Are you in the process of downsizing? If so, you probably have a load of belongings that won’t fit in your new space. You don’t know what to do with them – should you throw them away, sell them, donate them or keep them somewhere safe?
Self-storage can help with the final one of those possibilities. Renting small spaces can help you store some valuable possessions that take up too much space in your home. The question is, how do you figure out which items to keep ahold of when downsizing? Here are some tips to help you get started:
Assess The Quality Of The Items
Immediately, this tells you if something can be placed in the “throw-away” category. Things that have severely deteriorated over time and are no longer in a good state should be discarded. Check if they’re recyclable before doing so!
Think About The Sentimental Value
Do certain items mean a lot to you emotionally? This could include family heirlooms, baby photos, old toys, etc. If things carry lots of sentimental value, they can go in your “keep” category. Place them in self-storage for safe keeping and to free up more room in your home.
Consider The Item’s Practicality
Does the item still have a practical use in your household? If so, think about how often it’ll be used. A great example is a pressure washer. Hugely practical, but not going to be used every day. Stuff like this is perfect for self-storage; you hold onto something useful without letting it take up space in your home.
Check The Financial Value
If something is in good condition yet holds no sentimental or practical value, then it can be donated or sold. The easiest way to do this is by seeing if the item holds any financial value. If it does, you may as well sell it – the money earned can go towards some of the self-storage costs! If not, you should donate it to a local charity shop.
