Whether you’re on a mission to sort your self-storage unit once and for all, or you’re pushing ahead with the final days of spring cleaning, these 3 storage life hacks will help you transform your cluttered space into an organised haven that even Marie Kondo would be proud of.
Without further ado, let’s explore 3 storage life hacks to help take the stress out of storage and leave you with a space the whole family can kick back & relax in.
#1 Do you really need it?
The first step to creating an organised space is saying ciao to clutter. Yes, it may be hard to let go of the outfit you wore on your first date or seem impossible to dump your puppy’s first toy (that is now merely a rag), but by asking yourself: do I really need this? You should find it easier to separate the must-haves from the ‘got to go’.
Tip: Just because some of your sentimental belongings may not have a “purpose”, doesn’t mean it’s time to get rid. Devote one box to those items that may not be useful but are sentimental. That way, you can still hold onto the memories but in a way that’s manageable and conducive to a clutter-free environment.
Once you’ve whittled down your belongings to the essentials & few nice-to-haves (we won’t tell if you won’t), you’ll be in a much better position to start tackling your storage situation.
And remember: ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’. So just because you don’t have use for an item anymore, doesn’t mean it has to go to waste. Depending on the condition, you may want to try selling or giving items away on eBay, Facebook Marketplace or other resale platforms. You could also donate via your local charity shops or collection bins.
Tip: Why not get creative and upcycle? This will not only help you love your forgotten items once again but will also save you money and is a far more sustainable solution than buying new each time.
#2 Category is…
Now you’ve cut down your once mammoth collection of clutter to your must-have items, you can start organising everything into categories for storage. By storing your items based on category rather than room, you’ll know exactly where everything is when you need it. It will also help you identify duplicates and get rid of unneeded items.
When stowing your items away, be aware that different categories will require different storage conditions to ensure they remain as you left them. For example, if you want to keep your clothes smelling fresh, you’ll need to consider using a dehumidifier (included in all of the Beyond Storage units as standard), ensure the storage box or drawer itself is deodorised before use and use dryer sheets to prolong freshness. We’d also recommend using dried lavender to deter insects in an environmentally-friendly way (you can purchase ready-to-use lavender bags or make your own sachets with lavender, rice & or scrap fabric).
Tip: Once you’ve categorised your belongings, think about how you’re going to store them so they are easily identifiable. Opt to use clear plastic boxes? Invest in a label maker (or a Sharpie)? The possibilities are endless.
#3 Think inside of the box
Make the most of your space and double up your storage with boxes, rails and other clever solutions. Forget storing everything at ground level; install floating shelves or opt for a freestanding storage unit if DIY isn’t your thing.
Are you saving your winter clothes for a rainy day? Try vacuum packing your bulky items to save space. For easy access to your summer attire, try rolling your items to save space and minimise creases. You can then take things a step further and use packing cubes to organise your clothing and make the most of your space. If you’re ready to step up your shoe storage, try investing in clear shoe boxes – they’re stackable and allow you to see exactly what you’re reaching for.
From stacking shelves in your cupboards to hanging bicycles on the wall, planning your space on multiple levels will ensure you optimise storage and leave more room to breathe.
Tip: Did you know that all of our self-storage units are fully insulated and equipped with a dehumidifier? This helps to keep mould out and leave your belongings in tip-top condition.
With the help of these space-saving storage life hacks, you’ll be able to keep more of the things you love without compromising on space. If you’re looking for a secure self-storage unit to house your treasured belongings, try our online estimator to get a free no-obligation quote sent straight to your inbox.