How Long Can You Rent a Storage Unit?

Finding the right storage can be the perfect solution for how you manage space. Across the United States, millions of people use storage units to manage moves, store seasonal equipment and toys, and keep family heirlooms. They’re safe, convenient, and affordable.

People often wonder how long rental lease terms are, which stops them from getting the space they need. How long can you rent a storage unit? Rental facilities are typically very flexible with their terms. Shorter leases will typically cost you more per month, and you’re more likely to get a better deal with a longer lease.

Before you go to a storage facility, call them or visit their website to look at their lease term options. If you have a unique situation, ask the management team about a workaround and see what they can do.

Here’s some helpful information about how to rent a storage unit and different lease agreements.

Monthly Rentals

Most storage unit renters rent on a month-by-month basis. However, monthly rentals make things more flexible for owners versus something like an annual lease, and it helps owners and managers run their businesses smoothly.

In many instances, storage companies will have a minimum term no matter how long you need the unit. If you live in an area with high demand, finding something with a shorter window can be difficult than a single month. You may end up having to pay the minimum even though you don’t need it that long.

Weekly Rentals

What if you don’t need a storage unit for a month or longer? If you look around, you’re likely to find some storage facilities offering weekly rentals. Usually, these rental companies cater to people like college students, people moving because of jobs, and other short-term needs.

You can expect to pay more on a monthly basis for a weekly rental, but some people enjoy the flexibility they offer.

couples doing inventory on the things they have in a storage unit

Annual Rentals

If you want to get the best deal on cost, then renting a storage unit by the year is your best bet. Self-storage facilities will often lower their prices the longer you agree to rent.

Taking Over Someone’s Lease

Sometimes, you can get more flexibility by offering to take over someone else’s rental lease on a storage unit. For example, if someone signs a year-long lease and then doesn’t need the unit after eight or nine months, they’ll try to find someone who can take over the rest of their lease. It works similarly to apartments.

Some facilities let this happen, and others forbid subleases or selling contracts, so you will need to check before you take someone’s unit. When it does work, though, it’s a great way to get more flexibility in a high-demand area that doesn’t give you a lot of leasing options.

couple moving their boxes in the storage unit

Seasonal Promotions

Before you sign a normal lease with a storage facility, you should check around for any specials or promotions running in your area. Then, you can save money and find the lease tenure that you’re looking for when companies are trying to attract new business.

Many facilities will run promotions in the summer or at the end of school semesters to bring in new tenants, so these are usually great times to sign a new lease.

Even if you don’t see any promotions in your area, you should call potential storage facilities and ask them if they have any discounts going for new customers.

Canceling Your Storage Unit

Be careful when signing your lease because you may end up paying for a storage unit longer than you need. For instance, if you have a three-month minimum on your contract and only need the unit for a month, you will need to pay the lease in full.

Waiting until the end of the month is another mistake some renters make. Many rental facilities don’t pro-rate leases. If you have something in the unit, or you don’t call to cancel until after the first of the next month, you’re probably going to have to pay for the entire month.

If you do need to cancel, let your facility manager or the leasing office know ahead of time. Ideally, you’ll call them a couple of weeks before you need to stop using the unit and close out the month before having to pay for a month you’re not using.

Canceling your contract with months left to go will vary by company. Some rental facilities will ask you to pay something like a month’s rent to offset the cost of finding a new tenant, and some companies will ask you to pay the entire lease in full.

couple checking the their contract with their storage facility

Knowing How Long You Need

Understanding how long you need a storage unit isn’t always easy. Every year, thousands of people rent a unit by the week, thinking that they only need it for a short while. However, a good portion of them keeps the unit for months and years because life situations change or they realize how beneficial it is to have the extra space.

If you’re moving because of a job, then it’s relatively easy to predict how long you’ll need the unit. However, things like home renovations, the passing of a family member and managing their things, storing business inventory, and other reasons aren’t as easy to predict.

Working with a reputable storage company makes everything easier. First, read some online reviews, talk to the management team to see how responsive they are, and gauge their customer service. An experienced rental office will ask you some questions about your situation and make recommendations on how long they think you should rent a unit.

Work with them on a lease that fits your needs and get the most out of having a storage unit. Depending on what you need, whether you’re looking for a place to stick your bikes during the winter or you need a place to keep mom’s couch, you can find a great deal on a unit by the week or for years.

Theatre Drive Self Storage | 2371 Theatre Drive Paso Robles, California 93446 United States

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Theatre Drive Self Storage has got you covered in this department. Here at Theatre Drive Self Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://theatreselfstoragepasorobles.com/

How Do You Store Gym Equipment? Can You Store It in a Storage Unit?

Steady routines are vital to successful exercise programs. If you talk to most people, they’ll tell you that sticking to a plan works. But, unfortunately, few people see real success by walking into the gym without knowing what they’re doing that day and why.

The same goes for how you work out at home. You can significantly improve your health, strength, or fitness goals with the right equipment. Of course, a big part of having the right equipment is keeping it well-organized and storing it properly.

People want gym equipment they can use, but that doesn’t get in the way of ordinary life. We all know someone with a treadmill in the basement that’s turned into a toy storage platform. Developing a good storage solution will keep your gym equipment in better condition for longer and make them easier to use.

Storage units are also an excellent longer-term solution for when you’re moving and also serve as a fantastic place to keep seasonal gym items that you only need during certain parts of the year.

Working out at home sometimes means having bands, belts, weights, mats, and a ton of other gear around the house. Deciding how and where to put things can be challenging. Here are some tips on storing your equipment when putting things in a storage unit makes the most sense.

Keep a Dedicated Gym Space

You have enough space for a dedicated home gym if you’re lucky. While not everyone can outfit a CrossFit gym at home or has the room for a squat rack, even finding a corner to keep all of your things is the best place to start.

Knowing where to go helps make working out automatic. This is critical for beginners who, typically, face more internal resistance when they need to work out. Keep all of your yoga mats, jump ropes, and dumbbells in the same area of your house.

