1. Seasonal Items

One of the largest sources of clutter in a home is seasonal items. For example, Christmas ornaments or Halloween lawn decorations can take up a great deal of space in your utility closet or garage. Cleaning and maintaining a home can be challenging. The more stuff you have, the more maintenance it requires. Additionally, items that are left untouched for a year at a time are perfect nesting places for pests like cockroaches or spiders. While not everyone has an insect phobia, it is safe to say everyone would prefer that their belongings were not transformed into cockroach motels while not in use.

Many people store their holiday items in the garage or attic in cardboard boxes. This practice leaves your possessions vulnerable to moisture damage, especially for those living in high-humidity environments, like the coastal South. A storage unit can be climate controlled, meaning your items will be protected by regulated temperature and humidity levels no matter what time of year it is. Additionally, your items will be safe from pesky insects because storage units are regularly subjected to pest control measures.

2. Hobby Equipment

Hobbies are an excellent way to get away from your daily life and unwind. Whether your hobby is kayaking or backpacking through the wilderness, it likely requires quite a bit of preparation to execute. For example, you will need to own protective tarps, equipment, and clothing for road trips, like hiking boots and heavy rain gear. These possessions can be a hassle to maintain, not to mention their large size.

Unfortunately, the last thing you want to do after returning from a road trip is unpack and organize all your equipment. A storage facility can free up much-needed space in your home and make returning from a road trip much easier. Instead of rummaging around in the attic for your tent stakes, you’ll be able to stop at your storage facility on the way out and grab all your road trip essentials from one place. A self-storage unit is a great option for someone who enjoys road trips or outdoor excursions because you can purchase and maintain your own gear instead of renting.

Some facilities offer 24 hour storage units, so you don’t have to worry about being unable to access your equipment for a spur-of-the-moment trip. Twenty-four-hour access allows you to be as spontaneous as you like, without the added upkeep and reduced space that comes along with owning road trip equipment. All you have to worry about is bringing enough toiletries in your backpack. Your 24 hour storage unit can take care of the rest.

3. Vintage or Delicate Possessions

There are some possessions that have sentimental value. Often, these items were passed down through generations. Vintage items like furs and jewelry require meticulous storage conditions. It is never a good idea to leave older, delicate possessions in storage options that are subjected to external elements, like extreme heat and humidity. Most old clothing, like furs, wool, or cashmere, is vulnerable to moths.

Moth larvae feed on clothing and can create holes in expensive garments. For this reason, some people use mothballs to deter pests. A downside to using mothballs (other than the fact that they are toxic to humans and pets) is that they have a pungent odor, which can cling to your belongings and permeate your storage space. Using a storage unit that has climate control and pest control can help you store and maintain your valuable heirlooms, mitigating the risk for harmful external factors.

Whether you have hobby equipment, family artifacts, or a plethora of holiday cheer, a storage unit can help keep it all organized, safe, and out of your way. The right storage unit for your needs will be determined by what you put in it. Consider the personal items you will be storing when choosing a storage facility. Above all else, the biggest factor in utilizing a storage unit is protection.