Smart Storage Starts Here: How to Maximize Your Storage Unit Space


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July 30th, 2025


Self Storage Unit with Boxes

Smart Storage Starts Here: How to Maximize Your Storage Unit Space

Whether you're moving, decluttering, remodeling, or just trying to free up space at home, renting a storage unit is a convenient solution. But once you’ve rented your unit, what’s next? Many people start loading items into their unit without a plan and end up with a cluttered, chaotic mess. We’ve all been there—digging through stacks of boxes, searching for just one thing, and ending up empty-handed. Don’t let that be your storage experience. Our guide will help you store smarter, not harder. Whether you’re using a self-storage unit for a few months or a few years, you’ll learn how to:
  • Keep your unit organized and items easily accessible
  • Protect your belongings from damage
  • Maximize your storage space without overspending
Let’s get your storage unit organized!

Step One: Choose the Right Storage Unit Size

Optimizing your space starts with selecting the right storage unit size. The size you’ll need depends on what you plan to store. If you have several rooms of furniture, tables, couches, appliances, and boxes, then you will need a larger self-storage unit. Most storage facilities offer a range of unit sizes, including:
  • 5x5 or 5x10: Great for seasonal décor, small furniture, or boxes
  • 10x10: Ideal for the contents of a one-bedroom apartment
  • 10x15 to 10x20: Perfect for multi-room homes, large furniture, and small vehicles
  • 10x30 or larger: Best for full-home moves, business inventory, or RV storage
Not sure what size you need? Try the IncaAztec Self Storage Calculator to find the perfect fit. Simply select the items you’ll be storing, and the calculator will do the rest. It will let you plan out how to store your items and help you find the perfect-sized unit for your needs.

Step Two: Plan Before You Pack

Before you start packing boxes or moving furniture into your unit, create a plan. First, sort items by the type of items or which room they belong in, and label each box clearly. Keeping a master list or numbering system for boxes will help you find items faster later on. The easiest way to do this is to use a spreadsheet or note-taking app to track the contents of each box by number.

Step Three: Pack Smart and Stack Safely

To make the most of your storage space, use containers that are similar in size and shape. This makes stacking easier and safer. When possible, opt for clear plastic bins—they’re durable, moisture-resistant, and let you see what’s inside without opening them. Avoid overstuffing boxes, which can cause breakage or instability. Always place heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top to maintain balance.

Step Four: Disassemble and Protect Furniture

You can free up valuable space by disassembling bulky furniture like:
  • Bed frames
  • Dining tables
  • Desks
  • Shelving units
Keep hardware (screws, bolts, etc.) in labeled bags taped to the corresponding furniture pieces to prevent them from getting lost For items like couches and mattresses, store them vertically to save floor space, but avoid placing them directly on the ground. It's important to place the furniture on a pallet and cover it with moving blankets to prevent moisture damage. Avoid plastic covers, which trap humidity. Instead, use breathable fabric covers. To counteract the humidity in the storage unit and prevent mildew, use moisture absorbers like silica gel packs, DampRid, or kitty litter.

Step Five: Create a Layout That Makes Sense

One of the most common mistakes is filling a unit without thinking about accessing your items in the future. Nothing is worse than trying to find an item only to find it is completely inaccessible. To avoid this, you should place items you rarely need at the back and frequently used items near the front. Be sure to create a small aisleway in the storage unit to easily access all of your items and avoid the headache of not being able to access your items. These small steps save major headaches down the line.

Step Six: Think Vertical with Hanging Storage

Not everything fits neatly in boxes. Instead, use vertical hanging storage solutions for oddly shaped items or delicate materials like clothing:
  • Wardrobe boxes: Perfect for storing coats, suits, or dresses
  • Tension rods: Great for hanging outdoor gear, bags, or jackets
  • Over-the-door organizers: Ideal for shoes, tools, cords, and small electronics
By using a variety of storage options, you can maximize your storage space!

Step Seven: Know What not to Store

While storage units are a great solution for keeping clutter out of your home, there are certain items that should never be stored. These include:
  • Perishable food
  • Gasoline, propane, or other flammable materials
  • Hazardous chemicals
  • Living plants or animals
  • Wet or damp items

Renting a storage unit does not have to be complicated. Making the most of your space? That takes a bit of planning—but it’s well worth it. With a few strategic choices, smart packing, and vertical thinking, you’ll fit more into your unit than you ever thought possible—without sacrificing access or safety. Ready to Get Organized? IncaAztec Self Storage offers:
  • Drive-up and climate-controlled units
  • A wide range of sizes
  • 24/7 access at select locations
  • certain items shouldClean, well-lit, fully secured facilities
Visit IncaAztecSelfStorage.com or call today to find the perfect unit near you and take the stress out of storage.

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