Self-storage can be a lifesaver when you're short on space. But did you know you can save even more money by following a few simple tips?
Here are 12 self-storage ideas to help you make the most of your unit and keep costs low.
How to Maximize Your Small Space
1. Declutter frequently.
Decluttering is one of the best ways to help you keep control of your stuff. Try to eliminate things that haven't been used for six months, broken items, and things that don't make you happy anymore or take up space in your storage unit.
Facebook Marketplace is an excellent resource for connecting with others who may be interested in your unwanted items. And since you can list items for sale at any time, it's a convenient way to declutter your home and make some extra cash.
2. Store seasonal items in a separate location.
Seasonal items are a great candidate for a storage unit.
- Clothing, shoes, and accessories can easily be stored in your self-storage unit when you're not wearing them.
- Holiday decorations can also be stored in a separate space—just make sure it's somewhere that won't get too hot or humid! You don't want to ruin all your fun decorations by storing them in an area with poor ventilation. We highly recommend storing these items in a climate-controlled storage unit.
- Patio Furniture is another seasonal item that can be kept out of the way in a self-storage unit until you need it again.
3. Install furniture with built-in storage.
There are several ways to maximize your space when it comes to furniture. For example, you can buy furniture with built-in storage. They have compartments that you can use for storing items or even a full-on drawer system. Plenty of online stores sell these types of pieces, so you can find something that suits your taste and requirements and the rest of your home decorating scheme.
Another great idea is to buy furniture with multiple functions (i.e., it serves many purposes). For example, an ottoman could serve as an extra seat when needed but slide open to reveal an additional compartment where items can be stored securely inside. Another option would be buying a bench with drawers underneath for extra storage space; this will add some additional seating into the mix and give you somewhere safe to hide away all those random items floating around your house!
4. Invest in stackable furniture and closet organizers.
Invest in stackable furniture. If you have a lot of stuff you'd like to store, but don't have the space for it, consider investing in some stackable furniture. These pieces are designed to be stacked on top of one another and can help save room by eliminating the need for additional shelves or drawers.
Use closet organizers to keep things tidy. Another great way to maximize space is by getting creative with clothes hangers with closet organizers hanging from hooks on walls or rods within closets. Some even feature pockets where you can tuck your shoes away after using them, so they don't get in the way when hanging items from their hangers!
5. Add shelves or cabinets around the perimeter of your rooms.
Here's a step-by-step guide to doing this:
- Measure the walls at their highest and lowest points, and then draw a triangle on the wall where your shelves will go.
- Cut along the lines, leaving enough room for all of your items (not too much space!).
- Install shelving according to instructions on its packaging, or consult with a professional if you're unsure how to do so safely before installation.
- Place items on shelves until they reach eye level from across most rooms—you want them hidden but still accessible!
6. Add under-bed storage bins.
If your storage area has enough height, consider adding under-bed storage bins so you can store clothes, footwear, and linen. These are especially useful if you need to clear out some space during the off-season or when you're moving items around in preparation for a move. The benefit of these is that they're super easy to access—roll them out from underneath the bed frame. Clear plastic bins are best because they'll let light through and make it easier for you to see what's inside at a glance.
Also, consider using them to store non-clothing items like toys or books that may have accumulated over time—you don't have room for all those things in your bedroom closet!
7. Buy or build a shoe rack or organizer.
If you have a lot of shoes, consider building or buying a shoe rack or organizer. This can keep your shoes off the floor and in a visible location.
Shoe racks are great for keeping shoes out of the way and in a protected environment. You can also store them in rooms that are temperature controlled, such as your basement or bedroom closet.
Remember that moisture is not suitable for leather or suede material because it will rot over time. Therefore, avoid storing these types of shoes near any source of moisture (such as windows).
8. Make a space for your sports equipment outside.
If you don't have room to store bikes or sports equipment inside, make a space for them outside.
- Keep your bike out of the rain. You can keep bicycles above ground level by hanging them on hooks (one every few feet) so they don't fall over. If you have a garage or carport, this is easy: hang the bike with its tires off the ground and leave it there until you need it again. Otherwise, place a cover over your bicycle when not in use to protect it from weather damage and dust accumulation.
- Lock up your bikes securely if possible—a chain, cable, or U-lock should work well.
9. Create a command center to organize mail, keys, and other small items.
You may want to designate a specific area in your home for mail, keys, and other small items. A corkboard can be used for reminders and hooks for keys. A basket can be used for small items like pens, markers, or even more mail. Use a file box for bills and papers that need additional attention. Finally, use a small table or decorative box to house all the supplies needed to keep everything organized!
10. Find areas around your home for extra storage.
If you have extra storage space above your door, you may want to consider adding shelves there. Stair risers are a great place to store books. You can also use the back of doors for hanging things, such as a shoe organizer or hangers.
You can also find storage under the bed and behind cabinets if you're looking for more places to store items in your home.
11. Add dividers in deep drawers or cubby holes.
You can also create dividers to help with organization in deep drawers. For example, if you have a drawer that is 10 inches deep but only contains two items, then it might be best to divide them into two sections. This way, one side can hold your scissors and tape dispenser, and the other can store pens, pencils, and other writing utensils.
In addition to using shelving for storage solutions around the home (see #5), you may also want to consider getting some drawer organizers. These types of organizing systems come with dividers that keep contents organized while they sit in their designated space inside a cabinet or closet shelf. Some common uses include:
- Using shallow drawers as "junk drawers" where you place things like batteries that need easy access and aren't used often
- Use shallow drawers for things like silverware sets, so they don't get lost at the bottom of cabinets when stacked on top of each other.
12. Use self-storage for overflow items.
If you have a lot of space at home but not enough money to get rid of it all at once, consider storing some valuables or furniture instead of throwing them out or donating them—you may be able to use them again someday! Self-storage is a great place to store those extra items you don't need around the house. Things like seasonal decorations, extra blankets, and electronic items you rarely use (like a VHS player) but want to keep can all be stored in self-storage while leaving room in your home for things you're using.
If you're looking for places where you'll be able to access these things irregularly, consider renting a storage unit for a time that makes sense for your needs. For example: if there's an item that requires fairly frequent access (like camping gear), it probably isn't worth paying each month just so that it's available now and then. If you also have a hobby that requires storage space (like scrapbooking), consider using a self-storage unit to keep your materials organized and tidy.
The benefits of renting a self-storage unit in Wichita, Kansas are as follows:
- You can declutter your home and free up space.
- You can keep your belongings safe and secure.
- You can have easy access to your things when you need them.
- It is a cost-effective way to store your items.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to organization, there are endless possibilities for tiny homes. With some creativity and elbow grease, you can turn your compact home into an organized oasis. Try out some tips above and see what works best for you!
Contact South Rock Storage if you're looking for a reliable storage facility in Wichita, KS. We offer a variety of storage unit sizes to accommodate your needs—and we even have climate-controlled units available.
Give us a call today or stop by our facility to learn more!
