When moving to NYC, you might anticipate all that the big city has to offer, from the incredible dining to the easy transportation. However, one downside is the fact that most apartments are small despite their steep price tags. The average rental in Manhattan is around 700 square feet, which is generally shared with at least one or two roommates. With that being said, a storage unit is a necessity most people find themselves needing when they make the move. To maximize your space, so you don’t have to spend money on a larger unit, the tips below are important to keep in mind.

Getting Started

When it’s time to load up your storage unit, go through your boxes. Toss anything you truly don’t need, and you’ll save a ton of space (which translates into money). Put in the effort to reduce your “stuff” and you’ll be glad that you did it.

1. Place Everything in Boxes

It’s easier to stack boxes than it is to stack random items that are carefully balancing on top of one another. For this reason, you’ll want to pack everything you can inside of boxes that are relatively the same size. You can still pack heavy items (albeit not too heavy), but boxes with these items should be marked and placed on the bottom of the stack. Smaller and lighter boxes should be stacked on top so they don’t take up floor space where they can be damaged.

2. Label Each Box

Chances are, you’re going to need to get things out of your storage unit at some point during the year. To make this easier on yourself, clearly label each of the boxes and face those labels toward the entry point. If you have time, then it’s a good idea to make an itemized list of what’s in each box and tape that to the front as well. Although this takes more time, it makes finding things incredibly easy.

3. Organize

When organizing boxes inside of your storage unit, start by pushing large items to the back wall, such as mattresses or headboards. From there, each section should be organized based on what’s inside. For example, you might want to put bedroom boxes stacked together on the left side and kitchen items stacked together on the right. Decor and other house items should also be kept together to make them easier to find.

4. Tuck Loose Items Away

Loose items, such as chairs or guitars, should be tucked away in any areas where they can fit. If you don’t have a lot of space, you’ll want to place these on top of boxes where they won’t be able to cause any damage. If you’re able to use vertical space for odd-shaped items that just won’t go in boxes, they won’t take up precious floor space.

5. Disassemble Your Furniture

Any furniture you have should be disassembled before it hits your storage unit. Why? Because it will take up far less space and won’t limit your ability to stack items in a line.

Making the Most of Your Storage

Don’t let your lack of space ruin your move to NYC. Even if you have a small storage unit, you can keep your beloved belongings in a safe spot. Use the solutions and tips above, and you’ll be able to grab what you need when you need it.