Storage containers are flexible, convenient, affordable, and secure. They can be used in a number of ways, including for storage, office space, a backyard shed, or even repurposed into a pop-up storefront or restaurant. They can also be customized in a variety of ways inside to fit your needs, including adding organizational structures, furniture, electricity, plumbing, and even windows.

Plus, you can either rent or buy them, depending on your short- and long-term needs.

If you’re using your storage container for storage, you’ll want to keep it as organized as possible to protect your belongings and make them more easily accessible when you need them. Here are some tips for organizing your storage container.

Start With a Plan

Begin by taking time to plan out in your head, and on paper, what you’ll be storing and how you’d generally like to set up the container. This will help keep things more organized and allow you to fit as much as you need in the container.

First, take inventory of what you have and draw a rough layout of what can go where. Plan to store large and/or heavy items on the bottom and toward the back, with items you more frequently use toward the front. Don’t forget to consider floor and wall space.

Then, follow this diagram when you start putting organization accessories and items in the container:

Install The Right Organization Accessories

This can include (but is not limited to):

• Shelving
• Filing cabinets
• Hooks
• Hangers
• Partitions

Use affordable storage container accessories that are versatile so you can change the layout if you need to. Taking advantage of the right organization tools allows you to use the container space wisely and keep your items more organized. It also makes actually storing items easier and cleaner.

Use Floor Space Wisely

While containers come in a variety of sizes, their space is still limited. Accordingly, you’ll want to use the floor space wisely. Install or bring in shelving that allows you to stack equipment vertically, such as free-standing metal shelving or re-purposed bookshelves. Reserve actual floor space for things you can’t store on the wall or stack, like large equipment or heavy boxes. Be sure to keep an aisle open for you and/or your staff to walk completely and easily through the container to access what you need, whether it’s in the front or the back.

Take Advantage of Wall Storage

One option is to install adjustable shelving on the wall to store small tools or items. Use a pegboard tool organizer for storage of items that can hang. You can even hang things on the back of the swing doors that open the unit. When storing vertically, using shelving, and hanging items, you’ll be able to take more advantage of the space.

Keep Items in Clear Tubs and Labeled Well

When storing items, avoid cardboard boxes. Over time, these can collapse, and they don’t keep your items well protected overall. Clear, plastic tubs are more resistant to humidity and heat and allow you to load and unload items more efficiently. Plus, you can more easily identify what’s inside since you can see it. Proper, clear, and visible labels will also help.

In general, be sure to label all shelves, cabinets, boxes, tubs, and any other containers. If you can, create a system for your labeling, such as by purpose or location. This will keep your space organized and make finding and replacing items easier.

Stack Properly and Safely

Plastic tubs are more stackable to help you take advantage of the space, which is another benefit to using them. However, be sure not to overload boxes so you can avoid uneven lids and risk of falling when they are stacked. Don’t stack items too high, as this can be dangerous. You’ll also want to keep heavier items on the bottom and smaller/lighter items on top.

Keep Inventory

Once you’ve completely organized and loaded your storage container, keep an up-to-date list of everything you have decided to store inside it. As you remove or add items, update your inventory. Try to also keep track of where things are so they are easier to find. Not only can this help keep you organized in the long run, but it will also help you remember what’s in the container and remind you when items need to be replaced.

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