Knowing When to Let Go
One of the best provisions of self storage providers across Australia is that as long as you’re happy to keep paying for the space, the reserved area is yours. That means you can store whatever you need indefinitely, save for some administrative requirements, such as the provider needing to conduct maintenance, comply with law enforcement, or very rare circumstances such as the outbreak of a fire.
However, it’s also true that as a repeat customer, no self storage service will ask if you wish to stop paying your subscription unless you don’t come for your belongings after a matter of years. The policies can be different from business to business.
This raises a question – how long should you keep items in storage? After all, even if highly affordable, storage incurs a cost. Sometimes learning how to manage the space you have reserved and doing so wisely can help you keep a smarter inventory of your possessions.
Here are some storage tips Self Storage Australia have learned over the years:
When is it time to let go of your stored possessions?
The answer, of course, depends on what you’re storing and why. Deciding when to let go of storage items will never be without our life context.
For example, if you’re in between homes, managing an estate for a lost relative, or waiting out a long overseas work placement, then it makes perfect sense to hold onto everything you might need once your life settles again. But if your storage unit has turned into a kind of off-site attic, it’s worth checking in with yourself from time to time about whether it’s still serving its purpose.
One good rule of thumb is to ask when you last used the item. If you haven’t needed it in over a year, and you don’t have a clear plan for when you will, it might not be as essential as you thought. Sentimental items are a touch different though, and most people do have a few things they keep simply because they’re meaningful.
Keep in mind that storage duration should be intentional. If you’ve kept a dining set “just in case” for the last six years but now live in a smaller home and have no plans to upsize, you’re probably better off passing it on. This is always your choice of course, and none of our staff will ever question you on storage duration unless your storage unit has been unused and untouched for a long time, and even then it will be respectful outreach to remind you of your items.
How should you declutter and find alternatives for unused items?
Decluttering can feel like a massive task until you start doing it, then it becomes somewhat fun. We’d suggest you start with a list of what you think is in the unit (if it’s been a while since you looked through it, you might be surprised). Then go through each item one by one. Ask yourself if you’ve used it recently, if it still fits your life, and whether it could be better used by someone else.
If you’re not ready to part with something completely but it’s taking up too much space, look for options like digitising paperwork and old photographs, or donating duplicates of items you have more than one of. You can also consider selling furniture or appliances online, chances are you can make money from your goods than you think, and of course, that could pay for further storage of items you may need.
Don’t forget that charities, schools, and community groups are often happy to accept donated goods that are still in good condition! If you have a charitable mindset, this can be reason alone for downsizing storage items.
Is your self storage service as flexible as you need them to be?
Not all storage management providers offer the same level of service. If you’re reviewing your long-term storage needs, it’s also smart to think about if your current setup is still working for you.
Here are some questions we warmly suggest clients ask themselves: Are you paying for more space than you need? Would a smaller unit be more appropriate now that you’ve decluttered? Could you benefit from a different location? Do you have any specific storage needs, such as temperature control? Would you like to pay for an annual subscription for a discount if you know that item will need to remain?
Self Storage Australia provides flexible storage options for many budgets and duration preferences.
Self Storage Australia provides a wide range of unit sizes and contract lengths, which means you’re not locked into more than you require, and can withdraw your items at any time. You can also upsize or downsize as your needs change, which is especially helpful if you’re decluttering, or hoping to address some of those items you’ve kept onto forever. Use self storage solutions that respect your time changing needs.