Basements are common areas within the home that quickly get taken over by storage. It sounds crazy to think that many homeowners simply give away such valuable space to holiday decorations, off-season clothing, and extra tools and equipment. So, let’s start the New Year off on the right foot by increasing the living space within your home. The best part? No renovations are needed! You just need a storage unit.
Donate The Items You Don’t Use
As you glance at the items taking over your basement, you might think that a storage unit would be too much of an extra expense. However, you don’t need the largest one out there because all the items in your basement likely don’t have to be stored. Chances are, you’ve completely forgotten what’s down there.
So, start the year off by going through the many piles of stacked boxes and storage containers in the basement. As a rule of thumb, if you haven’t used it or don’t value it, get rid of it.
Separate all of your belongings into three piles:
• to donate,
• to keep or
• to toss
You’ll be amazed at how many items you actually don’t need nor want to keep. That large storage unit can quickly be decreased to a smaller – and cheaper – one.
Rent a Larger Unit Than What You Think is Needed
With the prior mentioned, it’s highly recommended to rent a storage unit that is larger than what you think you need. Now, you certainly don’t have to opt for the largest one available but having something even slightly larger than what you need will increase usability and convenience of the space. Plus, after you start to experience the benefits of having a storage unit, you’ll want to start decluttering the other areas in your home and with a larger unit, you can do that without having to rent an entirely new one.
Swap Out The Boxes for Storage Containers
Cardboard boxes are often the most popular choice for storage. Your basement is likely living proof of that. However, if you intend on storing items for long periods of time, it’s highly recommended to switch them over to plastic storage containers.
Cardboard deteriorates over time; add the moisture of the basement and yours are likely already falling apart. This puts your belongings at risk while also making it incredibly hard to store and stack everything properly.
So, an excellent way to declutter the basement is to eliminate the boxes, transfer everything into plastic storage containers and then stack them in your new storage unit.
Finding a storage unit that hits all the requirements we mentioned is not always easy, but if you were to take a look at the storage units offered by Bekins Moving Solutions, you will find we have everything you need! Check it out and you won’t be disappointed.
Let your basement be a basement again – and one that you can enjoy. With these decluttering tips, you can finally start to experience all the benefits that come with renting a storage unit. You’ll have all the extra space you desire, without the cost of a home renovation or add-on.
