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This is a collaborative post.
If you have a family, you’ll know firsthand how busy the house can get. Whether it’s children’s toys, clothes or sentimental items, there comes a point where you need to reduce the clutter.
The more everything begins to pile up, the less organised you become. Suddenly, things are misplaced, and finding space for new belongings becomes a challenge. So what’s the solution? One of the easiest ways to declutter and keep items safe is to rent a storage unit.
Here are seven family items you should consider putting into storage to create a more organised and less-stressful home…
1. Clothing and Footwear
When it’s summertime, what do you usually do with your winter clothes and vice versa? Chances are they’re still on the hook or chucked in a cupboard till needed. Clothing takes up far more room than you realise, especially when you’re storing it for several family members.
Big coats aren’t much use when summer rolls around. Likewise, flip-flops won’t be needed in the middle of December. A self storage unit gives you space to rotate wardrobes without having to cram everything into the nearest drawer and cupboard.
It’s also ideal for kids’ clothes that are being saved for younger siblings. Instead of losing track of them in the loft, you’ll know exactly where they are when you need them next.
2. Holiday Decorations
Whether it’s Christmas, Halloween, Easter, or birthdays, families love to celebrate. However, on such occasions, the decorations can take over. They only come out once a year, but in between, they swallow up precious space in cupboards, garages or attics.
Why not take advantage of your local storage facility by moving your decorations into a unit? You’ll not only free up room at home but also keep them neatly organised and protected for when needed. You can even label your boxes by holiday to make life easier when the time comes.
3. Baby Gear and Nursery Items
Baby items are notoriously bulky, especially prams, high chairs, and cots. Once your child grows out of them, it’s tempting to sell them straight away just to reclaim space. But what if you’re planning on having another baby, or want to pass things on to family later?
In such cases, putting nursery gear into storage is a smart way of keeping it safe without it cluttering up a spare room or attic. Everything stays in good condition, ready to be reused when the time comes. It also saves you money instead of having to buy everything again in the future.
4. Sports and Hobby Equipment
Most families tend to have a collection of bikes, scooters, skateboards and maybe even skis or camping equipment. These items are great for keeping active and enjoying time outdoors, but they can be a nightmare to store at home.
With storage, you can keep these items secure and be able to use them whenever you want. It’s especially useful for seasonal hobbies, for example, you may go camping in the summer or skiing in winter. In doing so, your home isn’t overrun with things you only use for a few weeks each year.
5. Sentimental Keepsakes
Some items are priceless when it comes to memories and attachment. But they can also take up more space than you’d think. It’s not always practical to keep them on display or tucked away in wardrobes, but you don’t want to part with them either.
A storage unit is the perfect middle ground. Keepsakes like artwork, old toys, photo albums, and family heirlooms can be packed carefully, kept safe from damp, damage or being accidentally thrown away. Knowing your memories are preserved gives peace of mind while at the same time freeing up some extra space at home.
6. Furniture
It’s surprising how often families end up with extra furniture. Maybe you’ve downsized, the kids have moved bedrooms, or you’ve got an old sofa you want to hang on to. Storing it at home can often mean overcrowded rooms or a garage that’s almost impossible to get into.
Renting space offers a way to store furniture without cluttering your living space. Items like beds, tables and wardrobes will stay in good condition until they’re needed again. You may also have garden furniture that only sees use in the summer that you want to store.
7. Garden and Outdoor Items
During the winter months, garden furniture, barbecues, paddling pools, and lawnmowers can easily clutter up our gardens and sheds. Leaving them outdoors isn’t ideal either, since dampness and frost can cause damage.
By storing these seasonal items properly, you not only free up space but also see that they stay in good shape. When the summer arrives again, you’ll be able to bring everything out, ready to enjoy.
Tips for Families Using Storage
If you’re new to self-storage, here are a few practical tips to make it work for your family:
- Label clearly: Write exactly what’s in each box so you can find things quickly.
- Use sturdy containers: Especially for children’s toys, clothes and decorations that get moved about a lot.
- Keep sentimental items safe: Wrap delicate things like photo frames or ornaments carefully to prevent damage.
- Choose the right size: Many families find that a small or medium unit is enough. You don’t need to pay for more space than you actually use.
- Think about location: A facility close to home or work makes it easy to pop in when you need something.
Renting a Storage Unit
Finding the right storage provider is just as important as deciding what to store. Look for a facility with features such as flexible contracts, security, and easy access. That way, you can store items for as little or as long as you need without being tied into something that doesn’t suit your family.
Most companies offer flexible unit sizes, making it easy to find a space that fits your needs without overspending.