Vertical Storage Solutions in Your Self-Storage Unit

Stacking cardboard boxes vertically can result in pressure-related damage. While cardboard is an effective storage material for lightweight items, plastic bins will hold up better in a vertical stack. The structure of the bins provides the support necessary for effective vertical storage.

Along with ease of vertical stacking and added support, plastic bins allow you to organize and find your belongings efficiently. Choose clear plastic bins to see what is inside. This gives you a window into the tubs, making locating and moving items as needed easy.

Even though plastic bins provide more support than cardboard boxes, careful organization is still necessary. Place the heaviest bins at the bottom, progressively stacking lighter ones. This, along with using bins with flat lids, makes the possibility of them toppling less likely.

Add extra support by packing several towers of bins tightly next to each other. Make sure that you can easily reach the items you need, or finding items in your storage unit will be challenging.

Boxes and bins are not your only storage options. Even though they make moving your items easy, as well as reducing unpacking and re-packing time, you can reduce the storage unit clutter and create vertical solutions with simple shelving units. If you have bookcases that you already want to store, you are in luck. You can also use the tops of dressers, desks, and tables to store your items vertically.

When your storage unit inventory does not include existing bookshelves, purchase basic metal units that free the floor. Using a shelving unit allows you to store flimsy or cardboard boxes vertically without worry about weight and pressure issues. You do not have to unpack boxes before shelving them. Place the boxes on the shelves, labeling each one on the side facing out.

If the self-storage company permits wall use, you can hang hooks for even more vertical storage solutions. Instead of damaging the walls with screw-in hooks, use the removable self-adhesive versions.

Choose the correct hook for the weight that you want to hang. Look at the packaging for the maximum weight information. Hang tote bags, linens, towels, curtains, rugs, or clothing, or baskets for small-sized items, on wall-mounted storage.

Stored furniture does not have to sit as it would in your home. No one will need the couch, making horizontally storing it unnecessary. If a couch or love seat has flat arms, turn it on its side and push it against one of the storage unit's walls. This vertical storage solution adds extra usable floor space.

Sofas are not the only type of furniture that you can store vertically. Mattresses and box springs take up more than their fair share of space. Standing them up on the shorter side adds area to your storage unit. Full-, queen-, or king-sized beds may require side vertical storage. You can still stand these mattresses and box springs up - just turn them onto the long sides.

Like a sofa or any other piece of furniture, use a wall for extra support. Failure to properly stand or secure the mattress or box spring may cause it to fall or lean to its side, causing damage to other storage items.

Do you need a self-storage unit? Contact Oakdale Self Storage for more information. We are also happy to answer any questions you have about vertical storage space usage.