Is your self-storage unit less than organized? Whether you started out without a structured system to store your belongings or you haven't maintained the space during the past few years, take a look at what you can do to organize your rental unit right now.
Inventory Everything
What do the boxes, bins, and bags inside the rental unit hide? If you didn't create an inventory before you moved everything in or haven't maintained an existing inventory, you need to start now.
An inventory lists what you have in your rental unit by item, season, room, size, or any other category that makes sense to you. You can handwrite a list, create a spreadsheet, or use an app to keep track of everything you store in the rental unit.
As you make or update an inventory, note items you no longer want to store or won't need. This will help you with the next step: de-cluttering.
De-Clutter the Space
Did you move your in-home clutter to your rental unit? If you've used this space as an off-site area to hold your household leftovers, it's time to remove the clutter. After you've inventoried everything and chosen what you don't need, you can de-clutter the rental unit.
To adequately inventory everything, you need to move or remove containers, bags, or loose furniture. Ideally, you would place the items you're cleaning out in a separate pile or place during the inventory process. If you haven't already done this, create groups of containers/belongings to either donate, sell, give away, or throw away (depending on each item's condition).
Create Category Areas
Organize the space by category. The specific categories you choose depend on your needs and the rental unit. Categories may include seasonal items, anything you may need to use soon or store temporarily, household member (items that belong to you, your spouse, your children, or anyone else who lives with you), container type, room, or size.
Repack Containers
You may need to repack some boxes, bins, or bags, especially if you've removed items from your rental unit. Save space and combine partially-filled containers or move some items into smaller boxes and bins. Label or re-label each container. Include the new category and what you've stored inside.
This step also provides a chance to throw away damaged, worn, damp, or moldy containers. Inspect each side of the boxes and bins, including the tops and bottoms. If you find damage, wear, or another issue, move everything inside to a fresh, clean container.
Contact a local storage facility to learn more.
