Your Guide to Keeping your Storage Unit Organised

A 20ft shipping container here at Lock and Load Self Storage is a spacious unit which can comfortably accommodate the contents of an average three-bedroom house. With a large amount of goods inside, keeping your container organised is key to making life easier. Saving you time, reducing stress, and ensuring everything stays in good condition.

Here are some practical self storage tips and tricks from our storage experts to help you organize your storage unit here at Lock and Load Self Storage, Olney.

Declutter and Sort

Start by clearing out the clutter. Recycle or donate items you don’t need anymore. This frees up space and makes it simpler to organise what’s left. Next, sort everything into categories like kitchen supplies, holiday decorations, or seasonal clothing. This makes it easier to find stuff later. Once everything is sorted, invest in storage solutions like boxes, baskets, and shelves to keep items organized and easily accessible. Label boxes and containers so you know where everything belongs. Create designated spaces for each category and keep similar items together. This will help reduce clutter and make it easier to maintain a tidy space in the long run. Regularly declutter and reorganize to prevent things from piling up again. Set aside some time each month to go through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer use or need.

By following these steps and developing good organizing habits, you can create a clutter-free and functional space that is easy to maintain. Remember, a tidy space leads to a clear mind and a more peaceful environment.

Choosing the Right Storage Solutions

There are a variety of storage solutions available but we believe that good quality cardboard boxes, or clear plastic storage boxes are a must when packing a storage unit. Choosing the right boxes and packing them well will help you maximise your storage capacity inside the unit and make the most of the amount of storage space you have available.

Use small containers or dividers within larger boxes can help to keep things organized and separated. This is especially useful for small items like screws, nails, or crafting supplies. Clear plastic ones are great because you can see what’s inside without opening them. Stackable boxes re a bonus for saving space. Invest in a tool chest or toolbox to keep all your tools in one place and easily transport them when needed. This can help prevent clutter and ensure you always know where your tools are. Don’t forget about utilizing the space on the back of doors or inside cabinets. You can hang organizers or hooks to store items like cleaning supplies, towels, or hats.

Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper to protect them from damage. Stack these items carefully to avoid crushing or breaking them.
Make sure to clean and dry any items before storing them to prevent mold or mildew from forming on items placed into storage. Consider using moisture absorbers or desiccants to keep your unit dry. Try to move in on a dry day and to drain any washing machines before you store them to keep your unit dry inside.

Labelling and Inventory

Clearly mark each container with a large, easy-to-read label so you can quickly identify what is inside the boxes in your storage unit, and labelling heavy boxes will ensure that you’re well prepared before you lift them.
Create a detailed list of all the items stored in your unit and regularly update your inventory list as you add or remove items. This will help you stay organized and prevent unnecessary purchases of duplicates. Use clear plastic storage containers to easily see the contents inside without having to open each box.
Use a color-coding system to designate different categories of items (i.e. red for holiday decorations, blue for clothing, green for tools).
You can even use labels with QR codes that you can scan with your phone to quickly access your inventory list digitally.

Consider Access and Accessibility

Our convenient drive-up storage units mean that you can park right next to your unit for ease of access. Once inside your container it is important to arrange items by how often you use them. Put frequently used items near the front for easy access, and store less-used items towards the back. For example, in a storage unit storing household items:
Frequently used items:

• Seasonal clothing
• Extra linens and towels
• Sports equipment
• Tools

Less frequently used items:

• Holiday decorations
• Camping gear
• Extra kitchen appliances
• Boxes of sentimental items
• Furniture pieces

We recommend leaving a path inside your storage unit so that you have easier access to everything within the unit whilst still making the most of the space your unit provides. This also means that you won’t have to move things around to access the items at the back of your unit, saving you time and energy when you visit.

Organise by Size and Shape

Put larger items like furniture or bulky equipment at the back or bottom of your storage unit. This keeps them out of the way and provides a stable base. If you plan this before you pack your storage unit it will really make a difference to your experience every time you visit.

Stack or group similar-sized items together. This makes the best use of space and keeps your unit organised.

Use vertical space for storing long or awkwardly shaped items. This keeps the floor space clear and makes it easier to navigate your unit. Many people forget that whilst the unit size is 160 square foot, it is also 8 foot tall – make the most of that extra space to stack your boxes.

Maintain and Review

Set regular times to tidy and reorganise your storage unit. This keeps things orderly and prevents clutter from building up. Periodically review and rearrange your storage unit to keep it efficient. This helps adapt to changing storage needs, particularly if you are using your unit to store your seasonal goods.

Regularly assess the contents of your storage unit and make adjustments as needed. This ensures that your storage space remains organized and clutter-free.

Conclusion

Container storage is a great secure storage option for your belongings and keeping it organised will make your life that little bit easier. Keeping your storage unit organised is all about decluttering, using smart storage solutions, labelling, and regularly maintaining the space. By following these helpful tips, you’ll ensure your storage unit is always easy to access and efficiently organised.

Whether you’re renting a convenient storage unit for long-term storage to free up space in your home, or you’re looking for a shorter time in storage for a house move, our expert tips will help you make the most of the space and give you the best self storage experience.

To request a viewing, or to reserve your unit here at Lock and Load Self Storage, Olney you can reach out to us at sales@lockandloadselfstorage.co.uk or call us on 01234 713 216.