What Not to Keep: A Guide to Decluttering Before You Store

What Not to Put in Storage: Your Detailed Guide

Renting a storage unit is a great solution for life's transitions, whether you're moving, renovating, or simply need more room. But before you start packing boxes, it’s worth taking a moment to sort through your belongings. Deciding what not to put in storage can save you a surprising amount of money and hassle. This guide is designed to help you do just that. By decluttering before you store, you can often rent a smaller, more affordable unit and ensure you’re only paying to keep items that truly matter. At Make Space Storage, we believe in being an honest partner in your storage journey, and that starts with helping you make the smartest choices for your wallet and your space. We'll walk you through which items you should sell, donate, or discard. This practical advice will help you declutter before moving, streamline your packing process, and ultimately, save money on storage.

Why You Should Declutter Before Storing

The main benefit of decluttering is financial. The less you need to store, the smaller the storage unit you'll require, which directly lowers your monthly bill. For example, clearing out a few large furniture items could be the difference between needing a 10x10 unit and a more budget-friendly 5x10 unit. Over several months, those savings add up significantly. Beyond the cost savings, decluttering simplifies the entire moving and storage process. You'll spend less time and money on packing supplies, less effort hauling boxes, and have an easier time organizing and accessing items in your unit later on. Starting with a clean slate makes every step of the process smoother.

Things to Get Rid of Before Moving to Storage

To help you decide what to keep and what to let go of, we've broken down items into categories. As you go through your belongings, ask yourself: Is this useful? Is it valuable? Does it hold sentimental meaning? If the answer is no, it's probably time to part ways.

Items with Little Financial or Sentimental Value

These are often the easiest things to get rid of. They don't contribute much to your life but take up valuable space.

• Old Magazines and Newspapers: Unless they are rare collector's items, stacks of old periodicals just gather dust. Recycle them.
• Expired Products: Check your pantry, bathroom, and first-aid kits for expired food, cosmetics, and medications. These are unsafe to use and should be disposed of properly.
• Outdated Electronics and Media: Do you really need that box of old cables, chargers for phones you no longer own, or your collection of CDs and DVDs? Many of these items are obsolete and can be recycled at designated e-waste facilities across Canada.
• Worn-Out Linens and Towels: Towels that are no longer absorbent and bedding that has seen better days can be donated to local animal shelters or textile recycling programs.

Duplicates and "Just in Case" Items

Many of us hold onto duplicate items "just in case." Be honest with yourself about what you truly need.

• Kitchen Gadgets and Appliances: If you have three blenders or a collection of novelty mugs you never use, it's time to downsize. Keep your favourite and donate or sell the rest.
• Excess Furniture: That extra armchair in the basement or the spare mattress leaning against a wall are prime candidates for removal. If they haven’t been used in over a year, they likely won't be missed.
• Clothing You Never Wear: This is a big one. Go through your closet and be ruthless. If something doesn't fit, is out of style, or you simply don't feel good wearing it, let it go. A good rule of thumb is the one-year rule: if you haven't worn it in a year, you probably won't.

Valuables That Are Better Off Sold

Some items are too valuable to sit in storage, especially if you could use the extra cash.

• Designer Clothing and Accessories: High-end bags, shoes, and clothing in good condition can fetch a good price on consignment or online marketplaces like Poshmark or The RealReal.
• Collectibles and Antiques: If you're not passionate about a collection, it might be time to have it appraised and sold. This could include stamps, coins, or antique furniture that doesn't fit your current lifestyle.
• Unused Sporting Equipment: That treadmill doubling as a clothes rack or the set of golf clubs collecting dust could be valuable to someone else. Selling them can free up a lot of space and add to your budget.

A Simple 4-Step Decluttering Method

Feeling overwhelmed? Follow this simple method to make the process more manageable.

• Create Four Piles: Designate areas for four categories: Keep for Storage, Sell, Donate, and Discard.
• Tackle One Room at a Time: Don't try to do everything at once. Focus on one room, or even one small area like a single closet, to avoid burning out.
• Be Decisive: Try to make a quick decision on each item. If you’re really struggling, create a "Maybe" box, but limit its size. Revisit it once you've gone through everything else.
• Act Quickly: Once your piles are made, act on them. List items for sale online, drop off donations, and take out the trash. The faster you clear the clutter, the sooner you'll feel the relief.

Find the Right Storage Solution for What's Left

Once you have decluttered, you'll have a much clearer idea of what not to put in storage and how much space you actually need. This is the perfect time to find a storage unit that fits your remaining belongings and your budget. At Make Space Storage, we offer a wide range of unit sizes across Canada, so you'll never pay for more space than you need. Our friendly team can help you estimate the right size and choose a solution that works for you. By decluttering first, you ensure your storage experience is efficient, affordable, and stress-free. Ready to find your perfect unit? Contact us today, and let's make space for what truly matters.