Decluttering: Deciding What to Store vs. Keep
When your home starts feeling crowded, a self storage unit can help you reclaim your space while still holding onto the things you value. The key is deciding which items stay at home and which go into storage.
Utilizing Personal Storage can significantly help in managing clutter and keeping your home in order.
Personal Storage solutions come in various sizes, accommodating your unique needs. Finding the right Personal Storage option is essential for effective organization.
Personal Storage options provide an effective way to manage your belongings while keeping your home organized.
Keep at Home:
- In-season clothing and footwear you wear regularly
- Everyday household essentials such as dishes, towels, bedding, and toiletries
- Frequently used furniture and décor that enhance your living space
- Important personal documents and current bills
- Items in daily or weekly use like sporting gear or tools
- Toys or games your children play with often
Store Away:
- Out-of-season clothing, footwear, and sporting equipment
- Rarely used furniture (guest chairs, footstools, specialty pieces)
- Extra household linens, seasonal décor, and holiday servingware
- Overflow toys or collectibles (rotate them to keep things fresh)
- Older paperwork or tax documents you rarely need but must keep
- Garden tools and seasonal gear when not in use
Tip: Label boxes clearly and keep a storage inventory so you can rotate items easily and avoid forgotten boxes.
Holiday Decoration Storage
After the celebrations are over, smart storage keeps your holiday décor safe and organized for next year.
Ornaments:
- Use shredded wrapping paper or tissue paper as filler
- Store small ornaments in egg cartons and fragile ones at the top of boxes
- Use wine boxes for tissue-wrapped decorations and shoeboxes for hooks, ribbons, and craft supplies
Garland:
- Store in large plastic bins to prevent tangling
- Label pieces with masking tape for easy placement next year
Lights:
- Wrap strings around cardboard or empty wrapping paper tubes
- Keep extra bulbs and fuses in labeled bags tucked inside the tube
Implementing Personal Storage strategies can simplify your life and enhance your living space.
Wedding Dress Preservation
Your wedding dress is more than clothing—it’s a keepsake. Protect it properly for years to come.
- Clean it promptly after the wedding using a trusted professional experienced with gown fabrics
- Avoid long-term plastic bag storage; use acid-free boxes or cloth garment bags instead
- Choose buffered tissue for synthetics and unbuffered for natural fabrics like silk
- Store in a cool, dry, and dark place; climate-controlled storage is ideal
- Inspect annually for stains or discoloration, and wear white cotton gloves when handling
Home Appliance Storage
Storing appliances improperly can lead to damage, odors, or mold. Follow these tips for safe long-term storage:
- Clean & Dry: Run a final cleaning cycle with vinegar or bleach, drain all water, and wipe seals and interiors thoroughly.
- Protect from Pests: Treat appliances to prevent insect infestations and store food-based decorations separately.
- Remove Fragile Parts: Transport glass shelves or panels separately and mark them as fragile.
- Door Position: Once in storage, prop doors open to prevent mildew.
- Climate Control: Use a climate-controlled unit to protect electronics and mechanical parts from extreme temperatures.
- Cover & Secure: Use breathable covers and tape doors shut for transport only—remove tape once stored.
Spring Cleaning & Seasonal Storage
A deep clean can transform your home—and self storage can make it easier.
Spring Cleaning Tips:
- Clean from top to bottom, inside and out
- Replace smoke detector batteries and dust vents
- File important papers in storage and shred outdated ones
- Move furniture into temporary storage before painting or deep-cleaning carpets
- Rotate seasonal clothing and décor
- Store bulky winter gear and bring out patio furniture
Pro Tip: Mobile storage units can be delivered to your driveway for short-term seasonal cleanouts.
Yard Sale Preparation
Planning a garage or yard sale? A storage unit is the perfect staging area.
- Sort items by category (kitchen, toys, linens, tools, etc.) as you store them
- Price items in advance to save time before the sale
- Share a unit with friends or family to split the cost
- Set up tables and racks in your garage just before the sale, then transfer organized items directly from storage
- Keep sale prep distraction-free by working at the unit rather than at home
If you hold annual sales, a small year-round storage unit can keep your items organized and ready to go.
Consider Personal Storage as a viable solution for managing your seasonal items and reducing clutter.
Incorporating Personal Storage into your organization plan can yield significant benefits for your home.
By using Personal Storage, you can efficiently prepare for yard sales and keep everything organized.
Personal Storage is not just a solution; it’s a lifestyle choice for maintaining order.