Clutter can sneak up on anyone–one day, your home feels spacious and organized, and the next, you struggle to find space for everyday essentials. Whether you’re dealing with an overflowing garage, preparing for a big life change, or simply looking for storage solutions for small spaces, renting a storage unit can be the perfect answer.
7 Signs It’s Time to Rent a Storage Unit
But when to rent a storage unit? If you’re unsure, here are seven clear signs that it’s time to find a reliable storage solution:
1. Your Home Feels Overcrowded
If you’re constantly shifting things around, struggling to find space for new items, or feeling like your home is shrinking, it’s a sign that you need extra storage. A storage unit allows you to free up valuable space without parting with sentimental or seasonal items.
Instead of stuffing closets to the brim, consider placing non-essential items in a storage unit where they’ll stay safe and accessible.
2. You’re Downsizing Your Home
Moving into a smaller home can be exciting, but it also comes with the challenge of reducing clutter. If you’re transitioning to a condo, apartment, or retirement home, you might not have enough space for all your belongings.
Instead of making hasty decisions about what to keep and what to toss, consider renting a storage unit. It gives you the flexibility to store furniture, seasonal items, and keepsakes until you decide what to do with them. This way, you can settle into your new space without feeling overwhelmed by excess belongings.
3. You’re Preparing for a Major Life Change
Life changes often bring unexpected storage needs. Whether you’re:
✅ Getting married and merging households
✅ Moving for a new job or temporary relocation
✅ Going through a divorce and needing temporary storage
✅ Welcoming a new baby and making room for nursery essentials
A storage unit offers a flexible, short-term solution to keep your belongings safe while you adjust to your new circumstances. Instead of rushing to sell or give away things, a storage unit lets you store items until you’re ready to make permanent decisions.
4. Your Garage or Attic Is Overflowing
Garages and attics are meant for storage, but they can quickly become cluttered. If you can no longer park your car in the garage or your attic is packed with boxes you haven’t opened in years, it’s time to rethink your storage strategy.
A storage unit can help you:
- Free up space for items you actually use
- Keep your home organized and clutter-free
- Store seasonal decorations, old furniture, or unused equipment
Instead of turning your home into a storage facility, consider renting a unit where you can safely store items without sacrificing your living space.
5. You Need Seasonal Storage
Not everything needs to be in your home year-round. Seasonal items, such as holiday decorations, winter coats, summer gear, and sports equipment, can take up valuable closet space.
A storage unit is a great place to keep your seasonal items organized so they’re easy to access when you need them. This also helps extend the lifespan of your belongings by keeping them in a secure, climate-controlled environment instead of cramming them into a damp basement or hot attic.
💡 Decluttering Tip: Use bladed bins and shelving inside your storage unit to make it easy to find seasonal items when needed!
6. You’re Renovating Your Home
Home renovations can be exciting but also messy and chaotic. If you’re remodeling a kitchen, adding a new room, or upgrading your floors, you’ll need a place to keep furniture, appliances, and valuables safe from dust, debris, and potential damage.
A storage unit allows you to:
✔️ Protect expensive furniture and electronics
✔️ Create space for contractors to work efficiently
✔️ Keep fragile items secure until renovations are complete
This simple step can make the renovation process smoother and less stressful while ensuring your belongings stay in great condition.
7. You’re Running a Home-Based Business
If you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or small business owner, your home may double as your workspace. But when inventory, paperwork, and equipment start taking over, it’s time to find a better storage solution.
A storage unit can help you:
- Keep business inventory and supplies organized
- Free up office space for more productive work
- Store seasonal business items, like holiday decorations or promotional materials
Instead of letting your business clutter your home, a storage unit gives you the flexibility to scale your operations while maintaining a clean and professional workspace.
