Maximizing the efficiency of your rental storage unit is like putting together a multi-layered jigsaw puzzle. Simple organizational tricks and packing hacks can make your experience more accessible overall.
Be sure to rent the correct size unit for your needs. Online size guides can help you determine what type of storage space you need.
Organize Your Boxes
The most effective way to organize your rental NYC storage unit is to label every box you pack clearly. Although this may seem tedious, it will save you a lot of time in the long run if you need to find something. Use a simple identifier such as a box number, the room it came from, or what the box contains to make it easier to retrieve your items later on.
It is also a good idea to create a master inventory sheet that lists each box’s contents. Depending on your preference, This can be done on paper or in a digital spreadsheet. This will allow you to reference this list if you need to retrieve something from your storage unit, as you won’t have to open every box you have packed.
It’s also a good idea to put any boxes you’ll access frequently toward the front of your unit. This could include winter clothing, school or office supplies, and holiday decorations.
Stack Your Boxes in a Brick-Wall Configuration
While the instinct may be to stack all your boxes one on top of each other, a brick-wall configuration is a better option. These types of stacks distribute container weight more evenly, which reduces the likelihood that they’ll tip over or cave in during storage and transit.
It’s also helpful to stick to a few box sizes rather than several when stacking your containers. Boxes of similar sizes stack easily and efficiently, maximizing space efficiency. Keeping consistent box sizes also helps ensure that flush stacks remain balanced even as they get taller and higher, which reduces the risk of accidental falls.
Another great way to maximize the efficiency of your storage unit is to make a map of what’s in each section. This doesn’t have to be a complicated diagram, but it will help you find what you need in your unit more quickly when you visit it. It will also eliminate the need to scour through every box to locate something buried in the back of your stacks. You can use a simple hand-drawn estimate to delineate the general locations of your items.
Place Frequently Accesses Items at the Front of the Unit
If you know you need to access certain items while in storage (for example, your winter coats and golf clubs), put them towards the front of your unit. This will save you from cramming the back of your storage space with items you won’t be using for months or years.
It is also a good idea to keep a list of your stored belongings and their locations – this will help you recall where everything is when you need it. You can even create a basic drawing and tack it to the wall of your storage unit so you can easily locate your items.
Finally, placing heavy boxes on the bottom of your storage unit and lighter ones on top is always a good idea. This will prevent heavier items from crushing smaller, lighter boxes and causing damage to your belongings over time. Be sure to also store a step stool inside your storage unit to reach higher items. This is especially important for storing fragile items that may be at risk of getting crushed or for storing items like mirrors or artwork in storage.
Create a Center Aisle
Creating aisles within your storage unit helps improve mobility and item accessibility. While adding an aisle or two subtracts from the overall space you have available for storing items, it’s a small price to pay for convenience. Adding an aisle will allow you to remove and deposit boxes more easily and rearrange your items in record time.
In addition, consider adding shelves or pallets to help with organization and air circulation. Shelving can be stacked on top of each other to save floor and wall space, while a pallet is ideal for storing items like clothing or tools that need to stay upright.
The right layout of a self-storage facility is essential to ensure its success. Getting it right can help you avoid losing revenue as competitors increase rates to meet demand and maximize unit mix. Maximizing your storage unit is an ongoing process that requires careful evaluation and planning. By following these nine simple tips, you can save yourself a lot of headaches in the long run.
Add Shelving or Pallets
If you are storing heavier items, such as furniture or boxes too big to fit into a standard unit, consider adding shelving units or pallets. They will make it easier to store items in a more organized way and can help prevent any damage from taking place.
If there are any items you know you will need to retrieve frequently from your storage unit, such as winter coats or golf clubs, be sure to put them toward the front of your unit so they are easy to find. This will save you the time and frustration of rummaging through your whole storage unit, looking for what you need.
Labeling each box with a detailed inventory of its contents is another effective storage organizing tip. Be sure to use a permanent marker to read the labels in the future easily. Also, remember to wrap or cover any upholstered furniture you store in your storage unit. Using plastic wrapping can suffocate the furniture and cause it to mildew, so it is better to drape furniture loosely with quilts, drop cloths, or old sheets.
