Categories
Organizing

Master Your Storage Unit: Expert Tips for Saving Rent and Space Optimization

Are you tired of watching your storage unit rent skyrocket year after year? You’re certainly not alone.

I’ve seen one of my units cost 26% more now than it did a year ago.

I found out that many people deal with the challenge of organizing their storage units in a way that minimizes rental costs — while making the most of the available space.

Today let’s explore a variety of clever tips and strategies for trimming rent expenses while optimizing to the max.

Price frustration can happen to each of us

I still remember the day when I found myself staring at the mountain of stuff in my storage unit, feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. And… feeling tired.

The rent had been going up every few months, and it was becoming harder to justify the ongoing expense. I knew I needed a change.

As I began my quest for storage unit compression, I stumbled upon an auction selling some shelving units. I thought they would be perfect for organizing my storage space, but there was one issue: these were stationary.

After putting the shelves together, I realized that walking around them and getting to my belongings was still going to be a challenge. I needed something with a little more versatility.

One day in the garage while looking for a screwdriver, I noticed a bunch of casters collecting dust. I had forgotten about those. It was like a lightbulb went off in my head.

I thought, “Why not attach these casters to my shelving units and make them mobile?” It’s funny how I often repeat it… the house will provide, and there was the wheels that I needed to move those shelves around.

With the casters attached, I was able to line up the shelves back-to-back, creating a gap where I could easily roll them around to access my items.

My newfound mobility

This newfound mobility allowed me to use the space more efficiently.

And it also provided me with a solution to combat the increasing rent. With the mobile storage setup, I can easily move my belongings to a different unit when rent is too high.

I was no longer at the mercy of those frequent rent hikes. And if I can’t get a better rate at the same location, by myself I can rent a truck with a lift and transport my belongings to another storage facility.

In the end, my rent dropped to almost half of what I was previously paying, and the satisfaction of having a well-organized, efficient storage unit was priceless.

If you find yourself in a similar predicament, remember that there’s always a solution waiting to be discovered – sometimes, it’s just a matter of thinking outside the (storage) box. Remember… the house will provide.

The Heavy Bottom Rule: Stack Wisely

Picture this: You’re standing in front of your storage unit, looking in and seeing an assortment of boxes and totes, each filled with a variety of items – some light, some heavy.

How do you stack cardboard boxes efficiently while ensuring your safety? Enter the Heavy Bottom Rule – a tried and tested approach to stacking that’s both wise and practical.

The fundamental principle of the Heavy Bottom Rule is straightforward – always place the heaviest boxes and totes at the bottom of your stack.

By doing so, you create a stable foundation that prevents your stack from toppling over unexpectedly, protecting your belongings and yourself from getting hurt.

But the Heavy Bottom Rule doesn’t stop there. To further enhance the safety and stability of your storage unit, it’s essential to keep the height of your box stack in check.

Aim to stack boxes no higher than shoulder height. This not only reduces the risk of accidents while accessing your items — it also ensures you can comfortably and easily retrieve what you need without straining or overexerting yourself.

Label Everything: Making Life Easier

Imagine standing in your storage unit, surrounded by a wall of boxes and totes — each one a mystery waiting to be revealed.

You may find yourself spending precious time rummaging through countless containers just to find that one item you need. It’s a frustrating experience.

But there’s a simple solution to this all-too-common predicament – the power of labeling.

Begin by labeling all your boxes and totes clearly on the side, with the labels facing the aisle. This way, even when your boxes are nestled among other items, you can easily read what’s inside without moving or unstacking them.

By taking the time to label everything, you’ll know exactly where each of your belongings is located, transforming your storage unit into a well-organized, easily navigable space.

No longer will you waste precious minutes (or even hours) on fruitless searches; instead, you’ll be able to quickly locate and retrieve what you need, making life significantly easier.

Place a number on each box also. Then make a list sheet with each number and the box contents and on that list, map out where each box is placed inside your storage unit.

It’s little things like this that make all the difference and save a lot of time and frustration later.

Aisle Accessibility: Avoid Unnecessary Unloading

In larger units, leave an aisle that runs the length of the unit. I like to do this in the center of the unit — like having a pathway.

This allows you to easily access items at the back of the unit without unloading everything.

Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you need that one item you thought you wouldn’t need and its tucked all the way in the back.

Use Height to Your Advantage: Vertical Storage is the Answer

When it comes to optimizing storage space, it’s easy to focus solely on the horizontal plane, neglecting the vast potential that lies up above.

By embracing the concept of vertical storage, you can unlock a whole new dimension of organization and efficiency in your storage unit.

The key to mastering vertical storage is to make the most of the height available in your unit.

Stand tall items upright, such as ladders, skis, or large pieces of furniture, to maximize the space from floor to ceiling.

But be cautious when it comes to mattresses. Placing them on their end might seem like a clever way to save space, but doing so can lead to sagging and damage over time.

Instead, opt to place your mattress flat on top of your other belongings. To keep it protected from the elements, invest in a Life Storage mattress bag, which will shield your mattress from moisture, dirt, and dust.

And remember, resist the temptation to stack heavy items on top of your mattress; doing so can damage the springs and compromise the integrity of your once-comfortable sleeping surface.

Protect Delicate Items: Blankets and Towels for the Win

We all have those delicate, fragile treasures that need a little extra tender care when it comes to storage – whether it’s a piece of heirloom furniture, a prized work of art, or a beloved musical instrument.

The key to preserving their beauty and integrity lies in the simple — yet effective — use of blankets and towels.

Blankets and towels are more than just cozy household essentials; they can also act as protective barriers for your most vulnerable belongings.

By covering scratch-prone items with heavy blankets or thick towels, you provide a cushioning layer that can absorb any accidental bumps or knocks that might occur during storage or transportation.

Not only do these soft materials shield your precious possessions from scratches and scuffs, but they also help to maintain their overall condition, ensuring that they remain in tip-top shape for years to come.

It’s a small investment in time and effort that can have a significant impact on the longevity and appearance of your most treasured items.

By Aaron

Articles by Aaron. Having travelled across the country, I've rented several units over the years along with finding a place for the boat and a place for the RV. I've got several favorite storage centers. Since I have a Bachelor of Science Degree, several of my friends ask me where to get the best storage rates. Fortunately, I know exactly how to help them. That's why this information on this website is here to help as many people as possible.