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Don't just store excess or unused belongings in boxes and trash bags. Organize them from the onset so that you can walk into your storage unit and find them quickly and easily. This is even more important when you have a mini storage unit. Here's a few organizing tips that you don't want to miss:

Placement Is Everything

Store in reverse order. What you KNOW that you will not be using within a year, store to the back of your storage unit. When in doubt, store it in the middle of your unit. If you know that you will need to come and get your belongings within a year, store them at the front of the unit. Leave walking space in the middle of your unit so that you can retrieve belongings from anywhere within your space.

Organization Is Key

Coordinate your storage items that belong in the back, middle, and front of the unit. An assortment of plastic storage bins will help you organize quickly, but arranging your belongings for easy retrieval takes some forethought. For example, clothes that you are storing that you may never wear again should be stored in plastic bins for best arranging and stacking possibilities. Clearly mark the tops and the sides of the bins that will be showing. It you are storing furniture that you are certain won't be used in years, those will already be at the back of the unit. Tuck bins under furniture when you can. Smaller storage bins containing accessories can be stored on top of the furniture. Bag up and tuck items in furniture drawers to save even more space.

You might be surprised how many heavier items sit precariously on top of old chairs with wobbly legs. Save your belongings (and yourself) from damage. Having heavier items on the bottom, lighter items on the top should be a no-brainer.

Invest in shelves that allow you to place and remove hooks. You will often see tools mounted on them in garages. They're great for hanging pictures out of the way or for stray items that you may be needing quickly. Re-purposed pallets are also good for stacking against your unit's walls or for storing stacking bins off the floor.

Bookcases from second-hand shops are great for keeping front of the unit items handy. Keep items like holiday decorations, small toys, seasonal clothing, and documents stored on the shelves. You'll know right where to go when you need them.

Take extra time to map out your unit's organization on paper. You won't regret it later when winter comes and you're trying to remember where you've put your skis.