10 Hacks for Maximizing Space in your Storage Unit

Main WP • June 2, 2015

Whether you live in a tiny apartment at the center of a sprawling metropolis or a family home in the middle of the suburbs, there will come a time in your life where you will need to store your extra stuff in a self storage unit. Your self storage unit doesn’t have to be a cluttered mess of trash bags, old boxes, furniture, and junk. You should treat your storage unit as an extension of your own home. Here are 10 life hacks you can use to make the most of your storage unit.

1. Use a free blog to keep a photo-catalog of your things

Image courtesy of MakeSpace

We’ve covered on Apple Storage before how valet self storage services are taking advantage of the cloud to help customers manage their self storage. While these emerging startups are still only available in a select few cities in the United States and Canada, you can still take advantage of the cloud by creating a photo-catalog of your things using a free blogging or website platform like WordPress, Blogger, or Weebly. With a camera and a free blog you can take inventory of a box’s contents before hauling it off to your storage-unit. Every time you add something to storage, just remember to add it to the blog, and you’ll have a free, virtual, catalog of your belongings that’s accessible anywhere with an internet connection.

2. Use boxes not bags

This one is really simple, try to use boxes instead of bags whenever possible. Garbage bags can tear easily or trap moisture and grow damaging mildew. They also give your storage unit the unkempt appearance of an unruly garage. Instead, try using uniform sized boxes and bins to make stacking easier and keep the storage unit looking clean and organized. A tidy storage unit is easier to access and makes a trip to the storage facility less of a chore. If you are storing furniture or unusually shaped objects, you can still make an effort to stack boxes on top of couches and bundle objects like rakes and brooms together in the corner.

3. Leave an aisle

Image courtesy of Uncle Bob’s Self Storage

What good is a storage-unit if you can’t access the items you place there when you need them? It is a good idea to make a floor plan of a storage unit before you begin placing boxes in there. If you have already created a virtual catalog of your things, it should be easy enough to plan and organize your storage unit based on item categories. Leave just enough space to comfortably take out a box and sift through its contents. You can get creative and use any shelves you are already storing in the unit as additional storage space by placing them along the walls with a small aisle for easy access.

4. Protect clothes and other items with vacuum storage bags

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

Protect clothes, towels, and other fabrics from bugs, mildew, and wrinkles by using vacuum sealed bags. You can then store these bags within bins or boxes for easier stacking. In addition to protection, vacuum sealing your fabrics can help you optimize for space by removing excess air. It is amazing how much of the volume in storing winter coats, blankets, and clothing can be reduced by removing all the air.

5. Use the Bundle Approach

Image courtesy of LifeHacker

Judith Guilford, co-founder of the Easy Going travel store and author of “The Packing Book,” initially created the Bundle Approach for travelers on the go, but you can use this same technique to save space in your storage unit. The basic principle involves laying your clothing flat while hanging out of the bag, and then repeatedly folding them on top of one another, effectively bundling your clothing into a single bag. This technique avoids creases and wrinkles by smoothly wrapping everything around each other. If that sounded confusing, don’t worry, a helpful video of the technique shown here illustrates its simplicity and power. If you happen to store your suitcases along with extra clothing in a storage unit, this can be a great way to maximize space in your storage unit.

6. Roll your clothing

Image courtesy of Nick Momrik

Another great way to save space is to take a cue from flight attendants, frequent travelers, and the military and roll all your clothing. Rolling clothing simultaneously saves space and avoids wrinkles and creases characteristic of the traditional fold and stack method of packing. It is also easier to achieve than the Bundle Approach which requires a flat open face bag or suitcase to work.

7. Cover the floor of the storage unit with a thick sheet of plastic

Most storage-units are outside, so covering the floor of your unit with a thick sheet of plastic accomplishes two things. First, it guards against temperature change within the unit, protecting your belongings from the harshness of the winter. Second it protects the bottom of your boxes from condensation which causes mold and mildew to form. That said, do not cover your belongings themselves in plastic, for it can trap moisture and have the opposite effect. Use dust covers or breathable fabrics to prevent dust from accumulating on your things.

