The Benefits of Storage When Downsizing Your House
Downsizing is a more affordable, lower-maintenance lifestyle change that many people, such as empty nesters and seniors, benefit from. If you decide to downsize, you’ll need affordable ways to stay organized and reduce stress during the transition—self storage is the solution, as it can help make your move easier.
This guide from Right Move Storage explains why and how self storage can benefit those downsizing their homes.
What Are the Benefits of Using Storage When Downsizing Your Home?
Individuals from many backgrounds can benefit from using self storage as they downsize. Whether you’re trying to simplify a major life transition or plan to move from a multi-floor house to a smaller residence, some of the advantages of using storage when moving include:
- Reduce stress. Avoid feeling overwhelmed and crowded by clutter by clearing out precious space with storage.
- Add flexibility. With month-to-month leases, storage allows you to rent a storage unit for as long as you need, without any long-term commitments.
- Protect fragile items. Using self storage is a great way to protect more sensitive items, such as glass dishes and fine china, during the moving process.
- Establish organization. A storage unit gives you additional time to create a system and organize your belongings before the big day.
How To Downsize Your Home Using Storage
The moving process can be an emotional and logistical challenge, making any cushion provided by self storage all the more valuable. Find six practical storage tips below to stay organized and streamline your downsizing process.
1. Determine Why You Need Storage
Before you decide to rent self storage, ask yourself why you need the additional space. With downsizing and moving among the many reasons to rent self storage, you’ll need to know how self storage fits into the equation.
Perhaps you prefer a minimalist lifestyle or fewer financial and maintenance responsibilities. Whatever your reason, self storage is the best way to create additional space, even during the hectic moving process.
2. Start Early
Time is critical for making good decisions. Start early and give yourself ample time to plan a careful downsizing process. Create a realistic schedule that breaks each step into more manageable tasks. A practical timeline helps you stay motivated and make changes when needed.
3. Declutter Before Moving
It’s never a better time to declutter than when you’re downsizing. Go through each room and sort your belongings—start with a smaller, more manageable area, such as a closet. Keep a checklist of your items and group similar items together. This process helps save time and effort as you pack each item group into labeled storage containers.
4. Prepare for the New Space
Before you move, measure the rooms and larger items, such as furniture. This process helps determine which pieces are best suited to remain at home and which are suitable for self storage. Plan your new layout and think of creative ways to use your storage unit, such as using drawers for added space and maximizing vertical space.
5. Take Breaks When You Can
Don’t be afraid to give yourself occasional breaks when you need them. Taking breaks plays a crucial role in enhancing your concentration, critical thinking skills, and ability to resist distractions. Breaks help you recharge your energy and stay motivated without disturbing your busy moving schedule.
To make the most of your break, stay off your phone, the internet, and social media, as these can evoke adverse emotions or distract you.
6. Involve Family and Friends
You don’t have to take on the downsizing process alone. Ask friends and family to help you with your move. This additional help can reduce stress and make the labor more manageable. Make sure to communicate with your moving partners about your organization system and which items go where.
How To Find the Best Storage Solutions for Small Homes
It’s in your best interest to find your ideal storage unit size and type early. Assess your belongings and count the number of temperature-sensitive items that require additional protection. Once you know what you need, look for a storage facility that offers the right unit size and type.
Instead of searching across many storage facilities, begin and end your search with Right Move Storage. Our personal storage solutions are available in various sizes and types across all our locations. With numerous amenities included—such as moving truck rentals—Right Move Storage makes your downsizing process seamless.
Find the Best Storage for Downsizing at Right Move Storage
When you need a dependable place to store your belongings while you downsize, turn to Right Move Storage. We’re committed to providing those moving to smaller homes with an affordable, reliable way to create space and streamline their move. For seniors or empty nesters seeking a more affordable space, Right Move Storage is your best option.
Contact us online or find your nearest Right Move Storage facility to rent your moving storage unit today!