How to downsize your home, with the help of a storage unit

Author: Gabrielle D, Staff Writer

Downsizing your home can be a daunting task. Whether you're moving to a smaller space, decluttering, or simplifying your life, deciding what to keep and what to let go of can be a challenge. Unfortunately, this is a common reality for due to the current Cost of Living Crisis, and we want to help. Using storage units can be a great way to create headspace as you navigate through this next stage of life. Whilst your furniture, appliances and other household items are stored safely, you can free up time to organise the next steps of your move. In this blog post, we'll explore how to downsize your home with the help of a storage unit.

1. Start with decluttering.

Before you start packing and moving items into a storage unit, it's important to declutter your home. Go through your belongings and decide what you want to keep, sell, donate, recycle or throw away. This process can be overwhelming, so take it one room at a time and break it down into smaller tasks. Remember, the goal is to simplify your life and only keep items that are truly important or bring you joy.

We have written plenty about the benefits of decluttering. We even have a full ‘Declutter Guide’.

Decluttering can be stressful and emotional, especially if you need to let go of sentimental items. We suggest asking a friend or family member to help you. They will help you to see clearly what you really need, and what can be given to someone else. Rest assured, once the decluttering is over, you will feel lighter and calmer within your space.

2. Identify items that can go into storage.

Some items are just too valuable or meaningful to be donated or thrown away. Especially if you need to save money, having to buy something again later may not be an option for you. Once you've decluttered your home, identify what you need to keep but don't have space for in your new, smaller home. These could be sentimental items, seasonal decorations, or things you only use occasionally, such as camping gear or holiday dishes.

Moving to a house without a garden? You can also store garden furniture or outdoor equipment in a storage unit. We understand that these outdoor items can be expensive, which is why it may be important for you to store, rather than donate.

3. Choose the right storage unit.

When selecting a storage unit, consider the size, location and security. You want to choose a service that is not only convenient but will keep your belongings safe and protected. It's also important to choose the right size unit to fit your needs, as you don't want to pay for unnecessary space.

At LOVESPACE, we offer a range of storage solutions, for as little as one box, up to a 200sqft storage unit – and you can easily scale up to a bigger space later. We’re totally flexible. We will collect your items straight from your home, store them safely in one of our secure storage facilities, and deliver them back to any address. If you need to downsize you home ASAP, don’t worry as we offer collection within a few days, even with an optional packing service. Find out more about our storage units.

4. Pack your items properly

When packing your items for storage, be sure to pack them properly to ensure they stay in good condition. Use sturdy boxes and packing materials such as bubble wrap or packing paper. Label each box with its contents, so you can easily request the right ones back and find what you need later. Avoid packing items that are too heavy or fragile and consider stacking boxes to maximise space.

It may seem obvious, but avoid perishable items, liquids and food! The last thing anybody needs is a lingering bad smell! Also, avoid storing little trinket items that risk being squashed by your larger things.

5. Organise your storage unit.

If you choose to use self-storage, you will need to organise your items to maximise space. Once you've moved your belongings into the storage unit, organise them in a way that makes sense to you. Consider grouping similar items together, such as holiday decorations or sports equipment. Use shelves or stackable bins to maximise space and keep items easily accessible.

At LOVESPACE, once we’ve collected your items and we get to our secure storage facility, we’ll organise them for you, saving you time and energy. Our storage units are monitored with 24/7 CCTV and kept safe from any weathering or damage.

6. Re-evaluate your storage needs regularly.

As time goes on, your storage needs may change. Be sure to regularly re-evaluate what you have stored and determine if you still need it. If you find that you no longer need something, consider selling, donating, recycling, or throwing it away.

Conclusion

In conclusion, downsizing your home can be a challenging process, but using a storage unit can make it easier. By decluttering, identifying items that can go into storage, choosing the right storage unit, packing your items properly, organising your storage unit, accessing your items as needed, and regularly re-evaluating your storage needs, you can simplify your life and make the most of your new, smaller space.

Find out more about our storage solutions