Using Vertical Space

Instead of having everything in boxes or baskets on the floor, improve your gym equipment storage by taking advantage of vertical space on your walls. You can install hanging racks, baskets, pegs, and shelves to store your gym gear to give you easy access.

You can hang mats, towels, and other gym accessories with the right vertical storage solution. Obviously, you won’t want to hang anything too heavy on your walls, but at least it will save you some floor space and keep things where you can find them.

Buy Gear that Fits Your Space

Sometimes storing gym equipment properly starts with buying the right gear. For example, avoid buying bulky items if you live in a small house or don’t have a dedicated home gym. You may end up regretting that elliptical that’s sitting in the middle of your living room.

Nowadays, you can find equipment that folds and flexes to fit under beds, in small closets, and under couches. As a result, you usually don’t have to sacrifice much in the way of function, but you may have to go without the fanciest machines if you lack the proper space.

Keep Heavy Equipment Away from Wood

Weights and hardwood floors don’t mix. Even weights wrapped in plastic can become sticky when it’s hot and damage your floors or anything else they’re on. Be careful with any heavy equipment. Always do your best to store them on soft pads where they can’t dent floors or walls.

Use Baskets & Cover Gym Equipment with a Blanket

If you need the gym equipment but don’t want your house to look like you’re living in a gym, then baskets are an excellent solution. Buy some stylish baskets to keep everything in, no matter where your home gym is. If it’s in the corner of the dining room or in the basement, feel free to toss a nice blanket over the top or find other ways to conceal that it’s gym equipment. A little work will make it look like your gear fits in with the rest of your house.

Storing Your Gym Equipment in a Storage Unit

Self-storage units are a great place to keep gym equipment when it’s not the right season or you’re in a transition where you can’t use them at the moment. For example, if your bench press is outside, chances are you won’t be using it much when there’s a foot of snow on the ground. Leaving your weights and bar out there will make them rust and could ruin them.

With a storage unit, you have a flex space where you can park certain gym items and switch things out based on the weather or stage of fitness. However, you also need to know how to store gym equipment in a storage unit to avoid premature rust, mold, and other damage.

Here’s what you should do:

Cover Your Gym Equipment

Cover your items in the unit whenever possible. It will be much better than nothing if all that means is throwing a tarp over your rack or weights. A covering helps lower the risk of water damage, mold growth, or accidental spills.

Store Small Items in Boxes or Plastic Tubs

Small items left in a storage unit for months will do way better in a sealed bin. Label them, so you know where things are and can grab what you need in seconds rather than sorting through everything randomly.

Keep Things Off of the Ground

You should keep gym equipment off of the ground whenever possible. This, again, helps to lower the risk of any water damage and will generally keep your things in better condition, Buy some affordable shelving units and stick them in there where you can keep your mats dry and mold-free.

Lots of people use self-storage units for gym equipment they don’t need. Whether they’re building a new home and making plans for a home gym, or they’re having a baby, and the gym equipment has to go, for the time being, storing gear the right way makes a big difference.

Ways to Divide Space in a Small House

The coronavirus accelerated a massive shift in how we work. Sure, there were already people working from home and in coffee shops, but not at the scale they are now. Entire companies changed from in-office work to fully remote teams.

Now, people are spending more time at home and, as a result, need to re-think how they use their space. Finding creative ways to divide space in a small house will make it feel bigger and keep you more organized. How you position your furniture and use the right dividers will make all the difference.

You don’t always need an expensive divider or a large renovation to divide the pace, though both of those things do a fantastic job. Sometimes, you can effectively divide space with a bookshelf, clothing rack, or a buffet table.

Here are some ways you can divide space in a small house to get work done better, entertain guests, or do whatever else you need.

single couch in the living room with a vertical divider at the back

Buying Dividers

Plenty of furniture stores sell dividers that come in different materials like bamboo, oak, or lightweight plywood. You can find dividers with designs on them or in solid colors if that’s what you prefer. You can hang art on your dividers, put colorful wallpaper on them, or use dividers to hang whiteboards or corkboard that you need for work.

In a small apartment, dividers do a great job when you need to separate your bedroom and home office space in the same room. They can mark where the kitchen ends and where the dining room begins if you live in a studio or somewhere with an open floor plan.

Sectional Couches

Sectionals do a terrific job of breaking up open floor plans. You can set up a desk for work behind your couch that extends away from the wall, and people visiting will know that it’s a dedicated space.

What’s more, you’ll feel the difference as you move from your couch to your desk. Often, just a small change of scenery like that is enough to get you into work mode or help take your mind off your work when it’s time to relax.

A Clothes Rack

A stylish clothing rack can double as a room divider and extra closet space if you live in a small apartment. Position it between your bed and the rest of your room to break up the area. Then, hang your clothes on the rack to give yourself some extra privacy in the bedroom.

cute sofa beside a plant rack as a divider

Using Plants to Divide Space

If you don’t have any plants yet, you can use them to break up a small house and spruce things up. Plants are a wonderful addition to any home, and as long as you are up for the maintenance, they can last for years and keep your area feeling welcoming and relaxed. In addition, homes with plants in them usually feel bigger.

Curtains

What if you want the option to divide the space but don’t love permanent barriers? In small homes, sometimes people want to take advantage of open floor plans, and other times they want some privacy.

Curtains come in handy when you need to go back and forth. You can hang a curtain rod above a doorway or across the ceiling and buy some tasteful curtains that add to the style of your home.

All you have to do is pull them shut when you need to divide the space and open them up when you want to open up the house.

Bookshelves

Bookshelves are another great divider choice because you can buy some of them without solid backs. In addition, the ability to see through a bookshelf can make your small house feel bigger as opposed to a solid bookshelf that really compartmentalizes a room.

