How to Ditch Your Storage Unit in 4 Easy Steps
Are you haunted by the idea that you have way too much stuff? The storage industry has an annual revenue of about $39 billion. If you do have a storage unit, when was the last time you were there? There are legitimate reasons to have a storage unit, of course, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of stuff you own and don’t use, now is a perfect time to downsize and ditch that extra space.
1. Mentally Prepare
The first thing to know about downsizing is that it’s never about the stuff. It’s all about your mindset. We know that it can be hard to part with things you’ve carried with you throughout your adult life. There are sentimental items you feel strongly about and everything carries memories. It’s okay to have these feelings about your things, but it’s also important to explore what those feelings mean.
If you’re not in a good place to start the process, you may not be able to get through much of it. That’s okay. Set the project aside until you can feel ready to handle it.
2. Create a Basic Inventory
Once you’re ready to begin, start by creating a basic inventory. Take a look at your storage unit and write down, generally, the things that are inside. Maybe you have boxes of books stacked away. Maybe you have old furniture that you haven’t used in years. The act of writing it down can help you feel less overwhelmed.
After you have the basic inventory, you can figure out what to tackle first. You may not need to get rid of everything, so start with the things you know you don’t need.
3. Use a Sorting Method
The best way to tackle your storage unit is to prepare a sorting method. Most people will use a three-category solution: sell, keep, and donate. We fully recognize that this will be more difficult within a storage unit since you may not have the space to spread everything out. This is why it may be easier to work based on your basic inventory instead of all at once.
The key here is to make sure you don’t end up re-storing items because you want to sell them or donate them. Do it right away. Use online marketplaces to list the items you want to sell rather than waiting for an opportunity to have a yard sale. Take donations directly from the storage unit to your chosen location immediately.
4. Get Help
You don’t have to do this alone. You can, if your friends are willing, get them to help you with the process. But not all of our friends love the idea of helping us sort through and move things around. If a friend isn’t available, consider working with a professional organizer.
A professional organizer won’t have any sort of attachment to your things so you won’t have to go through the emotional gymnastics when going through your storage unit. There are multiple organizing companies throughout Asheville so check out available companies here.
At GoPrime, we value a minimal and sustainable approach to everything we do, including our lifestyles. Talk to us first if you’re ready to make your next move. To learn more about making mortgages sexy in Asheville, call Zachery Adam at GoPrime Mortgage of West Asheville today. Feel free to send us a message or call us.
