To store or not to store: 5 tips for making the right decision
Whether you are heading off to University, going travelling, moving house or just having a general de-clutter, you will have a lot of belongings that you need to manage.
One option available to you is to put these items into local self-storage - this is a secure space outside of your home or business. You have 24-hour access, so it is nearly as easy as collecting something from the next room, should you need it any time of the day or night.
You can increase or reduce the size or your space if you want to add things or take them out and you can cancel it altogether if and when your situation changes.
Still not sure whether storage is for you or not? Here are a few questions you might want to ask yourself and tips that should help you make the right decision when it comes to whether you really need storage or not.
Are you running out of space?
Look around your home or business - is it so crammed full with bits and bobs that you can barely move? If so then it is probably time to think about what you are going to do with these items.
An overly cluttered home or office doesn’t only give a bad impression; it is also detrimental to your motivation and general happiness.
Storage could be a good option in this circumstance as it removes a large amount in a short space of time. So you can get back as much space as you want and/or need, instantly!
But, are you really running out of space…?
Is the reason you are running out of space because you aren’t making the most efficient use of it? Could you actually change a few things around your home or office that will provide you with all the space you need?
This could mean finding clever storage solutions around the home – like these, swapping large items of furniture for multi-functional space saving pieces and making use of empty space such as walls as well as sheds, lofts and garages.
If you are able to find enough storage solutions around the home to get your space back then you probably don’t need to use self-storage. If you can’t – then you probably do!
Should the items be sold or given away instead?
Go through all your belongings and sort them into four piles – 'Rubbish', 'To Donate', 'To Sell' and 'To Keep.' There is no point keeping items in your home, or paying to have them in self-storage, if you don’t really need them. It is important to be ruthless while doing this. If you had forgotten you even had it or can’t remember the last time you used it – then you don’t need it. From there it is just deciding whether it is only destined for the bin, if you should give it to charity or whether it is worth selling.
If your sort out gives you your space back then you don’t need storage but if it still doesn’t, then you should consider this option. This can be used for the items you still want to keep but don’t use on a regular basis.
Do you have anywhere else you could store them?
If you are going travelling, for example, do you have somewhere you can put all your belongings while you are gone?
Could they be stored in your childhood bedroom at your parent’s house, or a friend’s garage?
If not then storage is the perfect solution!
Will it help you save money?
Will using storage save you a significant amount of money or cost you unnecessary money?
If you are moving to London – where the rent for both homes and businesses is extortionate – would it save you money to rent a smaller space and put the rest of your items into storage? Some companies run solely from self-storage due to the convenience and flexibility.
If you consider your options and self-storage will save you money rather than cost you money then it is definitely the best option for you.
Ultimately everyone’s situation is different – so consider your own and then ask yourself the above questions. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to weigh up the pros and cons so you can make the right decision.