If you can, you may also want to double-up uses for your bookshelf by purchasing one that has a section for a desk already built in. Use some of the shelves to hold your jewelry box, small plans, and trinkets you pick up when you travel to make things feel more inviting.

Install a Barn Door

Barn doors are awesome because they slide from side to side instead of swinging open. When you’re short on space, a barn door can divide a bedroom and sitting area, the kitchen from the dining room, and other common areas.

Installing a barn door is a lot more challenging than some of the other divider options on this list, so you may need to enlist the help of a contractor or a couple of friends who know what they’re doing.

Choose a door made of wood that adds to your home’s value, and you’ll love the way it looks and breaks up your home into more spaces.

Buy Some Folding Screens on Wheels

People want the ability to divide spaces but not to have permanent features that make their small home feel even smaller. With folding screens on wheels, you can move dividers around your house depending on when you need to section off an area in your home.

These are the perfect solution for when you and your friend or partner are both working at home. For example, if one of your needs to jump on a video call, you can slide the folding screens in place to make it seem like you’re working in your dedicated home office.

Take Advantage of Vertical Space

When we think about dividing small spaces, we typically go straight to how to break up floorplans. However, people can also get a lot of use out of vertical spaces. You can, for example, build storage into areas under your bed or buy furniture with built-in storage under cushions to help you keep things more organized.

Building cabinets all the way up to the ceiling is an effective way to make kitchen organization easier in small apartments in cities and other smaller homes.

Finding the right way to divide the space can be challenging, but there are some great ways to make your home feel bigger and a section of places to work, sleep, or entertain.

Small Home Office Ideas

Over the past two years, workers have experienced a massive shift in where they work. If you’re a white-collar worker and all you need is a computer, a phone, and an internet connection to get work done, you now likely have more freedom to do your job than ever.

If you’re one of the people who can now work from home, you should count yourself lucky. However, while other people are probably envious of your flexibility, your reality may be very different.

Not everyone had a nice, big home office waiting for them before COVID-19. People are making do on dining room tables and sitting on their beds. But if you want to get more work done, nothing beats a dedicated space. If you have a small space for an office, there are things you can do to make it comfortable and productive.

Take advantage of modern technology and storage options to create a new home office that you’ll love. Of course, it will take some work, but you can design a space where you won’t have to scramble and kick people out of the room before your next work call.

laptop, ipad, planner and a cup of coffee on a table in a home office setup

How Technology Saves You Space?

Younger workers are used to doing everything on their phones. For older workers, going digital is usually more of a challenge, so you’re going to have to move in phases. However, the payoff is worth it if you make an effort.

By switching to a digital calendar, notes applications, and online storage, you can eliminate many of the trappings of traditional office space. For example, you will need fewer filing cabinets and cork boards because everything you need will be digital.

Before you set up your office, or if you feel like your office is too cluttered, take a look at what you can use in terms of software or even hardware to save some space. For example, taking pictures of your important documents and saving them in the cloud or on a local hard drive will save you a lot of room. It will keep your desk cleaner and make your small office feel bigger.

Keeping Things Tidy Improves Your Office

Increase your space by keeping things clean. When it comes to your home office, clean means good wire organization, things put away in drawers and taking those dirty cups to the kitchen.

The more you clean, the better you’ll feel as you work, and you can transform any corner of your home into the professional setting that you need to focus on your job.

small office space at home with a teal colored office chair

Choose the Right Furniture

The desk and chair you ultimately decide to use for a home office will greatly impact how your space feels. You need a desk that’s big enough for you to work on, but that won’t monopolize whatever room you’re in.

Desks

These days, you can buy desks in corner configurations to take advantage of unused spaces in your room. For example, if you’ve got an empty corner in a bedroom or the living room, you can put a desk there and make it your work area.

Office Chairs

We all love the idea of a large comfortable office chair that we can sit in all day, but that’s not very realistic when you are in a small space. Large office chairs on wheels become a distraction from your interior design.

Instead, stick with a chair that fits your home’s aesthetic. It will help your office blend in even when it’s in a place like your bedroom. If you must, borrow a chair from the dining room table and put it back once you’re through.

office supplies for a home office neatly organize on wall

Use the Wall for Storage

If you need ideas on where to put your laptop, folders, hang your monitor, etc., you should consider using the wall space around your workstation. Install hooks and pegs that will help you organize your work items.

The right hooks and shelves make storing things vertically much easier, and they’ll look fantastic too! The best part is that they are easy to install and will hold whatever you need.

Vertical storage is extremely handy if you’re working on a multi-purpose desk that doubles as your vanity or something similar.

man working at home using a noise cancelling headphone

Buy Some Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Sometimes it’s impossible to escape the hubbub of a busy home. If you have kids and have worked at home, you know how difficult it can be to minimize noise. It’s easy to feel like you spend half of your time screaming at other people to stay quiet because you’re getting on a call.

Thankfully, most people are accustomed to hearing pets and family members in the background now that so many people work at home. Still, you want some semblance of quiet to help you focus. That’s where a good pair of noise-canceling headphones come in.

Newer headphone models also come with features that limit background noise. Using them with computer applications that let you blur the background of your camera means you can draw attention to your face and what you’re saying.

How to Create Space at Home for an Office?

You may need to make room for your home office if you get tired of working on the couch. Clearing out space isn’t always easy, especially if you’re in a small house or an apartment. If you’ve got some extra storage space at home, you can move a dresser or a chair to make room for your new office.

You can also rent a self-storage unit to manage your space better. With a storage unit, you can keep things like bikes, toys, sporting equipment, exercise equipment, and other items that take up valuable room. There are probably storage facilities in your area close to where you live, so grabbing what you need is never too hard.

A storage unit can make life much easier if you’re self-employed or perform operation work that requires managing inventory or boxing and shipping. Keep supplies and inventory in the unit, and grab what you’ll use whenever you need to resupply.

