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If you’ve just booked a self-storage unit, you may think it’s as simple as dumping everything inside and locking the door. But this can lead to wasted space and clutter – and make it hard to find things further down the track. To avoid this scenario, we share our top tips on using space wisely in your unit, such as taking advantage of vertical space, vacuum sealing your clothes and using empty furniture for storage. Read on to find out more!
Keep large and heavy items at the bottom
It may seem like a no-brainer, but keeping large and heavy items at the bottom of your pile provides a sturdy base for all your other boxes – as long as you don’t need regular access. Just make sure they’re full, with no empty gaps. Having said that, don’t stack them too high or put heavier items on top. Keep the higher boxes lighter so they don’t put too much pressure on the box below. This will prevent instability, breakages or collapsing boxes.
Start on the outside and work your way in
Like building a house, it helps if you start placing boxes or furniture around the perimeter (leaving some breathing space against the wall), then work your way in. This means you use all of the space available to you. For larger units with lots of boxes, create aisles so you have easy access.
Place frequently accessed items at the front
There are always things you need to access regularly, like docket printers or foldable chairs. Keep these at the front of the unit so you don’t have to disrupt any of the other items or boxes. This will save you time and stress when you (or your staff) visit the storage unit.
Use sturdy boxes
It may be tempting to use garbage bags or plastic tubs to store your belongings, but these items can break or deteriorate quickly. Instead, use sturdy archive boxes that are uniform in shape. They’ll be space-efficient, look neat and protect your belongings for much longer. Also, choose smaller boxes so they’re easy to move and lift.
Use vertical space
If you’re storing a lot of boxes, stacking them on top of each other will make finding items difficult and time-consuming. This is where metal shelves come in. You can put boxes on different shelves and open them quickly, with little space disruption. It also means that they aren’t prone to weight stress, which could damage items inside. Shelves also allow you to stack upwards and save space – as long as you’ve got a ladder on hand!
Use empty space
Chances are you’re storing furniture or appliances that are empty, so why not use that space for smaller items! Wardrobes or cabinets could hold curtains, tablecloths or baby clothes. Just make sure you leave the doors or drawers slightly ajar to allow airflow and prevent mildew. The same goes for fridges or washing machines. As long as they’re dry and you leave them slightly ajar, you can store DVDs and other light objects, saving you valuable space in your unit.
Vacuum seal curtains, doonas and clothes
You won’t believe how much space you can save with vacuum-sealed bags – both at home and in your self-storage unit. This solution is ideal for soft furnishings, bedding and clothes that take up a lot of space in boxes. In fact, vacuum sealing can save up to 50 per cent in storage space and keep out dust mites and moisture. One caveat: if you’re storing for an extended period of time, make sure you don’t stack the vacuum-sealed bags on top of each other. Heat can make them stick together and tear the plastic when you prise them apart. To prevent this, use tissue paper between the layers or place them on non-plastic surfaces.
Create a detailed inventory or map
Make a list of everything in your unit, including the contents of your boxes. It’ll take a bit of time, but it’ll be worth it in the end. For those who are more visual, draw a map. Keep this at home and in your unit. It’ll help you keep track of your belongings – and save you time and stress on each trip!
We hope you found these space-saving tips helpful. They’ll help you make the most out of your storage unit – and you won’t be paying for space you don’t need! But if you’ve followed all our tips and you still don’t have enough space, it may be time to upgrade. Use our handy space calculator to estimate your new storage needs or ask for advice from our friendly and knowledgeable staff!
Need an affordable and secure storage solution?
To discuss your self-storage needs, call the friendly team at Storage Plus today on 02 8345 6000 for Sydney or 03 9421 6900 for Melbourne. Or enquire online for a free quote.
