Storage Blog

HOW TO ORGANIZE A STORAGE UNIT FOR MAXIMUM SPACE EFFICIENCY

Self Storage

Whether you’re decluttering your home, storing seasonal items, or simply need extra room, organizing a storage unit efficiently is key to making the most of every square foot. With a bit of planning and strategic organization, you can fit more into your unit, quickly find what you need, and keep everything safe and in good condition. Here’s your ultimate guide to maximizing your storage space—complete with essential tips on shelving, stacking, and keeping things accessible. 1. Start with a Clean Slate Before diving into the organizing process, make sure your storage unit is clean and ready. Sweep the floors, check for moisture, and remove any debris. A clean environment protects your belongings and makes the setup process smoother. 2. Sort and Categorize Your Items Before you start moving things in, group items by category: furniture, seasonal décor, boxes, clothing, and so on. This makes it easier to locate things later. Label each box clearly with both contents and a usage note (e.g., “Holiday Decorations – Do Not Open Until December”). This saves time and prevents unnecessary digging. 3. Use Shelving to Maximize Vertical Space Take full advantage of your unit’s height by adding shelves. Durable metal or plastic shelving units keep boxes and small items off the floor and within reach. Keep heavier items on lower shelves and adjust shelving heights to accommodate things like appliances or bins. Shelving helps create a mini-warehouse setup—especially helpful in climate-controlled Modern Storage® units. 4. Stack Items Strategically If shelving isn't an option, stack with intention. Heaviest items on the bottom: This ensures stability and protects fragile items. Group by box size: Uniform stacks use space efficiently and make it easier to maneuver inside the unit. Leave airflow gaps: A little space between stacks prevents shifting and helps with ventilation. 5. Use Clear Bins or Consistent Labeling Clear plastic bins make it easy to identify contents at a glance. If using cardboard boxes, large, legible labels are a must. Include both a general description and a short list of key items inside. Bonus tip: Create a master ...

Modern Storage Maumelle
April 23rd, 2025

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SPRING CLEANING FOR SMALL BUSINESSES: HOW TO DECLUTTER AND MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY WITH STORAGE UNITS

Storage Solutions

Spring is the season of fresh starts—and that goes beyond just your home. As the weather warms up and the urge to organize kicks in, it’s the perfect time for small businesses to reset, refocus, and clear out clutter. If your office is crowded with outdated files, unused equipment, or off-season inventory, self-storage with Modern Storage® can be a game-changer. Whether you run a retail shop, creative studio, or service-based company, self-storage offers a flexible, affordable solution that supports productivity and growth. Here’s how: 1. Declutter Your Workspace to Boost Productivity A cluttered office can lead to a cluttered mind. If you're surrounded by old paperwork, extra furniture, or equipment you rarely use, it might be time to move some of it out. With self-storage, you can: Free up desks, meeting rooms, and common areas Create a cleaner, more professional space for clients and staff Encourage focus, creativity, and better workflow Tip: Store archived documents, display materials, spare electronics, or extra seating in clearly labeled bins for easy access later. 2. Store Seasonal Inventory with Ease Businesses with seasonal products—like holiday items, promotional materials, or uniforms—can benefit big from off-site storage. Here’s how storage helps: Keep only current inventory on-site for a cleaner setup Avoid overstuffed backrooms or crowded showrooms Easily scale up or down as your inventory changes Pro Tip: Opt for a climate-controlled unit if you’re storing sensitive items like textiles, electronics, or paper goods. 3. Save Money and Maximize Efficiency Commercial space is expensive. Why pay top dollar for extra square footage when a Modern Storage® unit can give you the room you need for a fraction of the cost? Use your unit to: Create a mini-warehouse for orders, supplies, or tools Support mobile teams like event planners or service technicians Store promotional items, displays, or samples off-site Let Modern Storage® Help Your Business Grow Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about making room for what’s next. By using Modern Storage®, small businesses can improve organization, streamline operations, and create space to thrive. Whether you’re preparing for your busy season, onboarding ...

Modern Storage North Little Rock
April 16th, 2025

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Choosing the Perfect Storage Unit Size: A Comprehensive Guide

