Tips for Organizing Your Mid-Missouri Storage Unit Like a Pro

8 Ways You Can Keep a Self-Storage Unit Neat & Tidy in Columbia, MO

A storage unit is meant to keep your personal belongings safe in a dry, climate-controlled space. However, it can become another stressful responsibility if you don’t remain organized. Boxes can pile high, and by the time you’re moving items out, it’s a maze trying to remember where you kept your shoes or electronics. This stress is the last thing you need while transitioning to a new apartment, moving into a new home, or changing your business location. Before loading your storage room in Columbia, MO, make sure you’ve reviewed this checklist for smart organization.

#1: Clean up your mid-MO storage unit

You can’t start off moving items into a dirty, unprepared space. The cleaner everything is, the better your base environment will be for storing property in mid-Missouri. Wipe down surfaces, sweep the floors, and if you’re reorganizing your current storage unit, move all the boxes out. If you’re storing items during a humid time of year, putting down a tarp can prevent moisture from spreading and freshen the setup. Once the space is properly optimized, you can have a clear head for when the unit is being packed. 

#2: Increase the accessibility of your storage layout in mid-Missouri

Storage units range in size, from as small as a walk-in closet to the size of a 1.5-car garage. Regardless of the unit size you choose, it is essential to store your property while keeping a path that is simple to navigate. Give yourself room to walk around, especially towards the front of the unit space; otherwise, it will greatly slow you down when you need to move the items. If you’re storing a vehicle, make sure there is room to drive and for the doors to open.

#3: Utilize clear plastic containers for an easier moving process

After leaving a central Missouri storage unit for a few weeks, it’s common for people to look at their boxes and not remember what was originally packed. The best way to avoid this issue is by trading opaque tubs for transparent containers, so you never have to wonder about the contents of each box. Plastic will also do a better job than cardboard of keeping pests and dust from creeping in. Finally, switching to clear containers of similar sizes will make them stackable, giving you more layout opportunities.

#4: Maximize your central Missouri storage unit’s vertical space

When renting a storage unit, it is against the rules to nail shelving to the walls. Instead, you can use free-standing shelves across the unit to take advantage of vertical storage options. These shelves are typically used for storing smaller items like handheld appliances, decorations, and more. With multiple standing shelves, you can open up the walking space among your storage unit in Columbia, MO.

#5: Label items in the storage space & group them by category 

Whether you own a label maker or a good old-fashioned marker, labelling your possessions will make compartmentalization more efficient. This is particularly important if you have a larger storage space with several boxes. In the process of moving homes, you also need to separate items into different categories: bathroom, living room, kitchen, etc. Be consistent with your system of organization and make sure everything is stacked safely to prevent accidental damage. When all the kitchen items can be found in one convenient spot, you can save time during the move. 

#6: Create an inventory list for your storage unit in mid-Missouri

You need a central source for keeping track of everything kept in your storage locker. If these items will be stored for an extended period of time, a small label might not tell you much when remembering what’s what. The best solution is to make a checklist including all the property you have and where it has been placed. Some renters even print out a map of their mid-MO storage unit for a visual representation. There will be no confusion or delays with this simple checklist by your side.

#7: Prepare all your fragile pieces to keep them safe

Are you storing any delicate items made out of glass, ceramic, or other materials? Take precautions to keep these belongings protected by using bubble wrap, durable containers, packing peanuts, and more. You should also stack fragile products towards the top rather than the bottom, where they can break under the weight. At Missouri Self Storage, our climate-controlled rooms in Columbia, MO are perfect for keeping fragile property from excessive moisture or extreme temperatures, whether it’s priceless artwork or wooden furniture.

#8: Storing a large item in Columbia, MO? Disassemble them before packing

For bigger furniture pieces or elaborate items, it might be wiser to store them in separate parts. Not only will it make them simpler to move, but it can also free up your unit space for more breathing room. Ensure all the pieces are arranged in one, easy-to-find place, and don’t lose the instruction manual. If you have any questions about storing large items, make sure to ask a storage professional for help in central Missouri.

If You Want the Best Storage Unit Options in Mid-MO, Call Missouri Self Storage & See What’s Available

When you need a safe spot to keep your belongings, your go-to team should be Missouri Self Storage. Our offerings range from 5x5 units to 14x45 units, and both storage sites provide 24-hour access so you can check on things whenever you want. Get in touch and start renting in Columbia, MO.