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You know the feeling. You got that storage container to keep all your stuff organized and free up space in your garage or basement. But now, just a few months later, it’s bursting at the seams and you can’t even walk in it! Don’t despair. With a few simple space-saving hacks, you can maximize every inch of that metal box. In this article, we’ll share 5 clever tips to help you fit more inside your storage container without having to rent a bigger one. You’ll learn how to build shelves, hang tools, and neatly stack boxes using things you already have at home. We’ll also give you pointers on sorting and purging so you can weed out stuff you don’t really need. Get ready to get your space back! With just a spare afternoon and our storage container hacks, you’ll be amazed at how much you can fit inside.

1. Declutter and Get Rid of Unnecessary Items

To maximize space in your storage container, the first thing you need to do is declutter. Go through each item you have stored and determine if you still need it. Be ruthless – if you haven’t used something in the past year, it’s probably time to get rid of it. Have some bags or boxes on hand to sort items into keep, donate, recycle and trash.

Donate or toss clothing and linens

Any clothing, shoes, towels or bedding you no longer need should be donated or thrown away. Donate anything still in good, working condition to a local charity or shelter. Throw away anything torn, stained or damaged. Keep only the essentials you actually use.

Recycle magazines and paperwork

Go through any old magazines, newspapers, mail or files you have stored. Recycle anything that is outdated or that you no longer need to reference. Shred any sensitive documents. Keep only important records and documents in labeled folders or boxes for easy access.

Give away knickknacks and décor

Do you have boxes of old books, vases, candles or other knickknacks you never use? Donate them to a thrift store or give them away to friends and family. Keep only meaningful décor and items that you actually display in your home.

Consolidate and repack what’s left

Once you’ve removed the unnecessary items from your storage container, you can repack what’s left to maximize space. Group similar items together in labeled boxes to make things easy to find. Stack boxes up high to open up floor space. Use space-saving bags for out-of-season clothing and linens. Add shelving for small boxes and containers to keep everything organized.

Decluttering and eliminating unused items is the best way to gain more space in your storage container. Be ruthless in sorting through your belongings and get rid of anything you do not actually need or use. Keep only the essentials and repack the remaining items as efficiently as possible using space-saving techniques. Your newly organized storage container will feel open, uncluttered and easy to navigate.

2. Use Vertical Space With Wall-Mounted Shelves and Racks

One of the easiest ways to maximize space in a storage container is to utilize the vertical space. Installing wall-mounted shelves, racks and hooks allows you to store items up high and keep the floor space clear.

Shelving

Wall-mounted shelving is ideal for boxes, bins and smaller items. You can find shelving units that suit your specific needs, whether you want open shelving, cabinets with doors or a combination of both. For a storage container, open shelving is typically the most practical since it allows for easy access and visibility to all items. Look for shelving that is at least 12 to 16 inches deep so you have enough space for most standard storage boxes and bins.

Racks

Install racks for items like bikes, grills, lawn chairs and other equipment. Vertical racks keep these larger items up and off the floor so you have more open space. Some racks also fold up against the wall when not in use to maximize floor space. For a storage container, look for heavy-duty racks that can handle the weight of whatever equipment you need to store.

Hooks

Don’t overlook the usefulness of wall hooks for maximizing vertical space. Install hooks for items like extension cords, hoses, rakes, brooms and other tools. Storing these types of items on hooks keeps them off the floor and within easy reach. Look for hook sizes and weights that will securely hold whatever items you want to hang.

Utilizing the often wasted vertical space in a storage container with shelving, racks and hooks is an easy way to keep your space tidy and organized. Keeping more items up and off the floor means you have more open space for other storage needs and can easily access all your equipment and gear. The end result is a storage container that makes the most of the space that you have.

3. Optimize Floor Space With Stackable Storage Bins

To maximize every inch of floor space in your storage container, stackable storage bins are a must-have. These sturdy bins can be stacked on top of each other, allowing you to build vertical storage space.

Choose stackable bins that nest together

Look for stackable storage bins that are specifically designed to nest together. These bins will have rims that fit securely inside each other, so you can stack them high without worrying about them toppling over. Sterility and Rubbermaid are two brands that make high-quality nesting stackable storage bins in a variety of sizes.

Group similar items together

As you sort through items to store in your stackable bins, group similar things together. Have one bin for extra linens, one for craft supplies, one for tools, and one for seasonal items like gloves and hats. Label each bin so you know exactly what’s inside at a glance. This makes it easy to find what you need quickly without having to dig through multiple bins.

