28 November 2019/Storage Tips

Creative Decluttering: 10 Tips to Maximize Your Storage Space

With the advent of cultural phenomenon like minimalism and Marie Kondo, tidying up has become a joyful experience. When you create order and unity in your surroundings, inner calm tends to follow.

Are you on a cleaning kick yourself? Well, self-storage units are perfect solutions for opening up space in your home. Whether you’re moving, downsizing or purging, you can tuck away cherished possessions in a safe and secure facility like U•STORE•IT.

And just like you would in your home, you’ll want to keep your storage unit spick and span. Rather than tossing everything in garbage bags, be smart about how you organize your belongings. With that in mind, we’re here to spark a little joy in your life with our top 10 tips for maximizing storage space.

1. Part with the excess

Do you really need that third TV? And when was the last time you went skiing? Take a moment to reflect and decide what you actually need to store. Prioritize sentimental and frequently used items—sell or donate the rest.

2. Tally up what you’ve got

Take photos, draw a map, write up a list: However best suits you, keep track of everything you’re storing. If you forget where your baseball card collection ended up, you can check your handy inventory.

3. Put it on a shelf

Free up valuable floor space with sturdy shelving along your walls. It’ll be easier to scan your possessions at a glance, while also making room for bigger ticket items. 

4. Think inside the box

Bags and totes are flimsy and difficult to stack. Instead, choose durable boxes and bins in a uniform size, so you can neatly place them on top of one another. We’ve got a variety of packing supplies to help you in that department.

5. Give everything a home

Put electronics on the same shelf, file documents in one cabinet and place antiques in a designated container. When you group similar items, you can track them down much faster.

6. Label, label, label

What’s in that box? Save time wondering and digging with a smart labeling system. Colour-code and write in large, clear lettering—you’ll find what you need in a snap.

7. Free the furniture

When you stack tables, desks and chairs, you can cause wear and tear over time. So, take them apart if you can. Arrange the disassembled pieces flat or vertically to maximize space.

8. Play a little Tetris

Packing can be fun, right? Treat suitcases and dressers like Russian dolls by placing smaller items inside large containers. Roll your clothes into compact cylinders, and vacuum seal winter coats to shrink them down. Fill small gaps with posters, pictures or mirrors.

9. Pave a path

Pack your storage unit from back to front, focusing on the walls first and moving outward. Create a spacious aisle, so you can move freely and access the items you need.

10 Stack it to the sky

Place containers on top of one another, from heaviest to lightest. Prevent hazards by leaving enough clearance from the ceiling and vents.

Get storage savvy with U•STORE•IT

Are you inspired to go on your own cleaning spree yet? Maximizing storage space allows you to pack your possessions right the first time, so you can feel cool, calm and collected every time you go inside your unit.

If you’re on the hunt for a modern and clean place to stash your goods, or if you’re downsizing and need a storage space, our self-storage facilities located in North Edmonton, West Edmonton, South Edmonton, St. Albert, and Red Deer boast spacious units, 24-hour surveillance, climate-controlled bays, and helpful staff. 

Explore our residential storage options and contact us to get pricing today.