At Peaceful Place, we’re often asked to help clients “organize” their storage units. What people usually mean is, “Please help me make sense of this mountain of boxes so I can downsize or—better yet—eliminate the unit entirely.” Still, if you are using storage, there are a few things you need to know to save yourself headaches, wasted money, and ruined belongings.
1. Choose the Right Type of Unit
The first question to ask is: Is it climate-controlled or outdoor?
Not to toot our own horn, but this is Peaceful Place’s well-organized storage unit - every item is visible and accessible.
Climate-controlled (indoor) units are worth every penny. You can access them regardless of weather or time of day, and your belongings won’t suffer from humidity, mold, freezing, or extreme heat.
Outdoor units can work in a pinch, but you’re at the mercy of the weather. Imagine rallying movers and family only to find it’s pouring rain or sweltering outside. Not fun—and often not safe for your things.
2. Think Vertical—But Stay Safe
Storage units typically have high ceilings, and movers will often stack items sky-high to “make everything fit.” This creates towers of heavy boxes that are dangerous to retrieve. Professional organizers (including Team Peace!) are not insured to climb ladders and hand down heavy boxes. For safety, you’ll need professional movers if items are stacked above arm’s reach—and movers usually come with a three-hour minimum at $150–$180/hour.
3. Label and Zone Like a Pro
If you’re using a unit for any length of time, labeling is key.
Label every box on all visible sides.
Group by category. Keep all kitchen boxes together, holiday décor together, etc.
Create pathways. Don’t fill wall-to-wall; leave walking space so you can actually reach things.
Shelving. If items need to be frequently accessed, consider putting in inexpensive easy-to-assemble plastic shelving.
4. Plan for What Happens After Sorting
Even if you’re “just organizing,” downsizing usually happens. That means you’ll need a plan for:
Disposal. A junk removal company can haul away items immediately.
Donations. A truck or van will be needed for larger loads.
Keepers. Make sure you know where items will land once they leave storage.
5. Don’t Count on Selling from Storage
Many people think, “I’ll just sell the extras online.” Unfortunately, it almost never works. Storage facilities don’t allow people to live onsite, so arranging pickups is a hassle, and online buyers are notoriously flaky. You’ll spend hours waiting for no-shows.
👉 Bottom line: A storage unit can be a useful temporary tool during a transition, but it works best when organized with a clear plan for how and when you’ll empty it.