Organising You Storage Unit: 6 Common Mistakes to Avoid

So, you've decided to rent a storage unit to stash away your stuff, whether it's during a move or just to declutter your space. Great choice! But here's the thing: a storage unit can either be a well-organised oasis or a chaotic nightmare that ends up looking like 💩. And trust us, you don't want it to be the latter. To ensure your storage unit remains a place of sanity rather than a vortex of lost belongings, let's talk about the six common mistakes you absolutely need to avoid.

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1. Skipping the Inventory List 📋:

One big mistake people make is assuming they'll remember everything they've stored. Spoiler alert: you won't. Skipping the creation of an inventory list is like navigating a maze blindfolded. Do yourself a favour and start a detailed list of everything you're putting in there. Spreadsheets are your friend for this task. Snap photos of your items and store them digitally, along with your inventory list. And don't forget to make a map showing where each item is located inside the unit.

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2. Neglecting Disassembly 🔨:

Don't try to cram oversized furniture into your storage unit as is. Neglecting to disassemble large items like bed frames and tables is a surefire way to waste precious space. Take the time to break them down. Store furniture vertically at the back of the unit, except for mattresses, which should be stored flat. If your dining table doesn't come apart, get creative and use it as extra shelving for stacked boxes.

3. Heavy Items Upfront 🧱:

Here's a classic blunder: placing your heavy items at the front of the unit. Nope, that's not how you do it. Heavy stuff should go to the back and on the bottom. Why? Because those heavy boxes will crush the lighter ones if you put them on top. It's like creating a storage unit Jenga game you don't want to play.

4. Ignoring Accessibility 🏕️:

Think about it: some items you'll need more often than others. That spare bed you're storing? It won't see the light of day for a while. But your camping gear or seasonal clothes? You'll be making trips to the unit for those. So, don't ignore accessibility. Put items you'll need regularly toward the front of the unit in clearly labelled boxes or bins. Trust us; you'll thank yourself later.

5. Horizontal Madness 📚:

You know what they say, "Think inside the box." Well, that's not exactly how it goes, but it works here. When packing and organising your storage unit, remember to go vertical. Stack those boxes high and store furniture upright. If you've got bookcases or shelving units, use them to your advantage. Add wire shelving or hanging shelves if needed. Got a high-ceiling unit? Keep a foldable ladder or step stool handy. Have a look at our neat renders of corridors inside our units to make sure you can plan ahead!

6. Overlooking Labels 🏷️:

Last but not least, let's talk about labels. Or the lack thereof. Neglecting to label your boxes and bins is a recipe for frustration. You might think you'll remember where you stashed those old family photo albums, but after months or years in storage, good luck with that. Label each box clearly with a permanent marker or printed labels. And make sure the labelled side faces the front of the storage unit for easy spotting.

Bonus Tips 🎁:

Know the Rules: Check with the storage facility about what's allowed and any restrictions on stored items.

Size Matters: Rent a storage unit that suits your needs; it's better to have a bit of extra space than to play storage unit Tetris. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with our large range of different-size storage units.

Quality Over Savings: Invest in good packing supplies to protect your items from dust and damage. As usual, we’ve got you.

Electronics Need Love: Place small electronics and cords in waterproof plastic bags to shield them from moisture.

Renting a storage unit is smart and organising it properly can save you endless headaches. By avoiding these common mistakes and following our tips, you'll transform your storage unit into a well-organised space where everything is easy to find. With these strategies, your storage unit will remain a sanctuary of sanity, ensuring that your stored items are accessible whenever you need them and that your precious storage unit doesn’t look like 💩. Happy storing!