Too Much Stuff
One of the most typical reasons people rent a storage unit is because they possess too much stuff. This might occur while downsizing to a smaller home, when moving, or when between homes. Some collectors run out of space for their collections, including those who have inherited items they no longer need or presently using.
However, keeping too much stuff isn’t always a practical reason to rent a storage unit. This is especially the case if you calculate how much you’ll spend on the monthly rent compared to the value of the items you prefer to keep. Paying an extra $100 a month on a storage unit, for illustration, implies those things will cost you $1,200 a year to own and not use. Before renting a storage unit, you need to figure out why you want to keep the things you want to store and, if possible, search for other alternatives to a storage unit.
Storing Valuables
One component that can greatly change the equation on value and storage is if you have valuable items you want to keep but don’t have space for them at the house for one reason or another. Naturally, if you own high-end valuables, you must decide on climate-controlled storage. Things such as artwork, musical instruments, antiques, photos, and electronics can be damaged by heat or cold and must not be placed in an outdoor storage area.
Creative Alternatives
If you have things you want or need to keep but don’t believe it’s worth the cost of a storage unit, search for other, more inventive ways to keep your stuff – or not. Mainly, possessing too much stuff is the outcome of being unwilling to let things go, even if they are things you will never use. If you can overcome your attachment to these items, you could possibly sell or give them away instead.
On the other hand, if you have things you can’t part with but don’t necessarily need a storage unit to keep, consider asking a friend to keep or store it for you until you have the space to take it back. A friend or family member with an empty spare room could utilize that antique furniture, piano, or framed artwork you don’t currently need but intend to keep. If not, get creative with the spaces in your own home to make room for your stuff. Underneath staircases, attics, and garage shelving would all deliver usable storage space and let you cling on to one or two more of your cherished belongings.
While there are a few scenarios in which a storage unit might be important, more often than not, there are other, less expensive ways to deal with having more stuff than we need. At the end of the day, the choice is all up to you! However, if you believe that a bigger rental home would give you not only more living space but more storage space as well, give Real Property Management Beacon a call! You can browse our listings and apply online when you find one that catches your eye.