Storage spaces at home can quickly become dumping grounds for boxes, bins, bags and belongings we don't use every day. The same thing can happen with a storage unit if you don't have a plan before you start moving things in.
Whether you're renting storage short term or long term, organizing your unit properly can help you maximize your space and make it much easier to find what you need later.
Here are six simple tips for organizing your self storage unit.
Cardboard boxes are a good storage option because they're affordable and easy to stack. Plastic storage bins are more durable and can be a good choice for belongings you'll access regularly.
Try to stick with one or two box or bin sizes. Similar-sized containers stack more easily and help you make better use of your storage space.
Small and medium boxes are particularly useful for heavier household items because they're easier to lift and move than large boxes.
The right packing supplies can help protect your belongings and keep your storage unit organized.
Depending on what you're storing, useful packing supplies may include:
Moving boxes in different sizes
Packing tape
Bubble wrap and packing paper
Furniture and mattress covers
Moving blankets
Labels and permanent markers
Use smaller, sturdy boxes for heavier items such as books and dishes, and larger boxes for lighter belongings such as bedding and clothing. Wrap fragile items individually and fill empty spaces in boxes to prevent items from shifting.
Furniture and mattresses should be clean and completely dry before storage and protected with appropriate covers.
Elite Self Storage sells a variety of moving and packing supplies at our Edmonton and St. Albert locations, making it easy to pick up boxes and other supplies when preparing your storage unit.
As you pack, create a simple inventory of what you're putting into storage.
Number each box or bin and record what's inside. You can keep the list on your phone, in a spreadsheet or wherever it will be easy to access when you need it.
For example:
Box 12 – Kitchen – baking dishes, cake pans and mixing bowls
Taking photos of valuable or important belongings before storing them can also be useful.
Read our guide on how to create an inventory for your storage unit for more tips.
Even if you create an inventory, clearly label your boxes and bins.
Be specific. Instead of simply writing Books, use labels such as Children's Books or Reference Books. Rather than Kitchen, try Glasses – Fragile or Baking Dishes & Cake Pans.
Label the top and at least one side of every box. That way, you'll still be able to identify it when boxes are stacked.
For more ideas, read our guide on how to label boxes for storage.
Before you start loading, think about which belongings you're most likely to need.
Large furniture, appliances and items you don't expect to use frequently can usually go toward the back. Keep seasonal items, business inventory, sporting equipment and anything you may need regularly closer to the front.
It's also a good idea to leave an aisle through your storage unit. It may mean sacrificing a small amount of storage space, but you'll be able to reach belongings at the back without unloading half the unit.
When possible, disassemble larger furniture to save space. Keep screws, bolts and other hardware in a labelled bag attached to the corresponding piece.
Making use of the height of your storage unit can significantly increase the amount you can store.
Stack sturdy boxes with heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top. Avoid stacking boxes so high that they become unstable or difficult to retrieve safely.
Freestanding shelving can be even more useful, particularly if you'll access your belongings regularly.
Imagine needing your winter boots after the first Alberta snowfall and discovering they're in the bottom bin of a six-bin stack. With shelving, you can remove the bin you need without moving everything above it.
How you organize your storage unit also depends on what you're storing.
Furniture, electronics, photographs, documents and other temperature-sensitive belongings may benefit from climate-controlled storage, particularly for longer-term storage.
Drive-up storage can be convenient for furniture, equipment and larger household belongings because you can pull your vehicle directly up to your storage unit.
Elite Self Storage offers a variety of storage options at our South Edmonton and St. Albert locations.
Elite Self Storage South Edmonton offers climate-controlled storage, drive-up storage, storage lockers, vehicle storage and RV storage.
Elite Self Storage St. Albert, formerly Riel Park RV & Mini Storage, offers heated and climate-controlled storage, unheated drive-up units, vehicle storage and RV storage. Long-time customers may also remember the facility as Riel Park RV & Self Storage or Riel Park Storage.
Both locations offer month-to-month storage rentals and a variety of unit sizes to accommodate different storage needs.
Keep items you won't need often toward the back, frequently used belongings near the front and leave an aisle for access. Label every box, create an inventory and use shelving or careful stacking to maximize vertical space.
Both can work well. Cardboard boxes are affordable and easy to stack, while plastic bins are durable and convenient for belongings you access regularly. Using similar-sized containers makes stacking and organizing easier.
Yes. Leaving an aisle makes it much easier to reach belongings at the back of your storage unit without moving boxes and furniture every time you need something.
Number and label your boxes and keep a corresponding inventory on your phone or computer. Adding photos can make it even easier to remember what you've stored and where you've placed it.
Keep anything you're likely to need regularly near the front, such as seasonal decorations, winter clothing, sporting equipment, tools or business inventory.
Common packing supplies include sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap or packing paper, furniture covers, mattress covers, moving blankets, labels and markers. The supplies you need will depend on the belongings you're storing.
A little planning before you move in can save a lot of time later. Use sturdy containers, protect your belongings with the right packing supplies, label everything, create an inventory, leave room for access and take advantage of vertical space.
If you're looking for storage in Edmonton or St. Albert, Elite Self Storage offers storage units in a range of sizes and types for short- or long-term needs.
Call Elite Self Storage at 780-347-0433 or rent or reserve online today.
