We used one when doing a remodel. We had been storing some stuff in one of those metal outbuildings you get at Lowe’s. It was 10x12. My wife decided we needed one twice as big, so she had one built that was…20x24. LOL math.
I bet she still filled it up.
There is still a path to the stairway leading to the loft.
On the other hand, we got the same advice, followed it, and our house sold during the Open House. We didn’t store books, but rather stuff like kids toys. Books are not clutter!
Another thing we store is fans. We don’t have AC, but during the summer room fans are good for cooling the house in rooms without ceiling fans. In winter they’d just clutter up the place. We have lots, almost all from thrift stores. They store well.
I have two storage units (in different lots, separated by several miles). Both are 36’ by 12’. One is simply a covered but open ended “carport” where I keep the RV, the other is an enclosed garage (with a large door) where I keep the boat. These also allow me to keep a lot of extra gas and water stored nearby in case of minor disasters. In the past, we’ve lost either water and power for a few days due to various reasons, usually weather. The RV and boat (gas and water tanks) make great backup storage that gets regularly cycled due to use, and they’re easy to tow to the house when needed.
At one time I stored the RV in another state to keep it near a favorite camping spot. Turns out insurance companies charge a higher rate for items stored a long way from home. Our RV insurance nearly tripled in our case. It’s an odd situation, but I thought I’d point it out to anyone who stores stuff in a distant location.
I’m so wanting for you to expound. My first thought was Led Zeppelin, but no that won’t fit.
Dang it. Now I have that tune in my head.
Help me out here. :dubious:
I’ve gone on long term assignments several times and had to put my household goods in storage.
- Autopay is the way to go. Or pay a year in advance.
- It’s a good time to clean out your dross before your put stuff in storage. Trust me, your kids probably don’t want any of the precious stuff you want to leave them in your will. If it’s not out for display, they have no emotional connection to it so stop fooling yourself, get rid of it.
Addenda: No you don’t need your textbooks from college. - Don’t put paperwork in storage. You need it or you don’t. If you don’t need it, take it to Staples and shred it. If you do need it, you need it with you.
- Don’t store kids’ toys. That’s just insane. By the time you get it out of storage the kid will have outgrown it. And the plastic toys need to go find another home through the Goodwill before the colors fade or they go out of style.
- I never ever store clothes. I take it all with me. Say I’m stationed in a desert somewhere, you go, “Oh, you don’t need your winter coat.” Nope, I need it so I can travel to someplace snowy in the winter. Really you’re better off giving them to Goodwill. They either won’t fit or will smell of roach poison or be out of style before you get them out again.
- Sell or get rid of your sports equipment and gym equipment. Here’s my thoughts. You’re not going to use it while it’s in storage, you’ll lose your skills in that sport and probably won’t go back to it. As for your weights and stuff, when you get settled, there’s always some guy who’s selling his old set, and you could save a bundle by joining Planet Fitness while your wait for a set to go on sale.
- No food. Trash it or give it away.
- Appliances, yes. Don’t forget to leave the refrigerator open.
- Furniture, yes. But really, do you need to? Can’t you cull some of the stuff?
- Hobby gear. Yes. It’s your obsession. Love it and keep it. Unless it’s sports then see rule 7.
- The storage unit will hold half of what you think it will. Trust me, I know.
UBER RULE: No guns! No valuables!