As we move through different seasons in life, we accumulate stuff we don’t have room for. Periods of transition are also times when additional storage space would help us keep clutter out of our homes. Fortunately, a small and economical 5’x5’ storage unit often provides enough space to keep you unstressed during all these times.

According to an online data analysis by StorageCafe, more than a third of Americans rent a self storage unit at some point in their lives. People need additional storage space particularly when their lifestyle or family situation changes, as happens with divorce, bereavement or moving home, for example. Wherever you are right now on your life’s journey, a small 5’x5’ self storage unit could come in handy as a secure place for your belongings until they are needed again.

Transitional Needs for Self Storage Space

Times of transition can be perfect opportunities to consider renting a small self storage unit until things get back to a normal routine. Here are some situations you might find yourself in:

• Packing up your dorm room for the summer
• Needing storage space for a crib and baby items until your family grows again
• Staging your home for sale and decluttering or storing personal items
• Downsizing your home and moving temporarily
• Taking a gap year or sabbatical and needing your important things securely stored
• Storage for possessions of a parent who has passed away until you can sort through them
• Consolidating households because you’re getting married or a parent is moving in
• Renovating a home and you need to give the work crew some space
• Inheriting heirloom pieces such as chinaware or collectibles which don’t suit your home right now
• Getting divorced and moving to a smaller home

Long-Term or Permanent Needs for Storage Space

Many people need long-term or even permanent storage space, and even a small 5’x5’ storage unit could ease the burden of overflowing living space in your home. These are some of the reasons for renting extra storage on a longer-term basis:

• Your holiday décor is filling up your garage and you need room to park your car
• You’re saving sentimental things for your children — baby clothing, school work, or even the wedding dress that you hope will be passed on later — but you are running out of room
• You are sports-minded but need your water skis only in the summer and your snow skis only in the winter
• Your small business has excess inventory
• Your office is overflowing with documents and you need to find a new place for them
• You are a hobbyist with lots of supplies you only use occasionally
• Your tiny apartment cannot hold the bicycle, golf clubs and tent gear you only use on weekends
• You have odds and ends — such as the Thanksgiving turkey fryer, the outdoor power washer and Christmas decorations — that take up space in the home but are only used once a year

A 5’x5’ storage space is relatively small, about the size of an average clothes closet, so it won’t work if you need to store lots of possessions or items like large furniture, a mattress (which needs to lie flat) or a car. But even a small space will store more than you imagine if it’s packed well. In addition, it doesn’t have to take a huge financial bite out of your household budget. For example, you could pay as little as $36 a month for a 5’x5’ Seattle storage unit and $22 a month for an Atlanta storage unit. In the Lone Star State, rents start at just $9 for a Houston storage unit, $30 for a Dallas storage unit and $20 for an Austin storage unit. So, whether you’re experiencing one of life’s many transitions or you’re in it for the long haul, a 5’x5’ self storage unit may be the ideal practical solution.