Please note that all our locations, with the exception of Montreal Mini-Storage Mile-Ex/Outremont and Ville Marie, will be closed on March 29th for Good Friday.

April 20, 2023

How to Organize your Storage Unit for Frequent Access This Summer

After a long winter and April showers, we know you’re looking forward to sun-soaked days spent riding your bike, playing with your kids outside and making the most of outdoor activities while you can. As soon as the temperatures rise, you’re ready to grab your summer gear and get moving. But wait a minute – where is that tennis racket you need for your match on the weekend? Or that life-jacket for the kayaking hobby you finally picked up? You did the smart thing last year and stored your summer essentials in storage for safe-keeping but now you need them, and you realize you’ll need regular access to your unit. Don’t panic – with a little bit of maneuvering, you can set up your storage unit in a way that’ll make finding what you need easy and efficient.

Here are a few guidelines to help you organizing your storage unit for easy access:

CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOCATION

When you first booked your storage unit for things you wanted to keep long term, you may not have realized how often you would need access during the warmer months. But for larger sporting equipment, travel gear and any other tools or hobby-related items, you will likely need regular access to your unit. With that in mind, make sure that your storage is located within a short driving distance from where you live, and save yourself the hassle of a commute. It’s never too late to make a change to your storage location to ensure that you have exactly what you need to make your life more convenient

MAKE A LIST AND LABEL

Now comes the organization. Take the time to go through all of your boxes and bags in storage and make a list of everything that is there. You will only have to do this once and then it will be easy to update the list, so this is worth your time. Once you have your list, label every box and move any excess clutter to their corresponding box, so every item has a proper place.

PLAN A LAYOUT AND ORGANIZE

Once everything is clearly labeled, it’s time to think about layout. Any larger items like furniture you want to use one day or fragile family heirlooms can be stored safely at the back, where you won’t risk knocking them over when you move around. All winter-related items and decorations can be placed together and out of the way, as you won’t be needing those for a while. Stack heavier items on the ground and make use of shelves for storing more fragile items, which will also create more space. Consider a tire rack to free up space, as well. Finally, place your priority items that you will be needing regularly towards the front of your unit – road bikes, golf clubs, tennis rackets, life vests, etc. If you have larger items like a kayak, consider hanging it or mounting it onto the unit wall.

CONSIDER UPGRADING TO A LARGER UNIT

Once you have spent enough time organizing your storage locker, you may discover not only how useful it is to have this extra space but also that you may need more space to maximize your storage needs. Winter and summer sporting equipment take up a lot of real estate, as do furniture, appliances and tires. The idea is for you to be able to move around freely to access what you need without accidentally damaging anything. If that is not the case and you find yourself squeezing in, maybe it’s time for an upgrade.

Your storage unit is there to make your life easier, more efficient and to save space in your home. Make the most of what self storage has to offer by keeping your unit organized, labeling your belongings and keeping items you use frequently toward the front. As you prepare for warmer weather, take the time to consider all of your storage access needs, so you can make the most of summer.