Storage units are a great way to keep your items out of the way when you don’t need them. Be it storing off-season clothes, packing things for a move, or stacking business files, a self-storage unit is your go-to solution when you want to open up more space in your home.
These units provide temporary storage when you’re moving and long-term storage when you run out of space at home. Best of all, they come in different sizes and styles to fit your storage needs.
Size is the most crucial factor when selecting a self-storage unit. But the larger the size, the higher the cost. That said, you can always save on storage costs if you use your limited space wisely. But how can you do this? Let’s see four ways to organize your self-storage unit to maximize the limited space.
1. Utilize the Vertical Space
If you’re used to storing items on the floor, you might be surprised at how much space is available vertically. Extra ways to utilize that space include using shelves. But not all self-storage units have them. You may have to specifically request a storage unit with shelves if you want one.
Else, there are other options to utilize vertical space. For instance, if you have large furniture like sofas and tables, you can put light and fragile items on them. Moreover, you can hang stuff on the walls using hooks or racks. Such objects include baskets with handles, clothing, bicycles, and other tools.
2. Use Organization Containers
Organization containers are boxes that you can easily stack on top of each other. They’re the best option if you want to use the vertical space. Plus, they make it easy to store loose and fragile items. You can put similar items in one container and put a label at the top or the side. That step will make it easier to access specific items without having to open each container.
Organization containers come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the item you want to store. If you want to store heavy and sharp tools, use stronger containers. Plastic containers are ideal for lighter commodities. Also, they don’t react when exposed to chemical spills, making them durable.
Stackable bins can stick to each other and minimize the chances of falling. But you can also ensure safety by placing heavy boxes at the bottom and lighter ones at the top.
Tip: When using organization containers, you can maximize space by using square or rectangular containers instead of round ones.
Containers can help lock items tightly away from moisture. But if you’re storing perishable items, you can use baskets or containers with air spaces.
3. Disassemble Furniture
Furniture takes up the largest space in a storage unit. Hence, knowing how to store it can save you a lot of space. As a first step, check which furniture you can disassemble. Some of them, like dining tables, beds, and shelves, are easy to disassemble.
Remove the screws and bolts and put them in a labeled bag. Once you disassemble them, you can place the various pieces vertically against the wall. That can help utilize the vertical space, leaving most of the horizontal space free for other uses. If you can’t disassemble furniture, you can still save space by doing the following.
- Start by storing the largest items first because it’ll be easier to find space for smaller items when space becomes limiting.
- Wrap the furniture with protective covers to protect the materials from scratching when you place more containers on top.
- Place fragile and light commodities in storage containers and pile them on the furniture.
Take care not to cram too many items in one place, especially on glass tables, since they can break.
4. Use Vacuum Seal
Blankets, clothing, pillows, winter coats, and other fabric materials can take up too much space, most of which is air. A vacuum pump can help shrink them more than half the original size.
It’s the same idea as putting your clothes in a bag, sitting on it to force air out, and then zipping it. But a vacuum pump can shrink them even further and seal the bag. However, vacuum pumps work best when you use plastic bags because they’re airtight. There are a few varieties of these plastic bags, which you’d have to buy if you want to use this method.
How to Choose the Right Self-Storage Unit
Determining the right size of the self-storage unit is just the first step. Consider additional factors like:
- Whether the units are climate controlled
- Location
- Security level
- Cost
- Automated bill payment and other amenities
Maximize Your Storage Space
A storage unit should be suitable for the item you want to store. For instance, some can fit vehicle parts, while others are safe enough to store military gadgets. Convenience is also crucial, such as having the option to pick a self-storage unit online. Once you consider the relevant factors, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your items are safe.
