Before starting monthly payments on expensive self storage space, ask yourself whether the cost--often $100 or more a month--is justified for what you want to store. Old furniture with little value, for example, can be replaced with new pieces for the cost of a year or two of self storage. If you have too much clutter in your home, consider getting rid of things rather than paying to keep clutter out of sight. However, self storage does make sense in certain cicumstances. Does this Spark an idea?
You're Between Houses
Sometimes people must move out of one place before their new permanent residence is ready. Maybe the new house is under construction, or there wasn't time to shop for a house before relocating. While temporarily living in a small apartment, a hotel or with friends or family, self storage is an option that allows you to keep your furniture and belongings during the transition.
Settlement of an Estate
When there is a death in the family, sometimes the deceased's belongings need to be stored while the will is settled. Sometimes the home simply needs to be emptied to sell or be passed down, and the contents need a temporary place to go.
You Have a Small Living Space
If you don't have a garage, attic or basement, storage can be a legitimate issue, especially if you have sports equipment and other items that are only used seasonally. If you are a long-term dweller of a small apartment, condo or house, self storage may be a worth the cost for keeping things that are used every year, such as ski equipment, bikes, surfing gear and holiday decorations. Self storage may even be a necessity if you have big toys such as jet skis, ATVs, snowmobiles and motorcycles.
You're Trying to Sell Your Home
When your home needs to look like a model home that's inviting and not too "lived in," it's recommended that the contents of your home are reduced to a bare minimum so the space looks open and uncluttered. Prospective buyers will be looking at the basement and garage, too, so a temporary solution is to box toys, knick-knacks and small appliances and stash them in a self storage unit.
Tags: self storage, your home, small apartment