Out here in Post Falls, we know a thing or two about keeping things tidy—whether it’s your garage, your barn, or your storage unit. But these days, it’s not just about clearing space. Folks want to organize their stuff in a way that’s better for the environment, too.

At Bay Street Storage, we believe in simple, smart solutions—and that includes going green. Here are some easy eco-friendly organizing tips that’ll help you get your things in order without wasting money, space, or Mother Nature’s good graces.

1. Start with a Good Ol’ Fashioned Declutter

Before you haul everything over to your storage unit, take a good look at what you’re storing. If you haven’t touched it in years, ask yourself:

  • Is this worth keeping?
  • Could someone else get better use out of it?
  • Am I hanging on just in case?

If it’s time to let it go, donate it to someone in the community who could use it.

Nearby Donation Spots in Post Falls:

  • Goodwill – Post Falls
    4040 E Primrose Ln | View Website

  • Union Gospel Mission Thrift Store – Coeur d’Alene
    776 W Appleway Ave | View Website

  • Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho ReStore – Hayden
    176 W Wyoming Ave | View Website

These spots are all less than 20 minutes from either of our Bay Street locations and happy to take gently used items.

2. Choose Reusable Storage Containers

You don’t have to spend a fortune to store responsibly. Try using containers that last, like:

  • Heavy-duty cardboard boxes (bonus if they’re recycled)
  • Wooden crates (strong and stackable)
  • Clear plastic bins you already have (reuse is still a win)
  • Old coolers or totes

The key here is not buying new if you’ve already got something that’ll do the job.

3. Use Packing Materials That Don’t Trash the Place

Nobody likes seeing plastic wrap blowing through the fields. Next time you’re packing, try this:

  • Wrap fragile items in towels, old T-shirts, or newspaper
  • Use shredded junk mail or brown paper for filler
  • Skip foam peanuts and go for biodegradable ones if you must

You’ll protect your stuff and leave less mess behind. It’s a win-win.

4. Get Organized, Not Overwhelmed

A little prep work now saves you a lot of frustration later. Here’s how to keep your unit in check:

  • Label each box with what’s inside
  • Stack boxes by category (tools with tools, décor with décor)
  • Keep pathways clear so you’re not climbing over lawn chairs to get to your fishing gear

This kind of simple organizing helps you avoid buying duplicates, and you won’t waste gas coming back to find something.

5. Repurpose What You’ve Got

No need to run to the store every time you need a storage solution. Look around the house:

  • Empty jars? Great for hardware.
  • Old laundry baskets? Perfect for sports gear.
  • Milk crates? Stack ‘em and use ‘em.
  • Toolboxes, ammo cans, even coffee cans—they all get the job done.

It’s not about being fancy. It’s about being smart with what you’ve already got.

6. Go Digital When You Can

Paper adds up fast. Instead of printing everything, try:

  • Keeping your storage list on your phone
  • Snapping a quick pic of what’s in each box before sealing it
  • Using Google Docs or an app to track what’s stored where

You’ll save trees and always know what’s in your unit—even if you’re sitting at home wondering where the heck you packed your snow chains.

7. Plan One Trip, Not Ten

Gas isn’t cheap. Make the most of every run to your unit by:

  • Bringing everything you need in one trip
  • Dropping off donation items on the same drive
  • Loading your vehicle so you don’t have to repack at the unit

A little planning saves time, fuel, and hassle—just the way we like it.

8. Store with Folks Who Care

At Bay Street Storage, we take pride in giving you clean, reliable storage at a fair price. We keep our two Post Falls locations well-kept and easy to access, with:

  • Covered and uncovered vehicle storage

  • Self-storage units in various sizes

  • A team that treats you like a neighbor—not just another name on a clipboard

Whether you’re storing a boat, a snowmobile, or just the stuff that’s taking over your garage, we’re here for the long haul.

Ready to Get Organized?

You don’t have to go full “tree hugger” to store your stuff responsibly. A few easy changes—like reusing what you’ve got, packing smarter, and organizing with care—go a long way.

Book your storage unit today and see why good people around Post Falls trust us with their gear. It’s storage the way it should be: clean, simple, and neighbor-approved.