November 19, 2021
They are popping up everywhere – in bright colors so that no one can miss them. Survey results show that 1 in 10 US households are renting a self-storage unit. According to Self Storage Websites, there are 7 main reasons why people use Self-Storage Units, and the one I have a problem with is this:
“For anyone who’s running out of space for their belongings in their home or office setting, a self-storage unit provides a secure and economical option for accommodating the surplus. Likewise, self-storage is a sensible option for anyone who’s looking to decongest their existing living or workspace by shifting items that they don’t need to see every day …”
Surplus? Don’t need to see every day? That is called clutter!
And so many people think that self-storage units are a solution. It is not! It is us procrastinating! Us prolonging important decisions that need to be made. Stuff we don’t need remains clutter, and clutter causes stress along with a whole lot of other problems. Before you know it, years will have passed and the stuff in your storage unit will just collect more dust, while your bank account will be emptier. Self-storage units are expensive. And if you calculate how much you spend over 12 months to keep stuff you don’t need, that is not money spent wisely. Why not rather invest the money in better organization systems for your home or someone that can help you to declutter?
Anything that has true sentimental value that’s worth holding onto should probably rather be kept close where it is safe anyway. Others can make use of what you don’t need. You can sell some of the items you don’t need to local secondhand stores or online. Charities will also welcome donations of your items, particularly furniture. For any useless clutter you have that can’t be donated or sold, spend a weekend getting it out of the storage unit. Rent a truck, enlist some help, and toss the items at your local dump or recycling facility.
Renting a self-storage unit is not a good idea for dealing with stuff you don’t need. Over the long term, it just does not make much sense.
