The storage industry loves those who cannot decide on donating, discarding or selling their items. They can’t make up their mind so they just put it in storage.
Finding empty, reasonable storage units is getting harder to find. What most people don’t realize is that putting items in storage that you don’t need or like, can be a waste of money. If you don’t see it, you forget about it.
For example a 10 x 10 unit is almost the size of a 1 car garage. It can cost $135 to $150/month. That is $1,620 – $1,800/year. That money could be used for your retirement account, vacation fund, or emergency fund. With climate control is costs more. If your storing furniture for a long term, you need to have moving blankets to protect the furniture. (Another expense).
I am all for storage, if you are building a home, traveling extensively or moving overseas, temporarily. But to store items because it was Aunt Mary’s china cabinet or my grandchildren might want it, or I might need it later. If you don’t love it now, why keep it!
I have asked clients to have a conversation with the dining room table or Aunt Mary’s antique, that the family has spent birthdays, holidays and family events around them. Now I must let you go and I am going to re-purpose this table so someone else can have celebrations around it.
Re-purposing items so needy individuals/families can have them is a positive task. There are so many organizations who are seeking furniture. Here in the Indianapolis area is the Mustard Seed, Julian Center and Phase 3 organizations that give to homeless people or those who have had fires in their home. Ask for a donation receipt to take it off your taxes.
Conduct your research as some storage places offer the first month free. Other places, if you store for 6 months or more, you can receive 25% off the monthly fee. You need to go look at the units. Is it clean or damp? Does it leak? Is it a first or second floor? Where is the access to get into the storage unit? Are there security cameras available? Is there a property manager on duty you can ask questions? Many of them only secure monthly automatic withdrawals.