How to Avoid Wasting Space in a Storage Unit

To avoid wasting space in a storage unit, choose the right size, use vertical space, disassemble furniture when practical, and pack boxes efficiently. A little planning can help you use more available space without making your belongings hard to access.

Key takeaways

• Choose the right storage unit size based on what you’re actually storing.
• Disassemble furniture when practical to reduce the amount of space large pieces occupy.
• Use vertical space by stacking boxes safely.
• Pack boxes efficiently and avoid leaving large amounts of empty space inside them.
• Use similarly sized boxes when possible to create more stable stacks.
• Store smaller items inside larger items when appropriate.
• Keep an aisle so you can still access belongings toward the back.
• Put frequently accessed items where they’re easy to reach.
• Protect furniture and fragile belongings without using unnecessary layers of bulky packing material.
• Create an inventory before loading the unit so you can plan where everything will go.

Start with the right storage unit size

The easiest way to waste storage space is to choose a unit that doesn’t match what you’re storing. A unit that’s too small can force you to cram belongings together, while a unit that’s much larger than necessary may leave you paying for space you don’t use.

Before renting a unit, make an inventory of your largest belongings first. Include furniture, appliances, mattresses, and large boxes. Then estimate how many smaller boxes you’ll have.

Public Storage offers a range of storage unit sizes, although availability varies by location. Common sizes include:

Storage unit dimensions and availability vary by location. How much fits depends on the size and shape of your belongings and how efficiently you pack the space.

Measure large furniture before storage

Furniture can quickly eat up floor space, especially if you’re storing sofas, beds, tables, and large cabinets. Measure your largest pieces before choosing a storage unit. Pay attention to length, width, and height. This can help you determine how the pieces will fit together rather than discovering after the moving truck arrives that your sectional has opinions about geometry.

Consider drawing a simple floor plan on a piece of paper before loading the unit. This can help you visualize where everything will go.

Disassemble furniture when practical

Some furniture takes up considerably less space when disassembled.

Consider taking apart:

• Bed frames
• Dining tables
• Desks
• Shelving units
• Bookcases
• Patio furniture
• Modular furniture

Take photos before disassembling complicated pieces. Those photos can make reassembly much easier later.

Then, keep screws, bolts, and other hardware together in a labeled bag. Store the hardware with the furniture or in a clearly labeled box.

Don’t force furniture apart if it’s not designed to be disassembled. Some pieces can be damaged when components are removed unnecessarily.

Use vertical space

One of the easiest ways to avoid wasting storage space is to look up. Storage units have both floor space and vertical space. When appropriate, stack sturdy boxes to take advantage of the height of your unit.

Put heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on top. Be careful not to stack items so high that they’re unstable or difficult to reach. Saving a few extra square feet isn’t worth creating a falling-box situation.

You can also use shelving if your storage facility permits it.

Choose boxes that stack well

A collection of boxes in wildly different shapes and sizes can leave awkward gaps throughout a storage unit. When possible, use boxes with similar dimensions. Uniform boxes are easier to stack and can help you use vertical space more efficiently.

Also, use sturdy boxes for heavier belongings and avoid overfilling them. For example, books are best packed into smaller boxes because a large box full of books can become extremely heavy.

Don’t leave empty space inside boxes

Packing a box with a lot of empty space wastes more than just the space inside the box. The box may also collapse or become difficult to stack.

Fill appropriate gaps with lightweight packing materials, towels, linens, or other suitable belongings. But don’t cram items together just to eliminate every inch of empty space. Fragile belongings need enough protection to prevent them from hitting one another.

The goal is efficient packing, not turning every box into a household version of Tetris.

Store smaller items inside larger items

Look for opportunities to use empty space inside belongings you’re already storing.

For example, you may be able to store:

• Smaller boxes inside empty dressers
• Linens inside drawers
• Soft household items (towels, pillows, sheet sets) inside appliances like fridges and stoves

Make sure the larger item can safely support the additional contents and avoid overloading drawers or cabinets.

Store chairs efficiently

Chairs can create awkward gaps because of their legs and unusual shapes. Depending on the type of chair, you may be able to stack some chairs together. Protect surfaces with appropriate padding and make sure the stack is stable.

Use the space under furniture

Some furniture creates useful open space underneath. Depending on the piece, you may be able to slide boxes or other belongings underneath beds, tables, or shelving.

Keep heavier items on stable surfaces and avoid putting anything underneath furniture if it could make the piece unstable. And don’t use the space under furniture as an excuse to create an inaccessible wall of boxes.

Pack clothing efficiently

Clothing can take up a surprising amount of storage space. Vacuum storage bags can reduce the volume of some soft items, but check the care recommendations for the clothing or textiles you’re storing. Some materials may not be suitable for prolonged compression.

Seasonal clothing can also be grouped together so you can easily get to them when the season changes.

Use soft items as padding

Some belongings can serve two purposes. Towels, blankets, sheets, and clothing can provide padding around fragile items while also taking up space that would otherwise require a separate box. For example, you might use towels to cushion dishes or wrap delicate furniture surfaces.

Make sure textiles are clean and completely dry before using them for packing.

Create an aisle

You might technically fit more belongings into a storage unit by filling every inch of floor space, but that doesn’t necessarily make good use of the space. Leave a path so you can reach belongings toward the back.

An aisle also makes it easier to inspect furniture and reorganize the unit later. Think of usable storage space as the space you can actually access, not simply the number of cubic feet you can fill.

Pack strategically from the back forward

When loading your unit, start with belongings that will stay toward the back. Large furniture can go in first, followed by boxes and smaller belongings. Keep an eye on your layout as you work. Don’t wait until the end to discover that your final few pieces have nowhere to go.

Avoid buying too many packing materials

Packing materials can take up storage space, too. Try to decide exactly what you need before you start to pack, or buy more as you go along so you don’t end up storing your leftovers.

Storage space-saving FAQs

How can I maximize space in a storage unit?

Use vertical space, disassemble furniture when practical, choose stackable boxes, store smaller items inside larger items when appropriate, and plan your layout before loading. Leave an aisle so you can still access your belongings.

How do I fit more furniture in a storage unit?

Disassemble furniture when possible, use space inside drawers and cabinets, stack appropriate pieces safely, and arrange large furniture strategically. Protect furniture with appropriate covers without unnecessarily adding bulky packing materials.

Is it better to stack boxes in a storage unit?

Stacking boxes can help you use vertical space, provided the boxes are sturdy, stable, and appropriately weighted. Put heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on top.

How do I use vertical space in a storage unit?

Stack sturdy boxes safely, use shelving when permitted, and take advantage of the height of the unit. Make sure not to create stacks that are unstable or too high to access safely.

How do I pack boxes to save space?

Use appropriately sized boxes, fill suitable empty spaces with lightweight packing materials and avoid leaving large gaps. Don’t overpack boxes or use oversized boxes for heavy belongings such as books.

Can I put things inside furniture to save space?

Often, yes. Drawers, cabinets, and other enclosed spaces can hold smaller belongings when appropriate. Make sure the furniture can safely support the additional weight and don’t overload it.

How do I avoid making my storage unit too crowded?

Plan your layout before loading, leave an aisle, and organize belongings based on how frequently you’ll need them. If the unit is too crowded to safely access your belongings, consider moving to a larger unit.

What should go in the back of a storage unit?

Put belongings you don’t expect to access frequently toward the back. Long-term furniture, seasonal items, and other rarely used belongings are often good candidates.

What should go at the front of a storage unit?

Keep frequently accessed belongings near the entrance. This might include seasonal items, tools, moving supplies, important documents, and household belongings you’ll need regularly.