Storage. It seems like the perfect way to declutter your home and have your stuff, too. It’s not.
Things that are moved out of sight quickly move out of mind. So, while you may enjoy the idea that you’ve decluttered, you’ve only kicked your stuff down the road. Worse, you’ve made it harder to use what you’ve kept – because the effort of going to the storage facility and finding what you want is too much trouble.
In short, you’re paying to store things you won’t remember, don’t use and can’t find. The storage industry currently takes in $38 billion a year – 80% of that from individuals. The average renter will pay from $1-$2K a year on storage. That could be a nice contribution toward stuff you actually use.
Here are some things to consider when you’re thinking about paying for extra storage space:
Just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean you should. Before you stash something away think first if you will have the energy and/or interest to retrieve it. And if not you, then who? Storage space is growing at an astounding pace because it doesn’t turn over. There are currently more than 49,000 facilities offering close to 2 billion square feet of space across America. Do you want to be a contributor?
Do your best not to delay decision making. The easiest way to avoid the cost of a storage unit – and giving someone else the obligation of cleaning it out – is to make the decision about something when you’re looking at it. Harvey Cox, a Harvard professor, wisely noted that “not to decide is to decide.” Holding off decision making doesn’t make it easier. But if you send it to storage, it could get a lot more expensive.
Take inventory. If you must store, put your things in clearly labeled plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes. That way, you’ll have a much better chance of being able to find something when you do need it. (And if you don’t think you’ll need it, why are you keeping it?)
Choose the size that fits. When you’re thinking of how much room you need, maximize your use of wall space as well as floor space. Bringing in 5-tier metal shelving racks will help keep things organized, and will take advantage of the vertical room you’re paying for. Be sure to leave aisle space to so you can easily access the shelves.
Give yourself a deadline. Six months should be ample time to decide if you want something. If you haven’t needed or used it in that time, chances are neither you, nor anyone else will want or use it in the future. If someone does want it, ask them to please take it now.
Making “should it stay or should it go?” decisions can be challenging. On the Move can help!
