Whether you’re storing your things for the short-term or the long haul, a little planning can go a long way to keep your self-storage unit organized and free from clutter.

Our storage tips will make it easier to find your things while maximizing your available storage space, so that you can get the most out of your rental unit.

Our Best Storage Unit Tips

Keep your things protected and organized with these tips from our storage experts.

Storage Unit Packing Tips

Pack like a pro with these tips:

Disassemble tables and furniture

Removing the legs from tables and dismantling bulky furniture allows you to stack items and save space.

Protect photographs

Keep old or vintage photographs from damage by using a special photo storage case. In a pinch, you can also place photos between two pieces of cardboard to prevent edges from curling.

Drain gasoline and oil

Gasoline and oil should never be kept in a storage unit. If you plan to store an item that uses gas or oil, drain it first.

Use wardrobe boxes

Not only are wardrobe boxes convenient for packing the clothes and draperies in your closet, but they’ll also keep fabric protected. You can purchase packing supplies, like wardrobe boxes, from Gotham Mini Storage.

Cover mattresses and lay flat

Clean and cover mattresses with light, breathable plastic, like a high-density polyethylene mattress storage bag. Polyethylene keeps moisture out and prevents mold. Store the mattress flat to keep it from sagging.

Get a climate-controlled storage unit

Extreme heat, cold, and humidity can damage items in storage, so storing your things in a climate-controlled unit is essential. Gotham Mini Storage’s entire facility and all our units are climate-controlled with a steady temperature between 60ºF and 80ºF, making it the perfect place to store all your things.

Back-up electronics

If storing electronics like phones, tablets, or computers, back-up information before putting them into storage. Use covers or boxes to keep dirt and dust out.

What not to store

Never store animals, perishables, liquids, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials, or other items that need a controlled environment. Contact us if you’re unsure whether or not you can store something,

Storage Unit Organization Tips

Before you start filling your storage unit, use these tips to make the most of your space:

Prioritize the front & back

Making a storage plan will make it easy to access your things when needed. Keep the items you frequently use at the front of the unit and move the things you use less to the back.

Create a walkway

Leave room for a small aisle in the center of your storage unit. It will allow you to move and reach the items in the back.

Use similar sized boxes

Using no more than two or three differentsized boxes will make it easier for you to stack boxes in the unit and make the most of the storage space.

Packempty” spaces

Fill the empty spaces of trash cans or buckets with items like shovels, brooms, hoes, and rakes. Use drawers and cabinets to store books and other small items. It’ll help you maximize space in the unit while organizing these miscellaneous items.

Label your boxes

The easiest way to know what’s in a box? Use labels as you pack. Keep things organized by grouping boxes from the same room together.

Use a lock

Keep your belongings safe with a high-quality storage unit lock, which can be purchased at Gotham Mini Storage.

Want More Storage Tips and Tricks?

Check out the Gotham Mini Storage blog for more storage advice, including our New York City moving guide and how to store kayaks, Christmas decorations, and other items like furniture and appliances.

Choose Your Unit

clipart illustration of a unit outlined in proportion of its size 4’W X 4’D X 4’H Approx. 64 CU FT In icon depicting a thermometer and another icon depicting 24 hours, 7 days a week of availability to the unit. find out more
clipart illustration of a unit outlined in proportion of its size 5’w x 5’d x 4’h approx. 125 cu ft In icon depicting a thermometer and another icon depicting 24 hours, 7 days a week of availability to the unit. find out more
clipart illustration of a unit outlined in proportion of its size 5’w x 5’d approx 200 cu ft In icon depicting a thermometer and another icon depicting 24 hours, 7 days a week of availability to the unit. find out more
clipart illustration of a unit outlined in proportion of its size 5’w x 10’d approx. 400 cu ft In icon depicting a thermometer and another icon depicting 24 hours, 7 days a week of availability to the unit. find out more
clipart illustration of a unit outlined in proportion of its size 7.5’w x 10’d approx. 600 cu ft In icon depicting a thermometer and another icon depicting 24 hours, 7 days a week of availability to the unit. find out more
clipart illustration of a unit outlined in proportion of its size 10’w x 10’d approx 800 cu ft In icon depicting a thermometer and another icon depicting 24 hours, 7 days a week of availability to the unit. find out more
clipart illustration of a unit outlined in proportion of its size 10’w x 15’d approx 1,200 cu ft In icon depicting a thermometer and another icon depicting 24 hours, 7 days a week of availability to the unit. find out more
clipart illustration of a unit outlined in proportion of its size 10’w x 20’d approx. 1,600 cu ft In icon depicting a thermometer and another icon depicting 24 hours, 7 days a week of availability to the unit. find out more

Complete the form below and one of our friendly storage experts will find the perfect deal for you!

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY

Everything You Need in Self Storage in NYC.

decorative clipart

package acceptance

We’ll sign for your packages when you can’t, so you’ll never miss another delivery again.

decorative clipart

24/7 access

Extra convenience offered exclusively to select businesses. Find out if you can be one of them.
*Must be approved by management

decorative clipart

free move-in truck

Moving can be tough. Keep it simple and take advantage of our FREE move-in truck service.

And All the Extras You Want—All in One Place.

Everything You Need in Self Storage in NYC.

And All the Extras You Want—All in One Place.

Iconic image depicting refer a friend. Refer a Friend and We Will Pay Your Rent! Receive a 50% off credit toward your month's rent, up to $250. Learn More

Hear Why Your Neighbors Choose Us!

Decorative Image of a person representing his/her testimonial
"Amazing service! I learned about Gotham Mini Storage on the Web and am glad that I chose them. I am impressed by the clean and secure environment of the storage facility. The Storage Manager, Kalea, was nice and helpful. Not only did I get one month free storage, but also got to use a free moving truck. Moving and storage was indeed super easy!"
Anne DiBenidetto GO!