How to Organize and Accessorize Your Storage Unit for Easy Access
How to Organize and Accessorize Your Storage Unit for Easy Access
Your storage unit may not seem like a space worth upgrading, but accessorizing your unit with the right organizational systems can transform it from a chaotic catchall into an organized extension of your home.
From free-standing shelving units and clear bins to battery-operated lighting and labeling systems, accessorizing your storage unit makes it easy to create a personalized space that meets your needs and works with your lifestyle.
For example, with flexible shelving units, a 10x10 storage unit can hold a combination of bulky items like luggage, baby gear, and seasonal sports gear. And with the right setup, it can also make a surprising difference in functionality and easy access.
Besides bulky items, most of us have other things we don’t use every day that take up valuable space at home, especially if your home feels crowded or if you're getting ready to entertain out-of-town guests for the holidays.
Keep reading to discover more of our simple tips, like this one: Use a permanent marker to label cardboard boxes in large, all-caps letters. If your box contains books, label it BOOKS, then list the category below, like children's, school, or novels. Alternatively, take a photo of the books before taping up the box and adhere a photocopy with packing tape to the outside of the box to easily keep track of your collections.
Best Storage Shelving Ideas to Maximize Space and Accessibility
The key to accessorizing your storage unit is to figure out what can be stored off-site to make life at home more manageable. Taking a basic inventory of the items you plan to store will also give you a rough idea of how many shelves and containers you'll need. How frequently will you need to access your items? Do you have an existing storage unit that you'll be working with, or will you need help determining the right-sized unit?
Other planning tips include placing a magnetic whiteboard or corkboard with removable adhesive hooks near your storage unit door. This will provide a handy spot to place a unit to keep track of your items. If you're storing extra mountain bikes or motorcycles, choosing a drive-up storage unit will be like having an extra garage.
Alternatively, if you're storing other types of recreational gear, like camping and fishing gear, accessorizing your storage unit with a customized shelving system will keep your outdoor gear ready to go whenever you are.
Utilize Shelves and Racks for Easy Access
When choosing where to store, look for modern storage facilities that are conveniently located and offer keycoded access, top-notch security, and climate-controlled units. Keep in mind that storage companies don't include shelving systems, and it's worth noting that attaching anything to the interior walls of your storage unit is never allowed.
Accessorizing your storage unit with a stand-alone shelving system helps you use the space more efficiently. Stacking your clear storage containers or boxes on shelves for easy access will also create a walkway in the center of your unit, allowing you to move around more freely.
A metal wire shelving system offers superior stability over plastic utility shelving, too. Wire shelving systems have a cool, industrial vibe. When the day comes that you no longer need a storage unit, you can use it in a spare room, garage, or office.
Why Clear Storage Bins Make Organizing a Storage Unit Easier
Clear storage bins are one of the simplest ways to make a storage unit feel more organized and less crowded. Instead of opening sealed cardboard boxes to look for one specific item, then resealing the box, transparent containers let you instantly see what’s inside. And they have easy pop-on, pop-off lids. Clear bins are especially useful for seasonal décor, sports equipment, extra linens, and seasonal clothing you rotate throughout the year.
If you buy all the same size, stacking will be safer and more efficient, helping you maximize vertical space while keeping pathways open for easier access. Another advantage of clear storage bins is that they make maintaining your organization system much easier over time. Life changes quickly, and storage units often become a rotating collection for household overflow.
When everything is visible at a glance, it’s easier to update, rearrange, and retrieve items so you’re in, out, and on your way. For even better results, pair clear bins with simple labels and group similar items together so your storage unit functions more like a personal closet.
Storage Unit Labeling Tips to Find Items Faster
Since clear containers cost more than moving boxes, it’s fine to use both—just make sure everything is labeled. If you’ve moved to a new home recently, you already know how easy it is to forget what you packed in a box, even after you've sealed it.
As we mentioned, clear bins are an investment that makes cardboard boxes more economical. With a budget in mind, choose small boxes for books, dishes, and small heavy items like countertop appliances. Medium moving boxes are ideal for seasonal gear and clothes you only need to access twice a year, once to pack away and once to retrieve.
You can find a wide selection of sturdy boxes and packing supplies online at StorQuest, which are conveniently delivered to your front door. Or you can find what you need at all of our conveniently located storage centers.
Why a Larger Storage Unit May Save You Time
While the most common reason people rent a storage unit is during a move or a major life transition, it also makes sense if you’re tight on space at home or in the garage and don’t want to upsize your living situation. A slightly larger storage unit can also save time and reduce stress by making your things easier to access.
How? Instead of stacking boxes wall-to-wall, more storage space lets you create walkways and add more shelving, so your organized items can fluctuate throughout the year. It’s especially ideal for seasonal gear or anything you want to have grab-and-go access to, because it's the stuff you use most often.
If it’s been a long time since you last used self storage, or maybe this is the first time, today’s modern storage facilities are well-lit, super clean, secure, and most importantly, welcoming. State-of-the-art features include 24/7 video surveillance, motion-sensor lighting, and flexible access. And in some cases, 24/7 access 365 days a year. But the best part is that storage units are also cheaper per square foot than homes and apartments.
StorQuest Makes Organizing Your Storage Unit Simple
The right accessories can completely change the way you use your storage unit. At StorQuest, our clean, modern facilities are designed to make accessing your belongings easier whether you’re decluttering your home, making room in the garage, or organizing equipment for your next weekend getaway.
Reserve your storage unit online today to create a more organized space you can customize to fit your lifestyle.