Make the most of your storage unit
A storage unit can give you valuable extra space when you’re short on space at home, moving or renovating. But how do you actually get the most out of the space?
With a little planning, you can fit more in while making it easier to find your belongings when you need them.
7 tips for getting the most out of your storage unit:
- Pack your moving boxes carefully
- Label all your boxes
- Disassemble the furniture
- Plan your storage unit before you fill it
- Make use of vertical space
- Place heavy items at the bottom
- Leave a clear walkway through the unit
1. Pack your moving boxes thoughtfully
Pack the boxes so they are well filled without becoming too heavy. Heavy items should go at the bottom, while lighter and more fragile items are placed on top.
Use moving boxes in the same sizes where possible. This makes them easier to stack and helps you make use of the vertical space.
2. Label all your boxes
Write clearly on the side of each box what it contains. You can also note which room the items belong to—for example, the kitchen, living room or bedroom.
Clearly mark boxes with glass and other fragile items. This makes both moving in and unpacking later much easier.
3. Disassemble the furniture
Large furniture quickly takes up a lot of space. Therefore, disassemble tables, beds and other furniture when possible.
Collect screws and small parts in bags and attach them to the corresponding piece of furniture. At the same time, protect the furniture with blankets or furniture covers.
4. Plan the unit before you fill it
Think about how you want to use your storage unit before you start putting things in.
Items you rarely need can be placed at the back, while items you need to access regularly are best placed closer to the door.
A simple plan from the start can save you from having to move lots of boxes around later.
5. Make use of vertical space
A storage unit isn’t just about floor space – make use of the height too.
Stack sturdy boxes on top of each other, and store larger items upright where possible. This could be, for example, mattresses, table tops or other flat items.
This way, you free up floor space and get more out of your storage unit.
6. Place heavy items at the bottom
Start with the heaviest and most stable items at the bottom. Lighter boxes and fragile items can then be placed on top.
This creates a more stable stack and reduces the risk of boxes being crushed or toppling over.
7. Leave a clear walkway through the unit
It can be tempting to fill every single centimetre, but remember to leave space so you can access your belongings.
Ideally, leave a clear walkway through the unit and place items you expect to use often close to the entrance.
That way, you will not have to empty half the storage unit the next time you need to find one specific box.
What can you store in a storage unit?
A storage unit can be used for many different things, both for short and longer periods.
For example:
- Furniture
- Moving boxes
- Clothing and textiles
- Books
- Bicycles and sports equipment
- Seasonal items
- Items from the basement and attic
The most important thing is that your belongings are packed and organised so the space is used as efficiently as possible.
Choose the right storage unit size
A larger unit is not necessarily the best solution. If you pack and organise your belongings smartly, you can often manage with less space than you initially expected.
If you are unsure about the size, Pelican can help you find a storage unit that suits your belongings and your needs. Find the right storage unit size
Ready to create more space?
Whether you are short on space at home, moving, or need temporary storage, a storage unit can give you more space and better overview.
At Pelican, you will find storage units in different sizes, so you can choose the solution that best suits your needs. Find your nearest Pelican centre