Whether you’re storing your things for the short-term or the long haul, a little planning can go a long way to keep your self-storage unit organized and free from clutter.
Our storage tips will make it easier to find your things while maximizing your available storage space, so that you can get the most out of your rental unit.
Our Best Storage Unit Tips
Keep your things protected and organized with these tips from our storage experts.
Storage Unit Packing Tips
Pack like a pro with these tips:
Disassemble tables and furniture
Removing the legs from tables and dismantling bulky furniture allows you to stack items and save space.
Protect photographs
Keep old or vintage photographs from damage by using a special photo storage case. In a pinch, you can also place photos between two pieces of cardboard to prevent edges from curling.
Drain gasoline and oil
Gasoline and oil should never be kept in a storage unit. If you plan to store an item that uses gas or oil, drain it first.
Use wardrobe boxes
Not only are wardrobe boxes convenient for packing the clothes and draperies in your closet, but they’ll also keep fabric protected. You can purchase packing supplies, like wardrobe boxes, from Gotham Mini Storage.
Cover mattresses and lay flat
Clean and cover mattresses with light, breathable plastic, like a high-density polyethylene mattress storage bag. Polyethylene keeps moisture out and prevents mold. Store the mattress flat to keep it from sagging.
Get a climate-controlled storage unit
Extreme heat, cold, and humidity can damage items in storage, so storing your things in a climate-controlled unit is essential. Gotham Mini Storage’s entire facility and all our units are climate-controlled with a steady temperature between 60ºF and 80ºF, making it the perfect place to store all your things.
Back-up electronics
If storing electronics like phones, tablets, or computers, back-up information before putting them into storage. Use covers or boxes to keep dirt and dust out.
What not to store
Never store animals, perishables, liquids, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials, or other items that need a controlled environment. Contact us if you’re unsure whether or not you can store something,
Storage Unit Organization Tips
Before you start filling your storage unit, use these tips to make the most of your space:
Prioritize the front & back
Making a storage plan will make it easy to access your things when needed. Keep the items you frequently use at the front of the unit and move the things you use less to the back.
Create a walkway
Leave room for a small aisle in the center of your storage unit. It will allow you to move and reach the items in the back.
Use similar sized boxes
Using no more than two or three different–sized boxes will make it easier for you to stack boxes in the unit and make the most of the storage space.
Pack “empty” spaces
Fill the empty spaces of trash cans or buckets with items like shovels, brooms, hoes, and rakes. Use drawers and cabinets to store books and other small items. It’ll help you maximize space in the unit while organizing these miscellaneous items.
Label your boxes
The easiest way to know what’s in a box? Use labels as you pack. Keep things organized by grouping boxes from the same room together.
Use a lock
Keep your belongings safe with a high-quality storage unit lock, which can be purchased at Gotham Mini Storage.
Want More Storage Tips and Tricks?
Check out the Gotham Mini Storage blog for more storage advice, including our New York City moving guide and how to store kayaks, Christmas decorations, and other items like furniture and appliances.
