Your storage space is an invaluable asset to your living environment. It’s a lot more than just the space where you pile up belongings that are used infrequently and old furniture: it’s an extension of your home that allows you to live in a clutter-free, organised, and relaxing home. 

But what happens when your storage space begins to spill out? It may just be the right time to declutter it! In this guide by Britannia Lanes Self Storage, we’ll look at the signs that you may need to declutter your storage space, and give you important info on how to get started. Let’s dive in. 

Let’s Cover The Basics: The Importance Of Decluttering

Before diving into the signs that hint at the fact that your storage space may be too full or overused, let’s take a second to discuss the benefits of decluttering this space. Of course, your self-storage space isn’t part of your home directly, but, here, “far from the eyes, far from the heart” isn’t a principle that works well. 

In fact, ignoring an overflowing or disorganised storage space can cause you to end up with lost, damaged heirlooms and a cluttered home. Here are just a few of the benefits of decluttering your self-storage space:

• Increased Living Space: A well-organised storage area can free up areas in your home for family activities and relaxation.
• Reduced Stress: Research shows how a clutter-free environment can benefit mental health, stress management, focus, and productivity. 
• Improved Organisation: When your storage space is well-organised and free of clutter, you’ll find it easier to locate and access items when needed.
• Improved Cleanliness: When you deal with less clutter and fewer stored items, cleaning your living space and storage areas becomes easier. This leads to a healthier, more hygienic home.
• Better Utilisation of Space and Items: A well-kept self-storage space allows you to store your seasonal items, infrequently used belongings, and sports equipment safely and away from your home. 
• Protecting Your Valuables: Well-organised self-storage units are an excellent way to safely protect valuables like vintage art, jewellery, heirlooms, and furniture because of their security features, improved privacy policies, and climate-controlled options.

5 Signs That It’s Time To Declutter Your Self-Storage Space

Now, let’s look at the signs to watch out for that will tell you when it’s time to re-organise and declutter your self-storage unit. 

1. Your Belongings Outnumber Your Storage Areas

If your belongings in your home begin to outnumber your storage areas and you struggle to find space for them in your self-storage unit, you may need to reorganise your storage space. Tell-tale signs include:

• Clothes and accessories no longer fit within your wardrobe
• Books and media pack shelves or are double-stacked, making it difficult to reach and access the items you are looking for. 
• Items are being store in corners and makeshift places
• You find yourself continuously buying new storage solutions, such as cabinets, racks, and boxes. 

2. Seasonal Items Begin To Overwhelm Your Living Space

There are some items that should not be taking over your living space, especially if they are infrequently used or seasonal. Think of holiday decorations, winter and summer gear, sports equipment (i.e.: skiing gear), or temporary furniture (i.e.: patio chairs and tables). 

These are only used during some seasons of the year or occasionally, and they should not be in the way of everyday living. If they begin to affect your day-to-day life and you don’t seem to find space for them in your self-storage unit, you may need to look at taking up a decluttering project!

3. Your Garage Is Used As Additional Storage Space

Over the past years, the average home size has decreased, while real estate and rent prices have increased. This means that you may not be able to upgrade to a larger home on a whim! So, you’ll need to make the most of your livable square footage – starting with optimising your garage!

If you seem to lack vehicle space, or your garage has started to become a magnet for unused items and clutter, you may need to look at decluttering your self-storage unit. This is particularly important, because storing items in your garage can pose a safety hazard, break down your organisational system, and even expose your valuables to threats such as water and mould damage!

4. You Are Struggling To Find Your Belongings

Your storage solutions should work to your advantage, making your every-day life easier and more efficient. If you begin to struggle with finding documents and valuables, or you are making duplicate purchases because you can’t find your items, you may need to reorganise your storage space. Not doing so can lead to compliance issues, late payments, wasting money on unnecessary purchases, and a disorganised household!

5. Mementos And Heirlooms Are Becoming Lost Or Damaged

If you notice that fragile items and delicate keepsakes are piled up into unsuitable spaces, or they have started to become discoloured or chipped, your self-storage unit isn’t doing its job properly! Take time to reorganise the space, implement well-designed storage solutions, and improve safety for valuable items – and, who knows, you may even find some of your “lost” treasures that were hidden by the clutter!

Decluttering Your Self-Storage Space: A Quick-Start Guide

Now that we’ve looked at the signs that your storage unit needs to be decluttered and used better, let’s look at how to achieve this. Here are a few tips and strategies to get started with today:

• Categorise items in groups like seasonal, sentimental, and essentials. 
• Use vertical space by installing shelving units. 
• Clearly label everything, including boxes and containers, for easy identification and access.
• Choose transparent bins to clearly see their content, but opt for sealable ones for delicate items. 
• Disassemble furniture before storing large items to save space. 
• Create an inventory list with details about each item, such as when you  bought them and where they are located. 
• Prioritise accessibility for items that are used frequently or at the same time of the year (e.g.: beach equipment and summer clothes). 
• Review your storage unit organisation periodically. 
• Donate unused items to a local charity. 
• Install security measures.
• Store hazardous materials safely.

Maintaining A Clutter-Free Living Environment With The Right Storage Solutions

Keeping your storage unit organised can do wonders for your home environment, daily lifestyle, and mental health. Be sure to reorganise this important space at least once or twice a year and look out for the signs that it’s time to declutter. But don’t forget that it all starts with choosing the right self-storage solution! Get in touch with the team at Britannia Lanes Self Storage to find an option that fits your budget and needs.