Small Space Solutions

Living in small spaces often means you have to go without many of the trappings of larger spaces. For example, there’s typically less room for all of the kitchen appliances you love, and you’re always going to negotiate with yourself in your head whenever it’s time to buy something new.

Everything from buying furniture to getting new clothes can be challenging because you’re always wondering how much space you have and where you’ll put things. Unfortunately, living in the city makes things like closets and cabinets a luxury.

If you’re living in a small space, there are some strategies you can use to maximize storage space and avoid getting rid of things you love. Here are some great ideas for where you can put things and get the most out of your space!

Use Vertical Storage as Much as Possible

In small spaces, it’s vital that you take advantage of vertical storage as much as you can. Thankfully, there are tons of effective storage options that you can buy online or at your local home goods store.

Here are a few examples of what you can do:

Door Hanger Shoe Racks

Buy a rack that hangs on the back of your door and put it in your bedroom. These racks come with slots for several pairs of shoes, so you can keep your shoes clean in their own compartments versus tossing them in a tub somewhere altogether.

Install Wall Shelves

Put custom shelves on wall space that you’re not using. For example, spaces above beds are a great location for shelving units where you can keep extra stuff that you don’t always need.

Storage Bins in Closets

If you do have closets, you should take advantage of the space from the floor to the bottom of where your clothes hang. You can buy some storage bins with shelves in them and stick them in your closets for bathroom items, shoes, winter clothes, and other items.

Hang More Clothes

Speaking of closets, people in small spaces should hang as many of their clothing items as possible. Hung clothing takes up much less space than clothes in drawers. In addition, hanging your clothes can help you eliminate the need for another bulky dresser in your apartment or house.

Use Shelving Units

Shelving units are a fantastic way to store things vertically. There are several great options and shelves that you can space out as much as you need. In addition, you can insert more shelves to eliminate the space between them, so you can fit more things and stay better organized!

bike hanging on the wall in the living room

Hang Bikes & Other Equipment

If you have a bike, scooter, or other outdoor recreational equipment, consider storing them on walls or handing them from the ceiling as well. You can buy bike racks that attach to walls or ceiling beams to keep your bikes out of the way.

These are just a few vertical storage ideas you can use to maximize space and declutter small spaces.

Get Creative with Space

Finding creative ways to store things in small spaces like city apartments will make organizing your stuff a lot easier. Here are some examples of where you can put stuff in non-traditional storage spaces.

Under the Beds

Storing things under your bed keeps them out of sight and within arm’s reach. People do well by storing things like seasonal clothing items, extra sheets, and even toiletries under their beds. You can buy clear containers with wheels on them that easily slide in and out from under your bed. Just stick a label on them, and you’ll stay much better organized.

If you’re looking for more space, then you can elevate your bed! First, find something you can put your bed posts on to give yourself a few extra inches. LIfting beds is something college students have done for decades to get more storage space out of small dorm rooms.

Furniture with Storage

If you’re living in a small space, then you’re probably always thinking about buying things with compartments. Whether it’s a couch with a storage shelf underneath or a foyer bench with shoe storage, buying the right furniture can give you a ton of added space!

Hooks & Pegs

Wherever possible, installing hooks and pegs on your walls is a terrific way to store items you use frequently. In small spaces, the ability to hang a purse or a coat when you walk through the door will save you time and keep your items in better condition.

Above Doorways

This might not be an option for renters, but owners who live in small spaces may want to take advantage of empty spaces above doorways. Installing custom cabinets over doorframes is a great way to find space for pots, pans, mixers, and other kitchen items. In addition, you can store extra pillows up there and other items you don’t need every day.

How to Use Self-Storage Units to Free Up Space

Every year, more and more people discover the benefits of self-storage units that help them live more comfortably in small spaces. People store business inventory in them, family heirlooms, and a variety of other items. With a storage unit, you don’t have to worry about where you’ll put things, and they’re usually in striking distance to make putting things inside or taking them out a breeze.

couple putting boxes in a self storage unit

There’s a good chance you have a quality self-storage unit just a few minutes from where you live, and you can find a size that fits your needs at a great price. Having a storage unit means you don’t have to sacrifice things you want just because you won’t use them all of the time. Simply keep your winter items or that bread maker in your unit and pop over to grab it when it’s that time of year.

Your small space doesn’t limit you. For an affordable price, a storage unit can be the extension you need to keep your place from getting cluttered. There are climate-controlled units where you can store delicates, and you can also typically change the size of your unit if you end up needing something bigger down the road.

How Do You Tell If Your House Is Cluttered?

Clutter tends to sneak up on people quickly. One moment you’re managing all of your stuff just fine, and then suddenly, you feel like you have nowhere to put things and can’t find where your sewing machine is.

Staying organized is more challenging the more stuff you have, and a cluttered house always seems like it’s in disarray. You can tell your house is cluttered when you’re frustrated by how many things you have or if you feel like you can’t ever keep things clean because there’s no space to put things.

Decluttering is hard work. It’s relatively easy to throw away junk but deciding what to keep and what to get rid of when you have nice things is challenging. If you’re wondering whether your house is too cluttered and what you can do about it, we’ve put together a list to help. Here are some ways you can tell if you have too many things and where you can start decluttering today.

Deciding You Have Too Much

Sometimes you just have to live with clutter. Families with small kids are a great example of people who must adjust expectations regarding organization and cleanliness. Small children need toys, special cups, extra clothes, and school supplies.

As you move through life, your ability to control and manage clutter changes. Your definition of clutter will be different than someone else’s. People have different tolerance levels for how much stuff they have and what they need to feel comfortable where they are. For instance, some folks work better on a cluttered desk. Others need their workspace completely clean before they can focus. It all depends.

Here are some signs you’ve got too much clutter in your house.

problematic girl because of her messy house

You Feel Like You Can’t Keep Things Clean

If you’re stuffing things into overflowing drawers or are constantly looking for new places to put things when you clean, you probably have too much stuff. People who excel at organizing have dedicated spaces for almost everything. There are no jumbles of wires in cabinets or piles of clothing at the bottom of closets.

