Do You Really Need a Storage Unit?

If your stuff seems to be overwhelming your Stevenson Ranch rental home, you may be speculating if you should rent a storage unit. But before you sign a contract, it’s a good idea to consider your situation thoroughly. Is a storage unit really crucial? Or are there any safer means you can manage your belongings? To help make answering this question easier, let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons wherefore you might – or might not – need a storage unit.

Too Much Stuff

One of the top reasons people rent a storage unit is that they have too much stuff. Sometimes this happens when downsizing to a smaller home, when moving, or when between homes. Some collectors don’t have space for their collections, and those who have inherited items they don’t need or aren’t currently using.

But having too much stuff isn’t necessarily a good reason to rent a storage unit. This is especially true if you consider how much you’ll spend on the monthly rent compared to the value of the items you want to keep. Spending an extra $100 a month on a storage unit, for example, means those items will cost you $1,200 a year to own and not use. Before renting a storage unit, it’s a good idea to examine why you want to keep the things you plan to store and, if possible, explore other alternatives to a storage unit.

Storing Valuables

One thing that can significantly change the equation on value and storage is if you have valuable items you want to keep but don’t have space for them at home for one reason or another. Of course, if you have high-end valuables, be sure to opt for climate-controlled storage. Things like artwork, musical instruments, antiques, photos, and electronics can be damaged by heat or cold and should never be stored in an outdoor storage situation.

Creative Alternatives

On the off chance that you have items you want or need to keep but it doesn’t seem worth the cost of a storage unit, think about the other, innovative ways you could keep your stuff – or not. In many cases, having too much stuff is a product of being unwilling to let things go, even things you will probably never use. If you can overcome your attachment to these items, you might be able to sell or give them away instead.

Then again, if you have items you can’t part with but do not necessarily need a storage unit to keep, consider asking a friend to keep or store it for you while waiting for you to have the space to take it back. A friend or family member with an empty spare room could use that antique furniture, piano, or framed artwork you don’t currently need but want to keep. Alternatively, get creative with the spaces in your own home to make room for your things. Underneath staircases, attics, and garage shelving can all boost usable storage space and let you hang on to a few more of your cherished belongings.

 

While there are certain situations where a storage unit may be required, most of the time, there are other and less expensive ways to deal with having more stuff than we need. Eventually, the choice is up to you! But, if you do feel like a bigger rental home would give you not only more living space but more storage space as well, give Real Property Management Traditions a call! You can browse our listings and apply online when you find one that catches your eye.