As homeowners continue to
accumulate more and more items that they simply cannot live without, available
space in the home dwindles. Some items, of course, are used on a daily basis,
but if you find yourself struggling to keep your home organized, or are feeling
the squeeze of limited space, moving unused items to a self storage unit may be
the answer. Unless you are a potential contestant for “Storage
Hoarders”, self storage can simplify your life and streamline your home.
Self storage in the U.S. has taken
the nation by storm, with nearly 11 million Americans storing their surplus
belongings in secured self storage units, according to the US Self
Storage Association (SSA). The trend has now spread to the UK, offering
homeowners and apartment dwellers an affordable alternative for storing their
belongings. As you would expect, security is paramount; self storage firms have
to provide a secure environment, which often includes CCTV cameras and
fingerprint scanners for access, while the customer normally provides his own
lock and has to purchase insurance.
What can I store in a self storage unit?
According to the UK Self Storage Association (SSAUK), some items
are prohibited in self storage facilities in the UK, such as firearms,
explosives, anything illegal and anything considered a health or safety risk to
the public. However, most ordinary household items can be placed in self storage
for safe keeping (including furniture, books, electrical devices etc.). There
are often restrictions on anything which is likely to perish, as this can pose a
health hazard.
Why store belongings in self storage?
The primary reasons for placing items in self storage is moving from one home
to another, undertaking home renovations or simply not having enough room in
your current living situation to store all your belongings. However, home
organization should not be overlooked. Placing seasonal or seldom used items in
a self storage unit frees up room for living and allows you to organize your
home for your convenience without tripping over boxes filled with stuff you are
unlikely to use any time soon. As self storage units can be rented for periods
ranging from as little as a single week to several years, it provides the
perfect alternative when you reorganize your home and need to get some items out
of your way.
How does self storage help with home organization?
For starters, it gives you the freedom to move items at will without worries
about where you will store them. Because many self storage facilities are open
24/7, you are free to come and go as you wish, taking items in and out as the
need arises. This allows you to organize your living space according to the
seasons, keeping only those items you will be using regularly at home.
Self storage also allows you to store items that simply do not fit into your
current living space, leaving more room for your family to live and play in
comfort. With excess belongings out of the way, you can use the available room
in your home for activities you enjoy without worrying about taking up valuable
storage space. Unused rooms, attics and basements can be transformed into that
guest room that you always wanted or a studio for your artistic pursuits without
overcrowding your home.
Simplifying your life, by storing excess furniture or appliances, streamlines
your home and makes the job of keeping it clean and tidy easier. Of course, you
may not be ready to part with your belongings for good, which makes self storage
the perfect solution. It gives you time to decide whether to pass items on to
the next generation or hold onto to them in the event you move to a bigger
home.
Self storage provides you with alternatives when your home begins to feel a
little cramped and it is time to make some changes. But, you don’t need to say
goodbye to that treasured bookcase forever. With self storage you are always
free to change your mind whenever the urge to reorganize your home arises.
