When downsizing your home, one of the tasks you need to undertake is deciding what to keep and what to get rid of. This is often a difficult process, especially when it comes to items like furniture but fortunately, household storage can be particularly helpful.
At some point, you have to decide whether to store something in case you need it in the future or get rid of it and risk missing it later. What about passing it on to the children or grandchildren? Here are a few tips to help you make the right decision when it comes to downsizing and household storage.
Why Do People Downsize?
Most people downsize at some point and it can be for various reasons. For some, it’s moving to a new location for work, empty-nesters looking for a smaller place, retirement or going through a divorce or breakup.
As you can imagine, the cost is a major contributing factor to downsizing and could very well be one of the most common reasons for downsizing. The biggest challenge is figuring out how to downsize your home and stay organised but using a household storage unit can be a real time-saver.
How To Start Downsizing
The first step is to take an inventory of what you have. This means taking a look at all of your furniture and household items and deciding what you really need and what can be stored or binned. It’s important to be realistic here – you’re not going to need that old sofa from university, so get rid of it!
Once you’ve taken an inventory, it’s time to start thinking about storage options. If you have a lot of furniture that needs a safe place, then you may need to consider renting a household storage unit. This is a great option if you don’t have enough space at home or if you’re going through a transition and need a safe place to store your belongings until you’re ready to take them to your new home.
Storing Furniture In Household Storage
When it comes to furniture, there are several aspects to think about. The most important thing is to make sure that the furniture is stored in a dry place and that it’s not in direct sunlight. You don’t want the furniture to fade or warp over time.
Another thing to consider is whether the furniture needs to be stored in its original packaging. If it does, then make sure you have enough space in your household storage unit for all of the boxes.
If the furniture doesn’t need to be stored in its original packaging, then try and find a household storage unit that has enough space for it. This is especially important if you have large items like sofas, dining tables or beds.
Organise Your Clutter With Household Storage
Decluttering things you no longer need can be difficult but it is an essential part of the downsizing process. It all starts with being prepared and planning ahead in terms of what to throw away, sell or donate, especially if you haven’t used something for a long time.
If you have sentimental items you can’t let go of, a household storage unit is by far the best option. It is safe, convenient, affordable and a fantastic way to save tons of space at home. Reputable self storage facilities, like Space Centre, provide quality units with good value for money with either long or short-term agreements.
Use The Five-Pile Downsizing System
Something we’ve touched on many times is the five-pile decluttering or downsizing system. It involves organising your stuff into different piles before you move and below is a summary of each:
- Give-away pile: Items that will go to friends and family
- Donation pile: Anything you no longer want but could donate to The Salvation Army or charities such as Age UK or the British Heart Foundation
- Throw away pile: Items you no longer want and typically include goods with little to no value
- Keep pile: Items you wish to keep but manage this carefully as there’s no room for sentimentality over items you haven’t seen or used in a long time
- Sell pile: This is an optional pile but it’s a great way to sell items for some extra money
Organising Tips When Downsizing
Downsizing is not easy and you should always take your time and plan ahead. The best way to stay organised is to downsize one room at a time starting with the big items.
If you’ve already bought or rented a new property, it’s easier to move beds, dressers and bedside tables first. This will clear up much-needed space to take on the smaller stuff. If not, we highly recommend using a household storage unit as you can keep things in there until you have the keys to your new kingdom.
For retirees with antiques, family heirlooms and other valuables and if your new property doesn’t have a garage or spare room, household storage becomes even more important as you may need to find space for the lawnmower, garden tools and garden furniture.
What To Do (And Not Do) When Downsizing
While downsizing can be liberating, there are a few things you have to do before moving into a smaller place. Here are a few things everyone should know when downsizing.
- Take photos of your home before downsizing as it could help decide what to take with you
- Keep all the things you really want, might still be using or like to look at. Just don’t keep chipped, damaged or broken items no matter how “nice” they look
- Don’t keep too much stuff for the next generation as they almost certainly don’t want some of the older stuff
- Give items away with no strings attached. That means don’t go to the person’s house to see if they’re actually using your sofa
- Accept items with respect and don’t tell them it’s going straight to Goodwill, for example
- Save time and space by only taking your favourite items from your collections
Top Tip:
If something doesn’t have a spot at your new home, don’t move it across. Instead, put it in a household storage unit or donate it. Speaking of donations, make sure to research charities and other organisations that will benefit the most from the things you no longer need. That way you know your belongings will go to someone who truly needs them.
Secure Household Storage At Space Centre
Household storage units are excellent for short and extended usage, whether it’s a few weeks, months, or years. A secure, personal storage unit provides extra space for all of your valuables and items you want to keep. Using a household storage unit at Space Centre has many benefits, including the following:
- Clean, dry, well ventilated and well-lit storage units
- Drive-up access
- 24-hour security (CCTV and alarms)
- No deposit required
- No long-term commitments
- Free insurance up to the value of £3000
- Flexible to change unit size at any time without extra charge (if the requested unit is available)
Downsizing and household storage combine perfectly to help simplify the process considerably. If you need more information on our business, student or household storage units and storage prices, please visit the website or call your nearest storage facility today!