Renting a storage unit is a great solution when you need more space. Whether you are in the midst of moving, traveling or you just don’t have any more room in your home, a storage unit is the answer. But you shouldn’t just pile a bunch of boxes in there and close the door. You are paying for the space, so you should be using it as efficiently as possible. The unit isn’t limitless, and it’s easy to run out of room if things aren’t organized well. In order to help you use most of the space in a storage unit, our experts at Kokusai Express Japan have put together this short guide.

Make an inventory list

Before you start packing, create a list of everything you’re placing in your storage unit. This is very important if you want to keep track of everything in the unit. While larger items like furniture are easily remembered, smaller items like such as artwork and clothing could be forgotten after some time in storage. Therefore, keep an inventory of all items you put in each box. Also, try to take photos of stored things. Photos and inventory descriptions make keeping everything organized much easier. In case you need something, simply consult the list to find it.

Pack smart in order to use most of the space in your storage unit

Finding the best warehouse Japan facility for storing your belongings is an easy task. However, using most of it requires careful planning. Proper packing is an essential step when it comes to maximizing space in your storage unit. First, invest in quality packing supplies. You’ll need boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers for labeling. Keep in mind that some items that are more valuable shouldn’t be packed in cardboard boxes. Such boxes are easily damaged, so opt for sturdier containers when it comes to valuables. Also, purge any items that you are not likely to use again. Unless the pieces have sentimental value, consider selling or donating them.

Disassemble furniture

This step takes some time and effort, but it is vital. Large furniture items like desks, beds, and dining sets can take up a lot of space. If you don’t dismantle what you can, you’ll end up with lots of awkward empty gaps and, consequently, a lot of wasted space. In order to avoid this, take apart as much of your furniture as possible. Remember to clean the furniture before moving it to the storage facility. Remove headboards, bed frames, and mattresses as well as table legs. That way you can pack items in flat, or vertical, to use most of your space. Just make sure to keep all hardware together and store it with the furniture so you have it ready when the time comes to reassemble it again.

Another great way to use most of your space is to utilize the hollow spaces in furniture items like desks drawers and dressers. Take a moment to see what fits in these spaces. If the furniture items are bulky and heavy, fill them after moving them to the storage. That way you’ll minimize weight, as well as the risk of damage when carrying them. Also, in case your dining room table can’t be taken apart, use it to stack your boxes on top of it.

How to pack clothes for storage

Vacuum-seal clothes and bedding in vacuum-sealable bags to help reduce space. Make sure items are neatly folded and clean. Furthermore, you can use each one of these items for cushioning when you pack fragile items for storage.

Create a map of the storage unit

Now that you know what belongings you’ll store and they’re packed properly, it’s time to make a map of your storage space. Map out the dimensions and then plan where each item will go. When you create a map beforehand, you can foresee any issues you might run into. You’ll save yourself the trouble of unnecessarily moving things around the unit, trying to find the best place for each box or item. You may even find you don’t need as large a storage unit as you thought you did. Additionally, the map can help you find things quickly if you put it at the front of the storage space. Also, remember to label your boxes or the map will not mean as much.

How to load your unit to use the most of the space

After you have carefully planned and prepared for storing, it’s time to actually move your belongings into the storage unit. With proper preparation, loading the storage facility becomes a piece of cake.

1. Place large, heavy items on the bottom – Begin packing in the storage unit by positioning large, heavy belongings such as furniture and heavy boxes. Place them against the back of the storage unit, on the bottom. Always store heavy items on the bottom and smaller and lighter boxes on top of them, to avoid crushing the lighter boxes.
2. Stack same-sized boxes whenever possible – They’re meant to be stacked, just be careful not to go too high. This is the most efficient use of boxes.
3. Fill up the empty gaps – However detailed you map is, it’s going to differ from reality a little bit.  You’ll inevitably find some unused nook and crannies, so fill them with whatever small items are left to maximize space.
4. Store things you’ll likely need more often towards the front – If you suspect you’ll need an item sometime soon, put it somewhere where it’s easily accessible. Vice versa, items you know you won’t be needing anytime soon can be placed towards the back. Nonetheless, don’t forget to make an aisle that reaches the back of your unit for maximum accessibility.

Follow these tips and use most of the space in a storage unit, which will save you time, money, and maybe even some headaches.