How Lynn is Reclaiming Storage Unit Space: Smart Storage Rules for Life on the Road

This is Lynn’s storage unit. She lives full-time in her van. As a dog sitter, she finds solace in sticks and bricks on occasion. Her goal was to get back her floor space so she could reach and easily access the items she has in storage. She pays $159 per month for a 10 x 15 unit, and has had the unit for 16 months.

Here are some practical starting points and key considerations to help her make the most of her storage space.

Where to Begin: What Stands Out Right Away?

Where to Begin: Floor First

Lynn has already identified a great goal. Clearing the floor. And she is absolutely right to make that the priority.

Why? Because the clutter on the floor isn’t just visual. It’s functional. Right now, she will have to move a bunch of items just to access other items. That means extra steps, wasted time, and likely some daily frustration.

Take the ladder, for example. It’s a practical tool for reaching the top shelves, but without open floor space to actually set it up and use it, it becomes more of an obstacle than a solution. Floor space isn’t just about walking room, it’s what makes your entire system work. It gives you easier access, fewer unnecessary movements, and a clearer sense of what you own and how to use it.

Mr. Buddy Heater: Worth It?

These heaters tend to be bulky, and honestly, they’re not my favorite option. Before hanging on to one, ask yourself:

How often will you use it?
Why do you need it?
Do you have space to haul it around?

If you’re car camping, this heater eats up precious space. It’s not compact, and you also have to carry propane. That’s only practical if you’re already using propane for other essentials like cooking or heating water. Plus, it’s really only usable if you’re camping with a tent or tent extension. It is not ideal to use in a small space like an SUV or a car.

My vote: Donate it.

Luggage: Keep or Let Go?

Next up: luggage. Ask yourself this:

What does your air travel look like in the next year or two?

If you fly more than twice a year, keep it. Otherwise, consider borrowing from a friend next time you fly; chances are, you won’t need it at the same time.

Still not ready to part with it? No problem—just make it earn its space. Use it to store off-season gear like a bulky winter coat. And remember, if you ever find yourself in a pinch, a local thrift store probably has exactly what you need, and you can always donate it when you’re done..

Rethinking the Canning Jars

Let’s take a look at those canning jars up on the high shelf. There are a couple of things to consider here, both in terms of safety and practicality.

First, most storage units have concrete floors. Glass jars stored high up can be risky. If one gets knocked off, it’s not just a broken jar—it’s a tricky cleanup job in an already crowded space. It’s a small risk, but in a packed unit, one accident can quickly turn into a major hassle.

Second, the jars bring up two key guidelines I like to use when evaluating what belongs in a storage unit:

1. The Nearby Necessities Rule
If it’s something you can easily buy within 20-30 minutes of wherever you are, it doesn’t need to live in your storage unit. Canning jars are widely available at big-box stores and even thrift shops. If you’re not actively canning right now—or don’t have jars filled with food that you’re rotating through—then keeping dozens of empties doesn’t make much sense.

2. The Drop Line Rule
This one is simple: Take 10% of your monthly storage cost and use that as a benchmark. If an item isn’t worth at least that much, it’s not worth paying to store. On average, people keep storage units for about 14 months.
In Lynn’s case, her storage unit is $159/month. Her Drop Line is $15.90. A dozen canning jars? They average under $15. Unless canning is a serious hobby or part of her business, those jars aren’t clearing the Drop Line.

Now, if Lynn were gearing up for a busy canning season and needed several dozen jars ready to go, that would be different. But if they’re just sitting there for “someday,” it may be time to let them go or at least pare down.

Bulky Gear, Office Clutter & a Smart Place to Start

There’s a lot to take in from this photo, but let’s zero in on a solid starting point: the bulky gear and office supplies. These are the first things that jump out—and they take up a significant amount of space, both physically and mentally.

Let’s start with the kayaks, the bike, and the printer.

This is where the Bulky Gear Rule comes in:
If an item is large, rarely used, and hard to haul, it has to pass the three-factor test: Value, Frequency, and Practicality. In other words, it needs to earn its keep.

Do you kayak often enough to justify storing two? Is the bike getting regular use? Or is it more aspirational than practical right now? These questions aren’t about guilt, they’re about clarity. If something’s more of a drag than a dream, it’s not serving your minimalist lifestyle.

Then there’s the office gear. I see a printer and a stack of binders claiming space, but I’m guessing she doesn’t have a home office, otherwise, they’d already be in it. And with office-supply stores and libraries in nearly every city, this category is easy to re-access if needed.

That brings us to the Full Release Rule:
Don’t nibble at clutter. Drop the whole category.

When you let go of the printer, you can also release the paper, the binders, and that stash of spare ink cartridges. Reclaiming space becomes much easier when you stop thinking in individual items and start clearing out entire clusters.

It may feel like there’s a lot to sort through, and there is, but this gives you a clear place to begin. Tackle the big, bulky items that offer the lowest return on space, and you’ll start building momentum fast.

In this photo, there are two tables. In another shot, there was a smaller third one too. Before deciding to keep them all, ask yourself: How often will you really use both? What would it actually feel like to go without the second one? Imagine the different scenarios. Would it be a minor inconvenience, or barely noticeable?

Now apply the same thinking to the kayaks. Having a backup might seem smart, but what’s the true cost in terms of space, weight, and hassle? What would life look like with just one?

The Double Trouble Rule:

If you’ve got two of something, it’s probably one too many.

Unless there’s a clear, practical reason to keep both, let the duplicate go. You’ll free up space, lighten your load, and odds are, you won’t even miss it.

(And those aluminum disposal pans? They fall under the Drop Line Rule.)

What Lynn Is Doing Right

There’s a lot to take in from this first look at Lynn’s storage unit, but let’s pause and highlight what she’s doing well.

First, having sturdy racks is essential for keeping things tidy and organized—and Lynn’s racks are well-sized for the space she has. That solid foundation makes a big difference.

She’s also not afraid to use labels, which will be a huge help when she returns to retrieve items. Clear labeling saves time and frustration.

Lynn has done a great job choosing sturdy, watertight plastic bins with secure lids. They’re durable enough for heavy items and even match nicely—a personal favorite. Some people prefer clear bins for easy visibility, which is totally fine, but if you label well, opaque bins work just as well.

Her first goal—creating open floor space—is smart and practical. It’s the key to making the whole system work.

Pro Tips for Storage Success

Keep frequently used items near the front for easy access.
Photograph or video your unit before you leave. This helps you remember what’s in there and saves frustration later when you can’t find something. Plus, it provides proof of your belongings in case of fire, flood, or theft. You can even do this for individual bins.
Don’t overfill bins or make them too heavy—nothing is more frustrating than a lid that won’t close.
Keep your floor space as open as possible to easily access everything in storage.

Starting small, with bite-sized tasks, can be a great way to ease into organizing, especially if time or energy is tight. Personally, I prefer a one-and-done approach, but everyone’s different.

If you have a storage unit like Lynn’s and want help figuring out where to start, feel free to email me at [email protected]. Send 3 or 4 clear photos of your unit, along with info about its size, your monthly cost, and how long you’ve had it. I’d love to help you simplify and reclaim your space!