Self storage tends to be one of those overlooked options when it comes to getting more out of home space. It’s easy to think the only way is to get rid of stuff, but sometimes that’s really hard when you love most of the things you’ve got and don't want to part with your treasures. Cheap self storage can be your secret weapon, providing a safe and organised space to house your overflow, effectively offering the best of all worlds.
A good way to organise for self storage is to tackle it in phases. Here are three simple steps to get you going.
Phase 1: Purge and Sort
Go room by room, tackling one area at a time, deciding as you go what stays home and what goes into storage. Good questions to ask yourself, especially about items you’re not sure about are:
- Do I use it regularly? If so, it obviously needs to be at home.
- Do I love it? If you do, the next choice is whether to store it or not.
- Does it have sentimental value? If it does, you probably want to keep it somewhere safe.
- Is it in good condition? And do you care? Because sometimes that tatty old teddy is the most precious thing on earth.
Anything that falls outside of those categories above are probably things that don’t enhance your life in any way. You can think about just getting rid of those.
Phase 2: Strategic Storage
Once you've purged, it's time to take stock of what's left. Some items might be seasonal (event decorations, seasonal clothes, garden furnishings, sport kit), others might be keepsakes or other items that you want to keep but don't need readily accessible (collections, unused hobby equipment, bulky DIY tools).
This is where self storage comes in:
- Choose the Right Size: Measure the items you plan to store to determine the appropriate unit size. There’s a wide range of room sizes, plus lockers if you just have a few items. Consult the staff at your chosen self storage facility if you need some help.
- Pack Smart: Use strong cardboard boxes, label everything clearly, and consider using protective materials like bubble wrap for fragile items. Organise items logically to make retrieval easier.
- Inventory: Create a detailed inventory list of everything you store, including box contents and placement within the unit if that makes sense to your organisation. This will be invaluable when you need to retrieve something later.
- Accessibility: Consider the frequency of access you'll need. Keep the things you’ll need access to often at the front of your unit. It’s common sense, but easy to let things get out of order only to find you can’t locate what you’re looking for.
Phase 3: Maintaining the Order
When you’re done with the first two phases, you’re in maintenance mode.
Regularly review your storage unit. You might find that some items are no longer needed or wanted, and you can let them go to make room for other stuff. Try and maintain your storage room as a useful extension of home rather than a dumping ground for unwanted items. The goal is to stay clutter-free and spacious at home, and self storage should be a tool to support that goal, not hinder it.
Other Considerations
- You can use self storage for business records or business stock and inventory control.
- Choose a location with plenty of parking, easy access, that’s convenient to get to.
- Research insurance. Some facilities might offer it, others might require you to organise it yourself, but it’s likely you’ll need it to cover your contents.
Decluttering is a journey, so learn to see it as an ongoing process. Just like housework always needs repeating, decluttering does too. By using self storage strategically and building the storage process into your regular routines, you can create a more organised, peaceful, and enjoyable living space.
No comments
Post a Comment