How to Create an Inventory for Your Storage

Published on 8/17/2021
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Creating Inventory for Your Storage


Three storage units with blue doors in a row




Storage units are great. There are numerous reasons for renting one. Whatever yours is, it does offer a sense of relief knowing your belongings are safe while you are in the middle of a hectic moving process. However, although they have many benefits, keeping your unit orderly can quickly get out of hand once it starts to hold a whole lot of everything. Therefore, we've developed a helpful list. This list will help you learn how to create an inventory for your storage to avoid losing track of your possessions.

Why do you need to create an inventory list for your storage? 

Storage units offer peace of mind during the moving and moving-in process. Another advantage they have is that you can utilize them without a due date, which will help keep your house clutter-free while having your possessions safe and within reach when needed. 

 

If you are planning a long-distance move in Missouri, keeping your things out of the way is essential to have the least stressful relocation possible. After all, you are moving to your new home, which is worth all the excitement and celebration. Therefore, it's crucial to have the right help and hire a reputable moving company that can ensure the safety of your belongings. But, what about all the things you have in storage? It is easy to get disorganized and create a mess out of your storage unit. To keep everything on point, here are the steps to follow:

 

  • Organize
  • Develop a master list
  • Update your list every time you add or remove something
  • Set up a map of your storage unit
  • Use shelving and labels

Organization

Nothing says organization like inventory lists! To create them, you will first need to organize the stuff you have in your storage unit. This step is essential, and it drastically reduces the possibility of something missing on your list.




White labels on a pink background
Remember to label each box



A good idea is to employ the box by box or room by room strategy. Categorizing your posessions this way will ease a lot of possible confusion. Write down each thing you put in a box and tape a copy of the list on the box itself. To be extra careful, keep another copy of the list in a binder dedicated to your storage unit inventory. For an even better overall view, number and label the box and the list.

 

A pro tip worth remembering is to start with the bulky pieces while working your way down to smaller items that fit in a box. For example, if you organize possessions from your living room, start putting heavy furniture in the back. Then use some of that furniture to store boxes with items that belong in that room.

Master list

Once you've followed all of the previous steps, it would be great if you made a digital master list of all the things you have in your storage unit. Having a master list is the best way to keep track of everything you have in your storage unit. Plus, if you go for a digital excel version, you can effortlessly search where exactly that certain item you need is.

The master list should include the following:

 

  1. Box numbers
  2. Box labels
  3. All items that are in those boxes

Update your list every time you make some changes

Keeping your list up-to-date is crucial if you want to have your organization on point. No matter how small the item you move in or out is, make sure you note every change you make. Of course, this also counts for the lists you have on the boxes, the spare ones, and your master list.



A notebook and a pencil
Keep your list up-to-date by writing down even the smallest changes


Following this step is of great importance since outdated lists won't do much to help you. And that is for obvious reasons since the list might include items you disposed of or that have been added in the box but not to the list.

Create a map of your storage unit

Most people are visual perceivers of the world around them. Therefore, creating a visual map of your storage unit would be of enormous help. This map doesn't have to be anything fancy, a simple one will work, and there are many apps to help you create it. 


Indoor hallway of storage units with red doors
Having a digital map of your storage unit will make the search process a breeze


These maps will come in handy if you send someone to retrieve something from your storage unit. For example, imagine a scenario where you stored away all of your seasonal items, and your gardener needs to get the lawnmower while you're on vacation. The map will point them in the right direction and help them navigate.

Use shelving

Using shelves in your storage unit is another excellent way of keeping it clean and organized. All of your boxes and containers will be at eye level, and therefore, easier to reach. For example, it would be best to place all your bedroom boxes on one shelf and kitchen boxes on another when organizing them. Also, don't forget to label them for even easier access. Some of these labels can be kitchenware, documents, paintings, seasonal items, and so on.

Final words on how to create an inventory for your storage

If you want to create an inventory for your storage, you might be overwhelmed with a seemingly endless amount of work. But, nothing beats knowing your stuff is safe and accessing it quickly when you are in need. Having an inventory list will come in handy on numerous occasions, and you will be thankful you took the time to organize everything. Whether your list is small or a never-ending one, it is essential that you have one.