The idea that an inanimate object could cause a variety of different emotions may sound a little far-fetched. Yet, if you ask a child to give up their favorite stuffed toy or ratty blanket, you’re likely to be met with tears. Ask a grown adult to toss out his high school football jersey, and you might get kicked in the teeth.
People have a lot of stuff. In fact, in a 2014 article in the LA Times estimated that Americans have an average of 300,000 items in their homes at any given time. If you’re feeling like your home is being taken over by shoes and knick-knacks, you’re not alone.
Even better, you can help clear out some of the clutter without donating all your favorite items to charity. Storage units are a popular option for people who want alternatives to keeping more things in their home.
Below are some reasons you may need storage and how it can benefit your life:
Getting rid of clutter is good for your mental health
According to Psychology Today, clutter can have a massive effect on mental health. Some studies show that people are more likely to make unhealthier choices in a cluttered space, have a harder time concentrating on tasks when surrounded by mess, and have feelings of anxiety and depression, in homes that are disorganized and full of clutter.
Moving to a bigger home isn’t an affordable solution for most people, so finding a secure location to keep items you don’t need access to all the time is a simple option that makes it a little easier to breathe without breaking the bank.
A storage unit may be perfect for a small business
If you run a small business from home or tiny office space, you might not have adequate storage for your supplies, tools, or paperwork. Renting a storage unit provides a secure option for keeping your work stuff organized and out of your hair. The security offered at storage unit locations helps ensure your stuff stays protected. You can even rent climate-controlled spaces to make sure your paperwork and other important items remain safe from the elements.
Prepare your home for selling
Selling a home can be a stressful experience, or it can be shockingly fast, depending on your neighborhood. Most real estate agents will tell you, one of the best ways to make it easier to move your property is clearing out clutter and personal items so potential buyers can see themselves in your house. If you’re not quite ready to move to a new property yet, having a storage unit handy, will help keep your items safe, secure, and out of the way, so buyers can get the best view of your home without tripping over boxes.
Store items after the loss of a loved one: Losing a family member can be difficult emotionally, physically, and mentally. Sorting through the things can be difficult and time-consuming, especially if you must sell a home in the process. Opting for a storage unit could provide a little more time to go through the items and provide additional storage space for things you may want to keep.
Seasonal storage
If you’re the type of person that goes all out for the holiday season, you know the lights, the tree, and other decorations can quickly fill up any storage space you have handy. A self-service storage unit is a perfect option for keeping your favorite décor safe without cluttering up the garage. You could even store bicycles, motorcycles, pools, and other summer items during the fall and winter to keep the backyard clean and tidy.
Adjusting to smaller living accommodations
Many older couples find that once the kids leave the house, they don’t need quite as much space as they used to, so they move to a smaller home. A more modest home often means less storage. That new space can quickly become overrun with all your memorabilia. Pack up some of those memories and other items you want to pass down to your kids and keep them tucked away where they’ll be safe and organized.
Store your car for the winter
If you have a car that you don’t like to drive when the winter winds start to blow, having a secure storage unit is a big perk. You keep space in your garage for other vehicles and protect your seasonal automobile from the elements. Find out more about how to properly store your car for several months here.
No matter what season of life you find yourself enjoying a storage unit can help you pare down on the clutter and cherish the memories you’ve made.