Using a self-storage unit is a good way to downsize your home or apartment. The lower mortgage or rent payment you might have with a smaller home can be well worth the cost of a storage unit, and smaller homes and apartments are often easier to maintain and may mean lower utility costs. The one drawback to using a self-storage unit is that many people simply don't know how to downsize or let go of items they've had around the house for years and years. Consider the steps needed to do this.
1. Start by purging
Purging can be difficult for those who have a hard time letting go of their things, but it's good to go through clothes, tools, sporting goods and equipment, and other items that you haven't used in the past two or three years and get rid of those first. Donate them if they're still useable; this might make you feel better about letting them go. Ask yourself how it would really affect you if you tossed out old trophies and holiday decorations you no longer use, and if the answer is that it wouldn't affect you at all then these items can be tossed or donated.
2. Go through sentimental items
Sentimental items are those that you want to keep but don't necessarily use on a regular basis. These are good items to put in a storage unit since you won't typically need to access them, but you aren't getting rid of them either. Invest in sturdy rubber totes to keep them safe.
3. Pack up seasonal items
Seasonal items are another good choice for putting into a storage unit as you will only need these for a short time throughout the year. Seasonal items can include winter or summer clothes, holiday items, linens such as heavy blankets you don't use during summertime, and sporting goods. During the summer your skis and snowboard should be in your storage unit and during wintertime you can trade these for your bike.
4. Store away bulky tools you rarely use
If you use your portable compressor only on occasion or have a bulky sewing machine that you use a few times every year, these items can also be put in your storage unit. They are still accessible for when you do need to make repairs or tackle other projects, but they're not underfoot every single day.
Follow these simple steps and suggestions for using a self-storage unit with companies such as Zippy Removals & Storage and you'll find that downsizing to a smaller home is much less difficult than you imagined.
Share14 January 2015
Yo! My name is Lisa and I would like to welcome all you guys to my new blog. I was inspired to start this blog because I am tired of visiting people's homes and seeing the same old furniture and the same old designs in use. I used to have boring designs in my home and garden. However, all that changed when my friend Simon came to visit. Simon is a designer and property developer so he has a real eye for bringing out the best in any space. He gave me some top tips and helped me to transform my home and garden.