You Hate Your Living Space

Your home should make you feel relaxed and at peace. You need to declutter your space if it doesn’t because there’s simply too much stuff inside. Pay attention to how you feel when you’re at home around your things. Ideally, most of your stuff will be a source of joy rather than trigger any sort of stress.

girl looking for something under the sofa

You Can’t Find What You Need

Trouble finding things you need is another sign you’re too cluttered. It’s fine if you occasionally can’t find something, but when it becomes a common issue, then you need to eliminate things to stay better organized.

Other People Make Comments

You should never put too much weight into what people say about your house and how you live your life, but regular comments about clutter should be a concern. Unfortunately, people become accustomed to the level of clutter they’re around every day. Sometimes, it takes an outside opinion to ground you and face reality. Asking a friend or a close relative for their opinion may be a good idea to gauge where you are.

Feeling Embarrassed to Host Guests

Do you feel embarrassed about how disorganized your house is to the point where you don’t want people to come over? If so, you’ve got an issue. Hoarders are notoriously protective of their spaces and don’t want anyone coming in because they feel embarrassed and don’t want to face judgment.

You may not be at that level, but if you’re shying away from hosting friends because of the clutter in your house, it’s time to take action.

You Park Your Cars Outside

If you’ve got a garage, but you can’t park your car inside, then you’re probably dealing with too much clutter. The same goes for basements, sheds, and other utility spaces. Anytime you feel like you can’t use them for what they’re intended for, then you likely need to clear out some stuff.

These are just some of the ways you can tell if your house is cluttered. In many cases, people will start to feel like they have too many things, which indicates it’s time for some spring cleaning.

How to Start Decluttering Your House?

Starting is typically the most challenging part when you realize that your stuff is an issue and that you need to get organized.

First, you should set some realistic goals about how you want to live and what you want your house to look like. Overnight change is unlikely unless you’re okay with getting rid of some things you’ll wish you hadn’t. Take things slowly for better results and to avoid mistakes.

Consider each item as you go through them. Start with things that you haven’t used for months and pay attention to how they make you feel. Decide what your life will be like without them. Don’t hold onto things just in case you might need to make pasta from scratch, or you’ll eventually get back on that 10-year-old treadmill. Move on.

Once you get rid of everything that you don’t need, then it’s time to think about where to put them. When you have limited storage space at home and no longer want to sacrifice places like your garage or the guest bedroom, it’s time to look for other options.

Renting a self-storage unit is an excellent option for people who need flexible storage close to home. They’re relatively affordable and will keep your items safe when you don’t need them at your fingertips. People use storage units to keep bikes, winter clothes, kitchen appliances they don’t use frequently, and things like camping equipment.

When you need to grab something, all you have to do is zip over to the storage unit and fetch them. You get to keep your house free of clutter without having to throw away things you need. It’s a fantastic solution for people living in small spaces and families with children.

How Do You Know If You Have Too Much Stuff?

It’s an interesting question, whether you have too much stuff. A cluttered house to one person is a home to another. Certain people’s treasures are dismissed as junk by friends or relatives who prefer clean spaces and open floorplans.

Having too much stuff has a lot to do with personal perspective and your stage in life. For example, if you think you have too much stuff as a college student, just wait until you have some kids and start buying toys. In many cases, the stuff you have only grows the older you get.

girl stressed out on so many stuff at home

However, no one wants to have too much stuff. So then, you start to feel overwhelmed when it’s time to clean. You find yourself not being able to use spaces like the garage or basement the way you want to. You’re worried about buying new things because you don’t know where to put them! Drawers are overflowing, cabinets are full, and you can’t seem to throw away things that you aren’t using anymore.

If you’re wondering how much stuff is too much, here’s some information to help you make the call. Decluttering is freeing and is a fantastic way to sort through things to find out what you really need and what you can give away.

Signs You Have Too Much Stuff

Stuff can creep up on you. One moment you’re feeling fine and having fun buying things, and the next, you’re frustrated about how little space you have left in your house or apartment. When your place gets too crowded, it can make things more difficult. Here are some signs you’ve got too much stuff.

Trouble Finding Things

Do you have a hard time finding things? If you’re rifling through piles of kitchen supplies to find the mixer attachments, or you can’t find your batteries no matter where you look, you may have too much stuff.

People should try to keep only as many possessions as they can responsibly keep track of and maintain. Losing something is one thing but having trouble finding something in a sea of other stuff is a problem you should avoid.

Buying Duplicates

You might have too much stuff if you have multiple irons or several vacuums. First, consider whether you need more than one item, no matter what it is. Typically, you’re better off using it until it’s worn out and buying a new one than keeping more than one at the same time.

Stuff Stresses You Out

For many people, just thinking about their stuff is a good way to stress them out. If this sounds like you, then you probably have too much stuff in your house. Avoidance is a common tactic. People will stop going into their cluttered garage, so they don’t have to remember what a mess it is.

Trouble Moving Around

Too much stuff can mean you can’t move around your house like you want to. If walkways or sections of rooms are off-limits because of piles of boxes or furniture you don’t use, then it could be time for some spring cleaning. And we don’t necessarily mean hoarder-level stuff. Most situations, of course, aren’t that dire. However, many folks already live in tight spaces, so managing stuff ensures you can feel comfortable and relaxed at home.

You Wish You Had Less Stuff

One sign you have too much is when you wish you didn’t. So if you wonder what your house would feel like with everything gone, you should likely start sorting through things to find out what can go.

How to Declutter When You Have Too Much

It’s hard to declutter, especially when your stuff is still useful and valuable. Chances are, you’re not tiptoeing around piles of old newspapers or worthless junk. When you have things you like, it makes parting with them challenging.

