If you plan to access the items you have in your storage unit frequently, a little planning and preparation before you start loading in will help you make the most of your storage space while also saving you time and frustration down the road. Here are our top suggestions for how to organize your storage unit for easy access to all your belongings.
1. Start with an Inventory
As you are placing items into your storage unit, you should write down a complete list of exactly what you are putting in as well as exactly where you are putting it. Big pieces of furniture are easy to locate, but smaller items and anything inside a box will get lost in the shuffle very quickly. Make a master list of everything and draw a map of your unit that shows where everything on your list can be found. If you plan to take things in and out of your storage unit, as well, place your map and list inside a protective plastic sleeve and mark changes on the outside with a dry-erase marker, so you will always be up to date.
2. Label Every Box
Boxes and bins are great for keeping items organized and together, but when they are all stacked up inside your unit, it is impossible to know what is inside. Place a label on the side of every box that lists its full contents. Do not label the top, since this will be covered with another box. Using clear plastic bins can help you to see what is inside, but a list will still be crucial. Numbering your boxes and keeping a master list of what is inside each box is also extremely helpful. When choosing boxes or bins, use only one or two sizes to keep everything organized and to ensure they stack well.
3. Use Shelves
If you have lots of boxes and need to access what is inside of these frequently, you should invest in some sturdy shelves. This allows you to pull down each box individually without having to dig through a whole stack. You can also stack boxes higher, usually, when you use shelves.
4. Maintain Aisles
Keeping one or more walkways inside your unit is crucial for easy access. Without an aisle, you will have to move everything out of the storage unit to access what is in the back. Depending on your needs, you may just need aisles that go partway into the unit. To create walkways, you may need to rent a slightly larger storage unit that will give you the extra floor space you need to develop pathways for ease of access.
5. Place Frequently Accessed Items in Front
The more you need something, the closer it should be to the front of the unit. Archives and furniture that you will not need soon should go in the back, while seasonal items, inventory, and recreational gear should be in the front. The easier they are to access, the more likely you will be to use them.
6. Take the Time to Pack, Plan, and Organize
The more thought and time you put into packing your boxes well, labeling things appropriately, documenting where things are, and planning out the layout of your unit, the more you will thank yourself later. When a storage unit is chaotic and disorganized, it becomes a wasteland of items that people stop using. When you take the time upfront to ensure you know where things are and how to get to them, visiting your storage unit will feel like a breeze instead of a chore.
Call Alpha Self Storage today to see our available storage units and how we can help with your long- and short-term storage needs.