So you’re considering renting a self storage room or you’ve already signed the contract for your new self storage unit and are now wondering how to maximise space and what to put where in your unit?
We have many years of experience in the self storage industry and are happy to share our top tips with you to make the most of the space you have and keep your costs down. Sometimes all you need is to re-organise your storage unit instead of moving to a bigger room.
Here are our top tips for getting the most out of your self storage unit.
1. Plan ahead
Think about which of your stored belongings you will have to access frequently and place them to the front of your storage unit, keeping them easily accessible. If you are storing items for the long term, it’s a good idea to put them toward the back of your room. It can also make sense to group together items you need to access together, for example anything holiday related, your garden tools or Christmas decorations.
2. Label all boxes
Clearly label all boxes to make it easier to find items. If you have to access something from your storage unit, you don’t want to have to open several boxes first before you find what you are looking for. If you are using your storage unit to store a lot of belongings that will be moved into your house all at once, for example for redecorating or a house move, it can also be a good idea to label boxes with the room they should go to. That way you and your helpers can easily identify where to put each box when moving emptying your self storage room.
3. Utilise suitcases, wardrobes and drawers
If you are storing suitcases, wardrobes, chests of drawers or any other storage furniture in your self storage unit, don’t leave the storage space unused. They are ideal for storing bedding, clothes, shoes or soft furnishings inside. This will help you maximise your storage space and free up valuable space for other items.
4. Line the walls
When moving into your storage unit, start by storing your belongings along the outer walls first and pack everything tightly, stacking boxes of similar sizes on top of each other. If you need regular access to everything in your storage unit, leave an aisle in the middle so you can easily get to all items. This will save you valuable time, as you won’t have to move boxes and other items around when accessing what you need.
5. Install shelving
Using sturdy metal shelving can help you maximise vertical space in your storage unit. Instead of just stacking a few boxes on top of each other, if you are planning to use your storage unit for a longer time period, it can make sense to install shelving, allowing you to get more out of the vertical space in your storage unit. If you are storing shelving units in your storage room, use them for boxes and other items rather than leaving them empty.
6. Protect furniture and fragile items
It’s a good idea to cover furniture with a dustsheet and keep mattresses and sofas clean by wrapping them properly to protect them from dust and other dirt as well as tears when moving other furniture and boxes into our out of your storage unit. Wrap any fragile items such as plates, glasses and vases into bubble wrap before putting them into boxes. Our box shop sells any packaging products you might need including bubble wrap, boxes and tape. Please ask at our reception if you need anything or would like advice on how to best store fragile or delicate items.
If you have any questions about self storage, our experienced staff are happy to help you. You can come see us in the office at any time during opening hours. You can also get in touch with us on 01875 816 222 or email us at info@ladybirdselfstorage.com.
