How to Organise a Storage Unit: A Comprehensive Guide
A well-organised storage space isn’t just for those with the knack for cleanliness. It’s tidier, it saves you time, protects your belongings, and makes it far easier to find what you need when you need it. At Fort Knox, we’ve helped Australians store their belongings safely and efficiently for nearly 30 years. Here’s how to make the most of your space.
What to Store in Self Storage (And What to Leave at Home)
Not everything is suited to a storage unit. Knowing what works and what doesn’t will save you headaches down the track.
Best Items for Self Storage
Storage units have many uses, but they work particularly well for furniture, seasonal items like camping gear and ski equipment, business inventory, archived documents, sporting equipment, and vehicles. Basically, anything you don’t need daily but aren’t ready to part with is a great candidate for storage.
Items You Shouldn’t Store
On the other hand, some items should never go into a storage unit. Perishable food, hazardous materials like chemicals or flammables, living things, and anything illegal are all off the list. We’d also strongly advise against storing irreplaceable items — like family heirlooms or one-of-a-kind documents — without appropriate insurance cover in place.
How to Store Furniture in Self Storage
Furniture is one of the most common things people store, but also one of the easiest to damage if not prepared properly. A little effort before move-in really goes a long way.
Disassemble Where Possible
Bed frames, dining tables, and flat-pack shelving should all be broken down before going into storage. It saves space, reduces the risk of damage during transit, and makes the whole process easier to manage.
Clean and Protect Before Storing
Give everything a good clean before it goes into storage. Upholstered items should be vacuumed and spot-treated, and wooden furniture always benefits from a light polish or protective treatment. Wrap pieces in furniture blankets or covers to guard against scratches and dust over time.
Store Vertically and Use Furniture as Storage
Don’t let your furniture take up more floor space than it needs to. Mattresses and sofas can be stood on their ends to free up room. Drawers, wardrobes, and hollow furniture pieces are also great for storing lighter items — just don’t overload them.
How to Store Electronics in Self Storage
It takes a bit more care to safely put electronics in storage compared to most items. Moisture, temperature changes, and physical damage are all genuine risks, but a little effort to avoid those issues is more than enough.
Use Original Boxes When Possible
If you’ve held onto the original packaging for your TV, monitor, or printer, now’s the time to use it. Manufacturer boxes are designed to fit and protect each device precisely, making them far more effective than a generic cardboard box and some bubble wrap.
Remove Batteries and Wrap Cords Separately
Always remove batteries before storing any device — left in place, they can corrode and cause damage over time. Wrap cords separately and label them so you’re not untangling a mystery bundle when you retrieve your gear. A simple piece of masking tape with a description does the job.
How to Store Books in Self Storage
Books are more sensitive to storage conditions than most people realise. Moisture, pests, and improper packing can all cause lasting damage. But in a world of digital, it’s nice to see people putting in the care to keep their book collections in good shape.
Pack Books Flat or Spine-Down
Avoid storing books upright for long periods as the pages can fan out and warp. Packing them flat or spine-down in boxes keeps their shape intact and prevents unnecessary stress on the binding.
Use Small, Sturdy Boxes
Books are deceptively heavy. Smaller boxes are easier to carry and far less likely to split at the bottom. Pack them snugly but don’t overfill. A good rule of thumb is: if you can’t lift it comfortably, it’s too heavy.
Keep Books Off the Floor
Concrete floors can harbour moisture, which will work its way into cardboard and paper over time. Place boxes on pallets or shelving to keep them elevated and dry.
Avoid Plastic Bags
Plastic traps moisture and creates the perfect conditions for mould. Stick to cardboard boxes or acid-free paper wrapping for long-term book storage — your books (and your future self) will thank you.
Essential Organisation Tips for Any Storage Unit
These strategies apply regardless of what you’re storing. Get them right and you’ll save yourself a lot of time and frustration down the track.
Label Everything Clearly
Label every box on multiple sides, not just the top. Include the room it came from and a brief description of the contents. When you’re searching for something specific six months later, you’ll be very glad you did.
Create an Aisle Down the Middle
Leave a clear walkway down the centre of your unit. It sounds like wasted space, but being able to access items at the back without unpacking everything in front of them is worth far more than the extra boxes you could’ve squeezed in.
Store Frequently Used Items Near the Front
Anything you’re likely to need regularly should live closest to the door. Seasonal gear, business stock, or anything you’re rotating in and out — keep it accessible and save yourself the hassle of a full unpack every visit.
Use Uniform Box Sizes
Same-sized boxes stack more securely, create a more stable structure, and make much better use of vertical space. We stock a range of quality packing boxes to make this easier for you.
Keep an Inventory List
Maintain a simple checklist of what’s in your unit, which box it’s in, and where that box is located. A note on your phone or a shared document works perfectly and takes minutes to set up.
Protecting Your Belongings While in Storage
Getting your belongings into a unit is only half the job.
Invest in Quality Packing Materials
Cutting corners on packing materials is a false economy. Sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and furniture covers all prevent scratches, breaks, and deterioration over time.
Consider Insurance Coverage
For high-value or sentimental items, protection cover is well worth considering. We offer a specialist storage protection cover policy to give you peace of mind while your belongings are with us.
Check Your Unit Regularly
If you’re storing items long-term, make a habit of popping in periodically to check on things. Look out for signs of pests, moisture, or boxes that have shifted and become unstable. Catching a small issue early is always better than discovering a big one later.
Final Thoughts — Store Smarter with Fort Knox
Take the time to pack properly, label thoroughly, and plan your layout before you start loading — it makes every future visit easier. At Fort Knox, our team is always on hand to help you get set up the right way. Visit your nearest location or get in touch with the team for personalised advice.