7 Reasons Why You May Need a Self Storage Unit

A row of self storage units at a drive-up storage facility.

Do you have too much stuff for too little space? Whether it’s household clutter, valuable business inventory, or the entire contents of your home during a move, renting a self storage unit can be a secure and accessible solution. Overflow Garage offers several options for self storage at our storage facilities across the south. 

This helpful guide will explain the benefits of using a self storage unit during a home renovation, move, or other major life transition. We’ll also explore the practical convenience of investing in a secure place to keep things throughout the year, especially if you live in a home where space comes at a premium.

1. You’re Decluttering Your Living Space

Potentially, the most common benefit of renting a self storage unit is that it allows you to take advantage of decluttering strategies for downsizing your home. Over time, your living space naturally becomes filled with items you no longer use regularly but still want to keep, such as old clothes or sentimental items. Moving these items into storage allows you to live in a more clean and orderly environment.

In fact, decluttering isn’t just about tidying up—it can also positively impact your mental health. Multiple academic studies have shown that cutting clutter out of your space reduces feelings of stress and irritation while also keeping you productive and focused. Renting a storage unit gives you these benefits without the burden of throwing or giving things away.

2. You’re Moving (Far or Near)

Moving can be a lot to handle, especially if you’re transporting multiple people’s possessions. This leads many people to rent a storage unit while moving to easily manage the logistics of such a major life change, whether moving into a one-person apartment or a large house.

If you’re moving a long distance, having a storage unit allows you to hire movers (or drive your truck yourself) to transport your things ahead of time so you can settle into your new home at your own pace. If you’re moving within the same city, you can gradually move your stuff in and out of your unit as your schedule allows instead of scrambling to get everything moved in one or two days. You can also keep your belongings in one of our units between your homes if you have to wait before getting your new keys.

A home during a major renovation with the whole floor torn up.

3. You’re Renovating Your Home

Home renovations are an exciting endeavor, but they come at the cost of flipping your living space upside down. During a remodel, things like furniture, appliances, and personal items often need to be moved out of the way. You don’t want the rest of your home to be overflowing with these things, leading many people to rent a self storage unit for temporary storage.

One of the main benefits of using a storage unit during a home renovation is the protection it offers from dust, debris, and damage that often accompanies renovation projects. Whether you’re remodeling a single room or undergoing a full-home renovation, having a self storage unit ensures your possessions remain out of harm’s way until your home is looking brand new.

4. You’re Downsizing as Empty Nesters

Downsizing your home is a major lifestyle change that many people embrace, particularly empty nesters who no longer need as much space once their kids have moved out. While moving into a smaller home can be beneficial, it comes with the challenge of figuring out what to do with all the extra belongings you’ve accumulated over the years that you don’t want to donate or throw out.

Renting affordable self storage options for small apartments or homes lets you keep the memorable crafts your kids made, family heirlooms that have been passed down for generations, and anything else that doesn’t fit in your new home. It can also help with decluttering strategies for downsizing your home, as it gives you the time and space to sort through your possessions without feeling pressured to make quick decisions about what to keep.

5. You’re a Business Owner or Entrepreneur

Small business owners and entrepreneurs often rely on self storage for additional space to store excess supplies and resources. If you own a company or side hustle, you may not have the budget or need for a full-sized warehouse, but a self storage unit can provide the extra room required for growth.

Online shops and other retail businesses can store products, seasonal inventory, or promotional materials like signs in storage units. Meanwhile, service-based companies like contractors or landscapers can use storage units to house tools and equipment. By having a secure storage space for these extra items, you can operate more efficiently and keep your workspace clutter-free.

A woman and her daughter move her out of her college apartment.

6. You’re a College Student

College students often face the challenge of moving back and forth between home and school at the beginning and end of each semester or school year. For students attending out-of-state colleges—or studying abroad at an international university—it’s not always practical to transport everything back home during break.

Renting temporary self storage solutions for college students near campus allows you to store everything from large furniture to clothing and books as you enjoy your time away from school. It’ll also save you the trouble of driving everything home in a jam-packed car.

7. You’re Looking for a Place To Park

Storage facilities aren’t just for boxes and furniture. Many locations also offer outdoor or covered parking spaces for vehicles, boats, and RVs. If you don’t have the space to park your recreational vehicle at home or your neighborhood has restrictions on street parking, a self storage facility can be a great alternative home.

In addition to RVs and boats, storage units are also ideal for Jet Skis, motorcycles, and other vehicles that may not be used regularly. Storing these in a secure facility can protect them from weather damage and theft, so they’re ready for your next adventure.

What Size Storage Unit Do I Need?

Choosing the right storage unit size depends on what you plan to store. Storage units come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from small 5×5 units that are perfect for boxes and seasonal items to larger 10×20 and 10×30 units that can hold the contents of an entire home.

To determine the size you need, start by taking an inventory of what you plan to store. If you only need space for a few boxes, a smaller unit should suffice. If you’re storing furniture, appliances, or other large items, you’ll likely need more space. You can also use Overflow Garage’s storage calculator tool to determine how much space you need to rent.

Rent Secure Storage from Overflow Garage

Whatever your situation may be, Overflow Garage is a dependable choice when you need to rent a self storage unit. We offer a wide variety of options for secure self storage at our facilities with locations in Texas and Oklahoma. You can rely on us to provide you with a clean and accessible storage unit you can use to handle whatever life throws your way. Contact us today with any questions!

More From Overflow Garage

Find a Unit Right for You Today!

Reserve Now