Some people feel that they aren’t safe environments for their valued belongings. Others worry that they just don’t have enough items to pack away to warrant renting an entire unit. But tech and design advancements have revolutionized storage units. Keep reading to learn how modern units are protecting our investments and prized possessions and making it easier to fit our belongings into smaller sized units.

Climate Control for Sensitive Belongs

Perhaps the most important way that technology has revolutionized storage units is through climate control. Without climate control, storage units can get incredibly hot, especially in Texas. Most people realize that this can be detrimental to sensitive belongings, like your prized wine or bourbon collection. But did you know that a hot locker can ruin other items as well?

Paper products like books or photographs will curl, and pages may stick together, tearing when you try to take them apart. Wooden furniture and decorations may crack and warp. Even electronics that aren’t plugged in or in-use can be ruined if left in a hot place for too long. A climate-controlled unit solves this problem, keeping your prized possessions at just the right temperature, even during the heat of the summer.

Redesigned Layouts to Maximize Space and Minimize Costs

If you only need to put a few belongings in storage, you might think that renting a space is a waste. But thanks to newly redesigned, modern layouts, storage units are available in all shapes and sizes. This means units that are small and affordable enough for anyone, as well as large units that can hold your biggest belongings, like cars, appliances or the majority of your belongings while you’re moving or remodeling your home.

If you’ve been on the fence about a storage unit, but are eager to clear out the clutter in your home without tossing your hard-earned belongings in the trash, this design advancement might just be the answer you were looking for.

Enhanced Security to Protect Your Things

Moving your prized possessions out of your home means that they’ll no longer be under your own watchful eye, but modern technology has made storage lockers just as safe, if not safer than your own home.

From security cameras to advanced alarm systems, your storage locker is a safe, secure place to store even valuable items. You’ll get a unique password to access your unit, and everyone entering and exiting the facility is monitored around the clock. Consider how many times a year your family goes away for the weekend or an extended vacation, or even just the number of days where you spend hours away while your home sits empty. Unless you have your own advanced security system, you may just find that your storage unit is even safer than your own house.

Choosing the Right Storage Unit for You

Renting a storage unit is a great way to rid your home of clutter, secure your belongings while you’re moving or remodeling, or to better protect family heirlooms or prized collections. And with modern advancements adding climate control, security and better layouts to units, there’s never been a better time to take the leap and rent one for yourself.

Photo: Thrifty Decor Chick

By now it’s old news that Millennials aren’t buying homes at the same rates that their parents and grandparents did, and it stands to reason that the United States would be experiencing a shortage of rental apartments as a result. What is surprising is how substantial the demand for units is – in the second quarter of this year, it spiked 11% compared to 2018 numbers.

As a result, renters may find themselves either paying more each month or squeezing themselves into a smaller space for the same amount of rent. But that doesn’t mean you have to live like a minimalist or a monk! With a little creativity, you can turn a cramped one-bedroom into a cozy haven.

Photos via: Houzz

Make Your Furniture Functional

When you’re short on square footage, you can’t afford furniture that doesn’t provide storage. Instead of a big, bulky unitasker of a coffee table, choose one that has built-in compartments for stashing books, craft supplies, or just plain old clutter.

Stash shallow storage tubs on casters underneath the bed. (Get a bed skirt to hide them from view, if you’re in a studio.) Choose a dining table that folds flat against the wall or an armchair that moonlights as a twin bed if you have frequent guests.

Over-the-Door Organizers

The space behind a door is often underutilized, but it’s actually a really handy place to store stuff. If you’re on a budget, grab a no-frills shoe organizer, or splash out on something with a bit more pizzazz.

These organizers are great for kitchen utensils or dry goods (think snacks, teabags, coffee filters, or even spices), cleaning supplies in the closet, or personal care products in the bathroom. (A clear plastic one works great for holding shampoo and bodywash in the shower or tub!)

Put It on Pegboard

Pegboard isn’t just for the garage anymore. It’s an inexpensive and eminently customizable remedy for the studio apartment blues: cut it to size, spray-paint it, frame it or even cover it in glitter if that’s your style.

Pegboard, along with hooks and/or hanging baskets, is perfect for pots and pans, cooking accoutrements like strainers, art supplies, the art itself, jewelry, home office staples, gift wrap, and even houseplants.

Get Creative with Shelving

Shelves are just about the most ordinary, useful storage solution there is, but chances are you’re not using them to their full advantage. Try stacking individual shelves all the way to the ceiling for a bold look that also keeps your stuff within easy reach.

Aesthetically speaking, cramming every wall full of shelves can be a bit overwhelming and make your space look like a ship’s cabin, so start with a smaller area and see if that suffices.

Or install shelves at the top of every wall, about a foot or so from the ceiling, just big enough to hold storage containers that suit your style. Protip: rather than sturdy-sided boxes or bins, use large woven or fabric baskets that can be nestled together to maximize every inch of space.

Shelves built to fit into a corner are also incredibly handy, and make use of space that often goes underappreciated. If you don’t have quite enough room next to your bed for a nightstand, hang floating shelves either next to or even above the headboard. For a less cluttered, more streamlined look, pick up a small basket or bin to hold essentials like lip balm, tissues, the TV remote, etc.

Blur the Line Between Storage and Décor

Who says your bike has to stay parked in the entryway or take up valuable floor space in the living room? Get yourself some heavy-duty hooks and hoist it up onto the wall for a super-practical, city-chic look.

Other items that can be hung for both storage and décor purposes include vintage purses, sun hats, beautiful blankets or quilts, jewelry, scarves, and neckties. Unleash your creativity and show off your style!

Self-Storage Can Be a Sanity Saver

Of course, even the most carefully utilized space is still going to have its limits. Unless you want to live like a hoarder with stacks of belongings taking up every square inch of your place, there comes a time to cry Uncle and get yourself to a storage facility.

“A self-storage unit can be a boon while you’re moving in and getting settled,” suggests Terry Drayton of Livible, which provides storage units in Boston and the surrounding area. “It will give you some breathing room, so to speak, while you implement clever storage ideas.” If you are from Los Angeles and are wondering what to do about your storage issues, click here to check out self-storage places you can use.

Feeling Inspired Yet?

Making the most of a small apartment or even a tiny home can seem like a daunting project, but look at it as an interior design challenge and have fun experimenting. Before you know it, you’ll have a place for everything and everything in its place, and a stunning living space that you’ll be thrilled to show off to guests!

Have you ever lived in a teeny-tiny apartment? Did you devise any clever ways of storing your belongings, or did you just downsize? Share your best ideas in the comments!