Is Self Storage the New Closet? Here’s What’s Best Kept in Storage to Make Room for Living in Your Apartment

As the nation faces a housing squeeze, apartments are also seeing a significant reduction in size – by as much as 18 square feet over the past decade. Despite revitalization efforts to address the housing gap, this trend has sparked an uptick in new approaches for maximizing space. One such option comes in the shape of a storage unit.

Imagine living without the chaos of knick-knacks and seasonal gear crowding every corner, unsuccessfully stored in cramped spaces around your home. The solution? Embracing storage as an extension of your home, a modern closet where you can keep rarely used items safe and out of sight.

To breathe life into your compact home and make it a haven where you can truly express yourself, consider setting aside items that clutter your space. So, what should find its way into your storage unit? Let’s dive in.

Bulky luggage

Unless you’re a frequent traveler, banish that bulky luggage to a storage unit. You’ll be amazed at the newfound space unlocked by removing such clunky items from your home. Before you move them, protect plastic luggage with a wrap to prevent chipping or damage. Sturdy suitcases can be stacked to maximize storage but ensure they won’t dent under the weight.

Now, what to do with that reclaimed space? Consider repurposing it to store items like clothes in plastic bins under your bed, if that’s where your luggage used to reside. Give yourself a little more breathing room by keeping everyday items within reach and entrusting the rest to a secure unit.

Camping gear

If the great outdoors calls to you like a siren’s song, but you find yourself in an apartment, you know all too well how much space camping gear can consume. Rolling beds, mattresses, tents, metal flasks, and portable grills can quickly gobble up your living space, leaving little room for anything else.

Instead of letting your gear take over, consider renting a suitable storage unit – like a 5’x5’ -to keep all your camping essentials in one accessible spot.

Tips for storing camping gear:

• Dry your tent: Before rolling up your tent after your last adventure, ensure it’s completely dry. A damp tent can lead to unpleasant surprises like mildew when you’re ready to hit the trails again.
• Organize smaller items: For smaller gear such as hooks, gloves, and helmets, use wall hooks or vertical shelves in your storage unit.
• Designate zones: Designate specific corners or sections of your storage unit for different types of gear – like cooking equipment, hiking supplies, and camping essentials. Color-coding items can further streamline retrieval when you’re preparing for your next outing.
• Utilize wire shelves: Wire shelves are a fantastic option for hanging bags and other items, maximizing vertical space while keeping everything in your line of sight.

Old children’s toys and clothes

For new and blossoming families, a little bundle of joy can often bring a whole bundle of stuff along with it. This can be especially tricky for families tucked into apartments, where every square inch becomes prime real estate. Suddenly, your cozy haven feels more like a storage unit than a home.

That’s where strategic storage comes in. Think of it as decluttering with a purpose. Pack away items that are specific to certain baby and toddler stages. Start with the outgrown: strollers that are now too small, baby toys that have lost their charm, and clothes that are bursting at the seams. These should be the first to go.

But it’s not just about what’s outgrown, it’s also about what’s not needed right now. Those sentimental baby clothes you’re not quite ready to part with? Store them. The “maybe someday” items you hope to use again? Storage unit-bound. Let’s be honest, does your little one really need that fourth Bluey plushie staring back at them?

And if you’re dreaming of a bigger family down the road, smart storage is your best friend. Tuck these items away for a later encore:

• Bassinets: Disassemble as much as possible and wipe down hard surfaces to get rid of any lingering spots.
• Feeding high chair: Disinfect and properly clean before putting it away.
• Car seat: Make sure you check the expiration date and that it’s the right size.
• Changing table: Clean thoroughly before storing.
• Furniture such as a wardrobe or a small desk: Cover with a blanket during storage to avoid damage and dust sneaking in.
• Old clothing: Carefully put it away after washing and drying – maybe include a special outfit to be kept aside.

Unused appliances

Still debating whether to keep that old laptop and its tangle of cables, or that vintage gaming console gathering dust? While you’re mulling it over, your living space might be shrinking, so why not give those “maybe-someday” items a safe haven in a storage unit? If you later decide to sell them, a storage unit keeps them protected and pristine, without sacrificing your living space.

For electronics, consider a climate-controlled unit to maintain consistent temperature and humidity. Fluctuations can wreak havoc on your tech, rendering them useless.

Here are some tech appliances that thrive in storage:
– Laptops and monitors
– Microwaves
– Blenders and other food processors
– Printers, scanners, and copiers
– External hard drives

If you plan on storing your laptop away, take this first into consideration:

• Battery removal: If possible, remove the battery and cover the connector gap for protection. Store your laptop, battery, and power supply in a dry, temperature-controlled environment.
• Avoid stacking: Never stack anything on top of your laptop – screens can easily crack under pressure.
• Cable management: Detangle all cables, wrap them neatly with zip ties, and store them alongside your laptop.
• Accessory organization: Place additional items like your old mouse and headset in a clear plastic bin for easy access.

