Frustrated that you can’t find the things you want, or are you paying for space you don’t really need? We have some hints on how to organise yourself storage unit to help keep your sanity.

1.   Prioritise Access

When moving items into your self storage unit consider

•    What you will need to access regularly,

•    What items you may not need until you move out, and

•     What you will only need to reach occasionally.

Place the items you may need to access more regularly at the front of your unit.

2.   Box Size Matters

Neatly stacked boxes, or a range of odd shaped items to play Tetris with?

While it may be cheaper to gather used boxes from the back of the supermarket, having boxes that are not designed for storage may increase the chances of damage to items if the box breaks or isn't solid enough. It will also make it difficult to safely stack boxes in your unit when they are all different sizes.

Being able to stack items saves space, so; when packing use the same sized boxes where possible. Place the heaviest or largest boxes on the bottom to reduce the risk of boxes being crushed and the stack becoming unstable or items being damaged.

3.   Create an Aisle

An aisle through the middle of your unit will enable you to access items more easily.

4.   Use your furniture wisely

Furniture in a storage unit can be either a help or a hindrance, depending on the item.

•   Dining tables can be used to store bulky items under, such as a lawn mower or the kids’ tricycles.

•   With a protective covering, your table can also be used to stack lighter items on top of.

•   Cupboards and draws can be used to store small boxes or items that might be breakable to help protect them.

•   Larger items such as beds, play gyms or some tables can be disassembled so that they can store flat against the wall, saving you space in the unit.

5.   Shelving

While shelving cannot be attached to the unit floors or walls at Eagle Eye Self Storage, freestanding shelving allows items to be stacked vertically with easy access to the items on the bottom of the stack.

You do need to ensure your safety with free standing shelves. Check the shelves are stable, that the items placed on them are no ttoo heavy for the shelf and that things won’t fall when you get an item. Keep a ladder or stool handy to reach the top items.

6.   Lists and Labels

While it is great to have your self storage unit neat and tidy, it also helps if you know how to find what you need.

•   Label your boxes

•   Colour code boxes or bags with stickers for each room for easier recognition

•   Store items from the same room or with similar uses together

•   Take photos of where things are if a visual reference helps

•   Keep an itemised list of box contents

•   Keep your list in a safe place (but not too safe - you want to be able to find it again!)

How you arrange your unit will depend on what you are storing, how often you need to access items and how long it will be in storage.

Consider the unit size you select. Having a slightly larger unit may make it easier to arrange and access items frequently. Alternatively, if access is not required, a tightly packed and organised unit may mean you can opt for a smaller self storage unit.

Whatever you choose, the team at Eagle Eye Self Storage are available to answer your questions and assist in ensuring there is a solution right for you.

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