Creating a list of your self storage items is beneficial for both home and business storage users. Whether you’re a first-time storage renter or already have a unit filled with possessions, making an inventory list will help you stay organized so you can easily find stored belongings. After you’ve decided the type of storage and unit size you need, complete these steps for how to make an inventory list for your storage unit!
Categorize Your Items
After determining what you’ll store in your unit, categorize those belongings. This step is especially important if your storage unit serves more than one purpose—such as business storage and storing seasonal decor. Group items together by categories like type, seasonality, keepsakes, bedding, artwork, lawn equipment, business items, or any other relevant classification. Keeping your possessions grouped in categories will make both creating an inventory list and locating specific items in your unit when you need them simpler.
Create an Inventory Template
Before you can take inventory of your belongings, you’ll need to set up a list, spreadsheet, or app to help you. Whether you use a piece of paper or an online program, organizing it will be a top priority—having an inventory of items isn’t as helpful if it’s messy or lacks pertinent information. Make columns for important data like the item’s name, category, any necessary details or instructions (for example, if it’s fragile or the condition it’s in), and its box or shelf number in the unit. A digital list is best if you’ll need to update it frequently, but if you decide to make a physical list, keep one copy in the unit and one in your home or office for reference.
Consider these inventory apps to help get you started:
| App Name | Pricing | Target Audience | Key Features |
| Encircle | Free trial; paid plans available | Business & personal |
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| Everspruce | Free version; paid plans available | Home & personal |
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| Nest Egg | Free version; paid plans available | Business & personal |
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| Sortly | Free version; paid plans available | Business & personal |
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Use Labels
After you pack your boxes of inventory, labeling your boxes and storage unit shelves will be a huge time-saver in the future! A great organization tip is to number each box and shelf, and even color-code by category. For example, you can give boxes containing clothing a blue label, dishes an orange label, and holiday decor a green label. If you want to be more detailed, you can also use a label with a complete list of which objects are in each container. Legible, clear labels are crucial, so always place them on the same spot on the box or shelf where they’re easy to see.
Take the Inventory
Now it’s time to actually create your inventory list. Go one category or box at a time, noting everything necessary for each item on your paper or digital template. Make sure to record the correct box or shelf for each item on your inventory list. If you’re tagging your items or containers for an app, now’s the time to do so.
Arrange Your Unit
Pack your unit carefully, noting on your inventory list where each box or possession is within the unit—you may want to invest in storage unit shelves to maximize storage space. Keep similar belongings in the same area. Especially if more than one person will need to be accessing the unit, organizing your storage unit in accordance with an inventory list will help make sure everyone is on the same page when locating items. If you’ll need to move items in and out frequently, don’t forget to leave enough empty walking space in the unit for easy access.
Get Visual with Photos, Videos, or a Map
Keeping a visual record of your storage unit is the ultimate organization hack, whether you choose to take photos, videos, or draw up a simple map. This step is especially important if you’re storing antiques, valuables, or business items—having photos or videos displaying the objects in the unit can help you file insurance claims if any damage or theft were to occur. Keep all visuals of your inventory of items in a secure place, and remember to note the date each visual was taken for accurate record-keeping.
Keep the Inventory List Updated
Whenever you add anything to or remove anything from your unit, adjust your storage list accordingly—this is particularly necessary for business storage, where having accurate stock counts is essential. Keeping track of your inventory for the entire storage rental period will guarantee the organizing process was worth the time and will continue being helpful for you. This way, if you’re ever unsure whether you’ve stored something at home or in your unit, a quick peek at your active storage inventory list will answer the question without stress.
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Need a storage unit to keep track of business inventory or personal belongings? Extra Space Storage has convenient facilities throughout the U.S. to help your spaces decluttered and organized. Find self storage near you!
