How Self Storage Can Assist You in Downsizing Your Home

There are many good reasons why you might consider downsizing your home. To start, there are financial benefits. Moving to a smaller space often means lower mortgage or rent payments as well as utilities and maintenance costs. This extra money can be redirected to things you really enjoy, like traveling, hobbies or boosting your retirement fund.

Life transitions are another big reason you might consider downsizing your home. Maybe you’re retiring and looking for a space that’s easier to maintain, or perhaps your kids have moved out and the big family house just feels too empty. Career changes can also prompt a move to cut down on commute times and bring you closer to work, or even a relocation to a new city for work.

That said, many people who downsize are simply looking for a more manageable living space. Moving to a smaller home can mean less time spent cleaning and more time enjoying life in and out of your home. Downsizing can help you focus on your priorities and make room for experiences rather than just objects for your home.

When you decide to downsize, a little planning and organization go a long way. Decluttering your home and parting ways with items can take a lot of time and emotional energy, so it’s best to space things out, create a checklist of tasks to keep yourself on track and set realistic goals so you don’t get overwhelmed. 

Here are some strategies to keep yourself organized:

Evaluate Your Belongings

Take a good look at what you own and decide what’s essential and what isn’t. You can use organizing frameworks like Marie Kondo’s method (only keeping items that spark joy) to help you sort items into keep, sell, donate or discard piles. Be prepared to make some tough decisions, especially with sentimental items.

Emotional Challenges

Downsizing can be an emotionally taxing process. Remember — it’ll be difficult to let go of certain items, and it’s okay to hold on to some things even if they don’t serve any functional purpose. If you’re feeling overwhelmed during the process, take a break and sleep on it to see if you feel any differently the next morning. You can also take photos of items you want to cherish but no longer want to keep, give them away to family members or friends who have the space for them, and keep them in storage if parting with them feels too hard.

Set Realistic Goals and Timelines

Moving is a marathon, especially when you’re downsizing. To minimize your stress, break down the moving process into smaller, manageable steps. For example, allocate specific times during the week for decluttering and organizing or enlist the help of friends and family to keep you motivated and on track. If you need additional tips, use our moving-out guide and checklist.

Self storage can be a convenient resource when you’re downsizing, but not always for obvious reasons. In fact, having a storage unit can make the downsizing process less stressful before, during and even after your move.

Store Items You May Want to Sell

Using self storage to keep items you plan on selling can help free up space in your home and give you more time to find the right buyer. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Categorize Your Items. Begin by sorting through your belongings and separating what you want to keep, sell or donate. This step helps you visualize how much space you’ll need and what can be moved out immediately.
• Clean and Prepare. Give your items a good clean and make minor repairs if needed.
• Photograph and List. Take clear, high-quality photos of the items and list them on online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and eBay. Quality photos can help your items sell faster and for a better price.
• Store Temporarily. While waiting for buyers, keep these items in self storage so they don’t stand idle and add clutter to your home. Storage facilities are also a great public meet-up spot outside your home when it’s time to pass your item on to a buyer.

Gradually Move Boxes and Furniture Into Storage

Ideally, you’re not moving at the last minute, so take time sorting and packing your belongings. While you may need to access some things until your move-out date, storing non-essential items ahead of time can make your home less cluttered. If potential buyers are touring your home or you’re doing renovations before listing it for sale, storing non-essentials is a great way to clear up space. Here are some strategies we recommend:

• Start With Non-Essentials. Pack away items you don’t use daily — e.g., seasonal decorations, extra furniture and rarely used kitchenware.
• Label Your Boxes. Clearly label each box with its contents and create an inventory list to keep track of what’s in storage.
• Organize Your Storage Unit. Organize your unit strategically so you can easily access items you need on hand.

Ease the Transition Between Homes or Apartments

Moving can be a stressful experience, but self storage can make the process more manageable. Using self-storage to hold items that won’t immediately fit into your new space allows you to move at your own pace without the pressure of unpacking everything at once. This is especially helpful if your new home is significantly smaller and you need time to decide where everything will go.

• Temporary Storage for an Immediate Move. Use self storage to hold items that won’t fit into your new space immediately, like furniture, spare mattresses or bulky items. This way, you can move at your own pace without the pressure of unpacking everything at once.
• Flexibility With Gaps. Self storage gives you the flexibility to move in stages. This is particularly useful if there are gaps between moving out of your old home and into your new one, allowing you to bridge these timing gaps without hassle.

After successfully downsizing and moving into your new home, making the most of your smaller space can be an exciting (and challenging) project. Embracing some smart strategies and creative solutions below can help you maximize your new living space.

Use Space-Saving Furniture

In a smaller home, every piece of furniture counts. Where possible, invest in furniture that serves multiple purposes, like sofa beds, nesting tables and storage ottomans. This means items should serve multiple purposes. Look for multifunctional furniture like foldable tables, sofa beds, and storage ottomans.

Maximize the Layout of Your Space

A well-planned layout can transform even the smallest homes or rooms into functional and comfortable living areas. Start by utilizing vertical storage solutions such as shelves and wall-mounted cabinets to keep your floors clear and create a sense of openness. Regularly declutter and keep only essential items in your living space to maintain an organized and clutter-free environment. Simple changes, like repositioning furniture or adding mirrors to reflect light, can open up your space and make your home feel more expansive.

Use Storage Long-Term for Keepsakes

Long-term storage can be a practical solution for sentimental keepsakes you don’t want to part ways with. Self-storage units offer a safe and secure place to keep keepsakes, important documents, and other items without cluttering your home. When organizing your storage unit, label boxes clearly so you can find your items quickly when needed. For additional security, make sure you use a disc lock rather than a padlock on your unit.

Ultimately, remember to be gentle with yourself as you downsize and adjust to your new home. With the right strategies and tools, downsizing can lead to a fresh, new chapter in your life. If you need more resources or inspiration for moving, organizing and more, explore our blog.