A storage unit can be a lifesaver when you need a place to keep your things away from your house. However, if left without a clear path to keeping it clear, you could find yourself with an overstocked storage unit. You may be downsizing or moving to a new home and need to stock it with certain pieces of furniture—only to find there’s zero room! If you find yourself with a storage unit with no rhyme or reason, there’s a few steps you can take to get it under control today and for the future. Here are the steps we recommend.
Get rid of anything you don’t need
The first step to managing your storage unit is to get rid of anything you don’t need. Go through everything in your unit, and ask yourself if you really need it or ever plan on using it again. If the answer is no, then it’s time to move on from it. When getting rid of your unwanted/unnecessary items, you’ll find you have a few options: selling them, trashing them, or donating them.
While you could try to turn a profit, you’ll find yourself stuck with these items for longer than you’d like trying to get someone to buy them. You could certainly throw your discarded items away, but there’s still life left in them to be enjoyed by someone else.
Donating your items is a great way to give back to your community and move on from your belongings. However, you may not know where to bring your donations or have time to make a trip or multiple trips out. South Florida Donation Center’s donation pickup services make donating unwanted items a breeze. Simply schedule your pickup here and we’ll handle the rest!
Organize your items by category
Once you’ve gotten rid of anything you don’t need, the next step is to organize your items by category. This will help you find things more easily when you need them. For example, you can put all of your holiday decorations in one area, all of your kitchen items in another area, and all of your clothes in a third area.
Use storage containers to keep things organized
Storage containers can be a great way to keep things organized in your unit. They come in a variety of sizes and can be used for different purposes. Thick plastic or rubber containers that fully seal are preferred for long-term storage. Even in a temperature-controlled unit, cardboard boxes can attract pests and lead to items in your unit becoming damaged.
Label everything so you know where it is
Once you’ve organized everything, be sure to label each container so you know what’s inside it. This will save you time when you’re looking for something specific. Taking the time to label everything will also give you another opportunity to decide if you really need everything you’re keeping. Have you written “kitchen” or “bathroom” a few more times than you expected? Keep this in mind as you’re labeling containers.
Keep a list of what’s in your unit and where it is located
In addition to labeling each storage container, it’s also a good idea to keep a list of what’s in your unit and where it is located. This will help you keep track of everything in your unit and ensure that nothing gets lost or misplaced.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your storage unit, don’t despair! By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to get it under control in no time. And once you’ve got a handle on things, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy all the benefits that come with having a well-organized space. Still need to downsize? Call us at 888-626-6580 or schedule a donation pickup online!
