STORAGE TIPS

From outgrown baby toys to travel souvenirs, clutter can occur over time and eventually take over your home. It starts in empty corners and bare countertops and can even lead to purchasing specialty furniture to house your prized items. Bookshelves, storage ottomans, and shelving are breeding grounds for clutter. To combat the clutter, many homeowners are searching out self storage options. If you've finally decided you've had enough clutter and want to reclaim the space in your home, check out our simple guide for tidying up.

Recognizing Clutter

Clutter usually occurs when storage options are slim. Possessions end up tucked into corners, drawers, and boxes. This build up of temporary storage solutions can lead to a loss of space throughout your home. Before you can begin dealing with your clutter challenges, it's important to determine what items can be removed from your home and into self storage.

Getting Sorted Out

Now that you've determined it's time to declutter your home, you need to spend some time sorting through your clutter. To determine what items stay, what items go to storage, and what items need to be tossed or donated, ask yourself these questions:

• Is it useful or of value? If you're not sure, put it in a box and set it aside. If a month passes, and you haven't missed it, toss or donate it.
• Do I need this many clothes? Turn all your hangers around. As you wear something, switch the direction of the hanger. After a month, donate all the clothing that's been unworn.
• Have these items expired? If you come across old prescription medications or over the counter medications that have expired, throw them away. These items could cause more harm then good and should be disposed of.
• Is it worth keeping? If you've come across some items that hold sentimental value or that you believe are worth keeping, invest in a quality self storage unit. These units are constructed to preserve your possessions over time.

Choosing a Storage Unit

Now that you've sorted out your items, donated what you no longer use, and set aside the possessions you'd like to put into storage, it's time to pick a storage unit and move your stuff over.

When selecting a storage unit, look for the following amenities:

• Plenty of different sized unit options
• Safe and secure 24 hour access
• Weather-proof construction
• Reasonable rates
• Added benefits like access to a complimentary move-in truck and driver

Moving Your Stuff

The final step in decluttering your home is transporting the offending items to a secure storage unit. Take a little extra care while packing so that when you return to your storage locker for these items, they're still in perfect condition. It's also a good idea to be mindful of how you place your items in the unit. Leave walkways between boxes for easy access and store larger items along the walls.

For a little more guidance on how to pack up your items properly, check out our previous post: Storage Unit Checklist: Securely Store Your Belongings.

If you're ready to declutter your home, come and speak to the storage solution experts at Space Centre Storage. We offer reasonably priced and convenient self-storage options, as well as MI BOX® portable storage rentals.