When planning a move or renovation to your home, it can be tempting to focus more on getting your belongings out of your home and push thoughts of getting them back in your home to a later date. Then you find that once you finish the renovations or moving day has finally arrived, the unit is overwhelmingly cluttered. Boxes are stacked randomly, seasonal decor is trapped behind furniture, and you are left wondering where to begin.
Luckily, this can be avoided. By treating storage as a place you can retrieve items from rather than a place to toss things in temporarily, you can make your storage experience much smoother. If you’re unsure where to begin, most storage facilities offer more information about layout recommendations and packing tips.
Start With a Plan Before You Move a Single Box
Before you start boxing everything up, it’s best to have a plan. Especially during a move, it’s understandable to figure that everything is coming in with you and not bother with outlining an organizational layout. However, moving to a new place can be tiring, and unpacking can be a longer process than expected. Items that you need close at hand should be the easiest to access. By sketching out a quick layout, grouping similar items together, and creating zones for each group’s accessibility needs, you can avoid having important items trapped behind items you rarely touch.
Dividing Your Unit Into Smart Zones
Dividing the storage unit into zones can be a game-changer. Visual separation makes finding what you are looking for so much easier than haphazardly placing items in whatever space they can fit in. Planning ahead like this can reduce stress and save time in the long run. If a detailed plan of everything’s location feels overwhelming, try drawing a simple map and taping it inside the storage unit’s door. This can help you remember the gist of where your items are located without having to rely on memorization.
If you’re looking for zoning ideas, here are some examples that can get you started:
- Holiday decorations in one corner
- Business supplies along one wall
- Furniture at the back
- Important documents in sealed bins
- Sports equipment near the entrance
While this is a great place to begin thinking about zoning your space, don’t be afraid to get creative and fit the design to your individual needs.
Label Like Your Future Self Depends on It
Writing the type of object that is tucked within each box on the side is a no-brainer. However, a more detailed labeling can save you a lot of hassle if you take the time to do so. For instance, you could place large, bold labels on multiple sides so you know what is inside, no matter where you are in the unit. You could also color-code or number each item if a more visual presentation helps you. Especially if you plan to keep items in storage long term, a digital or notebook inventory list can help you remember what you have and where you have it. Searching for your items shouldn’t turn into a scavenger hunt, so whatever labelling process you chose, make sure to pick one you will remember.
Stack Smart and Leave Breathing Room
Take advantage of how you use vertical space as well. If you plan to stack boxes, make sure to put heavier items on the bottom and keep the stack steady so lighter items don’t tip over. Your own physical safety should be your first priority, so if a stack of boxes looks questionable, don’t leave it and assume it will be fine. You can also create pathways down the center, so getting to the back of the unit is easier. A simple walkway can make the difference between a quick stop and being forced to unload and reload the unit to get what you need.
Maintain It Over Time
Be sure to maintain your unit once it is set up. Consider reviewing the unit every few months to make sure nothing has fallen over or is stored improperly. Take the time to update your inventory list and remove items you no longer use or need. Good organization starts before the first box gets filled and is maintained until the last box leaves the unit. Before your next storage visit, take a few minutes to rethink your layout. A little planning now can save hours later.
