So you’ve rented a storage unit. Congrats! You now own a glorified closet that comes with four walls, a rolling door, and the power to make or break your sanity. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned organizer, it helps to follow best practices recommended by industry leaders like the Self Storage Association, the national authority on all things storage.
1. Using Trash Bags Like You’re on a Speed Round of “Storage Wars”
The Oops: You’ve packed half your stuff into old grocery bags and stretched-out Hefty sacks.
The Fix: Boxes. Real boxes. Preferably the same size so you can stack them without engineering a leaning tower of mystery. Bonus points if you label them—unless you enjoy opening “kitchen stuff” to find your Halloween skeleton.
2. Packing Boxes Like You’re Smuggling Bowling Balls
The Oops: One box weighs as much as a baby elephant, another is full of air and crushed dreams.
The Fix: Heavy stuff = small boxes. Light stuff = big boxes. Use packing paper to fill gaps unless you like watching your boxes collapse in slow motion like a Jenga tower.
3. Bringing All Your Junk “Just in Case”
The Oops: You’ve convinced yourself you might need that broken lamp from college someday.
The Fix: Newsflash—if you haven’t used it in two years and it doesn’t spark joy or at least function as a decent doorstop, it’s time to part ways. Think of your unit as a VIP lounge. Only the worthy get in.
4. Guessing on Unit Size Like It’s a Carnival Game
The Oops: You eyeballed your stuff, chose a unit size at random, and now it’s either a sardine can or a warehouse.
The Fix: Stack your items at home, measure them, and use a facility’s size guide. Better to measure twice than rent twice.
5. Stacking Stuff Like It’s a Jenga Championship
The Oops: You’ve got a blender on a lamp on your wedding dress on a pile of unread books.
The Fix: Stack with logic. Heavier boxes go on the bottom. Fragile or squishy things go on top. And no, your couch is not a shelf—it’s a couch. Keep it comfy, not crushed.
6. Blocking Everything Important With a Wall of “Why Did I Keep This?”
The Oops: You need your winter coat but first have to tunnel through holiday décor, tax papers, and a canoe.
The Fix: Leave a path. A literal walkway. Store frequently-needed items near the front and keep your aisle clear. Yes, this means being a little less chaotic on day one. Trust us, it’s worth it.
7. Forgetting That Furniture Comes Apart
The Oops: You heave an entire dining table into your unit like you’re starring in your own moving montage.
The Fix: Take it apart. Yes, it’s annoying. But disassembling tables, bed frames, and shelving will save you a ridiculous amount of space—and maybe even your lower back. Tape the screws to the pieces or you’ll be playing “What did this bolt come from?” in six months.