Declutter Your home: How self storage creates space and peace of mind

No matter the size of your living space - whether it’s a studio apartment or a three-bedroom house - clutter tends to sneak in. Spare rooms become catch-alls for things you don’t use every day, countertops fill with receipts and mail, and closets slowly turn into places you avoid opening altogether.

Decluttering isn’t just about throwing things away. While it’s easy to toss trash, many of us hold onto belongings that we don’t use daily but still want to keep - photo albums, financial documents, seasonal decorations, or even a bike you only ride in the summer. That’s where self storage comes in.

By renting a storage unit, you can free up valuable space at home while holding onto the items that matter most. Here’s a practical guide to using self storage as part of your decluttering strategy.

Step 1: Take Inventory of What You Own

The first step is figuring out what should stay at home and what can be moved into storage. A simple way to do this is by grouping items into four categories:

• Records - Financial and personal documents such as taxes, insurance papers, mortgage files, or appliance manuals. Keep what’s still needed and shred what’s outdated.

• Keepsakes - Sentimental or valuable items like family heirlooms, photo albums, collectibles, or furniture you want to save for later.

• Seasonal Items - Winter clothes, sports gear, lawn equipment, or holiday decorations that only see use part of the year.

• Junk - Broken things, items you never use, or belongings with no real value. These should be sold, donated, or thrown away.

Step 2: Find the Right Storage Solution

Once you know what to store, it’s time to pick the right unit and facility.

• Location: If you’ll need frequent access (e.g., for a bike or sports gear), choose a facility close to home. For seasonal items you rarely need, location matters less.

• Features: Match storage features to your items. Climate-controlled units protect wooden furniture, electronics, or delicate keepsakes from temperature swings. Facilities with strong security are best for high-value belongings.

• Unit Size: A 1 to 5 square meter unit works well for boxes, small furniture, and seasonal gear. While a 5 to 10 square meter unit can typically hold the contents of two bedrooms, including larger furniture. Some facilities also offer vehicle storage for motorcycles, oldtimers, or boats.

The easiest way to find the right storage unit is on The Storage Scanner. Simply search for your city or area, filter by distance, size, and price, and compare facilities to get the best match for your needs.

Step 3: Move In - and Don’t Forget to Check In

After you’ve chosen the right unit, move your items in and reclaim your home space. But don’t just “set it and forget it.” It’s smart to visit your storage unit every couple of months and collect or bring new stuff so you're home remains decluttered!

The Bottom Line

Decluttering doesn’t have to mean getting rid of belongings you still care about. Self storage gives you the freedom to live in a clean, organized space - without sacrificing the things that matter. Whether it’s making room in a small apartment or turning a cluttered guest room back into a welcoming space, the right storage unit can make a huge difference.