How to Organize a Storage Unit (or Decide If You Need One)
Thinking about renting a storage unit? Learn how to decide if it's worth the cost, choose the right size, pack and organize it efficiently, and protect your belongings.
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Storage units can be helpful during moves, renovations, downsizing, or major life transitions. But they can also become an expensive place to keep things you don't need. Before you rent a unit, decide whether it's worth it. If it is, organize it well so you can actually find things.
Do You Really Need a Storage Unit?
Good Reasons to Rent
- You're moving and need temporary storage between homes.
- You're renovating and need to clear rooms.
- You're downsizing and need time to decide what to keep.
- You're dealing with a family member's estate.
- You run a small business and need space for inventory or equipment.
- You have seasonal equipment with no room at home.
Reasons to Reconsider
- You're storing items you haven't used in years.
- You're keeping things "just in case."
- The monthly cost over time exceeds the value of what you're storing.
Do the Math
Multiply the monthly rent by the number of months you expect to use the unit. If you'd pay more in rent than it would cost to replace the items later, it may make sense to sell or donate them instead. Remember that many facilities raise rates over time.
Before renting, try decluttering. Our decluttering for beginners guide can help you reduce what you need to store.
Choosing a Storage Unit
Size
Common unit sizes include:
| Size | Roughly Holds |
|---|---|
| 5 x 5 ft | Boxes, small furniture, seasonal items |
| 5 x 10 ft | Contents of a small studio or a few large items |
| 10 x 10 ft | Contents of a one-bedroom apartment |
| 10 x 15 ft | Contents of a two-bedroom apartment |
| 10 x 20 ft | Contents of a larger home or a vehicle |
Facility staff can help you estimate the right size.
Climate Control
Climate-controlled units maintain more stable temperature and humidity. They're worth considering for:
- Wood furniture
- Electronics
- Photos, documents, and artwork
- Musical instruments
- Clothing and fabrics
- Items stored in areas with extreme heat, cold, or humidity
Security and Access
Look for:
- Gated access
- Good lighting
- Security cameras
- Convenient access hours
Insurance
Check whether your homeowners or renters insurance covers items in storage. Many facilities require proof of insurance or offer their own coverage.
Packing for Storage
- Use uniform boxes. Same-size boxes stack more securely.
- Don't overpack. Heavy boxes are hard to move and may collapse.
- Fill empty space with packing paper to prevent crushing.
- Label every box on multiple sides with contents and the room it came from.
- Number boxes and keep an inventory list.
- Use plastic bins for items that need extra protection.
- Disassemble furniture when possible, and keep hardware in labeled bags taped to the furniture.
What Not to Store
Most facilities prohibit storing:
- Food and perishables
- Flammable, combustible, or hazardous materials
- Live plants or animals
- Firearms and ammunition (check facility rules and local laws)
Read your rental agreement carefully.
Organizing the Unit
Create a Layout Plan
Sketch a simple plan before you move in.
Put Large Items in First
Place large furniture against the back and side walls.
Leave a Center Aisle
An aisle down the middle lets you reach items without unpacking everything.
Store Frequently Needed Items Near the Front
Seasonal items or things you'll need soon should be easy to access.
Use Shelving
Freestanding shelving units let you store boxes vertically and access them easily.
Protect Furniture
- Cover furniture with breathable cloths or moving blankets, not plastic, which can trap moisture.
- Place pallets or plastic sheeting on the floor to protect against moisture.
- Store mattresses flat or upright in protective covers.
Keep an Inventory
Keep a list of what's in each numbered box, along with a simple map of the unit. Save it on your phone and tape a copy inside the unit door.
Visit and Review Regularly
Check the unit every few months for pests, moisture, or damage. Use visits to reevaluate what you're storing and whether you still need the unit.
Exit Plan
Set a target date to empty the unit. As that date approaches, decide what to bring home, sell, donate, or discard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a climate-controlled unit worth the extra cost? For wood furniture, electronics, photos, documents, and items stored in very hot, cold, or humid areas, climate control can help prevent damage.
How should I stack boxes in a storage unit? Put heavy boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on top, use uniform sizes, and leave an aisle so you can reach items without unpacking everything.
Does renters or homeowners insurance cover a storage unit? Some policies provide limited coverage for items in storage. Check your policy and ask the facility about insurance requirements.
The Bottom Line
A storage unit can be a helpful short-term solution, but it's worth thinking carefully about the long-term cost. If you rent one, choose the right size, consider climate control for sensitive items, pack in uniform labeled boxes, leave an aisle, and keep an inventory. Most importantly, have a plan for when you'll empty it.
