Whatever size self storage unit you invest in, you want to make sure you get your full money’s worth. The best way to ensure this is to truly maximise the space at your disposal and just a few changes in the organisation and packing of your storage facility can really make a difference.
Along with simply having more room available to you for your storage, taking steps to maximise space also brings benefits in terms of decluttering and being able to comfortably reach all of your items stored inside when the time comes to get them out. Smart packing tips and better organisation will ensure you use your storage unit efficiently and make life a whole lot easier.
We’ve put together this guide detailing our 10 top tips for maximising space in self storage, which we hope will help you get full bang for your buck from your rented storage space. If you’re interested in self storage in Nottinghamshire, contact our team today to discuss our many storage solutions.
How To Maximise Self Storage Space
Without further ado, let’s get into our top tips for making the most of the space in your storage unit…
Plan Ahead and Make an Inventory
You need to have a good idea of everything that is in your storage unit, so creating an inventory list is an essential first step – and updating said list every time you add or take items away from storage. Planning ahead in this way means you can properly organise the items in your unit and will make you won’t ever re-buy anything you’ve forgotten is tucked away in storage.
Use Uniform-Sized Boxes
It can be tempting to just use any old cardboard boxes you have lying around when packing up your things for storage, but irregular-sized boxes really have an impact on space efficiency. Using durable uniform boxes makes it far easier for you to stack boxes well and utilise vertical space to the fullest. Random shapes should be avoided, as should flimsy thin cardboard.
Label Everything Clearly
Label, label, label. We can’t emphasise enough how important it is to label each box! Large, visible labels are essential and we’d recommend having a label on every side of the box so you always know what’s inside whatever side you’re looking at it from. You could even consider colour-coding labels or stickers based on the type of item stored inside or the room they’re taken from, then placing all similar boxes together.
Maximise Vertical Space
Vertical space is probably the area where most self-storage unit users lose the majority of their space by simply laying items around the floor space and not properly stacking boxes. You should stack items strategically with the heaviest boxes at the bottom to make full use of vertical storage space, while the addition of freestanding sturdy shelving units can make this process easier and more efficient.
Disassemble Furniture
If a furniture item came flat-packed, it should be pretty simple to return it to that efficiently-packed state. Bulky items like bed frames, tables, drawers and chairs should be broken down to save space, with any nuts, bolts, screws and other little essentials kept in labelled bags taped to the box in which the furniture is kept.
Store Items Inside Other Items
If you’re planning to store items which themselves include storage space, use it! Many of our customers store items like drawers, suitcases and even bins, all of which provide a great spot to pack other items into. This form of ‘double duty’ storage will undoubtedly reduce wasted space in your unit.
Create Space for Easy Access
We know it’s tempting to just try and ram everything in there, but leaving a clear path to all of your items (especially any frequently accessed items) can be a real time and effort-saver down the line. You need all your essentials to be easily accessible, so be sure to put those long-term items at the back and any short-term ones at the front.
Use Clear Storage Boxes for Important Items
The humble clear plastic storage box is really handy when it comes to quick identification of contents. Items which you may only need to access occasionally are ideal for this kind of thing, especially seasonal items like Christmas decorations and summer holiday essentials.
Protect Fragile Items Properly
The last thing you want is to take something out of storage and realise it’s broken. We recommend using simple bubble wrap to encase anything delicate before being placed into boxes, which should be on the top of any stacking and clearly labelled as holding fragile items. You can also use soft furnishings from home for protection, such as bedding, blankets and towels, helping you again use items for more than one function.
Move with the Seasons
We all have items which we only use at certain times of the year, whether that’s in relation to personal items in storage or business storage too. It’s a good idea to swap your seasonal items to keep your unit relevant and a clutter free environment, helping you make the most of your limited storage space all year-round.
In Summary: Making The Most Of Your Storage Space
Staying organised and planning ahead is the key to making the most out of your storage space. Hopefully by following this simple advice and taking heed of a few of our top 10 tips, you’ll save yourself space, time, money and stress when it comes to self-storage.
Contact us below to discuss your self storage needs.
