Storage Tips and Tricks

Renting a self storage unit is the perfect way to find space for the extra belongings you don’t have room for at home or work. However, storing your things effectively is not as simple as stuffing them all inside the walls of your unit and shutting the door.

With a little planning and smart strategy, you can get the most out of the space you rent while keeping your items secure and accessible. The experts at Acorn Mini Storage® have put together this guide full of storage tips and tricks to help you get started.

Before You Rent

Before you pick a storage unit, it’s important to assess your needs and understand what traits matter most. Do you need a little extra personal storage space to manage a life transition, or perhaps a secure place for excess business inventory? Figuring this out upfront will save you frustration later and ensure you pick the right unit for you.

Decide What You Need

Begin by considering the items you want to store and roughly estimating the space they will occupy. Our size guide and storage calculator tools can help you choose the correct unit size without paying for unnecessary space. 

Establish a Timeline

Consider how long you will need the rented space. Whether you’re looking for short-term or long-term storage will significantly impact how you navigate the process.

Prioritize Quality Features

Look for units with features like climate controlled storage, security cameras, and drive-up access to set yourself up for a positive experience.

Understand Access Hours

Check your chosen facility’s access hours to ensure you can retrieve your items when you need them. Certain locations offer after-hours access upon request. 

Moving Day Prep

Preparation is a key part of having a smooth moving day. Staying organized from the start will make unloading your items quicker and less stressful.

Create an Inventory List

Write down everything you plan to store ahead of time. This will help you keep track of your belongings and can help you find specific items whenever you need them.

Label Everything

Clearly label boxes with their contents and the room they belong to. This will make unpacking and locating things much easier.

Pack Things Smartly

Use sturdy boxes and pack heavy items on the bottom with lighter items on top. When packing your vehicle, fill empty spaces to prevent shifting during transport.

Reserve a Moving Truck

Book your moving truck weeks in advance to ensure availability on your scheduled moving day. Having an appropriately sized moving truck can eliminate a lot of the physical stress while moving into storage.

Packing Your Unit

How you arrange your storage unit can drastically impact whether you have a positive or negative experience. Smart packing keeps your items secure and easily accessible whenever you need them.

Leave a Walkway

Create an aisle down the middle of your unit so you can move freely and access items without having to unpack everything.

Utilize Vertical Space

Stack boxes and utilize stackable shelving units to maximize the full height of your unit. Along with opening up floor space, it ensures you get the most bang for your buck.

Stack Things Wisely

Place heavier, sturdier items at the bottom and fragile or lighter items on top. This will help you avoid damage and limit how many items you’ll have to move out of the way when accessing your belongings.

Use Clear Bins

We recommend storing most of your stuff in clear plastic bins. This will keep out dust and pests and allow you to quickly see what’s inside without opening every container. 

Staying Organized

Maintaining organization inside your storage unit reduces clutter and protects your belongings over time. Investing time in regular upkeep will save you headaches down the road.

Keep Essential Items Up Front

Place frequently used items near the front of the unit for easy access. This is especially important if you’re planning to use every inch of floor space.

Group Things Together

Store similar items like holiday decorations or seasonal clothing in one consistent area so you can find them faster.

Check In Regularly

Visit your unit occasionally to make sure everything is in good condition and nothing needs attention.

Cleaning Your Unit

Sweep and clean your unit periodically to keep pests away and maintain an orderly space. We recommend tidying up once a month at a minimum.

Vehicle Storage Tips

Storing a vehicle requires extra care. Some thoughtful consideration can give you peace of mind that your extra set of wheels is in good condition while off the road.

Start With a Deep Clean

Before storing your vehicle, wash and vacuum it thoroughly, both inside and out.  You should also make sure your tires are properly inflated so they don’t sink.

Fill the Tank and Add Stabilizer

Fill up your gas tank and add fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel breakdown over time, which can lead to problems. 

Disconnect the Battery

Make sure to remove or disconnect the battery before parking your vehicle for an extended period of time to avoid draining and corrosion.

Cover It Properly

Use a breathable car cover to shield your vehicle from dust and temperature changes inside your storage unit.

Business Storage Tricks

Renting business storage can be a powerful investment with some careful planning. Consider these tips when renting a business storage unit to keep operations running smoothly and company property secure. 

Opt for Climate Controlled Storage

Climate controlled storage helps protect sensitive items like electronics, paperwork, and inventory from extreme temperatures and changes in outdoor conditions.

Maintain Official Inventory List

Keep a detailed inventory list of everything in your storage unit to make sure your records are accurate and everything is easy to find.

Package Acceptance Services

Some facilities offer package acceptance and delivery services, which can dramatically streamline your business logistics.

Visit Your Unit Frequently

Making regular visits to your storage unit allows you to stay on top of inventory levels and address any issues promptly.

Rent Reliable Self Storage From Acorn Mini Storage®

Renting from the experts at Acorn Mini Storage® opens the door to dependable service, clean facilities, and a variety of storage options tailored to your needs. We offer secure self storage units in Minnesota that you can lean on to manage your busy life. Our friendly team is here to help guide you through the process so you can store with confidence. 

Find a Minnesota storage facility near you to start your journey! You can also explore our FAQ and storage tips page for more information.