Storage. It seems like the perfect way to declutter your home and have your stuff, too. It\u2019s not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Things that are moved out of sight quickly move out of mind. So, while you may enjoy the idea that you\u2019ve decluttered, you\u2019ve only kicked your stuff down the road. Worse, you\u2019ve made it harder to use what you\u2019ve kept \u2013 because the effort of going to the storage facility and finding what you want is too much trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In short, you\u2019re paying to store things you won\u2019t remember, don\u2019t use and can\u2019t find. The storage industry currently takes in $38 billion a year \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some things to consider when you’re thinking about paying for extra storage space:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean you should.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0Before you stash something away think first if you will have the energy and\/or interest to retrieve it. And if not you, then who?\u00a0Storage 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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do your best not to delay decision making. <\/strong>The easiest way to avoid the cost of a storage unit \u2013 and giving someone else the obligation of cleaning it out \u2013 is to make the decision about something when you\u2019re looking at it. Harvey Cox, a Harvard professor, wisely noted that \u201cnot to decide is to decide.\u201d Holding off decision making doesn’t make it easier. But if you send it to storage, it could get a lot more expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take inventory. <\/strong>If you must store, put your things in clearly labeled plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes. That way, you\u2019ll have a much better chance of being able to find something when you do need it. (And if you don\u2019t think you\u2019ll need it, why are you keeping it?)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose the size that fits. <\/strong>When you\u2019re 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\u2019re paying for. Be sure to leave aisle space to so you can easily access the shelves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Give yourself a deadline. <\/strong>Six months should be ample time to decide if you want something. If you haven\u2019t 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<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n