Optimal Layouts for Efficient Storage Packing

Self-storage is one of the most affordable solutions for expanding your living area or increasing inventory for your business. Despite the low costs, you still don’t want to pay for space you don’t need, which means you need to make maximum use of the storage area you do have available. 

Organising your storage space allows you to make every inch count while maintaining order, ensuring your items aren’t damaged, and being kind to your warehousing budget.

In this article, our 1800 We Store It storage professionals will show you essential tips and strategies for getting the most out of your storage unit, including:

• How best to take advantage of vertical space

• How to keep everything accessible

• Why an inventory system is an invaluable tool

• What packing materials to use

Plan Your Layout

Before you start loading up your storage space, it’s essential to begin with a well-thought-out plan. A little forethought can go a long way when cricket season rolls around, and you aren’t sure which box has your gear, or a repair job needed doing yesterday, but you don’t know where you stashed the tools. Here’s how to ensure you know where all your bits and bobs are in your storage container.

Create a Master Contents List

A master contents list keeps a detailed record of all the items you’ve squirrelled away in storage. You can categorise items by room or type, whichever works best for your needs. Doing this will make it a lot easier to find items later.

Additionally, self-storage options are incredibly secure and safe, but should the worst happen, your master contents list will be invaluable during an insurance claim. 

You can create your list using a spreadsheet or one of the many brilliant apps, like Sortly, that are purpose-built for the task.

Decide on Item Placement

Consider how often you will need to access each item you store. Place frequently accessed items at the front of the container or unit, while rarely used items can go towards the back. This strategy will be a big time and back saver because you will only need to move so many boxes when retrieving items.  

Use Good Quality Packing Materials

Using high-quality packing materials is essential for keeping your items in good order while in storage and can also help keep your container organised. 

Uniform-Sized Sturdy Boxes—Using uniform-sized boxes is the most effective way to maximise space with convenient, neat, and stable stacks. When using vertical space, you will want to be sure the boxes on the bottom can handle the weight and won’t topple over to smash your best china. 

Clear Plastic Bins—These are an excellent alternative to cardboard boxes because you can see what’s in them. They are also durable and moisture—and pest-resistant. 

Label Everything

Even clear plastic boxes you can see into will benefit from a detailed labelling system. Clearly label each box with its contents and the room to which it belongs. Alternatively, save on writing by applying a number to each box. The number corresponds to a list you have created in your digital inventory system. When looking for a specific item, a quick search will tell you which container to retrieve. 

Bubble wrap, packing paper, and furniture covers will all help keep your items in perfect condition, no matter how long they are in storage. Small, delicate items should be wrapped in bubble wrap, while larger items can be protected from marks and scratches with felt furniture blankets or similar. Other materials to consider include packing peanuts, inflatable airbags, and vacuum bags to save space and protect vulnerable materials like bedding and curtains. 

Consider adding Shelving

A sturdy shelving unit can make your storage space more accessible. These shelves can handle heavy loads and keep lighter boxes up off the floor. Retrieving items will also be a lot easier on your back, and keeping things up off the floor adds protection against moisture and pests. 

Maximise Airflow

Airflow through a storage container is critical for preventing moisture buildup, mould, and mildew. Don’t overcrowd your storage unit to the point that you limit airflow. Stacking is a great space saver, but avoid stacking to the ceiling and keep heavy boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top. 

Get in Touch with the Storage Professionals

Whether you are storing personal belongings, business inventory, or seasonal items, these strategies will help protect your valuable belongings from damage while saving time and maximising your storage budget. With some planning and ongoing maintenance, your storage container can become a valuable addition to your home or business.

Call 1800 We Store it for a quick quote today to find out how affordable, safe, and secure self-storage can be. We have secure steel shipping containers in various sizes that are perfect for most storage situations.