Done with the chaos of a cluttered home? Do you want to finally stop procrastinating decluttering your house?
Congrats! You’re taking a first step many homeowners never take.
Boxes accumulate in corners. Closets overflow. Desks and dining tables become littered with piles of “stuff”. And before you know it, you don’t have enough room to move.
Well… you’re in luck. Because storage unit solutions and services make it easy to regain your space without having to throw away the things you actually want to keep.
In This Guide You’ll Learn…
- Why Decluttering Your Home Is More Important Than Ever
- The Benefits Of Using Storage Units
- How To Choose The Right Storage Solution
- Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Unit
Decluttering Your Home: More Important Than Ever
The clutter epidemic is real. And it’s only getting worse.
In a recent survey by The Container Store, 50% of Americans reported having at least one room they deemed too cluttered to save. HALF.
And the excess items aren’t just taking up valuable space. Clutter is a huge contributing factor to feelings of stress and lower life satisfaction in homes.
Just to give you some perspective, the average American home has over 300,000 items in it. Yes, you read that correctly. 300,000.
Papers. Toys. Knickknacks. Clothes. Decor. Tools. Books. Storage containers within containers… the list goes on and on.
No wonder folks feel overwhelmed.
Decluttering your home with storage unit solutions and services from a reputable business is one of the best things you can do. Whether you’re looking at storage units in Arizona or another state, you’re taking a big step in the right direction.
Storage Units Benefits
Storage units are not just for those in transition. They’re for anyone looking to declutter their home the right way.
Here are just some of the benefits people see when using units:
Make More Room
The first and most obvious benefit is removing items from the home.
Seasonal decorations, sports gear, old furniture… these things take up valuable real estate. Putting them into a storage unit opens up usable space immediately.
And that reclaimed space is wonderful. It’s used for all kinds of different purposes. A home office or play area for children, for instance. Or the joy of having a clean and organized home at all.
Keep Items Safe Without Parting With Them
Sure, some of it can be tossed.
But many people have items that are too precious to part with. Family heirlooms. Important documents. Childhood keepsakes.
Storage units provide a safe place for those things that aren’t needed daily but are also too important to throw away. Climate-controlled options are even available for more sensitive belongings at risk of damage from heat and humidity.
Flexibility During Transitions
Moving to a new house? Renovating your current one? Downsizing after the kids have flown the coop?
These sorts of life transitions can create temporary storage needs. The burden of storing belongings during these times can be one of the most stressful parts.
Renting a dedicated storage space takes this burden off your shoulders.
Choosing the Right Storage Solution
Don’t assume one storage solution will work for your situation.
Consider your needs. Here are some key features to compare.
Size
Storage units are available in all shapes and sizes. From small lockers to large spaces that can accommodate an entire family and their belongings.
Underestimating the space you need is a common error among new renters. It causes people to cram their items into a too-small unit. Risking damage to their things in the process.
Measure large items if necessary. Get a rough estimate of the total volume required before renting.
Location and Accessibility
Think about how often you or your family members will be accessing the unit. Is it for everyday storage of items used several times a week? If so, a storage facility close to home is a priority.
Renting something to be accessed monthly or even less frequently? A storage facility further away might be easier on your budget.
Remember, most storage units now offer 24/7 access. You’ll be able to get in and out at any time to grab something, if necessary.
Climate Control
Electronics, wooden furniture, pictures, or any items sensitive to temperature fluctuations benefit from climate-controlled storage.
Standard non-climate controlled units are fine for more durable items like sporting equipment and plastic bins. But if you have belongings you’re concerned about damaging… climate control is worth it.
Security
Inquire about facilities with:
- Gated access that requires a personal code
- Security cameras throughout the property
- Individual alarms on each unit
- Bright lighting on all grounds and walkways
Storage Unit Tips
Renting is just the first step. Making the most of your unit is how it will have the most impact.
Inventory
Before even beginning to pack up things, create a list. It sounds simple, but will save you hours down the road.
Some even take pictures of the boxes and list contents. Just in case.
Pack with Intent
Place the things you know will be accessed more frequently towards the front of the unit. Seasonal or holiday items can go at the rear.
Stack boxes with heavy items on the bottom. Create uniform box sizes when possible. This will allow better use of vertical space and stacking.
Label Clearly
This cannot be emphasized enough. Boxes should have clear labels on all sides. This will make finding things later much, much easier.
Maintain Pathways
Renters get it into their heads they should fill the space all the way up to the door. This is a big mistake.
Leave a small aisle down the middle of the unit to help access items at the back. Without having to move everything.
Perform Checkups
Drop by the unit every few months to make sure everything is OK. Check for shifting or any signs of damage.
This is also a good time to reassess items. Are some things now ready to be donated or thrown away?
Storage Unit Mistakes
Despite our best efforts, people make mistakes with storage units. Here are the worst offenders:
Storing Donation Worthy Items
Be honest with yourself about what is worth keeping. Three years is a good time marker. If you haven’t used an item in three years and have no sentimental attachment to it… time to move on.
Storage unit costs add up over time. In fact, around 11% of American households rent storage units. Many pay rent for years to store items they never end up getting.
Forgetting To Purchase Insurance
Most storage companies offer basic coverage. However, it’s not likely to be sufficient for all your belongings. See what is covered and supplement with your own renter’s insurance.
Neglecting Maintenance
Items in storage still need attention. Wood furniture may need oiling. Fabric items can be protected with cedar blocks. Batteries should be removed from electronics.
A little maintenance now can prevent major issues later.
Wrapping It Up
Messy homes don’t have to be a fact of life.
Storage unit solutions and services let you have the home you want. A clean, more open home that allows you to actually enjoy your own living space.
The most important step is the first one. Figuring out what you want to get rid of or change.
After that, storage is straightforward. Find a good unit that meets your needs.
That’s not so bad, right?
Decluttering a home is more important than ever. But it’s something we can actually do about. Storage unit services allow for a clean and more enjoyable living space.
Final Thoughts
Messy homes don’t have to be a fact of life.
Storage unit solutions and services let you have the home you want. A clean, more open home that allows you to actually enjoy your own living space.
The most important step is the first one. Figuring out what you want to get rid of or change.
After that, storage is straightforward. Find a good unit that meets your needs.
That’s not so bad, right?
