How to Organize a Storage Container

First of all, let us say congratulations! We know how scary moving can be, whether you are moving across the country to just across the street. The immense effort, planning, and uneasiness can be daunting, so we commend you for taking the leap and choosing to embark on the journey. While it may be scary, it is also thrilling— so many new people to meet, new places to explore, and so many new things to experience! Knowing all this, though, does not make the packing and moving journey any easier. It just makes it more exciting.

As such, to ease the pain of moving: a storage container! They are extremely large and versatile and can hold your belongings for as long as you need until you are ready to put them to use. We want to ensure you get the most bang for your buck with the best organization possible. Organizing a large storage container requires careful planning and smart strategies. It is not just about fitting everything inside but about creating a system that allows you to easily find and retrieve your belongings whenever needed.

We have covered everything from categorizing and labelling to utilizing clear bins and maximizing vertical space. Read on to find out how you can ease the experience and make moving all the more exciting and all the less stressful.

1. Categorize and label

Think: Claire from Modern Family— she has got it together, and so can you. Before you start organizing, take the time to sort through all the items you plan to store in your large storage container. Group similar items together, such as seasonal decorations, sports equipment, or memories you are not ready to let go of yet.

Once you have categorized everything, it is time to label! Grab your trusty label maker or some sticky notes and write clear, legible labels for each category (emphasis on legible). Attach the labels to the appropriate bins, boxes, or containers to ensure that everything is easily identifiable when the time comes. This simple yet efficient step ensures you never have to dig through box after box again to find what you need.

2. Shelving units

We know this seems out there: you are not moving INTO this unit after all, but installing sturdy shelving units that can be easily taken down is an easy way to get additional space without losing your deposit. These units can be freestanding or mounted to the walls of your container, depending on your preference and the layout of the space.

They provide a stable and structured solution for storing electronics, fragile items, or bulky objects that require separate compartments! Your trophies will no longer be buried at the bottom of a box: instead, they will be proudly displayed on a shelf.

3. Use clear bins

We know that sometimes, cardboard boxes are just handy, but clear bins can make the process much easier if you let them. Not only do these bins protect your belongings from dust and moisture, but they also allow you to see exactly what’s inside without having to rummage through multiple containers.

Say goodbye to the days of opening every box just to find that one elusive item. With clear bins, you will have a clear (pun intended) view of your storage container’s contents at a glance.

4. Make use of vertical space

While most people choose to use up all the floor space in a storage container and then complain that there is not enough space left, you can utilize your vertical space and avoid this problem. Consider investing in stackable bins or shelves that can help you maximize the container’s height.

What do we love about stackable bins? It makes things super easy to group! Just make one pile of books, one pile of clothing, and one pile of memorabilia, and you will never find yourself swimming through piles of boxes again.

5. Vacuum seal bags

If you anticipate that you will be packing a lot into your storage container (kudos!), you may want to consider investing in vacuum-sealable bags to save space. Especially if you are dealing with bulky items like blankets, pillows, or winter clothing, vacuum-seal bags are your secret weapon. These magical bags remove excess air from the contents, reducing the overall size of the items and creating more room in your storage container.

Simply place the items in the bag, seal them tightly, and use a vacuum cleaner to suck the air. The result? Compact, space-saving packages that are protected from dust, bugs, and moisture. Vacuum-seal bags are a game-changer for maximizing space in your storage container and keeping your belongings fresh and well-preserved.