Many people think that storing large furniture or a large number of items requires a spacious warehouse. In fact, this isn’t always the case. Often, proper space management allows you to fit everything you need even in a compact unit, and sometimes even save on rent.
First, estimate the volume, then choose the size.
One of the most common mistakes is renting a unit that’s too large. People overestimate the number of items they need and pay for extra square footage that, in reality, remains empty.
Before signing a contract, it’s worth doing something simple: take photos of all the items you plan to store and write down their approximate dimensions. The length, width, and height of each large item will help you calculate the required volume much more accurately than subjectively assessing whether something is too big or too small. Many storage companies offer consultants who can quickly determine which storage unit is right for you based on this information.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to visit the warehouse and see the available options in person. This way, you can visually compare the dimensions and determine whether your items will fit.
Preparing items for storage: what you need to know
Any item takes up less space if folded and packed properly. Neglecting this step often results in even a spacious storage unit being completely overcrowded.
Disassemble furniture. If possible, disassemble large items. Removable legs, shelves, and fronts take up much less space than an entire wardrobe or bed. It’s best to place all screws and small parts in a single bag and label them so you don’t have to search for anything during reassembly.
Use boxes of the same size. It sounds simple, but it works flawlessly. Boxes of the same size are easy to stack; they don’t fall apart or shift. They’re also easy to label and stack on top of each other without the risk of falling over.
Don’t leave empty spaces. Large items, such as closets or chests of drawers, can be filled with boxes of clothes, books, or documents. This way, you’ll utilize every inch of usable space.
Take measurements of the box itself. Don’t forget to factor in the ceiling height. Renters often only fill the floor, leaving the top half of the storage unit empty. Using shelving or properly stacking boxes in several rows helps store much more items in the same amount of space.
Space Saving
A simple yet underrated item is standard warehouse shelving. Adding a couple of metal shelving units to your storage unit instantly creates multiple storage levels. Boxes, bags, tools, and sports equipment can be stored not only on the floor but also on shelves.
Shelving is especially useful if you store a lot of small items: books, dishes, documents, spare parts, or boxed clothing. Without shelving, these items quickly become a cluttered mess that’s difficult to find.
How to Store Clothes and Linens
Clothing and bedding take up a lot of space when simply stacked. Vacuum bags solve this problem: they remove air and reduce the volume of items by almost two to three times. These bags are especially good for seasonal clothing: down jackets, fur coats, blankets, and warm sweaters are perfectly stored compressed.
If you have items that can’t be wrinkled or plan to frequently remove them from the storage unit, it’s a good idea to hang them on hangers. Some companies offer special storage units with bars, but you can also install a mobile hanger in a regular room.
Labels and markings: why are they necessary?
Even if you’re sure you’ll remember where everything is, after a few weeks you might forget which box holds your Christmas decorations or school notebooks. Label the outside of the boxes, at least indicating a general category: “kitchen,” “winter clothes,” “books,” “tools,” “documents.” This will save you hours of searching and eliminate the need to sort through everything.
Quick tips
- Take photos of your items and write down their dimensions before renting.
- Disassemble furniture and use boxes of the same size.
- Fill the voids inside cabinets and drawers.
- Use shelving for vertical storage.
- Pack clothes in vacuum-sealed bags.
- Label each box for easy identification.
If you’re unsure about the size of your storage unit, visit the warehouse in person.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to fit much more into a small storage unit than you might think. The key is a little planning and proper organization.