Self Storage

Choosing the right storage unit size is more than just a guessing game—it's a decision that can impact your wallet and your peace of mind. Renting too much space means paying for square footage you don’t use. Too little, and you’re playing Tetris with your belongings. Let’s break down how to choose the perfect unit size for your needs and maximize every inch of space. Understanding Storage Unit Sizes: What Fits Where? When it comes to self-storage, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. Here's a quick guide to common unit sizes and what they can hold: 5x5 (25 sq. ft.) – Think of this as a walk-in closet. It’s great for boxes, seasonal decor, or small furniture like lamps and chairs. 5x10 (50 sq. ft.) – This size fits a sofa, mattress set, dresser, and several boxes. Ideal for a small studio or dorm room contents. 10x10 (100 sq. ft.) – About half the size of a standard garage, this can handle the contents of a one-bedroom apartment. 10x20 (200 sq. ft.) – Planning to store items from a multi-bedroom house? This unit size is spacious enough for large furniture, appliances, and many boxes. 💡 Pro Tip: Not sure how much space you’ll need? Use our storage size guide calculator to get a personalized recommendation in minutes. How to Assess Your Storage Needs Like a Pro Before renting a unit, take inventory of everything you plan to store. Here's how: Make a List – Go room by room and jot down items. Don’t forget oddly shaped items like bikes or patio furniture. Measure Large Items – Sofas, bed frames, and dining tables can eat up more space than expected. Use a Storage Checklist – This helps prevent last-minute surprises and overpacking. Space-Saving Tips: Maximize Every Inch A well-organized storage unit can hold more than you think. Try these tricks: Use Shelving – Going vertical is your friend. Shelves help you stack bins and boxes neatly. Disassemble Furniture – Take apart bed frames, tables, and shelving units when possible. Label Everything – Clear labeling helps you find what ...

Modern Storage®
April 15th, 2025

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SPRING CLOSET SWAP: HOW TO STORE WINTER CLOTHES THE RIGHT WAY

Self Storage

As the spring sunshine melts away the last traces of winter, it’s time for one of the season’s most satisfying rituals: the closet swap. Storing heavy coats, chunky sweaters, and wool accessories properly not only frees up space for your spring wardrobe—it also helps extend the life of your winter wear. At Modern Storage®, we’re here to help you store smarter. Follow these expert tips to store your winter clothing efficiently and protect it until next season. 1. Clean Before You Store Always wash or dry-clean winter garments before packing them away. Dirt, oil, and even minor stains can set over time or attract pests. Ensure every item is completely dry to prevent mold and mildew during storage. 2. Sort and Declutter Use this seasonal reset to assess what you actually wore. If something stayed in the back of your closet all winter, consider donating it. Keeping only the essentials means less clutter and more efficient storage. 3. Use the Right Storage Bins Clear plastic bins with tight-sealing lids are your best bet for protecting winter clothes from dust and moisture. Line the bottom with acid-free tissue paper to safeguard delicate fabrics. 4. Vacuum-Seal Bulky Items Vacuum-sealed bags are great for space-saving when it comes to puffy coats, down jackets, and comforters. Just ensure the items are clean and dry—and skip sealing natural fibers like wool and leather, which need airflow. 5. Label Everything A simple label like “Winter Sweaters” or “Cold-Weather Accessories” will save you time when the temperature drops again. You’ll know exactly where everything is without digging through multiple bins. 6. Invest in Climate-Controlled Storage Arkansas summers can be brutally hot and humid—conditions that can quickly damage winter fabrics stored in garages or attics. Modern Storage® offers climate-controlled units that maintain a stable temperature year-round, protecting your wardrobe from extreme heat, pests, and moisture. 7. Store with Intention Stack heavier bins on the bottom and keep seasonally flexible or frequently used items easily accessible. Consider adding shelving in your storage unit to keep things ...

Modern Storage West Little Rock
April 9th, 2025

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PREPPING FOR A SUMMER MOVE: HOW TO USE SELF-STORAGE FOR A STRESS-FREE TRANSITION

Moving

Summer is a popular time for moving—longer days, warmer weather, and school breaks make it ideal. However, the heat, tight schedules, and sheer volume of belongings can make the process overwhelming. Fortunately, self-storage can help you stay organized and reduce stress. Here’s how to use self-storage to make your summer move seamless. 1. Declutter Before You Pack Before you start boxing everything up, take time to sort through your belongings. Set aside items you don’t use daily—seasonal décor, extra furniture, or rarely worn clothes—and store them in a self-storage unit. This keeps them safe and out of the way, reducing packing chaos and making your move more manageable. 2. Protect Belongings from Summer Heat High temperatures can damage sensitive items like electronics, wooden furniture, and artwork. To prevent warping, cracking, or fading, opt for a climate-controlled storage unit. Store fragile belongings early so they remain in pristine condition until you’re ready to unpack. 3. Stage Your Move Gradually Avoid the last-minute rush by moving in stages. Pack and store non-essential items, such as summer sports gear, patio furniture, or extra kitchen appliances, well in advance. This frees up space in your home, making it easier to clean, stage for sale, or simply stay organized as moving day approaches. 4. Simplify Moving Day Logistics Use self-storage as a temporary hub to keep your moving day efficient. If your new place isn’t ready or you’re downsizing, store bulky furniture and extra boxes instead of juggling them between locations. This reduces clutter and allows you to focus on settling in. 5. Stay Flexible with Short-Term Storage Moving often comes with unexpected delays. A self-storage unit provides a flexible solution if closing dates change, leases overlap, or renovations take longer than planned. With month-to-month rentals at Modern Storage, you can keep your belongings secure without a long-term commitment. 6. Pack Smart for Storage Maximize space by using sturdy boxes, labeling everything clearly, and stacking strategically. Store summer-specific gear like beach chairs or pool toys ...

