How to Maximize Space in Your Storage Unit
Renting a storage unit has become a very popular solution for getting some extra space for things we don't frequently use. With so many options, it has become very easy to choose a unit that is perfect for our needs.
However, even with all the measuring, it often seems to people that they've underestimated the space they've rented. It could be that they've picked the wrong size, but usually, the problem lies with not-so-good space organization. In this article, we'll show you how to maximize space in your storage unit and make sure to use every square inch of it.
Whether you need a temporary or a long-term solution to store your belongings, renting a unit is an excellent way to go. If your living space is small and you don't have room for all of your stuff or have things you use a couple of times a year (for example, camping equipment), storing them safely in a rented unit is a great solution. Nowadays, it's very affordable, too.
Renting a storage unit is also very useful before, during, and after the moving process. Let's say you want to leave the hustle and bustle of NYC and relocate to a more quiet, smaller place. Of course, you'll hire long-distance movers to make the process smooth, but even with all their help, you will probably still need to rent storage space.
For example, if you are selling your NYC home, you will need a safe space to store your things while the sale is in progress. In case you still haven't found a new place, you will need to keep your stuff somewhere until you find the right one. Or, if you are downsizing, you will need room for the extra stuff that you can't fit into your smaller home.
When packing your storage unit, you want to make sure that every inch of the space is fully utilized. To achieve this, you should try doing the following:
Make a storage map - to organize your unit more efficiently, make a tentative map of where each of your things should go and try to stick to it.
Label everything - once you've packed your stuff, make sure to label all the boxes and containers.
Make an inventory list - make a list of all of your belongings and make a note in which box or container you packed specific things.
Leave an aisle for yourself - when you start packing your stuff inside the storage unit, make sure to leave room for you to move.
A lot of storage units have high ceilings, and you should take advantage of this. You can get custom-made shelves that go from the floor to the ceiling or stack the boxes or plastic containers all the way up.
However, be mindful when putting things high up. You want to put only lightweight items on the top. That way, there is a smaller chance that everything will collapse and cause you some serious injuries.
Even though it might not seem that way, clothes can take up a lot of space, especially bulky stuff such as thick sweaters or winter coats. The best way to store them is to use vacuum seal bags.
Make sure to vacuum seal everything else that's possible, too - bed sheets, pillows, blankets, etc. When you seal the bag, all excess air is removed, saving you a lot of valuable space. On top of that, your things are kept clean and fresh.
People usually buy different boxes, plastic containers, or bags to store their belongings. But they're making a mistake - using storage containers that are the same size is the best way to fully utilize the space and organize your unit in a much neater way.
It is much easier to stack boxes that are the same size than to worry about lining up the dimensions and finding the right balance. This can create a safety hazard, too. If you don't get the balance right, things could come crashing down, and you could get hurt.
Many people use up the bottom part of the storage by filling it with boxes and leaving the upper part of the wall empty. This way, they are losing a lot of storage space as you can use walls in so many different ways.
One of the ways to use wall space is to employ pegboards. You can hang tools, bags, or even art. While you can still push boxes against the wall at the bottom, you will also be using the upper part of the wall. You can even add shelves on top of the pegboards and utilize the space even more. To make it as convenient as possible, make sure you don't put anything you frequently use on the top shelf.
Ceiling space is very underrated but has so much storing potential. For example, you can use bungee cords or S-hooks to hang different items. For example, you can hang your outdoor equipment, bikes, or any unusually shaped item and save yourself a lot of space.
Furniture pieces can be pretty big and take up a lot of space. You need to find the right ways to store your furniture so that you have enough space left to use for the rest of your stuff.
To maximize space in your storage unit, make sure to disassemble large pieces of furniture. Beds, desks, kitchen cabinets, and dining sets are quite large, and they'll not just use a lot of space, but they will leave gaps, too. By dismantling the furniture, you will make sure not to waste any valuable space. You should pack the pieces flat, as that way, they will take up the least room.
Renting a storage unit is a great way to keep your belongings safe while being able to access them any time you need to. We hope our advice will help you maximize space in your storage unit and organize it most conveniently. We wish you happy storing!