If your stuff seems to be overpowering your Fort Smith rental home, you may be wondering if you should rent a storage unit. But before you sign a contract, it’s a good idea to consider your situation meticulously. Is a storage unit really essential? Or are there any healthier ways you can manage your belongings? To help make responding to this matter simpler, let’s have a look at some of the reasons why you might – or might not – need a storage unit.
Too Much Stuff
One of the top reasons people rent a storage unit is that they have too much stuff. Occasionally this transpires when downsizing to a smaller home, when moving, or when between homes. Some collectors don’t have space for their collections, and those who have inherited items they don’t need or aren’t presently using.
Although, having too much stuff isn’t automatically a good reason to rent a storage unit. This is especially true if you think about how much you’ll spend on the monthly rent compared to the value of the items you want to keep. Spending an extra $100 a month on a storage unit, for instance, means those items will cost you $1,200 a year to own and not use. Before renting a storage unit, it’s a good idea to look into why you want to keep the things you plan to store and, if possible, explore 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 home for one reason or another. Of course, if you have high-end valuables, be sure to opt for climate-controlled storage. Things like artwork, musical instruments, antiques, photos, and electronics can be damaged by heat or cold and should never be stored in an outdoor storage situation.
Creative Alternatives
If you have pieces you want or need to keep but it doesn’t seem worth the cost of a storage unit, think about other, innovative ways you could keep your stuff – or not. In many cases, having too much stuff is a product of being unwilling to let things go, even things you will most likely never use. If you can overcome your attachment to these items, you might be able to sell or give them away instead.
On the other hand, if you have items you can’t part with but don’t necessarily need a storage unit to keep, consider asking a friend to keep or store it for you until you have the space to take 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 want to keep. Or, get creative with the spaces in your own home to make room for your things. Underneath staircases, attics, and garage shelving can all increase usable storage space and let you hold on to a few more of your cherished belongings.
While there are some circumstances where a storage unit may be crucial, most of the time, there are other and less expensive ways to deal with having more stuff than we need. Ultimately, the choice is up to you! But, if you do feel like a bigger rental home would give you not only more living space but more storage space as well, give Real Property Management First Choice 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.
