10 most common things that people store away

Are you among numerous Seattleites tripping over clutter or struggling to find space for new purchases in your home? You’re not alone. As we accumulate more belongings, the need for extra storage becomes increasingly important. This PortaBox Storage guide will walk you through the top ten most common things that people store away, explaining why we choose to store them and how you can make the most of your storage space. Ready to transform your cluttered home into a serene sanctuary?

Why do people store these items most often?

Several factors contribute to why people decide to store certain items. The primary reasons include lack of space, the need to preserve items in good condition, and the desire to keep belongings organized. Seasonal changes, lifestyle transitions such as moving or downsizing, and special circumstances like home renovations also play significant roles. So, why are these items more frequently stored than others?

1. Furniture: People often store old or excess furniture, such as couches, tables, and chairs, that they don’t currently need but don’t want to dispose of.
2. Clothing: Seasonal clothing like winter coats or summer outfits free up space in wardrobes.
3. Appliances: Items such as refrigerators, microwaves, and other home appliances, especially if they are duplicates or not currently in use.
4. Children’s Items: Toys, baby gear, and other outgrown children’s items are stored for future use or sentimental value.
5. Electronics: Items like televisions, computers, and gaming systems go to storage when not in use.
6. Tools and Equipment: Gardening tools, power tools, and other equipment free up space in garages and sheds.
7. Outdoor Equipment: Items used for outdoor activities, including bicycles, camping gear, and gardening tools, are commonly stored, especially during off-seasons.
8. Holiday Decorations: Seasonal decorations are often stored in Seattle mini storage to avoid cluttering the home during off-season months.
9. Books and Media: People often store collections of books, music records, CDs, DVDs, and other media that they don’t frequently use but want to keep.
10. Gym Equipment: Exercise equipment like treadmills, weights, and bikes can be stored in a unit to save space in the home.

Whether you’re moving, downsizing, or simply decluttering, storage units offer a practical solution to keep your living space organized!

Furniture

If you have old or excess furniture cluttering your home, consider storing it. Furniture such as couches, tables, and chairs often takes up a lot of space, especially if you’re moving, renovating, or downsizing. When storing furniture, disassemble large pieces to save space and reduce the risk of damage. Use furniture covers or old blankets to protect from dust and scratches, but avoid plastic wrap directly on wooden furniture to prevent moisture buildup.

Clothing

Storing seasonal clothing helps free up valuable closet space. Items such as winter coats, summer dresses, and other seasonal wear are not needed year-round, so storing them keeps your wardrobe organized and accessible. Use wardrobe boxes to keep clothes on hangers, preventing wrinkles and damage. Vacuum-seal bags can save space and protect items from moisture and pests.

Appliances

Storing large home appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, and other home appliances can save space in your home and keep them in good condition for future use. Clean and dry appliances thoroughly before storing them to prevent mold and odors. Use protective covers and store upright to prevent damage. Temperature-controlled storage options will protect appliances with sensitive electronic components from temperature fluctuations.

Children’s items

Toys, baby gear, and other children’s items that are outgrown but kept for future use or sentimental value are frequently stored. This is especially common for families planning to have more children or wanting to preserve items for future generations. Store items in clear, labeled bins for easy identification. Use durable, sealed containers to protect from dust and pests. Ensure all items are clean and dry before storing childhood toys and memorabilia, and think about using portable storage pods for easy access and flexibility.

Electronics

Items like televisions, computers, and gaming systems are well-protected in storage when not in use. This is particularly common during moves or when upgrading equipment. If possible, store electronics in their original packaging, as it provides the best protection. If original packaging is not available, use bubble wrap and sturdy boxes. Label boxes with the contents and handle them carefully. Temperature-controlled storage units are ideal for electronics to protect against temperature extremes and humidity, which can damage sensitive components.

Tools and equipment

Household tools, gardening equipment, and gym gear are placed in storage units to free up space in garages and sheds. These items are typically not used every day, making storage an ideal solution. Clean and oil tools before storing to prevent rust. Use pegboards or tool chests to organize small tools. On-demand mobile storage containers Seattle offers allow for easy access to tools and equipment when needed.

Outdoor equipment

Items used for outdoor activities, including bicycles, camping gear, and gardening tools, are commonly found in storage, especially during off-seasons. Storing these items helps keep garages and storage sheds organized. Clean and dry all equipment before storing it to prevent rust and mildew. Utilize durable storage containers for small items and hang larger items like bicycles to save space.

Holiday decorations

Seasonal decorations are among the most common things that people store because they take up a lot of space and are only used for a few weeks each year. Storing these items helps keep them in good condition and reduces clutter in your home during the off-season. Pack them in sturdy, labeled bins to organize decorations by holiday. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or tissue paper to prevent breakage.

Books and media

Books, music records, CDs, DVDs, and other media often hold sentimental value and can be difficult to part with. Storing these items allows you to keep your collections without taking up space in your home. Use acid-free boxes and tissue paper to store books and prevent yellowing. For records and CDs, use specialized storage containers to keep them organized and protected.

Gym equipment

Storing gym equipment like treadmills, weights, and bikes can free up valuable space in your home. Many people store these items to keep their living areas or garages organized and clutter-free. For wrapping, use protective covers for larger machines and store weights in sturdy containers.

The benefits of understanding your storage needs

Ready to maximize your living space and reduce clutter? Effective storage solutions can help protect your belongings and enhance your lifestyle. For example, storing bulky items like furniture, seasonal clothing, and holiday decorations creates a more organized environment. Temperature-controlled units and hiring professional packers when storing are perfect for safeguarding sensitive items such as electronics and books from damage.

On-demand storage containers offer flexibility during moves, making the process smoother. Finally, preserving sentimental items and other common things that people store securely ensures their longevity. To sum up, adopting these strategies declutters your home, contributing to a more relaxed living space and making it easier to access your belongings whenever you need them again.