Still, decluttering, once you start, can feel fantastic and help you feel more at peace with your things. It’s a process that, once you start, you can build into your routine. Eventually, you’ll make purchases with more discernment and only buy things you either really need or love tremendously.

woman sorting her clothes to keep or declutter

Decluttering an entire house is daunting. Instead, go through your house one room at a time. When you decide whether to get rid of something, take a look at it and think about when was the last time you used it. Ask yourself how much you enjoy owning it.

Avoid keeping anything because you might need it one day. And, if it’s been several months since you last used it, set it in the “sell” or “give away” pile. Instead, work your way through things and try to keep things you treasure.

Set goals for how you want your space to feel. You shouldn’t get rid of stuff just to get rid of things. Instead, imagine how you want your garage to look and work your way toward that vision.

Use Storage as a Flex Space for Seasonal Items

Not everyone has stuff they can simply get rid of when they need to declutter. Imagine you’re living in an NYC apartment without closet space. You can’t buy a new winter coat every year. The same goes for bikes. If you have nice bikes and no room to keep them in the garage, where should you keep them?

man pushing a cart of boxes in a storage unit to keep

Millions of people across America use self-storage units as flexible storage spaces that help them keep a handle on how much stuff they keep at home. With a storage unit, you can store items you don’t need all year or that you’re not ready to get rid of yet. People use them to house family heirlooms, winter clothing, sports equipment, and other things that tend to pile up in a corner at home.

Storage units come in various sizes to suit your needs. They can help you manage spring cleaning efficiently so you don’t feel like you have to toss more than you want to. You can also keep seasonal items there and go grab them when it’s time to get the sleds, jackets, and gloves for the snow.

Living with stuff gets a lot easier once you have a system in place to keep you organized!

Moving? 9 Tips for Researching Your New Neighborhood

Moving is like an emotional rollercoaster. You experience the highs of excitement knowing you’re in for new opportunities and challenges. There is so much to explore and learn. You’ll meet new people, see new things, and find new hobbies.

On the other hand, there is also the stress of putting new roots in the ground. Will you make friends? How long will it take you to make the new place your home?

Some people are pros at moving. People in the military, for example, move a lot and have it down to a science. It’s almost like they have a mental checklist of things they need to do. For others, though, moving is highly disruptive. You may have lived in one place your entire life, so the thought of moving can be quite daunting.

Whether you’re moving for the fourth time or the first, there are things you can do to make things go more smoothly. A big part of any successful move is learning as much as you can about where you are going and picking the right spot to live. What you’ll look for depends a lot on where you are in the stages of life and your priorities.

Doing the research and choosing where to live often have the biggest impact on your happiness. If you’re trying to make the most out of your move, here are 9 tips for researching your new neighborhood.

woman commuter wearing her headphones in the bus

1. Getting Your Commute Right

Studies show that people with shorter commutes are happier overall. Finding an easy commute is critical if you have a stressful job or obligations that require your attention outside of work areas.

Choose a neighborhood close to work. It will pay off in spades even if it means living in a smaller place or making compromises on priorities that are lower on your list.

The last thing you want to do is live in a larger house and then sit in the car for hours each day. It’s not worth it.

2. Research Public Transportation Routes

Just like your commute impacts your happiness, so will not having to drive. Find out what sort of public transportation options your new neighborhood has and whether it’s a viable option for your work commute. This will save you a ton of time and let you read or watch movies while you’re on the way to work and traveling home.

Most towns these days have bus and tram options to serve workers.

3. Schools, Schools, Schools

If you have kids, this is THE issue. Finding the best schools in your new neighborhood shoots to the top of any list for families with children. Luckily, there are now more tools online than ever to steer you in the right direction.

Yes, better schools mean higher housing costs, but the money is worth it knowing your children are getting a great education. Also, buying real estate near highly-rated schools pays off. Your home value will increase because those spots will always be in high demand.

4. What Hobbies Do You Have?

Do you like to play tennis? Do you want to join a gym?

When you’re researching your neighborhood options, look for places close to the things you like to do. This is crucial to you continuing to pursue hobbies and other interests. When things are too far away, it’s easy to shrug your passion off and stay home more than you’d like.

Map the distance from where you want to live and then track how long it will take you to get to your class or favorite spots.

5. Pet-Friendly Parks

Having pets is a huge obligation and should be a big part of your move research. If you have a dog, for example, you’ll want to know where all of the dog parks and other dog-friendly areas are around where you live.

Also, while you’re at it, check out whether there is a good vet near you and where you can go to buy any pet supplies you need if you don’t have time to wait for an online service to deliver products.

Take your dog’s welfare into account early because if things are too far away, it’s too easy to say you’ll go some other time.

6. Make a List of Interest Points

Whenever you move, there are always going to be things that catch your eye that you normally wouldn’t do back at your last place. There are going to be parks, restaurants, clubs, museums, and other activities that you can visit and enjoy in your new neighborhood.

Make a list of interest points while you’re doing your research so you don’t forget the places that catch your eye. You’re not going to be able to do everything in the first week or month that you’re there, so having the list is an ideal way to remember all of the things you want to try.

nurse explaining something to the senior lady

7. Get Healthcare Sorted Early

You never know when you’re going to need medical care, so the earlier you get this stuff sorted, the better.

Right now, doctors are booked full of clients in a lot of places. You may be surprised to discover that you’re on a waitlist if you’re trying to find a family physician for you and the kids. Find a good doctor, or more than one, and get on their lists as soon as possible.

Likewise, research the nearest hospitals and know where to go if you have an emergency. It pays to know where the important resources are in your area, so you cut down on the time it takes to make a decision when it’s important.

8. Find a Storage Facility If You Need One

Moving is chaotic. A house full of boxes and mess while you’re trying to work or sort the kids’ school only adds to the stress. One of the best things about storage units is that you can better manage the chaos because not everything is in your living room all at once.

