load your storage unit knowing that holiday decorations are in boxes with red lids and summer clothes are in boxes with green lids, it makes picking up and dropping off items even easier.
Designate Sections in Your Storage Unit
Another helpful storage hack is to designate sections in your storage unit, especially if you have a larger 10×20 or 10×30 storage space. Dedicating specific areas of your storage unit to certain types of items or boxes makes navigating your space easier. It also streamlines loading and unloading belongings, so you don’t have to play a game of Tetris every time you visit.
Store the Heaviest Items First
When you’re figuring out how to maximize storage space in your unit, start by storing your heaviest items first. Out of everything you may need to retrieve from your storage unit, it’s not likely you’ll need to grab your washer and dryer, boxes full of books, or sectional couch any time soon. By storing these items first, you can load lighter boxes or belongings on top of them for easier access.
Are you planning to store a mattress away from home? Whether it’s a king or a twin, our storage advice is to lay your mattress flat—never upright or on its side. Storing a mattress in any position other than flat can stress the springs or memory foam, potentially causing permanent deformation.
Disassemble Furniture for Storage
One of the easiest space-saving storage hacks for your storage unit is to disassemble your furniture. If you have a dining table that comes apart or a bedframe that can be broken down, it’ll help you make the most of the space in your unit to make room for boxes or other large furniture pieces that can’t be disassembled.
To make putting your furniture back together easier, record the process for disassembling each piece, or place the instructions, screws, and tools in a clear bag and tape it to the furniture. Your future self will thank you!
Did you throw away your instructions? Several stores, such as IKEA, have resources to help you regain peace of mind.
Make More Storage Space With Shelving
Don’t forget about the vertical space in your storage unit. Basic freestanding metal shelves create more space for boxes, small household appliances, and other items, making it easier for you to navigate your storage unit.
Ask Your Local Anytime Storage Team How To Make Storage Space
When in doubt, there’s nothing like storage advice straight from the experts at Anytime Storage. The team at your local Anytime Storage facility will be happy to help answer any questions you may have, from determining the ideal storage unit size to deciding whether climate-controlled storage is right for you.
We also have handy resources like our FAQ page and blog. Whether you’re looking for more space or want to maximize your current storage unit with us, find your local Anytime Storage facility or contact us online to make the most of your storage space today!