When it comes to self storage, size isn’t everything—what matters is how you use it. With a few clever tricks and a bit of planning, even a smaller unit can hold far more than you’d expect.
Whether you’re storing for a house move, a renovation, or simply trying to clear some space at home, these smart storage hacks will help you make the most of your unit—saving you money and hassle in the process.
Use Vertical Space
Most storage units have high ceilings, but many people forget to take advantage of them. Stack your items upwards, not just outwards. Use shelving, bookcases, or even plastic crates to create stable vertical towers of storage.
Heavier items should always go at the bottom, with lighter boxes or soft furnishings stacked on top.
Choose Clear Plastic Bins Over Cardboard Boxes
While cardboard is fine for short-term storage, clear plastic bins offer better protection from dust and moisture—and you can see exactly what’s inside without unpacking everything.
They also stack neatly and are easier to slide or move around if you need to access things later on.
Add Freestanding Shelving
If you’re storing for more than a few weeks and want to keep things organised, bring in a simple freestanding shelf unit. It creates extra layers of usable space and helps you avoid messy stacks that collapse when you reach for something.
Shelves are especially useful for keeping business stock, hobby materials, or fragile items safe and within reach.
Disassemble Bulky Furniture
Flat-pack your storage wherever possible. Taking the legs off tables, removing shelves from wardrobes, or disassembling bed frames can save huge amounts of space.
Wrap and label all screws and fittings, and tape them securely to the corresponding furniture so nothing goes missing.
Pack Inside Furniture
Make every item work double-duty. Fill drawers with lightweight items like clothes, books, or kitchen utensils. Use the space inside wardrobes or chests of drawers to store smaller boxes or soft furnishings.
Just be careful not to overfill heavy furniture, as this can make it harder to move or cause damage.
Label the Sides of Your Boxes
Most people label the tops of boxes—but once they’re stacked, those labels are hidden. Label at least two sides of every box so you can easily find what you need without lifting everything.
Include the room it came from, what’s inside, and whether anything inside is fragile.
Leave a Walkway (Even a Narrow One)
It’s tempting to pack your unit wall-to-wall, but if you ever need to retrieve something, it becomes a nightmare. Leave a small path down the centre or along one side to access the back of the unit without unpacking everything.
Place frequently used items near the front, and less important ones further back.
Group Items by Type or Use
Whether you’re storing household goods, work materials, or seasonal items, group similar things together. It’ll make unpacking easier and reduce the chance of items getting lost or damaged.
Create zones within your unit—one for tools, one for holiday items, one for business stock, and so on.
Use Soft Items to Protect Fragile Goods
Wrap fragile items in soft furnishings like towels, duvets, or jumpers. It saves space, reduces the need for bubble wrap, and gives you built-in cushioning without extra cost.
Just be sure to label the box so you remember what’s packed with what.
Final Thought
You don’t need a bigger unit to store more—you just need to pack smarter. By thinking vertically, disassembling larger items, and staying organised, you’ll be amazed at how much you can fit into even a modest space.
If you’re unsure what size unit to start with, or want help packing efficiently, our team is here to offer honest advice and practical support. We’ll help you get the best value out of every square foot.
