Look, we know there are mountains to climb and adventures to be had, but the truth is that the best way to waste space in your storage unit is not to organize it properly. We’ve all been tempted to toss it all in and just cross our fingers that the door will close behind us, but it’s really not worth the ongoing pain of never being able to find what you need when you need it. You wouldn’t want someone to park behind your car and block you in, so why would you let your own stuff get in the way of you living your most awesome life?
Instead of letting the ease of the over-the-shoulder chuck and shrug turn your storage unit into something that resembles a thrift-store donation bay, let us help you make the most of your storage unit. Here’s our quick, three-step guide to organizing your storage unit, courtesy of your friends at StorQuest. We’ll show you how to keep your space in top shape and ready to rock at a moment’s notice.
No. 1 Plan Ahead
Think about which stored items you’ll be needing most immediately, like seasonal clothing and sports gear, and save those for last, so they’ll be closer to the front. Anything you plan to store long term should be put into your unit first, so it’s farthest to the back and not in your way when you need to access more immediately needed items. Sometimes it helps to put larger items toward the back as well, but if it’s something you use often, like a surfboard or sewing machine, it’s probably worth it to find a home for it up front.
No. 2 Store in Seasonal Quadrants
If you’re like us, you’ve probably got a toy for every season sitting in your storage unit, so having a system in place for how to access everything is key to successful storing. Consider dividing your storage unit into quadrants — one each for summer, fall, spring, and winter gear — and separating them with clear walking paths, so you can easily access your things without having to pull everything out each time. If your stored items are better categorized another way, go with what works! This is your life and your storage unit, so make it happen however it makes you happy!
No. 3 Invest in Closet Organizers
This one is especially useful for hobbyists who have a lot of smaller items that need to be kept separate and accessible, but really everyone can benefit from awe-inspiring organization. Jump back to the plan ahead phase and think about which items can be stored together in larger bins, like yards of fabric, and which do best when stored alone, like glues and paints that can leak or spill. We love The Container Store for their endless options and awesome prices, but you can also find great choices at stores like IKEA and Bed Bath & Beyond for racks and shelving to totally make over your storage unit.
We’ll Keep You Posted
Let us help inspire you to discover your own idea of what awesome living can be. We’re always sharing our top tips and tricks for adventurers and to-do-list conquerors, so keep coming back!