{"id":19773,"date":"2024-10-24T16:04:14","date_gmt":"2024-10-24T21:04:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/storagecom-blog.local\/?p=19773"},"modified":"2025-08-19T10:34:20","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T15:34:20","slug":"maximize-storage-unit-space","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.storage.com\/blog\/maximize-storage-unit-space\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Fit More in Your Storage Unit: Expert Tips and Tricks"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s easy to underestimate how quickly a storage unit can fill up, especially when piling things in without giving it much thought. Next thing you know, you\u2019re squeezing through narrow paths, holding your breath as you try to reach for a box.<\/p>\n

But not if you arm yourself with efficient storage tips for packing and organizing everything<\/a>, and this guide is here to help you with just that \u2014 fitting more things in a storage unit!<\/p>\n

So let\u2019s get to it and show you how you can really make every inch count since you are paying for it, right?<\/p>\n

Declutter Before Storage<\/h2>\n
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Okrasiuk \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first step in making the most of your storage unit is decluttering<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Packing everything you don\u2019t need immediately might be tempting, but without sorting and minimizing clutter, you\u2019re bound to waste space on items that don\u2019t belong in long-term storage.<\/p>\n

Sort Items into Categories<\/h3>\n

The easiest way to start decluttering is by sorting your belongings into categories, and this is the cheat sheet we swear by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Category<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

What to include<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Keep<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Items you use regularly or want to keep for future use.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Donate<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Things that are still in good condition but no longer serve you.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Sell<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

High-value items you no longer need, like collectibles or electronics.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Recycle<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Anything that can\u2019t be donated or sold but can be broken down into raw materials.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Discard<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Items that are broken, damaged or otherwise unsuitable for reuse.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Still struggling to make decisions? Use the \u201cOne-Year Rule<\/span><\/a>\u201d: If you haven\u2019t used an item in the past year, you probably don\u2019t need it anymore.<\/p>\n

Top 3 Decluttering Techniques<\/h3>\n

You\u2019re not in this alone \u2014 use proven methods to streamline the process and make decisions more confidently:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Marie Kondo method:<\/b> Ask yourself if an item \u201csparks joy.\u201d If not, you know it, it\u2019s time to let it go.<\/li>\n
  2. The 20\/20 rule:<\/b> Can you replace an item in 20 minutes for under $20? If so, probably not worth keeping.<\/li>\n
  3. Start with the easy stuff:<\/b> Seasonal decoration, old electronic devices and clothes that don\u2019t fit are good places to start because they aren\u2019t as hard to get rid of. Building momentum with quick wins will make tackling more challenging areas like sentimental keepsakes or bulkier items easier.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Choose the Right Storage Unit Size<\/h2>\n

    You want to have enough space to accommodate everything safely, but you sure don\u2019t want to pay for more than you really need. So, before you ink that rental agreement, look closely at what you plan to store.<\/p>\n