7 Steps to Successfully Organizing a Storage Unit

84% of Americans feel their homes aren't organized enough. But for these individuals, staying organized is more than keeping up appearances. At least 55% of them are stressed out over clutter.

Renting a self-storage unit provides a solution to help balance out the amount of stuff you have between living and storage spaces. It's easier to keep a home tidy when it's filled with fewer possessions. You just have to worry about organizing a storage unit instead.

At Rock Safe, we're here to help you learn how to better organize s storage unit so you can get to things easily. Declutter your life with our 7 storage unit organization tips.

1. Rent the Right Unit

 Before you even start packing, make sure you know everything you plan on storing in the storage unit. Make a list and label each box with items or the category of items it contains so you'll know where to put it in storage and in your new residence.

Another good idea to keep in mind is to leave a bit of extra space if you think you'll be adding more possessions down the line. Once you've got a good baseline, look at what units we have available and we'll be happy to help you select a unit. See our size guide to help you gauge what size of unit you'll need for your belongings.

2. Take Inventory Before Organizing a Storage Unit

Part of staying organized is knowing what is or isn't located in the storage unit. You should catalog each item as you pack it away. While it may seem like a hassle, you'll thank yourself down the road.

Keep a digital copy of your inventory on your computer, as well as on the cloud or a USB. Include the approximate value of costly items. This can help you get reimbursed by your homeowner's insurance policy in case something goes missing.

If you want to go the extra mile, take pictures of your possessions to further document their current condition before the move and after moving to the new location.

3. Package Small Possessions

When it comes to packaging your possessions, you have two good options. Your best choice is to make use of transparent plastic bins. These can help you locate items in your storage unit without having to crack open any boxes.

But there's nothing wrong with cardboard boxes, especially if you don't plan on visiting the storage unit often. Choose two or three boxes of descending size, so you can stack them vertically. Make sure you label the boxes with the type of items that it contains so you remember what you put where when moving time gets hectic.

4. Place Important Items Up Front

Have you packed items that you may want later on? Maybe you have some Christmas decor tucked away in the storage unit until the holiday season returns. If this is the case, be sure to keep these possessions near the entrance to your unit.

This means you won't have to pull out dozens of boxes to get to the one bin you're looking for. Plus, you won't have to go looking for it in the first place. It'll be right there, waiting for you when you need it.

5. Label Everything

When you're packing up a storage unit, pretend you're moving. You can affix paper, tape, or store-bought labels to any of your bins. And you should, even if they're transparent.

This further cuts down on the time it'll take to locate that one possession you're looking for. As you're stacking your boxes, try and create a pathway in the storage unit. Have your labels face the pathway so none of your boxes is hidden away.

6. Dismantle Large Possessions

Want to know how to organize a storage unit with large items, like furniture? The trick is to dismantle them as much as possible.

For example, a desk takes a lot of space when fully constructed. But broken down to its essential parts, it's essentially a pile of wooden boards. These are easier to stack and far less cumbersome.

The issue, of course, is putting these items back together, and not losing the smaller parts when you need them. Of course, you probably won't want to haul furniture in and out of your unit all the time.

But if you do need access, deconstruct at least part of the furniture and make sure you put any little screws or small metal parts in a bag that is taped to the furniture it came with so you don't lose them. This will make it easier to transport and store.

7. Take Advantage of Vertical Space

Most companies provide the length and width of their storage units. But what about the height? Always think vertically when it's time to fill your rented space.

Remember to store larger and heavier containers at the bottom. These provide a solid foundation for smaller and lighter boxes. Continue stacking until you reach the ceiling.

But your possessions probably won't all fit in boxes. So what do you do?

Install shelving. Yes, most storage spaces allow you to install your own set of shelves. These can play an important role in maximizing your use of vertical space, especially with lighter miscellaneous items.

However, if you need access to large boxes on the base layer, you may have to dig to get to them. Consider creating a map with the layout of your storage unit, so you can get to your desired possessions with the least amount of fuss.

Rent a Storage Unit in Arroyo Grande and Nipomo

Do you live in the Arroyo Grande area or looking to move to the area? If so, then come on by and visit us at Rock Safe Self Storage and we'll help you get situated with the right storage unit for you. We protect our units with individual alarms and fire sprinklers, as well as 24-hour security surveillance.

Get started online and select a storage unit that suits your personal needs.