Cue the Scream soundtrack, folks. We’re about to organize the creepiest, dampest, dustiest, spidery-est spaces of all: storage units, basements, and attics. Ew. Read on to learn how to organize these spaces. (And since I don’t have a storage unit, attic, or basement, I’ll be sparing you from my usual overly personal stories this time.)
Storage Units: Just . . . Why?
Storage units cost hundreds or thousands of dollars a year. That alone is reason not to put stuff in storage if you don’t absolutely need to. Especially stuff you don’t need, which is basically the definition of anything in storage. If you needed it, it would be in your home, right? If you do have a storage unit that’s begging to be cleaned out, here are some tips:
- Ask yourself: What’s the goal? To empty the unit? To rightsize enough to move stuff to a smaller unit? To simply organize the contents? This will determine how ruthless you need to be.
- Get someone to help; this is not a solo job.
- First, gather supplies such as new packing boxes to replace any boxes that have fallen apart. Packing tape, markers, a box cutter or scissors, gloves, a face mask, packing paper, and heavy-duty garbage bags will also be useful. Folding tables can save your back (speaking from experience).
- Coordinate with management and let them know when you’ll be there. They may be able to allocate workspace for you near your unit to make sorting easier.
- Start by emptying the unit, if space allows. If you have a larger unit, work on only one section at a time. Don’t bite off more than you can chew in a day.
- Sweep out the unit. If you see evidence of vermin, then notify management. (Don’t sweep rodent droppings. See CDC guidelines regarding hantavirus.)
- Let the sorting begin! Make piles for the following categories:
- Throw out
- Donate/sell
- Recycle
- Take home
- Keep in storage
- As you’re sorting, keep in mind that you’re sorting through things you haven’t used in months, maybe years (or decades). Do you really need them still? If you don’t have space for them now, will you ever have space?
- Are you storing things for other family members, like grown kids? Ask them to sort through their stuff. They may have forgotten you have six boxes of their softball trophies and art projects.
- If you’re storing inherited items, don’t let guilt keep you from finding new homes for things you know you won’t use. This even applies to sentimental pieces or family heirlooms—especially if you’re the last in your family line or younger generations aren’t interested in the “treasures.”
Okay then. Unless you’ve rightsized so much that you no longer need a storage unit (we can dream, can’t we?), here are some tips for putting your stuff back.
- Use clear plastic storage bins for storing things for a long period of time and keeping them watertight and rodent-free. Using clear bins also allows you to easily see what’s in them. Otherwise, use sturdy cardboard moving/storage boxes.
- Keep an inventory! On a sheet of paper (or an iPad, phone, etc.), number each box and list the box’s contents next to the box’s number. Also, write the contents on the box itself. Keep your inventory somewhere you’ll remember it. This makes it super easy to find something later.
- Pack anything fragile in packing paper. For super fragile items, use tissue paper, and then packing paper. You can also pack extremely delicate items in a box inside a larger box, with paper padding in between.
- Tape all box seams and edges to keep out dust and critters. (Remember those spiders I mentioned? They’re watching you with their little eyes.)
- Maximize space with utility shelving. Place heavier items on lower shelves for safety.
- Cover furniture with drop cloths. Use cloth, not plastic.
- Stack boxes in numerical order, with box numbers visible. You will thank yourself if you ever go looking for box #17.
- Don’t stack heavy objects on top of furniture.
So, maybe you don’t actually have a storage unit and you’ve skipped my ramblings regarding them. But I bet you do have an attic or basement, maybe both. Are you sure you want to do this? Okay, then let’s dive in.
The Ups and Downs of Attic and Basement Organizing (Ooh, Bad Pun!)
Since these two spaces are similar (icky), the organizing principles are mostly the same for both:
- Attics and basements often become refuges for things you really don’t need. You don’t have to keep something just because you’ve been keeping it.
- Let’s all do the Safety Dance! These spaces aren’t usually heated or air-conditioned, so plan to organize when the temperature is reasonable. Be careful on the steps! And replace any lightbulbs that have burned out so you can see what you’re doing. Headlamps can also come in handy for those dark corners.
- Bribe a family member into helping.
- Work on one corner, wall, or section at a time.
- Start by emptying shelves, bins, and boxes so you know exactly what you have.
- Create separate piles:
- Toss
- Sell/donate
- Recycle
- Keep
- You might need a “decide later” pile for things you’re not sure about. Just don’t let it be your biggest pile!
- Sorting can take days (weeks, months), so pace yourself. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was the clutter.
- Ideally, your sorting space is not in the attic or basement, as it can get chaotic quickly. If you don’t have a separate space to sort, make periodic trips to the dump/charity drop-off/recycling center as you work, so you have clear space.
- Move electronics, photos, musical instruments, and other delicate items to climate-controlled spaces. The same goes for other things that may be damaged by heat/cold/dampness.
- If you have a pest problem, address it before you put things back. Hard surface items that have come into contact with rodent urine and feces can be sanitized (again, see the CDC’s website), but soft-surface items should be discarded. Make sure to wear gloves, eye protection, and the appropriate mask.
- If you encounter any mold, consider ceasing work until you can have a pro check it out and remediate the situation. Your health is everything!
- Once you’ve rightsized, think about how to organize what’s left. Most people organize by category: Holiday decorations, camping gear, tools, etc. Mentally map out what goes where.
- Think about how often you use specific things. Are there frequently used items that would be better stored in more accessible spaces, like pantries and closets?
- Use space efficiently. For example, look for heavy-duty shelving that will get things off the floor and make use of vertical space. Again, place heavier items on lower shelves, and if possible, anchor shelves to walls.
- Use clear plastic bins with lids for items that need protection. You can find bins at places like Ikea and Wayfair.
- Label all boxes/bins with their contents.
- Any materials that would make a cozy animal nest, like clothing, pillows, paper, books, or cardboard, should be packed in tightly sealed bins.
So That’s All I’ve Got! Except for One Last Thing …
These spaces can be challenging to rightsize and organize. Be kind to yourself and schedule a free exploratory call with Big Rocks Organizing. We do not fear spiders or mouse poop, and we are empathetic and non-judgmental. Believe us, we’ve seen much worse than whatever your space looks like!
Big Rocks Organizing does not make a commission on any products we recommend, nor are we affiliated with any retailers or online sellers.
📺Rightsize Room-by-Room With Big Rocks Organizing
Watch the replay of our “Storage Units, Basements and Attics, Oh My!” workshop here!
About Andrea Thompson
Andrea was an advertising copywriter/creative director for 40 years before retiring, then unretiring to start a new career in organizing, then retiring again to travel the world with her husband, John. She fully admits her home is not 100% organized.