8. Russian Doll Method

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

You can maximize space by remembering that items like suitcases, dressers, drawers, and furniture can and should be used to store items. Empty space is wasted space, so the Russian Doll Method involves storing your valuables within your larger objects. Make use of those old suitcases by filling them with extra clothing or items. Need to store your shelf? Store your extra dishes, glassware, or books on the shelf. Fill your dressers to the brim with extra clothing, preferably sealed in vacuum bags. There are many ways to optimize space within your storage-unit.

9. Place heavy items on the bottom

Image courtesy of nwsbm.com

As a general rule when stuffing boxes, place your heavier items on the bottom to ensure that you don’t damage anything. Furthermore don’t place all your heavy items into a single box, you’ll be more likely to drop and break it. Instead distribute your items’ weight evenly among all your boxes and place heavier boxes at the bottom of a stack. This may sound like common sense, but it can make a huge difference on the accessibility of items within your storage unit.

10. Turn your storage-unit into a DIY project

Image courtesy of iheartorganizing.blogspot.com

No two storage-units are exactly the same; they can be as varied as the people that use them. That is why it is important to be able to improvise and make the most of what you are storing. Need to store some ornaments? Hang them on wood rods drilled into a plastic storage bin? Turn cereal boxes into internal dividers within a drawer or bin to better organize your valuables. Put that spare wood to work and build yourself a makeshift rack to hang your winter coats. Dust off your old toolbox and build your own self storage solutions.

