Expert Advice

Storage Tips from STOR-IT RITE

Make the most of your storage unit. Our practical tips help you pack smarter, stay organized, and keep your belongings safe.

Cardboard moving boxes stacked and ready to be sorted before going into a storage unit

The Importance of Decluttering

Start Before You Store

Before moving a single box into your storage unit, take time to sort through everything you plan to store. Decluttering first saves you money — you pay only for the space you actually need — and it prevents you from storing things you will never use again.

The Four-Box Method

Try dividing your items into four categories: Keep, Store, Donate, and Discard. Be honest with yourself. If you have not used something in over a year and it holds no sentimental value, it is likely time to let it go.

Less Clutter, More Peace of Mind

A decluttered storage unit is easier to navigate, easier to maintain, and far less overwhelming. Starting with only what you truly need to keep makes the entire storage experience cleaner and more efficient from day one.

Fully organized storage unit interior with labeled boxes by room, shelving bins, a bicycle, and a dresser

Organizing Your Storage Unit

Create a Floor Plan

Before loading your unit, sketch out a simple floor plan. Place items you will need to access frequently near the front and along the sides. Reserve the back of the unit for things you are storing long-term and will rarely need to reach.

Label Everything Clearly

Label every box on at least two sides — not just the top. Use large, bold text and include the room it came from and a brief list of contents. Color-coded tape per room can make finding things even faster.

Keep an Aisle Down the Middle

Leave a clear walking path down the center of your unit so you can access items at the back without moving everything in front. It takes a little planning upfront but saves enormous frustration later.

Group Similar Items Together

Store kitchen items with kitchen items, seasonal decor together, clothing in one area, and so on. Logical grouping makes retrieval simple and keeps your unit feeling organized rather than chaotic.

Storage unit with bubble wrap, moving blankets over furniture, packing tape, and a prohibited items sign on the door

Protecting Your Belongings

Use Quality Packing Materials

Invest in sturdy, uniform-size boxes rather than mismatched or oversized ones. Uniform boxes stack cleanly and reduce the risk of collapse. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper, never just newspaper, which can leave ink residue.

Protect Furniture and Upholstery

Cover upholstered furniture, mattresses, and wooden pieces with breathable covers or moving blankets. Avoid plastic wrap directly on fabric, as it can trap moisture and lead to mildew. Elevate items off the floor on pallets or shelving units when possible.

Do Not Store Perishables or Hazardous Materials

Never place food, liquids, flammables, or hazardous chemicals in your storage unit. These items attract pests, create safety hazards, and violate standard storage agreements.

Use a High-Quality Lock

A sturdy disc lock or cylinder lock provides significantly more protection than a standard padlock. Ask us if you have questions about recommended lock types for our unit styles.

Storage unit with labeled seasonal bins for winter clothing, holiday decor, and outdoor equipment including a lawn mower and leaf blower

Seasonal Storage Tips

Seasonal Clothing

Wash and completely dry all clothing before storing. Pack garments in vacuum-seal bags or clean plastic bins to save space and protect against dust and moisture. Avoid cardboard boxes for fabric, as they can absorb humidity over time.

Holiday Decorations

Store holiday decor in clearly labeled, stackable plastic bins. Wrap fragile ornaments individually and place the most-used items on top or near the front. Consider a dedicated "Holiday" section in your unit that is easy to pull from each season.

Lawn, Garden & Outdoor Equipment

Clean and dry all outdoor equipment thoroughly before storing. Drain fuel from gas-powered tools such as mowers and leaf blowers to prevent gum buildup and safety issues. Store garden hoses coiled and hang tools vertically where possible.

Winter Vehicle Storage

For boats, RVs, and trailers stored at STOR-IT RITE, clean and dry the interior fully, remove perishable items, and use breathable covers. Disconnect batteries when not in use and check tire pressure before retrieving in spring.

Storage unit interior with tall shelving stacked high with boxes and plastic bins alongside a mattress and furniture

Using Vertical Space

Stack Up, Not Just Out

Most storage units have 8 to 10 feet of ceiling height. Take full advantage by stacking boxes and bins from floor to ceiling. Place the heaviest, most durable boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on top.

Use Freestanding Shelving

A set of sturdy metal or wire shelving units transforms your storage space. Shelves keep items off the floor, make everything more visible and accessible, and allow you to organize by category rather than stacking randomly.

Hang Items on the Walls

Bikes, ladders, and tools can often be stored on wall hooks or pegboards to free up floor space. Just make sure any wall-mounted storage does not contact the unit walls directly in ways that could cause damage.

Fill Hollow Furniture

Dressers, cabinets, and wardrobes can hold a surprising number of items inside them while being stored. Fill drawers with small, lightweight items like linens, clothing, or soft goods to maximize every cubic foot.

Woman using a tablet to document a detailed inventory of labeled boxes and belongings inside a storage unit, with a camera set up to photograph contents

Keeping an Inventory

Create a Master List

Before closing your unit for the first time, create a master inventory of everything stored inside. A simple spreadsheet or phone note works perfectly. Include the box number or label, the contents, and where in the unit it is located.

Photograph Your Unit

Take photos of your unit as you fill it — especially of valuable items and how boxes are stacked. This serves as both an organizational reference and documentation for insurance purposes if needed.

Update as You Go

Every time you add or remove items from your unit, update your inventory. A current, accurate list saves you from digging through the entire unit to find a single item — and gives you peace of mind that nothing has gone missing.

Note Item Values for Insurance

If you are storing items of significant value, document their approximate worth on your inventory list. This is especially important if you carry tenant storage insurance — knowing what you have stored and its value makes the claims process much simpler.

Tenant using a keypad gate entry at STOR-IT RITE with a Gate Access Always Lock sign on the security fence

Safety and Security

Always Lock Your Unit

It sounds simple, but always verify your unit is locked every time you leave — even if you are stepping away briefly. Never rely on a unit door that appears closed to be fully secure.

Take Advantage of Facility Security Features

At STOR-IT RITE, our facility is fully fenced with gated access and security cameras. Only active tenants are granted gate access. These layers of security work together, but your personal lock is always the last line of defense.

Do Not Share Your Gate Code

Your access code is tied to your lease and your account. Do not share it with people who are not on your rental agreement. If you believe your code has been compromised, contact us immediately.

Consider Tenant Insurance

While we take every precaution to maintain a secure facility, we encourage all tenants to consider tenant storage insurance for their peace of mind. Ask us about coverage options available at our facility.

Store Valuables Thoughtfully

Keep irreplaceable items — important documents, heirlooms, or jewelry — in a safety deposit box or secure home location rather than a storage unit. Storage facilities are designed for everyday goods, not irreplaceable personal documents.

Ready to Put These Tips to Use?

Secure, clean, and flexible storage is waiting for you right here in Rittman. Check availability or give us a call to get started.

Reserve a Unit Online Call (330) 303-4244