Seasonal items

Just as the seasons change, so too should the rotation of items in your living space, paving the way for a more open and practical home. Here’s what you can put away in storage to strategically declutter as the weather shifts:

• Seasonal decorations: That Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and festive décor receive a grand reveal only once a year – key word here being once. Stow them away in a storage unit for the majority of the year to free up space in your home. The same goes for Halloween ghouls, Easter bunnies, and other holiday-specific decorations.
• Clothing: As you swap out summer dresses for winter sweaters, pack away the off-season items. Use vacuum-sealed bags to compress bulky winter jackets, maximizing storage efficiency. Don’t forget to add cedar blocks and silica gel packs to keep everything fresh and protected.
• Beach items: Let’s face it – that beach umbrella is too large to camouflage in your closet. Gather your beach towels, children’s beach toys, baskets, hats, and other sandy treasures and store them away until the sunny days return.

Sentimental items

We all cherish anchors to our past, holding onto tokens and treasures that evoke fond memories. Whether it’s love letters, heirloom jewelry, or a beloved first LEGO set, keeping sentimental items is a deeply human experience. However, when these mementos of the past start to overflow our homes and hinder a more spacious future, it’s time to consider how you can honor them without completely parting ways.

One solution is to dedicate a special corner within your storage unit to these cherished belongings. Create a “memory lane” that allows you to easily reconnect with specific moments. This could include framed photos, old magazines, treasured books, or heirlooms passed down through generations.

Remember, though, not to turn your storage unit into a graveyard of possessions. Take the time to thoughtfully triage your items, deciding what truly holds emotional value versus what’s simply occupying space.

Plates and dinner sets

Hosting during the holidays or for special events should be fun, not a logistical puzzle. If your apartment’s bursting at the seams already, it might be time to give those fancy dishes and extra folding chairs a little vacation in storage.

Think about it: are you really using that ten-piece China set every day? Probably not. Freeing up that cabinet space can make a huge difference in your day-to-day life. Imagine reaching for your favorite coffee mug without having to navigate a mountain of delicate glassware.

Now, before you go tossing those plates into a box, think about how to properly use smart storage. That old newspaper might be tempting, but beware, the ink can smudge and ruin your designs. Don’t wrap your plates in it.

Instead, grab some Styrofoam or felt pads to slip between each plate. This will keep them safe from scratches and chips. And remember, stacking too high is not recommended – you don’t want the weight to cause any chipping or other damage.
For your dinner plates, padded cases are a lifesaver when they’re in storage.

Activities and hobbies essentials

Don’t let the confines of apartment living stifle your love for hobbies and activities. Instead of sacrificing your interests, consider smart storage solutions to keep your gear organized and accessible for when you’re ready to dive back in. Here’s a guide to help you determine which items can be neatly tucked away based on how often you use them:

Winter sports gear
Winter gear can take up a significant amount of space, especially if you’re passionate about snowy adventures. Items like skis, snowboards, helmets, boots, and insulating jackets can be stored away until the snow falls again.

Summer activities
When the weather warms up, you want to be ready for fun in the sun. Living in a tight space, it might be best to store away items like surfboards, tennis rackets, rollerblades, and bicycles. If you live in an area where winter makes biking impractical, consider hanging your bike on hooks in storage until spring arrives.

Fishing gear
Fishing enthusiasts know that the thrill of the catch can come with a lot of equipment. Your fishing rod, boots, and rain jacket don’t need to clutter your living space. Stow them away for a cleaner home environment.

Golf equipment
For golf lovers, clubs and specialized shoes can take up precious room. Keep these items in storage until the next round of golf is on the horizon.

Cosplay costumes
If you enjoy dabbling in the world of fantasy, you know how much space cosplay costumes can take up with their might and size. To create more space in your apartment, consider storing your cosplays until you’re ready for the next event or convention.

Transform your home into a sanctuary that reflects your unique personality, not a cluttered obstacle course. Responding to this need, storage units have become the new modern closet, offering a simple way to manage your apartment space.

Think about storing bulky luggage if you’re not a frequent traveler – that freed-up space could be used for something you need daily. Old appliances and sentimental items you’re not ready to part with can also find a temporary home in storage until you decide what to do with them. Seasonal decorations and clothing don’t need to take up valuable space year-round, so give them a rest in storage. Reclaim your living area and fully enjoy a clutter-free home.