A storage unit can be a great option for getting unwanted furniture, out-of-season clothing, and sports equipment out of the house. However, a cluttered storage unit can be frustrating, especially if you just need to get one or two things. Below are a few tips for keeping your storage unit organized and avoiding frustration later on.

How to Keep Your Storage Unit Organized

1. Use Plastic Bins

Cardboard boxes may be inexpensive and readily available, but plastic bins are a much better option for long-term storage. Not only do they protect your belongings from pests and moisture, they also make it easier to see what’s inside. Labels on bins can also be easier to read and more noticeable than writing on cardboard.

2. Label Your Bins

Months after loading up your storage unit, you probably won’t be able to remember which bins have books and which are full of blankets or old clothes. Clearly marking each with a label makes it easy to find what you’re looking for. For maximum organization, number each bin and keep an inventory list of the contents of each one.

3. Install Some Shelves

Standalone shelving allows you to use the vertical height of your storage unit, and makes it easier to access frequently used items. For instance, you might put tools, snow boots, and other belongings on shelves instead of packing them away in boxes. Shelving is also a good place to store smaller boxes of especially fragile items.

4. Put Long-Term Storage Items in the Back

Packing your storage unit in the right order will make accessing your items much faster and easier in the future. Start with furniture, heirlooms, and other items you likely won’t need in the next year or so. This leaves more room in the front for sports equipment, winter coats, and other items you might need more frequently.

5. Leave Space to Walk

Opening your storage unit to see a solid wall of bins can be overwhelming, especially if you need something in the back. To make your space easier to navigate, leave a walkway down the middle. Remember to make your walkway wide enough to carry bins from the back of the unit to the entrance.

Since 2001, All Pro Flathead Property Management has managed storage facilities in key locations throughout Montana’s Flathead Valley. If you’re looking for a safe, secure place to keep your tools, electronics, and family heirlooms, their facilities offer a variety of options and 24-hour security. Visit their website for more on their storage services, or call (406) 755-1102 to discuss your storage options.