Modern Storage Shackleford
March 27th, 2025

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Choosing between climate-controlled and non-climate storage? We have a Modern Storage podcast on it!

Climate Control Storage

🎧 Want the full breakdown? We just covered this on our podcast episode: Listen on Spotify or Watch on YouTube. What Is Climate-Controlled Storage? Simple answer - Maintains steady temps year-round, Best for wood, electronics, fabrics, art, documents. What Is Non-Climate (Traditional) Storage? More affordable, Exposed to outdoor temps, Fine for lawn equipment, tools, patio furniture. What you wouldn't mind storing in your garage. Pros & Cons Climate-Controlled - Protects sensitive items, better for long-term use, but higher costs. Non-Climate Storage - More affordable, good for sturdy items, but it has risks of the heat/cold damage. Who Needs Climate Control? Apartment renters (small spaces, valuable belongings), Businesses storing records/inventory, and Antique lovers, art collectors. Local Insight If you live in Little Rock, Arkansas, with the summer heat and humidity, this makes climate control a smart investment — especially for wood furniture, electronics, or anything valuable. 💬 Real Talk — What Happens If You Skip Climate Control? We shared real examples of storage gone wrong on our latest podcast episode. 👉 Listen to our full podcast episode: Listen on Spotify 👉On YouTube Watch on YouTube. Final Thoughts: ✅ If you’re storing anything valuable or sentimental, climate control is worth every penny — especially long-term. ✅ For short-term or sturdy items, non-climate works fine. Still unsure? Call Modern Storage® — our team will help you pick the right unit, every time. ...

Modern Storage®
March 24th, 2025

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SELF-STORAGE PACKING TIPS: THE DO’S AND DON’TS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Moving

Packing for self-storage can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can make the process smooth and stress-free. Whether you’re decluttering, moving, or simply needing extra space, efficient packing saves time, money, and hassle. Follow these expert packing tips to keep your belongings safe and organized while in storage. The Do’s of Packing for Self-Storage Use the Right Packing Materials Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and heavy-duty packing tape to keep your items secure. For larger furniture pieces, use moving blankets or furniture pads to prevent dust buildup and damage. Label Everything Clearly Save yourself the frustration later by labeling each box with a brief description of its contents. For even better organization, consider color-coding by category (e.g., blue for kitchen, green for bedroom). Pack with Efficiency in Mind Maximize your storage space by stacking boxes of similar size and weight. Place heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top to prevent damage. Fill empty spaces with smaller items to avoid wasted room. Disassemble Large Furniture If possible, take apart large furniture pieces like tables and bed frames to save space. Keep screws and small parts in labeled bags and tape them to the corresponding item for easy reassembly. Elevate Items Off the Ground Use pallets or shelves to lift boxes and furniture off the ground, protecting them from potential moisture and ensuring better air circulation. The Don’ts of Packing for Self-Storage Don’t Overstuff Boxes Overloaded boxes can break, making them difficult to transport and stack. Keep them at a manageable weight to prevent accidents and ensure easy access. Don’t Use Plastic Bags for Clothes Plastic bags trap moisture, leading to mold and odors. Instead, use breathable garment bags or boxes to protect clothing and linens. Don’t Store Hazardous Materials Self-storage facilities prohibit flammable, toxic, or perishable items. Avoid storing gasoline, paint, cleaning products, or food to maintain safety and compliance with facility guidelines. Don’t Stack Boxes Too High While vertical storage is efficient, stacking boxes ...

Modern Storage Bryant
March 22nd, 2025

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Modern Storage® Unpacked: What You’ll Find Inside Our Podcast

