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7 Storage Option Alternatives To Consider When Downsizing
Whether you're moving out into a smaller place or if your kids have flown the nest, choosing to downsize can be a good decision for various reasons. However, if you're moving from a much larger home into a cozier place, deciding where to store all your belongings can be a problem. Depending on how many items you own, downsizing can be a tough challenge.
Despite the challenges of downsizing, the good news is that there are many storage solutions that will make your life a little easier. Let's take a look at seven great storage options to consider when downsizing.
Downsizing Storage Options
1. Self-Storage Units
The first option you can consider is renting a storage unit. If you can't fit all your clothes, furniture, electrical gadgets, kitchen equipment, or any other unused items, it's easy to rent a storage unit to keep all your valuables. Many companies that provide this service are often very secure and reasonably priced monthly. This is ideal for lesser-used items while keeping only the things you regularly use in your new home.
It's also important to note the size of the unit you'll rent depends on the items you want to store. If you only have a few things, consider a small to medium-sized storage locker. But if you need an entire room to fill your belongings, a large locker will be a better fit.
This option works best for short-term storage, or else you could end up spending more in rent over time than your items are worth.
Click here to read: Pros and Cons of Renting a Storage Unit When Downsizing!
2. Donate
If you've kept your belongings in good condition, you can donate your old belongings to your local Salvation Army, Goodwill, or thrift store. Consider donating old clothes, shoes, kitchen equipment, books, electronic gadgets, and small pieces of furniture that can easily be transported and moved. As a courtesy, only do this for items in good condition!
3. Sell It
Another option is selling your items through a local garage sale or online. If you've kept your things in good condition or have some valuables that are too precious to be donated or thrown away, consider selling them to collectors or others that may find use in your old belongings. While holding a garage sale can be the easier option as all you need to do is set up shop outside your home, it might be hard to attract any buyers.
Instead, you can try Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Poshmark, or ThredUp to reach a wider audience. These places have a user interface and bargaining system that make it easier for sellers and buyers to connect. The downside of this, though, is you may have to travel or ship out your belongings to the buyer if they live further away from you.
4. Portable Storage Containers
Portable storage containers are like storage units delivered to your home. They can be dropped off in your driveway, and you can utilize them for as long as you like. It can be a good option if you need a short-term solution for extra stuff that you need to store outside of your home. Then, when you're done with it, call the rental company to have it picked up and removed from your property.
5. Reorganize Your Space
In reorganizing your space, consider adding several shelves or cabinets to make full use of the overhead space. This option can be used for almost any room and is the perfect way to display important items and keep track of what you have. Overhead shelves and cabinets, while expensive initially to build, often are an investment worth putting money into as they can last a lifetime.
Meanwhile, if you have space under the stairs, in empty closets, or the backyard, consider transforming these spaces with other add-ons.
6. Build a Shed
If you have the option of a backyard, consider building a garden shed as another option for storage space. Garden sheds are generally quite common and can be constructed quickly with cheap materials. If you have old gardening tools, hardwood furniture, power tools, or old bicycles the kids used to ride, having a shed provides a safe and clean space to keep these items out of the sun and rain.
On the inside, consider installing open shelving, a magnetic bar for tools, free-standing shelves, drawers, or a workbench to fully utilize the little space that you have. While this may seem like a big project, it can definitely be worth the time and effort in the long run!
7. Reach Out to Family or Friends
Last but not least, reaching out to family or friends is something you can try as well. If you currently lack the financial resources to expand your space, consider reaching out to your inner circle for members who may have storage space to share. For example, if a friend or relative has a largely empty attic, basement, or garage. There's no harm in asking!
However, be warned that your items might become lost, damaged, or broken. As they are doing this free of charge, your right to complain about unfavorable storage conditions is minimal. So be careful when picking out which items to give them and which to keep.
Let us know in the comments below - How did you decide what to do with your extra stuff?
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Learn more about preparing to move on our Housing Resources page!
