When you first rented your unit, it likely felt like a vast expanse of empty space. You carefully stacked your boxes, neatly tucked away your seasonal gear, and felt the immediate relief of a decluttered home.

However, life moves fast.

Whether you have welcomed a new family member, expanded your side hustle into a full-time business, or simply accumulated more possessions through the years, that once spacious storage unit can quickly become a source of frustration.

Recognising that you have reached capacity is the first step toward regaining control. If you find yourself dreading a visit to your unit, it is time to seek some professional self storage help.

In this guide, we will look at the signs that you have outgrown your space and how to decide whether to reorganise, declutter, or move into a larger unit at Apex Self Storage.

Signs You Have Outgrown Your Current Unit

It is easy to ignore the signs of an overfilled unit until you actually need to find something.

If your storage visits have turned into a workout or a puzzle, you are likely working with a space that is too small for your current requirements.

Difficult access to essential items

One of the most obvious signs that you need more space is the inability to reach your items without a struggle.

In a well-sized unit, you should have clear walkways that allow you to reach the back of the space. If you find that your boxes are stacked from wall to wall and floor to ceiling with no “aisle” in sight, you have outgrown the space.

This is particularly problematic for those using business storage who need to access stock or archives regularly. If every trip involves moving ten boxes just to get to one, you are wasting valuable time.

Unsafe stacking and “towering”

Safety should always be a priority when storing your goods. When a unit is too small, people often resort to stacking boxes dangerously high. High towers of boxes are unstable and can easily topple over, potentially causing injury or damaging your items.

If you notice your boxes are beginning to lean or that the bottom containers are bulging under the weight of those above, it is a clear indicator that you need more floor space to spread the load. For advice on how to avoid this, take a look at our top tips for packing your self storage unit.

Frequent reshuffling and “storage Tetris”

We have all been there. You go to the unit to drop off one small bag, and you spend twenty minutes rearranging the entire front section just to make it fit.

If you are playing a high-stakes game of “storage Tetris” every time you visit your self storage facility, the unit is no longer serving its purpose. Storage should be a tool that makes your life easier, not a chore that adds to your weekly stress.

Items being stored inefficiently

When space is at a premium, we often stop following best practices. You might start shoving soft items into gaps or laying fragile items on top of heavy furniture because there is nowhere else for them to go. This leads to long-term damage.

Proper storage requires enough room to use the right materials, such as those found in our shop, and enough breathing room to ensure items do not become crushed or damp due to a lack of airflow.

The Benefits of Upgrading Your Storage Space

Many customers hesitate to upgrade because they worry about the cost or the effort of moving. However, the benefits of moving to a larger space often far outweigh the temporary inconvenience of a move.

Upgrading saves you time

Time is your most valuable resource. By moving to a larger unit, you can create a layout that allows for instant access. You can implement a shelving system or create a central walkway. This means you can find what you need in seconds rather than hours.

If you are a student using student storage, having a clear view of your textbooks and belongings during move-in week is a lifesaver.

It protects your belongings

When items are crammed together, they are prone to scratches, dents, and breakage. Fragile items are especially at risk when they are not stored with enough clearance.

By upgrading, you give your furniture and valuables the space they need. If you are storing high-value items, we recommend checking out our article on the art of storing fragile memorabilia and antiques safely to ensure you are giving them the protection they need.

It reduces your stress levels

A cluttered unit often reflects a cluttered mind. Knowing that your belongings are organised and easy to reach provides a sense of calm.

When you upgrade your personal storage, you are investing in your own peace of mind. You no longer have to worry about things falling on you when you open the shutter or losing track of where you put your Christmas decorations.

How to Decide on Your Next Move

Before you opt for a larger unit, it is worth taking a moment to evaluate your current inventory.

Audit and declutter

The first step in any self storage help guide is to audit what you actually have. It is possible that you haven’t outgrown your unit, but rather that you are storing things you no longer need.

Take a day to go through your boxes. If you find items that you haven’t used in years and have no sentimental value, consider donating or recycling them. This ensures that when you do move to a larger space, you are only paying to store things that truly matter.

Use a storage planner

If you have decluttered and still find yourself short on space, it is time to calculate exactly how much more room you need. We provide a handy storage planner on our website to help you visualise different unit sizes. This tool is invaluable for ensuring you don’t accidentally move into a unit that is still too small or, conversely, one that is far too large for your needs.

Consider your long-term goals

Are you planning to move house in the next six months? Is your business growing rapidly? If you anticipate needing even more space in the near future, it is often more cost-effective to “size up” now. This prevents you from having to move your entire inventory twice in one year.

Maximising Your Space Before You Move

If you are not quite ready to upgrade, there are a few professional tricks you can use to squeeze more efficiency out of your current square footage.

Use the right packaging supplies

One of the main reasons units feel full is the use of irregular packaging. Bin bags and mismatched supermarket boxes do not stack well and leave “dead space” in your unit.

By using uniform, high-quality boxes from the Apex Self Storage packaging shop, you can stack vertically with confidence. This utilises the full height of your unit, which is space you are already paying for. For more ideas on keeping things tidy, see our top 10 box labelling and organising tips.

Invest in shelving

If your unit allows for it, freestanding shelving units are a game-changer. They allow you to access the bottom boxes without having to unstack the top ones. This keeps your unit organised and prevents the “shuffling” mentioned earlier.

It is a great way to manage household storage where you might need to grab specific items like suitcases or tools throughout the year.

Need More Room? Let Apex Self Storage Help

At Apex Self Storage, we understand that your storage needs will evolve over time. We pride ourselves on offering flexible solutions that grow alongside our customers. If you have realised that your current unit is no longer fit for purpose, our friendly on-site teams are here to help you transition into a larger space.

That’s why we offer a wide range of unit sizes across our UK locations, ensuring that whether you are clearing out a spare room or relocating an entire warehouse, we have the right fit for you. Moving to a larger unit within the same facility is a simple process, and we can often help you coordinate the move to make it as seamless as possible.

Don’t let a cramped storage unit hold you back or cause unnecessary stress. Whether you need more room for your personal storage, or you are looking to expand your business storage, we’re here to help.

Contact your local Apex Self Storage branch today to discuss an upgrade and get your storage back under control.