How to create a self storage inventory

The premise of a self storage unit is to have a dedicated place for your belongings, whether it is precious family heirlooms you wish to keep safe or excess items you have accumulated over the years and are yet to find space for.

The promise of having clear organisation is a huge selling point of self storage units. So, when you begin to fill it up with your belongings, having a self storage inventory will keep everything in your unit tidy and easily accessible.

Creating a self storage inventory is a great starting point to minimise the mess and keep your items in their dedicated areas of your storage unit.

At Apex Self Storage, we know a thing or two about storing your belongings in a way that is most manageable for you. We want to make the entire ordeal an efficient and enjoyable process.

Start your self storage inventory early

Once you have acquired a self storage unit, it is best practice to begin inventory as soon as possible. The sooner you begin creating lists and making a note of each box or item, the less stressed you will feel. With the ease of finding everything you need when you need it, you can limit stress in the future.

If you have had a storage unit for a while now, there is no need to panic! You can create an inventory at any point in the process. If you find that you have accumulated a little too much to handle, enlisting the help of others to label and organise items is a great start. It’s better to start as soon as you can, rather than later when it becomes unmanageable.

One box at a time

The inventory process can feel overwhelming since you can’t click your fingers and expect perfection! Taking one box at a time can help eliminate the pressure of getting everything done at once. With each box, empty the items one by one, making note of each of the contents as you go. Check each item off as you go and make sure to keep each list attached to its box for future reference.

Depending on the amount of storage you have, grouping boxes together by room or use will help to organise the unit further. Perhaps you could pair boxes by room, such as bedrooms, kitchen, living room and more.

Master a map

Having a visual guide to where each box is in your storage unit is super helpful not only for you but for any family members or friends who are helping you out! A detailed map of each boxes whereabouts will make it easier to navigate a busy storage area when you need to find something quickly.

The list of all lists

Writing a master inventory list that includes everything from a breakdown of box numbers to their location. You can create a master list on paper like the other lists or, better yet, digitally. A digital master list will limit the mess of too much paper and keep everything organised in one clean document.

Keep lists in check

Regardless of the number of items you have or the size of each, if you remove them from the storage unit or change their location, it is essential to update your inventory lists. It’s easy to assume you will remember each small change in your mind but, as time goes on, it’s good to make a physical note as well as a mental one.

Take advantage of shelves

Boxes are a great way to store your belongings, but sometimes, you need to keep some space clear to walk around your unit with ease. Utilising the shelf space will help to separate the sections which you can label just as easy as boxes.

Apex Self Storage is Manchester’s oldest independent self storage company. With plenty of expertise, we can advise you on the perfect storage unit suited to your needs. Get in touch with us today to find out more.