If your stuff appears to be taking up too much space in your Kirkwood rental home, you may be thinking if you should rent a storage unit. However, before you sign a contract, it’s a great idea to think about your standpoint carefully. Is a storage unit really necessary? Or are there better ways you can manage your belongings? To help make answering this question easier, let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why you may – or may not – need a storage unit.
Too Much Stuff
One of the usual reasons individuals rent a storage unit is because they possess too much stuff. This sometimes occurs when downsizing to a smaller home, when moving, or when between homes. Several collectors lack storage space for their collections, and those who have inherited items they no longer want or aren’t presently using.
Yet, possessing too much stuff isn’t the best reason to rent a storage unit. This is particularly true considering how much you spend on the monthly rent compared to the value of the items you like to hold. For example, if you pay an extra $100 a month on a storage unit, those items will cost you $1,200 a year to own and not use. Before renting a storage unit, it is an excellent idea to think about why you want to keep the things you intend to store and, if at all possible, consider other alternatives to a storage unit.
Storing Valuables
One thing that can significantly change the equation on value and storage is if you have valuable items you want to keep but don’t have space for them at your place for one reason or another. Without hesitation, if you own high-end valuables, keep in mind to opt for climate-controlled storage. Items including artwork, musical instruments, antiques, photos, and electronics can be damaged by heat or cold and should never be kept in an outdoor storage situation.
Creative Alternatives
If you have stuff you want or need to keep, but don’t think it’s worth the cost of a storage unit, think about other creative methods to keep your stuff – or not. In some scenarios, owning too much stuff is the consequence of being unwilling to let things go, even though they are items you will likely never use. If you can overcome your attachment to these materials, you might be able to sell or give them away as an alternative.
On the other side, if you have items that you cannot give up but do not need a storage unit to keep, try asking a friend to keep or store it for you until you have the space to get it back. A friend or family member with an empty spare room could use that antique furniture, piano, or framed artwork you don’t currently need but prefer to retain. Or, get creative with the spaces in your own home to make room for your things. Underneath staircases, attics, and garage shelving can all contribute usable storage space and let you keep a few more of your cherished belongings.
While there are a few cases where a storage unit may be needed, in numerous instances, there are other and less expensive ways to deal with having more stuff than we need. Eventually, the decision is entirely up to you! However, if you think that a bigger rental home would give you not only more living space but more storage space as well, give Real Property Management Specialist a call! You can browse our listings and apply online when you find one that catches your eye.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
