A bereavement is undoubtedly a very difficult time as emotions are high and there is so much to consider. Add to that the additional pressures caused by Covid, and it makes things even harder when deciding what to do with a loved one’s property or belongings. Fortunately, household self storage can help as it offers a temporary or long-term solution to keep everything safe.
Household Self Storage And Managing An Estate
People handle bereavement in many different ways from finding solace in going back to work as soon as possible or taking on practical tasks. Some might take it on the chin and may not feel the loss until later. There is no right or wrong way to deal with grief as everyone copes in their own way.
Besides the biggest challenge of accepting the loss of a loved one, many people struggle when it comes to managing their belongings or property. Selling the house immediately after their passing can seem daunting but taking it one step at a time and relying on household self storage can prove particularly useful during these emotional situations.
Don’t Rush The Process
A good place to start is taking things step by step and not rushing anything. If you make a hasty decision, you may regret it later on. There will be obvious things that you won’t want to keep but when for bigger, more valuable things and the more sentimental items, it’s important to take your time when going through everything by spending small amounts of time over a few weeks or months.
Carefully Sort And Organise Everything
The best approach here would be a methodical process as it will help decide where your loved one’s belongings should go. Now is the time to put things into different piles; what is going to charity, what could be sold and which items might be useful to store?
Go through the house one room at a time, pack boxes and label everything clearly so there’s no doubt in where it needs to go. The items you think might be good to keep can be packed in a household self storage unit. This includes things like spare beds, wardrobes, desks and other furniture or furnishings.
If you have the time and want to make some extra money, you can have a car boot sale or try your hand at auctions or eBay.
Household Self Storage And Selling A Property
After a bereavement, household self storage may not be a top priority but if you are planning to sell, it could help the process significantly. According to expert home stagers, a potential buyer’s first impression is usually made within 7 to 10 seconds of arriving. As we mentioned in an earlier article on home staging, decluttering a property will not only improve the appearance but also the value.
In some cases, time is of the essence and you may need to move quickly to ensure a sale. When this happens it’s often easy to accidentally get rid of items you still need so what is the best solution? Household self storage is ideal for sentimental belongings or those with significant financial value but for everything else, call a house clearance company.
Home Improvements When Renting Or Selling A Property
Household self storage can also help following the passing of a loved one if you are planning to rent the property instead of selling it. To ensure a quick turnaround, make sure you clear the house of all their belongings to see whether you need any home improvements or big renovations, such as plastering or flooring.
Remember, you don’t have to make massive alterations as even the smallest of changes can have a positive impact on buyers or renters. Have a look at this amazing article outlining some home improvements that can add significant value to the property.
Whether you’re renting or selling, this is where household self storage becomes an essential part of the process. It can help you and your family organise everything in your own time as you’ll have a clean, dry and secure space to keep everything while getting the property in shape.
Why Choose Space Centre For Your Household Self Storage Needs?
At Space Centre Self Storage, our facilities in Bristol, Stroud, Gloucester and Stonehouse are conveniently located in secure compounds with alarms, CCTV and smoke detectors. We offer easy terms with no deposit, no small print and FREE storage insurance up to £3000 using our provider or your own.
We can advise you on how to pack, store and protect your valuables to ensure everything remains in excellent condition. If you have any questions or concerns about leaving family possessions with us, please post a comment below or give us a call.
“The beauty of using our household self storage units is that we do not insist on any long-term contractual agreements. For those people who have recently experienced a bereavement, secure self storage gives you the opportunity to take a bit more time while considering your next move,” says Lucinda Dangerfield, co-director of Space Centre Self Storage.