Think about your storage unit like a large pantry – what might you need to access most frequently? Organize your items in a way that makes sense for your lifestyle.

Many of the items you store will be put away for a while. Cleaning them thoroughly before moving them into your storage unit will help maintain their value.

Before you pack your valuable items away to store, create a detailed inventory list. Keep an electronic copy of the inventory on file for quick reference and also print out a couple copies and put them away in different places or pass one onto a loved one for safe keeping.

When you buy bins of like size and shape, you can stack them like a tower. And when they are clear, you can get a quick glimpse of the items inside. While you can keep similar bins in one area of your storage unit, when you color code them, your storage items will be easier to locate at a glance.