Getting a self-storage unit is fantastic for several different reasons. You can use it when moving or renovating your home to store everything safely. Furthermore, storage units give support when faced with a lack of space in your home. They’re great for all those items you don’t use all the time, seasonal clothes, hobby items, old toys, etc. However, when the time comes to get specific items from the unit, you may feel like it’s better to give up. Messy storage is not only difficult to access, but it can be dangerous to your belongings. That’s why it may be the perfect moment for decluttering and organizing your self-storage – and here are the best ways to do it.
Decluttering
The easiest way to organize your unit is to remove unnecessary items first. This will help you tidy everything, but also save you money and time. Decluttering also enables you to clean your mind, reduces stress, and helps you feel better about yourself and the space around you. Therefore, enter your storage and start sorting out your items into piles:
- keep – the things you’ll leave in the storage and organize later on;
- junk – items you no longer need, but also can’t find them a better home as they have deteriorated over time or they can’t be sued anymore;
- donate – maybe some of your old clothes can find a better home for someone who needs them;
- sell – let’s say you’ve had a piece of furniture for too long, hoping to find it a place at your home. If that’s not happening, why not sell it? The easiest way to do it is to take a photo and upload it to a website such as Craigslist. Online sales are a very popular and quick way to get rid of items you no longer use.
Organization of the storage unit
There are several techniques you can try out that will help you organize your storage unit. You can make it mess-free and easily accessible, which is the whole point of having a unit. It will be much simpler to find items in the future and waste no time.
Clean the unit first
Decluttering and organizing your self-storage is the perfect moment to clean the unit. You must clean and dry floors and shelves before you store the items and close the unit for a while. If you store any electronics, wooden furniture, or any other delicate items susceptible to moisture damage, you need to make sure your storage is dust-free and dry at all times. This will ensure moisture doesn’t damage your items and let you use the unit safely for a long time.
Sort items by priority and size
If you store various items in your self-storage, you can have trouble accessing some of them due to different shapes and sizes. That’s why you should plan the way you store them. It’s best that the bulkiest items and the ones you don’t use very often go first to the back of the unit. Things you’ll need from time to time should be close to the entrance, so you can reach them easily whenever you want.
Install additional shelves
It’s essential to use as much available space as possible. However, the items should be organized well – and shelves are the best way to do it. Install some additional shelves on the walls of your unit so that you can use the space vertically as well. This way, you can keep bulky items on the floor and sort smaller things in boxes on the shelves.
Make a walkway
When placing your items and sleeves inside a unit, make sure you can reach those things in the back. This is possible to do if you leave some space in the middle – kind of a walkway. Be sure to place the bulky items first, on the sides of your unit, so you can have plenty of space in the middle to manage the other things. This way, anytime you need something, it will be easy to reach it, even from the back of the unit.
Storing smaller items in boxes
When it comes to organization, the most challenging part is organizing smaller items so you can find them later. Here are some best tips for doing it like a pro:
Make an inventory list
The list of things you have can come in handy if you forget about certain items after a while. Make an inventory list and hang it close to the entrance of your unit.
Clear storage boxes
When moving house, people often use cardboard boxes. And they are great for transporting items from the old home to the new one. However, long-term storage requires a sturdier, more practical solution. Clear storage tubs are amazing for decluttering and organizing your self-storage. You can stack them and save space, and also see what’s inside each box.
Labeling
When there are many boxes in your unit, labeling each one can help you stay organized. You can use permanent markers to write what’s inside each box. Permanent markers don’t wear off over time, but if you need to remove the writing, you can easily do it with acetone or nail polish remover. Alternatively, use labels or stickers with a list of items inside and put them on the side of the box so you can see and easily find what you need.
Don’t force it – you’re not a pro!
Sometimes, it’s impossible to have every bit organized. As we’re not experts, it’s okay to do your best but also make a mistake. However, these tips for decluttering and organizing your self-storage will surely make things easier. Follow them, and it will be a great improvement to your storage unit!
