Renting a storage unit, from a location like Colfax West Self Storage, helps you to declutter your home while keeping your items safe and secure. If you have a lot of items you want to store, you'll want to maximize the available storage area while still making it easy to access your items. Use this list of storage ideas to keep your items neat and organized while maximizing your available storage space.

Use Magnetic Hooks

If the walls in your storage unit are metal, use magnetic hooks to hang wreaths and holiday decorations on the walls. Be sure to cover them with plastic or garbage bags to protect them from dust, and label the outside of the covers so you can quickly identify the decorations you need for each holiday. The magnetic hooks can also be used to hang and organize hand tools or extension cords, if you are using the storage space as a workshop. If you are storing wall art, you can hang the art on the hooks to save space on the floor of the unit.

Vacuum Seal Your Clothing

Vacuum sealing helps you to store clothing and linens without taking up a lot of space. Write out a list of every item you are placing in each bag, and tape it to the side of the bag for easy reference when you want to take items out of storage. Label the items by season so you can switch out your winter and summer wardrobes, or label them by age if you are keeping your children's clothing to pass down to other family members.

Add Metal Shelving Units

Free-standing metal shelving units provide a convenient way to use the vertical space in your storage unit. Line one or two walls with the shelves, and organize your storage boxes from small to large starting at the top of each shelving unit. Label the contents of each box or container for easy access to items when you need them.

Create Aisles

If you will be placing boxes or furniture in the center of your storage unit, create aisles with the larger items so you can walk easily through the storage unit to access items in the back and on the sides. Place dressers and cabinets with the drawers and doors facing out so you can use these items for storing small items.

Hang Clothes Lines

Clothes lines hung from the ceiling make it easy to hang clothing that you don't want to vacuum seal, such as wedding or prom dresses. You can hang these items on the clothing line near the back of the storage unit. Be sure to place these items in protective garment bags to protect them from dust. You can also wrap holiday garland around the clothing lines for easy access when gathering your seasonal decorations. You can use your metal shelving units to attach the line from one end of the unit to the other, or you can ask the storage facility if you can add screws to the wall to anchor the line.

Use these ideas as inspiration as you begin to fill your storage unit with your items. With planning and a few organizational tools, you'll be able to neatly organize your items, maximize your space and keep your items easily accessible.