NYC Living: Reducing Clutter - Storage as an Alternative

while most in suburbia use basements as storage, if you’re from the Empire State - New York you’ve often wondered where you would store all that extra stuff we too often collect. I've learned that to survive NYC clutter, its best to invest in self storage units. You might have seen the various signs and listings of different self storage centers but how do you pick which storage center to use and what to pack in your storage unit?

Before you begin to move stuff into your storage units, remember, unless your storage facility is brand new, people have probably used your storage unit before - so clean it out!

Here are some tips:

1.Store your off season clothing. Things like those big over-sized coats, but make sure to clean them professionally before storing. Bugs are attracted to food and sweat stains. In a storage facility, you won’t be monitoring your items on a consistent basis – so make sure you won’t be attracting moths and other clothes chewing insects.  You can use a clear vinyl canvas clothes closet to properly store them.


2. Bikes and other seasonal items. Bikes aren't used all year round but they take up loads of space - especially in NYC apartments. Take that bike, scooter, skateboard, - all to your storage unit and pack them away when the weather gets too cold to be outdoors for long periods of time.


3. Suitcases and other travel paraphernalia  Suitcases are ideal for travel but can clutter any hallway and bulk up any closet. This is another item that should be taken to the self-storage center.


4. Memorabilia. Finding storage for your prized memorabilia can also be very daunting. You want to display them but you can’t put everything out on display. Take the items and place them into clear plastic bins - labeled and sealed.


5. Bulky Appliances. That juicer that your sister in law gave you as a wedding gift would be the items that would be a good idea to store.  You might want to place in storage until you own your own home.


Rule of thumb:

Make sure you take inventory of everything in your self-storage unit and that your boxes are carefully labeled in a very detailed manner. The frustration when looking for something in your storage unit and without labels – can be tenfold when you have no idea where you don’t remember where you packed the roller skates and it’s a warm beautiful day out!

Renting a storage unit is a great way to keep your apartment uncluttered but make sure you keep it as organized as you would your own home!