Whether you’re moving, renovating, or decluttering, trying to fit your entire house into a storage unit can feel overwhelming at first. The key to smoothing this process is to start with a solid plan. Start by assessing everything you own. Take inventory of each item and categorise them—furniture, electronics, kitchenware, and personal belongings. By doing this, you’ll have a clearer picture of what needs to be stored and how much space it will require. This step not only saves you time but also helps when choosing the right storage unit size at U Store It, where a variety of options are available to fit your specific needs.
Additionally, this is the perfect time to decide what you can let go of. Not everything has to go into storage—use this as an opportunity to donate, sell, or discard items that no longer serve a purpose. You’ll find that with a little decluttering, fitting your home into a storage unit becomes much less daunting.
Choose the Right Storage Unit Size
Once you’ve organised your belongings, it’s time to choose the right storage unit size. This decision can make a huge difference in how easily you can fit everything from your home into the space. Generally, a two-bedroom home might require around a 100 sq ft unit, while a three-bedroom house could need 150 sq ft or more. However, if you also have a garage or attic full of items or bulky furniture, you may need to go larger.
At U Store It, we offer a wide range of unit sizes to cater to homes of any size, and our size guide can help you visualise how much space you’ll need. For example, our units start from small lockers, perfect for boxes and clothes, all the way up to large units capable of holding the contents of a four-bedroom house. What’s more, our expert team is always available to assist you in picking the right size based on your inventory.
It’s also a good idea to choose a slightly larger unit than you think you need. This way, you can avoid overcrowding and have room for unexpected items. Additionally, being able to move around your unit, with a little extra space for shelves or containers, can make accessing your belongings easier.
Pack Strategically
Packing for storage is all about efficiency and safety. Start by gathering sturdy, high-quality packing materials—using flimsy boxes is a recipe for disaster when stacking items. U Store It offers everything you need, from strong cardboard packing boxes to bubble wrap and packing tape. By investing in these materials, you’re protecting your items from damage while they’re in storage.
When packing, remember to group similar items together. For example, keep all kitchenware in one section and clothes in another. This helps when unpacking later. Label each box with its contents and room of origin. Be sure to pack heavier items at the bottom and stack lighter ones on top to avoid crushing anything delicate.
For large furniture, disassemble what you can—bed frames, tables, and chairs all take up much less space when broken down. Stand items like sofas or mattresses on their ends to save horizontal space, and use every bit of vertical space you have. Shelving units or stacking boxes can also help utilise the height of the unit efficiently, creating more room for other belongings.
Lastly, pack your storage unit with intention. Place items you’ll need more often near the front for easy access, while seasonal items or things you won’t need right away can be placed at the back. With the right approach and U Store It’s packing products, you can ensure your items are stored securely, and the space is maximised.
Maximise Space with Shelving and Containers
To make the most out of your storage unit, it’s important to think vertically. Adding shelving can create additional layers of storage, allowing you to stack boxes and other items efficiently while keeping everything easily accessible. Freestanding shelves are perfect for this, as they help you utilise the unit’s height and prevent items from getting buried under piles of boxes. You can place smaller, easily lost items on shelves and heavier, bulkier items underneath, freeing up more floor space.
When choosing storage containers, go for stackable ones that fit neatly together. Uniform boxes or plastic containers are much easier to manage and create a tidier, more organised unit. This also reduces the risk of damaging fragile items and helps keep everything secure. Consider using clear containers so you can see what’s inside at a glance, making retrieval faster and hassle-free.
Finally, to keep your unit organised, create an aisle so you can reach items without needing to move too much. By organising efficiently with shelving and stackable boxes, you’ll not only maximise the available space but also make it easier to find things when needed.
Create an Inventory List
As you pack up your home for storage, creating an inventory list can save you time and hassle later. Write down a detailed list of everything you’re storing, and keep track of where each item is located inside your unit. Number your boxes or containers and label them clearly, making sure to match the numbers with your inventory sheet. This way, you’ll know exactly what’s inside each box without having to open them all, helping you find what you need more easily.
Additionally, taking photos of your packed items can be a visual reminder of what’s in storage, especially if you’re keeping things there long-term. Whether you’re storing furniture, sentimental items, or seasonal belongings, having a clear inventory list helps you stay organised and ensures nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
Make Your Move Easier with U Store It’s Convenient Locations
With multiple convenient locations across Dublin, Cork, Waterford, and Belfast, U Store It makes finding the right storage solution simple and hassle-free. Whether you’re looking to store a few boxes or an entire household, our flexible unit sizes and expert team are here to make your transition smoother. Take the stress out of moving or decluttering—reach out to us today and discover how easy self-storage can be!
