Storage Unit Organization: When It Makes Sense (And How to Keep It Organized)
If you've ever watched an episode of Storage Wars, it's easy to think storage units are where forgotten belongings go to collect dust for the next decade.
And a lot of times, that IS the case. 😅
Here at The Orderly Space, we've opened plenty of storage units that were filled with boxes no one had looked through in years. Units where clients were paying hundreds (or even thousands!) of dollars every year to store things they didn't even remember owning.
That's why I want to start off by saying that we usually don’t recommend getting a storage unit.
If your closets, garage, and attic are already overflowing, adding another place to store things often delays the decisions that need to be made. Before long, you're paying to hold onto items you rarely use or don't even remember you have.
In most cases, a storage unit isn't solving the real problem. It's simply giving clutter another address. That's why one of the first questions we ask clients is, "Are you storing this because you truly need it... or because you haven't decided what to do with it yet?"
Those are two very different situations.
However…
There are situations where a storage unit makes perfect sense! And when it does, organizing it well can save you time, money, stress, and countless trips digging through mystery boxes!
Hot Take: Sometimes a Storage Unit Helps You Live More Minimally
Here's an opinion I have that might surprise people…
I actually think there are situations where a storage unit helps you maintain a more organized, minimalist home.
Hear me out.
Imagine you live in a studio apartment or a small condo with one tiny coat closet and no garage.
Where are your holiday decorations supposed to go?
Your camping gear?
Your kids’ keepsake bins?
Your luggage?
Trying to squeeze all of those things into your everyday living space often creates clutter where you live. In those situations, I'd much rather see someone have a small, intentionally organized storage unit than live in a home that’s overflowing.
The difference is this: A storage unit should solve a space problem - not a clutter problem.
When it's supporting your lifestyle instead of enabling excess, it can be an incredibly practical solution!
When We Recommend a Storage Unit
Here are the situations where we most often encourage clients to consider one.
1. Business Inventory
When I started The Orderly Space, everything lived in my garage.
Our organizing products.
Label supplies.
Client materials.
Extra bins.
Donation bags.
It worked for a while... until it didn't! As our business grew, so did the amount of equipment and inventory we needed.
Eventually, our garage wasn't serving our family anymore - it was serving the business. Moving into our own warehouse was one of the best decisions we could’ve made! Not because we had “too much stuff,” but because our business had grown beyond what our home was designed to hold.
Now we have a full team who knows exactly where everything is, our systems run more efficiently, and when I pull into my garage at home, it actually feels like home again.
Sometimes the extra storage is really about creating healthier boundaries.
2. You're Saving Baby Items for Future Children
Another common situation we see is families saving baby gear between children.
If you plan to have another baby, it makes sense to keep things like:
Baby clothes
Bassinets
Strollers
Nursery furniture
Swings
Baby carriers
Especially if your home simply doesn't have enough storage!
The key is being intentional - you probably don't need to save every toy, every outfit, or every gadget. Keep the things you'll realistically use again and let the rest bless another family.
3. You Live in a Small Space
Some homes simply weren't designed with storage.
No garage.
No attic.
Very little closet space.
Minimal cabinetry.
If that's your reality, a storage unit can function as the storage space your home doesn’t have.
Again, the goal isn't to store more - it's to create breathing room in your everyday living space.
What to Consider Before Renting a Storage Unit
If you've decided a storage unit makes sense for your situation, choosing the right one matters. Here are a few things we encourage clients to think about.
Climate Control
If you're storing furniture, electronics, artwork, photographs, documents, or anything sensitive to heat, cold, or humidity, a climate-controlled unit is worth considering.
It costs a little more upfront, but it can protect valuable belongings from expensive damage.
Accessibility
Ask yourself: “How often will I need to visit this storage unit?”
If you'll be grabbing business inventory several times a week, you'll want a location that's easy to access.
If you're only pulling out Christmas decorations once a year, convenience may not matter quite as much.
Think about your daily life before choosing a location!
Size
It's tempting to rent a larger unit “just in case.”
Ironically, that's often what encourages people to keep more than they need!
Start with the smallest unit that comfortably fits your belongings. A well-organized small unit almost always functions better than a cluttered large one.
Security
Look for features like:
Gated access
Security cameras
Good lighting
Clean facilities
Positive reviews
If you’re paying for the extra square footage, you should have complete peace of mind!
How to Organize a Storage Unit
Once you've rented your space, treat it like an extension of your home - not a dumping ground.
Use Plastic Totes Instead of Cardboard Boxes
This is one of the biggest recommendations we make!
While cardboard boxes are inexpensive, they simply don't hold up well over time. Instead, invest in sturdy plastic totes.
They:
Protect belongings from moisture
Help deter rodents and pests
Stack more securely
Last for years
Make labels easier to read
It's an investment you'll appreciate every time you visit your unit.
Label Every. Single. Tote.
The label shouldn't say, “Misc.” or “Work.” Be specific!
Examples include:
Christmas Tree Lights
Halloween Decor
Jennifer’s Winter Clothes
Baby Clothes 12–18 Months
Marketing Supplies
Shipping Materials
The more specific your labels, the less time you'll spend digging through bins.
Organize by Zone
Create designated sections within the storage unit.
For example:
Holiday decor
Business inventory
Baby items
Keepsakes
Keeping similar items together makes retrieving things significantly easier.
Leave Yourself a Walkway
This is one of the biggest mistakes we see…
People pack every square inch of the unit. Which feels efficient until you need one tote sitting in the very back!
Always leave a small aisle so you can access every section without unloading the entire storage unit.
Store Frequently Used Items Near the Front
Think about how often you'll need each category.
Business inventory? Near the front, at eye level.
Holiday decorations? Toward the back, maybe stored on a higher shelf.
The easier it is to reach frequently used items, the more likely you'll actually keep the system maintained.
Use Vertical Space
If your storage facility allows it, shelving can make a huge difference (especially for businesses managing inventory).
Here at The Orderly Space, we have two favorite shelving units:
The Whalen racks from Costco
And this 5-tier wire shelving
Let Technology Help
One of my favorite organizing tips is one that didn't even exist a few years ago.
There are now several apps that let you create a digital inventory of your storage unit! You can photograph bins, assign them numbers, list what's inside, and search for items right from your phone.
It's a simple habit that can save money and prevent duplicate purchases.
Frequently Revisit Your Storage Unit
Just because something is in storage doesn't mean it deserves to stay there forever.
At least once a year, ask yourself:
Do I still use this?
Will I realistically need it again?
Is it worth paying another year to store it?
Storage should evolve as your life changes, otherwise it will slowly become a museum of your past.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, organization is about creating systems that support the life you're living.
For some people, that means decluttering and letting go. For others, it means intentionally using a storage unit to create more breathing room, establish healthier work-life boundaries, or make the most of a small living space.
Whatever your situation, the goal is the same: to make your belongings easy to find, easy to maintain, and truly supportive of your everyday life.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by your home, garage, business inventory, or even your storage unit, our team at The Orderly Space would love to help! Schedule your complimentary consultation, and together we'll create systems that bring more function, peace, and order to your space.
