Maximizing Your Storage Space

Anyone whose been faced with the daunting task of moving has probably been tempted to simply throw everything out of the back of the truck into the storage unit and hope that the door will close when you’re finished. That approach, though quick and easy, really isn’t very strategic for finding what you need when you need it later. The best way to make the most of the space in your storage unit is to organize it properly.

Rather than giving in to the easy, over-the-shoulder toss, you can make the most of your storage unit by following these ideas for organizing your storage unit. Keeping your space organized will help you locate your things easily when you need them.

Plan ahead. Think about which stored items you’ll need access to most often and regularly, or most immediately, and put those in last, so they’ll be close to the front. Items that you plan to store long-term should go into your unit first, so that they are farthest to the back and not in your way when you need to access the things you know you’ll need sooner or often. Sometimes putting larger items toward the back is helpful, as well, but if it’s something you use often, you’ll probably want to place it up front.

Store in seasonal quadrants. Having a system that allows you to access everything is key to successful storing. Consider dividing your storage unit into quadrants—one each for summer, fall, spring, and winter—and separate them with clear walking paths so you can easily access your things without having to pull everything out each time.

Invest in closet organizers and rethink your storage containers. If you’re like most people, your belongings are packed in a variety of boxes, plastic bins, and garbage bags. This is a huge mistake! Purchasing plastic bins that are all the same shape and size is a great way to make the most of your space. That way, everything stacks together neatly. If you buy clear bins, you can easily see what’s inside each one. Think about which items can be stored together in larger bins and which do best when stored alone, like liquids that can leak or spill.

Label everything. This tip does not technically save you any space in your storage unit, but it will make your life much easier when you need to get something out of storage. Labeling every box and bin inside your unit makes it fast and simple to find what you’re looking for.

Pack heavy items on the bottom. Start by packing your heaviest items on the bottom then continue stacking, saving the lightest, smallest items for the very top. If you fill your storage unit without strategizing where to place things, you’ll probably end up with leaning piles that topple easily and are difficult to navigate.

A storage unit can open up your home, allowing you to utilize the spaces that are currently being used for storage (like a garage or basement), or keep your belongings safe during a move. But making the most of your storage space really helps you know where things are and how to get to them when you need to.

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Catherine Cattarello is a writer, editor, and small business owner.

#storage #maximizingspace