Why Storing Your Extra Stuff Isn’t Always the Answer

Storage is big business. A wide variety of “storage solutions” on the market promise to help you #organize your #stuff by purpose and season, from the underbed box of out-of-season sweaters to the huge green bins designed to hold holiday lights and decorations.

What’s more, about 10% of U.S. households lease a #storage unit to contain bins, boxes, boats, cars and other #things they just can’t cram into their current homes. Self-storage is a $44 billion industry in the U.S., and it’s growing fast.

But storage is rarely the answer to one’s #decluttering and #organizing needs. “Just because it’s out of sight doesn’t mean it’s out of mind,” says Miss Minimalist. “Your clutter is still there, hanging over your head, piled beneath your feet, lurking in the dark corners of your home.”

#Storage systems can help people #organize. You #sort items into a brand-new box or bin, label it and put it on a shelf. If you return to that bin knowing that it holds what you’re looking for, so much the better! But if you don’t, all you’ve done is hide your junk.

The same goes for a self-storage unit. You likely overestimated the value of the goods stored and/or the likelihood of using those things again. And you’ll do anything to avoid making a decision about that stuff, including continuing to pay the monthly fee.

Self-storage units can be useful in the short term if you’re transitioning between homes or downsizing. But most units are just a replacement for #decluttering. Reconsider renting if you don’t really need most of what you want to put in there.

“Because your #clutter is stored in an off-site location, there’s a greater chance you just won’t bother dealing with it,” says Garage Living. “Before you know it, years will have passed, the #junk in your storage unit will collect more dust, [and] your bank account will be emptier.”

Before you waste money on a bunch of new organizers or a self-storage unit, #declutter. Figure out what you aren’t using now and how likely that is to change. Reduce the sentimental items to only most treasured and put them in a truly safe place.

Then, contact ClothingDonations.org for a #free #donation #picukup. On the appointed day, a driver will pick up the things you no longer need and help you reclaim space in your cleaner, more streamlined home.