Are you starting to get that feeling that your home is getting smaller? Last year, all of your sweaters fit neatly in your bottom drawer, and your shoes could all be hung up on that rack behind the door, right? How come you can’t quite close the closet door in the hallway anymore? If you’re accumulating more stuff than you’re getting rid of, you’re probably going to run into a space problem in short order. To get your clutter under control, you’ve got a few options: Rent a storage unit and move some things there, sell things you don’t use anymore but may still be worth something, donate your belongings to charity or just throw them away. Here’s how to know which is right for your stuff:
Store
Do you enjoy skiing but just don’t have room in your closets for all of your equipment? How about some extra furniture that you’d like to keep for when your kids get their own place? Anything that you probably don’t need to access every day, but still want to hold onto, can be moved to a storage unit. If you find the right storage facility, you’ll find that self-storage units are affordable and will keep your belongings safe for the next time you’re ready to hit the slopes or when Junior finally moves out. Other items that may be stored are items that you don’t want to get rid of but are taking up too much space where they are. Consider moving things like your wedding dress or your huge set of matching luggage into your unit. That way, you can access them when you need them, but you’ll free up tons of space in your closets.
Sell
Think about how satisfying it would be to not only get rid of the foosball table you never use, but earn a couple bucks in the process. Selling your belongings might be a little more labor intensive than the other options, but it could be worth your while if you determine that you can get a fair amount of money from them. Furniture or collectibles can be sold online – just make sure you do your research first, and see what similar items are being sold for. As for clothes, there are plenty of resale shops around. Generally, clothes should either be brand new or very gently worn to be worth anything. If you’re planning something larger, like a garage sale, make sure the items you’re planning on selling are worth the cost, time and effort of putting the event together.
Donate
If you don’t want your clothes, furniture or knick-knacks anymore, but you’re unlikely to get much – if any – money for them, consider donating them. There are plenty of places that will take all kinds of second-hand goods, and you may even get a tax break for it. If you donate any mechanical items, electronics or tools, make sure they are in good working condition and could be reasonably sold by the thrift store. Don’t donate an old rusty electric screwdriver that is virtually useless. Clothes may be worn, but should be in good condition and not tattered or stained.
Toss
Finally, if your belongings aren’t worth anything, you don’t need them, and you don’t imagine anyone else would either, just throw them out. Of course, this should be a last resort. Keep in mind, anything you’re throwing out will end up in a landfill if it’s not recyclable. Make sure you can’t repurpose things – a fresh paint job can give a tacky end table new life. Whatever you do with your belongings, you’ll love your newfound space. If you are looking to store some items, call your local SecurCare Self Storage today!