Modern Storage

Modern Storage Podcast When you think about storage, what comes to mind? Boxes stacked to the ceiling? Forgotten holiday decorations? That random drawer full of mystery cords? We get it — staying organized can feel overwhelming. But what if we told you it doesn’t have to be that way? Welcome to Modern Storage® Unpacked, a podcast where we dive into self storage tips, organization hacks, and everything in between. Whether you’re decluttering your home, planning a move, or curious about the behind-the-scenes of the storage industry, this podcast is packed with value — and a few laughs along the way. 🎙 What You’ll Hear in Every Episode Each week, we break down topics designed to help you rethink your space and better understand the self-storage world: ✅ Practical Storage Tips & Organization Hacks Simple, actionable advice you can use — from labeling systems to seasonal storage strategies and how to make the most of every square foot. ✅ Real Industry Insights Ever wondered what goes into building a storage facility? We cover it all — from construction tips, materials, and layout planning to the newest trends shaping the self-storage industry. ✅ Storage Facility Management Advice We’ll share what it really takes to run a successful storage facility — including customer service tips, facility maintenance best practices, and how good management impacts your storage experience. ✅ Fun (and Sometimes Wild) Storage Stories Let’s be honest — with storage comes stuff, and with stuff comes stories. Tune in for funny, surprising, and memorable moments we’ve collected over the years. 📦 Why Listen to Modern Storage® Unpacked? This isn’t just a podcast about boxes and bins — it’s about making life easier. We talk about: Decluttering strategies for any space How to pick the right storage unit size What really happens behind the scenes at a storage facility Tips on protecting your belongings long-term The newest trends in the self storage industry (yes, it’s a thing!) Creative ways to manage space — especially in apartments or homes Whether you’re someone who loves organization or just trying to get your garage ...

Modern Storage®
March 20th, 2025

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PROTECT YOUR WINTER GEAR: THE ULTIMATE STORAGE GUIDE

Self Storage

Storing winter sports gear in one of Modern Storage’s climate-controlled units ensures your equipment remains in top condition during the off-season. Here's how to make the most of this solution. Choose a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit: Maintain a stable environment to prevent damage from extreme temperatures and moisture. Good airflow is essential, especially for moisture-trapping items like boots and gloves. Leave space between items to avoid musty odors or mildew. Clean and Dry Your Gear: Skis and Snowboards: Remove snow, dirt, and salt from the base, edges, and bindings. Dry thoroughly and apply storage wax. Boots: Dry completely with boot dryers or stuff with newspaper or boot shapers to maintain shape. Outerwear: Wash and dry jackets, pants, gloves, and hats to prevent odors or mold. Store in a breathable garment bag. Goggles and Helmets: Store in a protective case or bag to prevent scratches and dust buildup. Avoid sealed bins that trap moisture. Organize for Easy Access: Use shelves, racks, or hooks to keep gear organized. Vertical or horizontal racks are perfect for skis and snowboards. Store smaller items like gloves, goggles, and helmets in labeled bins. Group similar items together and invest in storage covers for extra protection. Label and Document Your Gear: Maintain an inventory with details on type, condition, and care instructions. Clearly label bins and bags and photograph your gear for easy reference. Access and Security: Enjoy flexible access from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm at Modern Storage. Ensure the facility has surveillance cameras, gated access, and personal access codes for security. Regular Checks: Periodically visit your storage unit to check on your gear, especially during long storage periods. A climate-controlled storage unit at Modern Storage keeps your winter gear safe, organized, and ready for your next adventure. ...

Modern Storage Hot Springs
March 14th, 2025

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What Is Drive-Up Storage? The Ultimate Guide to Easy, Outdoor Self Storage!

Self Storage

The Ultimate Guide to Easy, Outdoor Self Storage! When it comes to self-storage, convenience is key. That’s why drive-up storage is one of the most popular options for renters looking for quick and easy access to their belongings. Whether you’re moving, decluttering, or need extra space for your business, self-storage drive-up units make loading and unloading a breeze! What Is Drive-Up Storage? A drive-up storage facility offers outdoor storage units for rent that allow you to pull your vehicle right up to the door—just like a garage! No stairs, no hallways, and no heavy lifting through long corridors. Simply drive into storage units near you, open the door, and move your items in or out hassle-free. Why Choose Drive-Up Storage? Here are some of the biggest perks of drive-up self-storage: Ultimate Convenience – No need to carry items long distances. Just park, unload, and go! Quick Access – Need frequent access to your belongings? Storage units with drive-up access save time. Weather Protection – Avoid carrying heavy loads through rain or extreme heat. Stay comfortable while you load! Perfect for Businesses – Great for storing inventory, tools, or equipment with easy pick-up and drop-off. Who Should Rent a Drive-Up Storage Unit? Homeowners looking to store seasonal decor, furniture, or extra belongings. Businesses needing outdoor self-storage for supplies, documents, or excess inventory. Adventurers and hobbyists who want a secure place for camping gear, motorcycles, or sports equipment. Find the Best Drive-Up Storage Near You! If you're searching for drive-up storage units near me, Modern Storage® has you covered! Our facilities offer secure, spacious, and easily accessible drive-up self-storage options to make storing your stuff stress-free. 📍 Check out our locations and reserve your unit today!t. ...

Modern Storage®
March 12th, 2025

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