Store heaviest bins on the bottom

When stacking your storage bins, place the heaviest ones on the bottom. Start with the largest bins on the floor, then stack progressively smaller and lighter bins on top. Make sure each bin is securely nested inside the one below it before adding another layer. This creates a sturdy tower of storage that won’t come crashing down the first time you remove a bin from the middle.

Leave some space in each bin

As you fill your stackable storage bins, don’t overpack them. Leaving some empty space in each bin allows you to find items easily without having to unload the entire bin. It also prevents the bins from becoming too heavy, which could cause your storage tower to become unbalanced or even collapse. About 75 to 80 percent full is a good rule of thumb for most stackable storage bins.

Following these tips will help you optimize your storage container space by building up. Stackable storage bins keep items organized, contained, and easy to access when you need them. And by nesting the bins together, you can create storage that reaches from floor to ceiling.

4. Maximize Corner Real Estate

The corners of a storage container often go unused, but that’s prime real estate you’re missing out on! Corners are ideal for stacking items that don’t get used often or seasonal gear you want out of the way.

Use corner shelves

Installing a few corner shelves is an easy way to take advantage of that space. Look for shelves specifically designed to fit in corners – they’ll have an angled back to nestle right in. You can find simple metal or wood ones that just screw in, or get fancier freestanding ones. Stack boxes, bins and baskets on the shelves to keep things organized.

Add hanging storage

If you don’t want to commit to installing permanent shelves, hanging storage is a great option. Things like mesh corner organizers, pocket organizers and corner caddies attach right to your walls with adhesive hooks or nails. They’re perfect for storing small items like tools, gardening equipment, craft supplies and more.

Use vertical space

Don’t just think of the corner space in two dimensions—utilize the vertical area too. Floor to ceiling poles are ideal for hanging longer items like mops, brooms and rakes up and out of the way. You can also install multi-level racks, like a bike rack, to store boxes, bins and other gear at different heights.

Label for easy finding

However you decide to maximize your corner space, be sure to label boxes, bins and baskets so you know exactly what’s inside. An organized storage area does you no good if you can never find what you need! Group similar items together and use a label maker or permanent marker to clearly mark each container.

Making the most of your storage container’s corners with a few simple hacks will free up floor space and ensure you have a spot for everything. Your gear and supplies will be neatly tucked away but still easily accessible when you need them. Now you’ll have no more excuses for a messy, cluttered space!

5. Create a Custom Storage Solution

One of the best ways to maximize space in your storage container is to design a custom storage solution. Rather than just throwing everything in haphazardly, take some time to plan how you want to organize your items.

Use vertical space

Look for ways to use the vertical space in your container. Install shelving, racks, or cabinets to store items up and off the floor. Things like tools, sports equipment, and gardening supplies are perfect for wall mounted storage. You can also use hanging storage for items like bikes, kayaks, and furniture.

Add drawers and bins

Drawers and bins are ideal for keeping small items neat and contained. Label each drawer or bin so you know exactly where everything is at a glance. Things like hardware, office supplies, linens, and clothing are great for drawer and bin storage.

Group similar items

Keep like items together in labeled and categorized areas. Have zones for things such as recreational gear, seasonal decorations, kids toys, camping equipment, etc. This makes it much easier to find what you need quickly without having to dig through a jumble of mismatched stuff.

Leave space

Don’t fill your container to absolute maximum capacity. Leave some open space so you have room to move around and access all your belongings easily. Cramming a storage unit completely full also makes it hard to find and retrieve the items you need. Leaving about 10-20% of the space open is a good rule of thumb.

Consider access

Think about how often you will need to access certain items and group them accordingly. Things you use frequently should be near the front and easily reachable. Items you only access occasionally can go towards the back. This logical grouping will save you time and hassle.

With some upfront planning and organization, you can transform a cluttered storage container into an efficient space that keeps all your belongings neat, accessible and contained. Customizing the space to suit your specific needs is the key to maximizing what you can fit inside.

Conclusion

So there you have it – five simple yet effective storage hacks to help you maximize every inch of space in your container. Remember, a little creativity and thinking outside the “box” can go a long way. Don’t be afraid to use vertical space and alternative storage solutions like hooks, shelves and bags. And don’t forget to regularly purge the junk you don’t need. A clutter-free container feels so refreshing! Now that you’re armed with these space-saving tips, you can get your container organized and find room for all your essentials. Happy decluttering!

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