It can be tough to let go of things we’ve held onto for a long time, even if we don’t need them anymore. But what do you do when you have too much stuff and nowhere to put it? You could try storage units, but they can be expensive and inconvenient. The best solution is often to find safe and secure ways to store your old stuff at home or away from home. Here are some of the best tips for safely keeping old stuff you don’t want to throw away.

1. Storage Rental

While most people think of storage units when they think of storing old stuff, there are other options for renting out storage space. For example, if you don’t have a lot of stuff that needs to be stored, you could check out local garage sales or online classifieds and rent a room or two from someone with extra space. When looking for storage space for rent, consider features like climate control, security features, and insurance coverage in case of theft or damage. Climate-controlled storage provides an environment where the temperature and humidity are carefully regulated to ensure optimal preservation of your belongings over time.

2. Pack Your Items Properly

When storing items at home or away, make sure they’re properly packed and labeled. Use breathable materials like cardboard or plastic bins with lids to prevent dust buildup and damage from moisture. Label each box or container clearly so you can easily find what you need later. If possible, use acid-free containers and tissue paper for antiques and other fragile items to protect them against decay. Also, if the items are of sentimental value, consider using archival boxes or sleeves with less acidic material that won’t degrade over time.

3. Make a List

It may be difficult to keep track of all your possessions when you have multiple storage locations, but it’s important to remember what you have and where it’s stored. Take the time to make a list of all the items that you keep in storage and note their locations. You can use this list when budgeting for storage rental or other costs, as well as keeping track of your things so they don’t get lost. For example, if you put something in a storage unit, make sure you keep track of the address and contact information for the facility in case you need to access it again.

4. Insurance

When renting out storage space, make sure you are aware of any insurance coverage offered through your rental agreement. It’s always a good idea to invest in additional insurance if necessary -that way, you won’t have to worry about unexpected expenses if something happens to your items while they’re stored away. Talk with the storage provider to get an understanding of their exact policies and procedures so that there are no surprises down the road.

Storing your old stuff doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Take your time when researching different options for storing old stuff so that you can make an informed decision about what works best for you. And never forget to make a list of all your items in storage and their locations - it will help save you time and energy if something ever goes wrong.