As we trundle through our lives, it’s only natural that we accumulate ‘stuff’. Whether it’s those boxes of nostalgic memorabilia or that stack of old DIY tools, these items can become a part of our everyday surroundings. Yet, there comes a point when our living spaces begin to feel overwhelmed, presenting us with the perfect opportunity to embrace the concept of decluttering.

The journey of decluttering your house and garage and moving things to a self-storage unit can be both liberating and rewarding. Today, let’s unravel this process using a few tried and tested strategies. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46100793

Step 1: Taking Stock of the Situation

The first step in any decluttering journey is to take stock of your possessions. Dedicate a weekend to go through each room in your house and garage. Organise items into categories: keep, discard, donate, and store. The ‘store’ category should contain items you don’t need daily but are not quite ready to part with – things like Christmas decorations, heirlooms, or seasonal sporting equipment.

Step 2: Reducing and Recycling

The second step involves making decisions about the discard and donate piles. We all have items in our homes that haven’t been touched in years. Rather than allowing these possessions to occupy valuable space, consider donating them to a local charity shop. Discarded items can be responsibly recycled or disposed of at a local recycling centre or in council-provided bins.

Step 3: Consider a Self-Storage Unit

Now, let’s move on to those items you want to store. If your loft is already bursting at the seams, it’s time to consider hiring a self-storage unit. Self-storage units, like those available at Big Yellow or Safestore, offer the perfect solution for keeping your belongings safe, secure, and out of the way. Many offer 24-hour access and a range of unit sizes to suit your needs.

Step 4: Pack and Move

Once you’ve rented your storage unit, the next task is packing. Make sure to label boxes clearly with their contents and consider creating an inventory for easy access in the future. You might also want to use bubble wrap or tissue paper to protect more delicate items.

In terms of getting your possessions to the self-storage unit, there are various options. For larger items, you might want to hire a van from a company like Hertz or Enterprise. Alternatively, man-and-van services or removal companies can provide assistance if needed.

Step 5: Organising your Self-Storage Unit

When it comes to organising your self-storage unit, think strategically. Place frequently accessed items towards the front and heavier, bulkier items at the back. Consider shelving to maximise space and make access easier.

Helpful link from the SSA https://www.ssauk.com/customer-info/customer-advice-on-self-storage.html

The Payoff: A Decluttered Home

After the final box is tucked away in your self-storage unit, you’ll return to a home that feels remarkably more spacious and organised. Rooms once dominated by clutter can take on a new life and the garage might finally house the car again!

Decluttering may seem a daunting task, but with a considered approach and the use of a self-storage unit, it becomes manageable. It’s not just about clearing space; it’s about simplifying your life. As you sip a cuppa in your decluttered living room, we wager you’ll feel a fantastic sense of accomplishment and wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. And remember, decluttering is an ongoing process. So, keep your ‘keep, discard, donate, and store’ categories in mind for the future, and you’ll enjoy a consistently organised, clutter-free home.

Remember, a tidy house equals a tidy mind. So, take the plunge and get decluttering!