Declutter Your Space with a Storage Unit

Deciding to use a storage unit will help to simplify the process of decluttering and organizing your space without the hard calls of permanently getting rid of your favorite items.

It provides a convenient and safe place to store seasonal items, belongings you just can’t seem to part ways with yet, or excess furniture, freeing up space in your home and life. 

A storage unit helps keep your home minimalist while keeping those extra items in storage safe making it easier to access them when needed and reducing the stress of a stuffed home.

It is also a great solution when you have an in-between period between homes and want to travel without worrying about your belongings.

Decluttering your space can be a big task, but at the same time, it feels like a truly transformative process. A storage unit is a great tool to help you manage this task. Read on for tips to make the transition easier and more realistic:

1. Figure Your Your Needs With Reasoning

Decide What to Store:

• Seasonal Clothes: Clothing, decorations, and gear that are only used at certain times of the year. Throw those winter coats, hats, gloves and the rest of the Christmas gear in a bag and forget about it until next December. 
• Sentimental Items: Keepsakes, family pieces, and other personal belongings that you just can't bear to throw away or grandma will roll over in her coffin but also really don’t need in your home.
• Excess Furniture: Items you don’t use frequently but don’t want to get rid of. This could be extra chairs for those few times a year you host a dinner party, it could be that lovely bench your boyfriend brought into the relationship but you simply hate. Whatever it is, save the fight for later and store it away now.
• Documents: Old records, important files, and paperwork that you don’t need immediate access to. It could be the whole family’s passports, birth certificates or whatever other paperwork you have lying around the house.

Figure Out the Size You Will Need To Rent:

• Small Unit (5x5 or 5x10): Works for a few boxes, seasonal items, or small furniture. This works for a couple with little to no big items
• Medium Unit (10x10 or 10x15): Fits the contents of a small apartment, including some furniture.
• Large Unit (10x20 or 10x30): Ideal for larger homes or if you’re storing the contents of an entire household. If you have a college kid, expect them to need extra space in your storage.

2. Choose the Right Storage Facility For Your Needs

There are a few factors to consider when locking down a storage container for your family. While anywhere technically could work, we recommend understanding the factors to make the right decision.

Location:

• Choose a storage facility that is convenient to your home or workplace for easy access. Think about heading there in the winter for all your clothes which you won’t want to do if it’s too far away.
• Make sure it’s in a good area of town to avoid break-ins.

Security:

• Look for facilities with good security features like gated access, surveillance cameras, and on-site guards.
• A 24-7 guard option might be too expensive for you, so consider the items you store and the level of security they need.

Climate Control:

• Consider a climate-controlled unit if you’re storing sensitive items like electronics, artwork, or important documents. 
• If you are just storing extra clothes and furniture, you can likely skip this and save.

Accessibility:

• Ensure the facility has convenient access hours and that the units are easy to access.
• Some units are only able to be accessed during certain times of the day which can inconvenience you greatly when you need that document asap.

Cost:

• Compare prices between storage places in your area and check for any additional fees. iMoving is happy to help here. Some facilities offer discounts for long-term rentals or promotions for new customers, try your luck.

3. Prepare Your Items

Sort Through it All:

• Declutter: Go through your things and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Now is the time to become a minimalist and not just throw all your junk in the storage unit.
• Categorize Group similar items together (take, for example, holiday decorations, sports equipment, and books). When you group items together and even pack them and box them together it will be much easier to find them later on.

Clean:

• Ensure that items are clean and dry without dust before storing them to prevent mold, mildew, and unwanted pests.

Pack Properly:

• Boxes: Use sturdy dry boxes and label them clearly. Avoid overpacking to prevent damage. It is better to use two boxes than overstuff one.
• Furniture: Disassemble large pieces if possible and cover them with furniture pads or plastic wrap. Tie all pieces together so nothing gets lost.
• Documents: Store important documents in plastic bins or file boxes to keep them safe and organized.

4. Organize the Storage Unit

Plan Your Layout Inside:

• Accessibility: Place frequently accessed items near the front of the unit.
• Visibility: Keep labels facing outwards for easy identification. If you want to really be organized, label on all sides of the box.
• Protection: Use pallets or shelves to keep items off the floor and protect them from potential future water damage.

Use Vertical Space:

• Stack boxes and items vertically to maximize space. Use shelving units if possible to keep things neat.

Create an Inventory:

• Make a personalized list of what’s in the unit and where it’s located. This will help you find items quickly and avoid unnecessary time wasted.

5. Maintain Your Storage Unit

Check Regularly:

• Visit the unit to check on your items and ensure everything is in good condition.

• Look for any signs of pests or damage.

• Keep your inventory list up-to-date if you add or remove items from the unit.

6. Tips from the iMoving Crew

Avoid Storing Food:

• Don’t store food or items that can spoil, as this can attract bugs and cause odors.

Use Space Efficiently:

• Maximize the use of the space and consider using vacuum-sealed bags for clothing and soft items like blankets to save space.

• For valuable or delicate items, use bubble wrap, packing paper, or containers to prevent damage.

• Clearly label all boxes and containers with their contents and the room they belong to for easy retrieval.

A storage unit can be an perfect solution for decluttering and organizing your space. It can also help you avoid unnecessary fights in the family. 

By choosing the right unit for you, preparing and packing your items properly, and maintaining an organized storage area while maximizing your space, you can make the most of this! Now, get to decluttering and book your unit today.