You can lease storage large or small enough to fit whatever you need in there while you make your way through organizing your new space. Usually, you’ll have no trouble finding a spot near your home that’s a short drive away.

mobile phone with different social media with the city as background

9. Find Social Media Groups

OK, so social media is controversial, but one of the best things about social media platforms these days is the groups and marketplace forums they offer. You can find like-minded people, buy things at a bargain, and sell anything you find out that you don’t need after you’ve unpacked.

People create neighborhood groups that only people who live there can join where they post about activities and meetings you will want to know about. It’s typically worth all of the madness that comes with the territory, and you can always filter out any kooky members so you don’t see their posts if you don’t want to.

The more time you put into researching your neighborhood, the easier your transition will be. You can fill your calendar with things to do before you even get there. It’s a fantastic way to hit the ground running and settle in more quickly.

Find places where you can do what you love, and also look for new things that you want to try. If possible, make connections early on. A good friend in a new neighborhood is like having a key to unlock the door to your new life.

13 Simple Starter Tips for Self-Storage Newbies

For first-time self-storage users, the learning curve can be steep. It’s a bit more complex than just putting things inside your unit and then leaving them there. There’s more to learn to get the most of your money and make your storage unit the most effective.

Right now, storage units are helping millions of people across the country handle moves, store seasonal gear, keep things safe for military personnel posted overseas, and more. You can find a high-quality storage unit in your area at a bargain to help you augment your space and manage your things. They keep you more organized and clear the clutter that so often ends up in garages, basements, and other areas of your home.

For small businesses, self-storage units are a terrific way to manage inventory. You’ll pay a fraction of the cost of renting a commercial space. Still, there are things you should know that will keep your things in pristine condition and make your life easier whenever you need to move things in or out. Here are 13 simple starter tips for self-storage newbies.

woman adjusting her climate-controlled storage unit

1. Climate-Controlled Units Are Worth a Look

Whether you’ll need a climate-controlled unit depends largely on where you live and what you’re keeping in your unit. If you have anything sensitive to temperature swings going in your unit, then ask about climate-control options.

Climate-controlled units are typically more expensive than units without air conditioning, so know that going in. You’ll pay more, but the cost is well worth keeping your things away from mold or warping in the heat.

2. Store Things Off of the Ground Whenever Possible

The ground and the walls are where most of the moisture builds up in storage units. Although the facility you’re storing at should employ their own moisture prevention measures, what you do inside of your unit can be just as important.

The biggest thing that you can do is to keep things off of the floor. If you’re keeping items in there long-term, put them on wooden pallets or cinder blocks. This allows air to flow underneath your property and prevents water buildup.

The same goes for walls. Keep things off of the walls, even if ever so slightly.

inventory list for things in a storage unit

3. Keep an Inventory List

The only people who regret renting a storage unit are those who pay every month and don’t know what they’re getting in return. That happens, most often, when people can’t remember what they’re keeping there.

Tracking your property with an inventory list helps you remember what you’ve got in there and why. Whenever you move things in and out, update your list.

An updated inventory will help you decide whether next month or next year if you still need the storage unit. It’s easier to end the lease if you find that you’re not keeping as much as you thought, and it’s a nice reminder of the value you’re getting from maintaining your lease if that’s what you decide.

4. Clear Containers Are Your Friend

Boxes are easy and relatively affordable but clear, air-tight plastic containers are a better way to store things. You can see what’s inside of each container without opening it. Also, labels make it easier to remember where things are, and you can typically stack the containers.

5. Leave a Path

Most people will tell you to keep the things you’ll frequently need in the front of your unit. It’s good advice, but what they usually miss is telling you to keep a path to things in the back.

Don’t be that person who has to climb over a mountain of furniture or boxes of shoes to get to your photo albums in the back. Leave a path through your things for easier access.

6. Put Some Shelves Inside

Typically, your storage unit will be completely bare. You can take advantage of vertical space, though, by setting up some low-cost shelving units inside. Shelves make it much easier to store small things and stay better organized.

You can also store things outside of boxes (like inventory for your small business, or shoes, sports equipment, etc.)

7.Ask About Deals!

Remember, you can’t get a better deal on your lease unless you ask. A lot of storage facility owners and managers will have promotions for certain professions, students, moving specials, and other discounts. Check out their websites for any information on promotions. If you can’t find any, it can’t hurt to ask!

8. Don’t Rent Too Far From Home

One of the biggest mistakes that self-storage newbies make is renting too far from where they live. This might be fine if you’re moving, but if you plan on going to your unit regularly, you’ll likely live to regret it.

Thankfully, most areas will have a storage facility close to you. Even if it costs a bit more, you’ll get more value having it close by.

9. Know What Not to Store

Don’t keep any exposed food, hazardous items, anything flammable or combustible, and ask your management about prohibited items. Some storage units prohibit things like fireworks, weapons of any kind, and valuables like jewelry.

Also, don’t put anything living in your storage unit. Some people think that storing a plant for a short while is no big deal. However, it’s dark, and the air is restricted inside. Temperatures can swing widely depending on what time of year it is. Plants in storage units can die very quickly, so think of another option if you need to move them.

10. Consider Liability & Safety

Self-storage facilities are usually very safe. There are access control measures like keypads or cards, and many have 24/7 security on-site. However, you shouldn’t keep anything inside your unit that is irreplaceable or high-value. Jewelry, birth certificates, family heirlooms, and other precious items belong in a safe deposit box or a safe at home.

Before you put anything valuable in your unit, look at your insurance policy to see what they’ll cover in the event of loss and check your lease to see what responsibility your facility assumes.

11. Make Your Unit an Extension of Your Home Storage

People love using self-storage units to manage home storage space better. For example, you can keep bikes there in the winter and store coats in the summer. Changing out seasonal gear saves you space at home and reduces clutter.

12. Heaviest Items Go on Bottom

Avoid smashing things by keeping the heaviest stuff on the bottom when stacking boxes or containers. Even if you think it’s only going to be there short-term, it’s a simple way to prevent property damage and keep your things in good condition.