How to Choose the Right Storage Unit
If you’ve realized that renting a storage unit is the right move, the next step is finding one that fits your needs. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best one? Here’s a simple guide to help you make the right choice:
1. Pick the right size
Storage units come in different sizes, and picking the right one will save you money and hassle. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Small (5’ x 5’ or 5’ x 10’): Great for a few boxes, seasonal decorations, or small furniture like chairs and nightstands.
- Medium (10’ x 10’ or 10’ x 15’): Works well for the contents of a one-bedroom apartment, including a bed, couch, and several boxes.
- Large (10’ x 20’ or larger): Best for families, full households, or even business inventory. You can store furniture, appliances, and larger equipment.
Before choosing, take a quick inventory of what you’ll be storing. If you’re unsure, it’s better to go slightly bigger than too small.
2. Consider Climate-Controlled vs. Standard Storage
Not all storage units are the same. Some are climate-controlled, meaning they keep a steady temperature and humidity level, while others are standard, meaning they are just enclosed spaces.
Go for climate-controlled storage if you’re storing:
- Electronics (TVs, computers, gaming consoles)
- Important documents and books
- Wooden or antique furniture
- Clothes, artwork, or musical instruments
If your items are durable and not affected by heat or moisture, a standard unit will work just fine and usually costs less.
3. Check Security Features
You want to be sure your belongings are safe, so don’t overlook security when choosing a storage facility. Look for:
✔️ 24/7 surveillance cameras: This helps prevent theft and keeps an eye on the property at all times.
✔️ Gated access with passcodes: Only customers and staff should be able to enter the facility.
✔️ On-site staff or security personnel: Having people on-site means extra safety and quick assistance when needed.
At Click Storage, security is a top priority. Our facilities have high-tech security features, so you can store your belongings with peace of mind. Taking these simple steps will help you find the right storage unit that keeps your items safe, organized, and easily accessible whenever you need them.
Decluttering Tips: How to Organize with Storage
So, you’ve rented a storage unit–great! But before you start stacking boxes, take a little time to plan how you’ll organize everything. A well-organized storage unit saves time and frustration, especially when you need to find something later.
Here are some simple but effective decluttering tips to help you make the most of your space:
Label Everything Clearly
You might think you’ll remember what’s inside each box, but after a few months, it’s easy to forget. Use a label maker or a thick marker to clearly write what’s inside each box.
Be as specific as possible. Instead of just writing “kitchen”, label it “Kitchen–Pots & Pans” or “Kitchen–Baking Supplies” so you don’t have to dig through multiple boxes to find what you need.
Use Clear Plastic Bins Instead of Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes are cheap, but they don’t last forever. They can absorb moisture, get crushed, or attract pests. Instead, opt for clear plastic bins with lids.
Not only do they protect your items better, but you can also see what’s inside without opening them. This saves you time and effort when looking for something specific.
Store Frequently Used Items Near the Front
Think about which items you’ll need most often. Maybe it’s holiday decorations, important documents, or seasonal clothes.
Place these near the entrance of your storage unit so you don’t have to move everything around to reach them. On the other hand, items you won’t need anytime soon–like old furniture or keepsakes–can go toward the back.
Stack Smartly to Save Space
Maximizing your storage space by stacking items strategically:
- Heavier boxes on the bottom, lighter ones on top.
- Furniture placed vertically to save floor space.
- Shelving units to keep things organized and prevent clutter from piling up.
This way, your unit won’t become a chaotic mess where you have to dig through a mountain of boxes just to find one thing.
Leave a Walkway for Easy Access
It might be tempting to pack your unit to the brim, but don’t block yourself in! Leave a small walkway in the middle so you can reach everything without having to take everything out. A little space now saves you a lot of hassle later.
Conclusion
If your home feels cluttered, you’re downsizing, or you just need a little extra space, renting a storage unit can be a simple and stress-free way to stay organized. Paying attention to these seven signs will let you know when it’s time to get some extra storage and make your space feel more comfortable.
Ready to free up space in your home? Get in touch with Click Storage today and find the perfect storage unit for your needs!