By Erik Sherman July 21, 2026
We’re making storage a unique, friendly and easy experience at Apple Self Storage on Highway 27 in Woodbridge . This facility is designed with one goal in mind: to be genuinely pleasant for the people who use it. You'll find it at 7845 Highway 27, in a spot that's simple to reach whether you're coming from Vaughan, Kleinburg, or anywhere across the Woodbridge area. With Highway 27 right there, swinging by to drop something off or grab what you need fits neatly into your day instead of eating up your afternoon. Climate Controlled Storage, Top to Bottom This facility offers a huge range of climate controlled units, which means your belongings stay in a steady, comfortable environment no matter what the weather is doing outside. That matters more than people realize. Ontario weather runs the full gauntlet, from humid summers to frigid winters, and that constant back and forth is rough on a lot of the things we store. Wood furniture, electronics, photos, paperwork, instruments, and seasonal clothing all hold up far better when they're kept in a stable space. You can store the things you actually care about and trust they'll be in great shape whenever you come back for them. A Size for Every Need One of the best parts about a facility this size is the sheer range of unit options. Spaces start small, around a tidy 5x5 that's perfect for a few boxes, seasonal gear, or the clutter that's been crowding a closet at home. From there they climb steadily upward through dozens of sizes, all the way to large units like a roomy 30x15 that can handle the contents of an entire house. That range means just about anyone can find the right fit. A growing family clearing out the basement, a homeowner mid-renovation, a small business storing inventory or records, someone downsizing, or a household between moves all have a spot that works. And because there are so many sizes in between, you're not stuck paying for room you don't need or squeezing into something too tight. You get the space that actually matches your situation. One feature that sets our facility apart: a dedicated loading bay. Instead of wrestling boxes across a parking lot in the rain or balancing furniture on a curb, you can pull in, unload in a sheltered, purpose-built space, and move your things inside comfortably. And if you realize halfway through that you're short on boxes, tape, or wrapping, you don't have to run across town. Moving supplies are available right on site, so you can grab what you need and keep the momentum going. Little conveniences like that are what make a modern facility feel like it's genuinely on your side. Security That's Personal Peace of mind is a big part of why people choose storage in the first place, and this facility takes it seriously. Every tenant gets a unique pin code for access, so entry is controlled and tied to you specifically. That personal layer of access control means you can leave your belongings here and get on with your life, confident that the only people coming and going are the ones who are supposed to. Access That Works Around Your Schedule Access hours run daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, which gives you a wide, flexible window to come and go. Early birds can swing by before work, and night owls can stop in after dinner. Either way, getting to your unit fits your routine. If you'd like a hand from the team, the office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The office is closed on Sundays and holidays, but with access hours that generous, reaching your things is never a hassle. A Fresh Start for Storage in Woodbridge What makes this new facility special is how it all comes together. Wall-to-wall climate controlled units, a sheltered loading bay, on-site moving supplies, personal pin code access, and a huge spread of unit sizes add up to a storage experience that feels modern, secure, and refreshingly easy. If you've been waiting for storage in Woodbridge that's actually built around you, the team at Apple Self Storage on Highway 27 is ready to welcome you in.
By Erik Sherman July 21, 2026
Anyone who has rushed to move out of an apartment or scrambled to clear room before a renovation knows how stressful that can be, and how much it matters when a business has your back. At Apple Self Storage on Stevenson Street in Guelph , the help is the whole point. We put our customers’ needs first. But don’t take our word for it. This is what our real customers are saying: A Welcome That Sets the Tone Walk into a lot of storage facilities and you'll get a clipboard and a shrug. That's not how it goes here. The team, especially Ross, has a habit of treating new renters like guests in a welcoming home. "I had a welcoming experience here. Ross was friendly, answered all my questions, and made the process as seamless as possible. Also, big ups for the student discount. Highly recommend! " — Esther O. Renting a unit usually comes with a dozen small questions: How does access work? What size do I actually need? What happens if my plans change? Getting real answers up front is what turns a nerve-wracking errand into a quick, easy stop. Esther isn't the only one who noticed. Another review from the name “Hot Business” put it simply after working with two of the team members: " Ross and Henry were truly amazing, super friendly and quick ." First Time Storing? You're in Good Hands If you've never rented a storage unit before, the unknowns can pile up fast. The Apple team is patient with first-timers, walking through every step instead of assuming you already know the drill. "First time using a storage service and it was a very positive experience. Communication was excellent before my visit and I was greeted warmly by Michael and Ross when I arrived. The building is very clean and well lit. Ross took the time to explain every part of the process, including how to use the lock. The rates are great! I feel very confident in accessing my unit independently." — Janine C. That last line is the goal. We want you to feel confident in your rental. You shouldn't need to call the office every time you want to grab something out of your unit. When someone takes a few extra minutes to show you how the lock works and how to get in and out on your own, you walk away confident, not confused. Clean, Modern, and Built for Easy Loading A welcoming staff matters, but so does the building. The Guelph facility is a modern, well-kept space, and the details show up the moment you start moving boxes. "Clean and modern self storage. Lots of parking, two big loading bays that allow you to pull in and load and unload in comfort. Even a hydraulic lift plate! Kind and friendly staff that keep the place spotless. Any issues are dealt with promptly. Probably the best self-storage in Guelph, in a super-convenient location. Top marks!" — Brad C. Two covered loading bays, plenty of parking, and a lift plate for heavy items are the kind of features you don't think about until you're carrying a couch in the rain. Add climate and humidity control throughout the building and free dollies to borrow, and the actual work of moving in gets a lot less painful. Brad calls it the best in Guelph, and the convenient Stevenson Street location, close to downtown and the University of Guelph, doesn't hurt. Students Get a Real Break Guelph is a university town, and summer brings the annual scramble to figure out what to do with a year's worth of stuff. Apple makes that easier with a student discount and supplies to pack it all up. "Phenomenal service. I cannot recommend Apple Self Storage enough. Ross and Henry were extremely helpful and guided me through the whole process step by step. I'm renting for the summer, and they made everything easy by offering me the student discount and providing boxes and supplies to help with packing. I don't usually write reviews, but if you're in Guelph and looking for storage, save yourself the trouble of sorting through all the options online and book with Apple Self Storage. You won't regret it." — Dania S. Summer storage is one of those problems that feels bigger than it is. You're juggling exams, a move, and a deadline to be out of your place. A student discount, boxes ready on-site, and a team that walks you through it turns a headache into a one-stop solution. If you're a student heading home for the break, this is the easy button. It Adds Up Look across these reviews and a pattern shows up. People mention the helpful employees that truly care by name. They talk about feeling welcomed, getting straight answers, and leaving confident. They notice the spotless bays and the lift plate. They appreciate a fair rate and a discount when they qualify for one. None of that happens by accident. It happens because the people running the Guelph facility care, truly care, about our tenants. That's the difference. Stop By or Reserve Your Unit If you need storage in Guelph, come see why customers keep recommending the team by name. Apple Self Storage – Guelph 110 Stevenson St S, Guelph, ON N1E 5N4 Phone: (226) 794-5298 Email: store1061@applestorage.com Access Hours: Daily, 6:00 am – 10:00 pm Office Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sat 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sun & Holidays closed Ask about the student discount, and let Ross and the team make your next move a simple one.