Living in Philadelphia is often considered a more affordable option than living in New York City or Washington DC, with the same historic style and walkable environment. Between walk-ups, converted row homes, and older buildings, however, residents often find themselves dealing with limited closet space and awkward layouts. These tight, often unpredictable spaces make finding a place to store your belongings difficult.
This is where a storage unit comes in handy! By keeping your belongings all in one place, a storage unit can quickly become an extension of your home, like the closet space or basement you don’t have.
Think Vertical Before You Think Bigger
In small Philly apartments, floor space can feel like it disappears in a hurry. Take advantage of vertical space at home or in your storage unit for smart storage. At home, try using tall shelving units, wall hooks, and over-door organizers to reclaim your space. In a storage unit, stack boxes or bins on top of one another. Just make sure to keep the heavy stuff on the bottom so nothing tips over.
If it is your first time living on your own or downsizing to a smaller apartment, here are some common small space mistakes to avoid:
- Holding onto unused furniture
- Ignoring vertical space
- Overfilling closets
- Renting a storage unit without measuring first
- Letting clutter build up in “temporary” spots
Multi-Use Furniture That Actually Works
In a tight apartment, every item should justify its place. Consider getting furniture that doubles as storage. Storage ottomans, beds with drawers, and coffee tables with hidden compartments are all great options to maximize floor space at home. In a storage unit, this type of furniture can also be used to hold smaller items you want to keep tucked away. Remember, this isn’t about buying even more things than you already have. It’s about choosing pieces that carry their weight.
Rotating Seasonal Items Without the Clutter
Over the years, seasonal gear like heavy coats, snow boots, and swimwear, as well as decor, can have a habit of piling up. Creating a system for rotating seasonal items both in the home and in storage can make a noticeable difference. You can use vacuum-sealed bags, under-bed bins, or labeled containers to keep things manageable at home, to make use of what closet space you do have.
At some point, though, it makes sense to store items off-site. It helps to find storage in Philadelphia when you can’t stretch apartment space any further. If you aren’t sure what items are worth storing off-site, here are some ideas to get you started:
- Seasonal clothing
- Holiday decorations
- Sports or outdoor gear
- Extra furniture
Organizing Around Your Daily Habits
Instead of stressing over creating the perfect plan to place every item, build storage around your already existing routines. If you find the shoes always end up in a pile by the door, try putting a small shelf there to keep them tucked away against the wall. If mail collects on the counter, give it a dedicated spot to stack it in instead of letting it lie scattered everywhere. These types of small adjustments tend to stick better than trying to overhaul the entire way you live your life. Remember, this isn’t about achieving maximum efficiency. It’s about finding a way to make your life a little easier.
Knowing When to Use External Storage
Not everything needs to live in your apartment. A storage unit can free up floor and closet space entirely. Storage units can function as a practical part of your everyday life, especially as a solution for keeping long-term items, hobby materials, or during temporary transitions like moving or renovating. If trying to sort through all of your belongings at once feels too overwhelming, try starting with a small area like an entryway or a closet and building up from there.