13. Plan Your Move-in

You’ll save time and frustration by planning your move-in before you start. People go into their unit without a plan and end up having to rearrange everything multiple times to get everything to fit or end up hating going to their unit.

With a plan, you stay organized and know where everything is. Based on your unit’s size, put some time into thinking about where everything should go before you start lifting any boxes.

These tips will get you started off on the right foot and get you the most out of your unit from the beginning. Doing it right will give you peace of mind knowing your property is safe and will say in good shape no matter how long it’s in there.

Small But Tidy: 11 Storage Tips for Keeping Kids Organized

Are you looking for ways to keep your kids’ stuff organized? If you’re tired of finding toys in every drawer or constantly hounding your kids to clean their rooms, then you’re in the right place.

Families are great but talk to any parent, and they’ll tell you about the struggle to stay organized. Kids love “things.” Just take them to Target or some other store, and most kids will beg you endlessly for toys, markers, or some other trinket. They act like getting that one thing is life or death, no matter what it is. The problem is, they usually play with something once or twice, and then it ends up in a pile with the rest of the Legos or Barbie toys you’ve collected over the years.

Staying organized makes it easier for your kids to stay clean, and you’ll get more use out of the money you spend buying things for them. Instead of screaming at them to just “clean up!” they will have a system in place and know what to do when it’s time for their chores.

Here are some fantastic ways to keep your kids organized with effective storage solutions available to everyone.

1. Use the Space Under the Bed

Beds in kids’ rooms are often underutilized. It’s either an empty space or a messy catch-all for everything they don’t want to pick up. Instead, you can use the space under the bed as a terrific storage spot. Buy some clear plastic storage bins. Usually, you can find some with wheels that slide in and out or stack easily.

2. Use Labels!

Whether it’s those plastic storage bins or shelves in the closet, using labels is helpful for everyone. Once a kid can read, they can decipher labels and know where to put things when it’s time to stay organized. They can have a space for shoes, hair products, coats, toys, and whatever else is cluttering up their rooms. You can buy a custom label maker or just use something like masking tape with a marker. It all depends on how much time you want to use and how visible the storage is.

3. Consider a Storage Unit for Seasonal Items

One of the challenges of staying organized as a kid is that you’re often limited to smaller spaces. They don’t get to decide what goes in the basement or the garage. A lot of families have considerable organizing success by renting a storage facility to keep seasonal items like winter clothes. It gets the stuff out of the house, which means there is less to organize. You could even store winter toys, bikes, and scooters, along with other things your kids don’t use all year. Just pop over to the unit when you need them and change them out for something else you can stow away for a while.

4. Purge Regularly to Get Rid of Stuff

Kids accumulate things and then grow out of them. Eventually, you’re going to have a child with clothes, toys, books, and other stuff they are too old or mature for. It’s time to get rid of that stuff! You can always donate them or pass them along to a friend with younger kids. But if not, don’t be afraid to just throw it all away! It might be hard to let go, but you’ll feel so much better once you’re through.

5. Door Racks Are a Big Help

Does your kid have a lot of shoes? There are racks that hang on the back of the door, with room for a ton of shoes. It’s a great, discreet way to manage storage and stay organized. They’re affordable and easy to find only or at your local home goods store.

kids listing their household chores on a chalk board

6. Chore Charts Work

Staying organized isn’t all about stuff. A routine is a big part of the structure that kids need to feel productive and learn responsibility. You can DIY a home chore chart or buy one of a million charts online that outline what they need to do before school, when they come home, and on the weekends. For most kids, staying organized is a habit you need to develop. They’ll resist initially, but once they get in the routine, work will become automatic.

7. Build a Shared Family Calendar

It might not work for little kids, but as you kids get older, schedules need to sync to make things run smoothly. Build a free online family calendar through your phones and other devices where you and your kids can create and edit events. This will help you know who needs to be where and manage all of the logistics of sports, clubs, jobs, and other kid commitments.

mommy and daughters washing the dishes together

8. Do Things On Time

It may not seem like a big deal, but kids love routines. They like knowing that breakfast is a family thing on the weekend or that chores must be done before playtime after school. Create a routine and stick to it. Have dinner at roughly the same time every evening. Do chores all together as a family on Saturday morning. It will help you keep things organized, and children feel more secure when they know what to expect.

9. Trust But Verify

Most parents want to help their kids become more independent. It’s nice when your kids start telling you what time soccer practice is on Thursday. Just remember that they’re new to this. They may not always get it right. Just in case, make sure to connect with their teachers, coaches, and other people to stay on top of their schedules. The last thing you want is that end-of-semester freak-out when you realize they’re way behind on their schoolwork. Follow up with their commitments and stay up to date as much as possible.

mommy hugging son appreciating a good job done

10. Reward Good Behavior

Children, like adults, respond best to positive reinforcement. When your child does the right thing, even if you had to ask them a million times, tell them that you’re proud of them and that you know they can stay organized. Help them keep up the good work, whether it’s picking up their toys or getting good grades at school. They’ll come to recognize that certain behaviors (in this case, staying organized) is the way to unlock compliments and other forms of praise.

11. Don’t Wait Until Morning

Mornings are usually rushed when you have kids. When you’re trying to get to school or drop the kids off before you head to work, there is not much wiggle room for forgotten chores or missed assignments. Ideally, all of that stuff will happen at night before bed, so mornings are less stressful.

After dinner, you can check in with your kids to make sure they’re doing their homework, the bag is packed, lunches are ready, and all other chores are complete. Then, you and the kids will go to bed relaxed, knowing everything is sorted for the next day. Then, all you have to do is grab things on the way out the door.

Keeping kids organized will help them focus better, do well in school, and feel confident knowing everything is in its place. With kids, the challenge of staying organized is multi-faceted. It would be best to keep stuff organized and track things on a schedule. It takes time and commitment on your part to see that they develop the habits now that will make them successful in the future. Keep at it, and eventually, everyone will get it!