What Should You Keep in Storage with Rugeley Self Storage?
Using a self-storage facility when moving house, or for long-term needs, can help you declutter your home while keeping hold of important items. Knowing what to store to make the best use of the space is key.
Moving House
When moving house, you often realise how much you actually own. Some items are necessary, some have sentimental value, and others are just clutter. Moving is an excellent opportunity to purge belongings you no longer need. However, even after decluttering, you might find you still have too much to transport to your new home. This is where self-storage units come in handy, offering a place to store possessions temporarily or long-term.
A storage unit has limited space, so it’s helpful to prioritise what you store there.
Furniture
Furniture is one of the bulkiest items to store and can take up considerable space. However, it will also take up space in a moving van, so storing some furniture can free up room on moving day. Decide what furniture you need immediately in your new home. For instance, a bed is essential, but garden furniture, depending on the time of year, can be stored.
Furniture that can be dismantled is useful for maximising storage space. You could also store smaller items within larger pieces, like keeping small items in a chest of drawers.
Antiques and Heirlooms
Possessions inherited or given by close family and friends, such as Victorian china or a relative’s painting, may have high sentimental value but not fit naturally in your home due to space or style. These are perfect candidates for storage. Ensure you choose a storage facility with adequate security measures and insurance to protect these valuable items.
Documents
Many of us have files and documents we rarely look at but need to keep, such as warranties, financial records, and medical forms. Storing these in a unit can help you focus on what you need in your new home. Make sure the facility has good security and insurance. However, important documents like passports and IDs are better kept close to you.
Collections
Collecting is a common hobby, with many Brits collecting items like stamps, toys, books, or coins. If you have a collection, transporting it on moving day can be time-consuming. Storage can also help keep your collection safe and out of the way, especially if you are downsizing, without needing to dispose of it.
Seasonal Items
Items like Christmas decorations are used only once a year and can take up significant space. These seasonal items are ideal for storage as they are unnecessary for long periods. Keeping them in a storage unit means they won’t clutter your home, and you won’t need to buy new decorations each year, promoting sustainability.
What NOT to Store
There are some items you cannot store in most UK storage facilities:
- Perishable food
- Flammable, combustible, or explosive items
- Radioactive material
- Firearms and weapons
- Live animals and plants
- Human beings (yes, people have tried)
- Stolen or illegal items
- Cash or deposit boxes (for security and insurance reasons)
Make Moving House Easier
A storage unit can simplify moving day, whether you’re moving into rented accommodation, staying with a friend between move dates, or just clearing clutter ahead of time. Many people downsizing to smaller properties find that a storage unit helps them avoid throwing away items they aren’t ready to part with, especially in cases of separation or bereavement.
Using a storage unit can make life easier and give you precious time to sort through your belongings.
