Streamlining Your Storage

If you're hosting an event at your house and expect several people to be in attendance, you want your house to look its best. While it may be acceptable to surround yourself with reminders of past adventures and inherited furnishings, your belongings may look like clutter to your guests. When you want to declutter without spending a lot of time sorting and tossing, then rent a self-storage unit so you can minimize the furnishings in your home and make plenty of room for your guests. Here are a few tips that might help.

Rent Your Storage Unit for a Month

Storage units often provide monthly rentals with no long-term obligation. This makes renting one the perfect solution when you need to declutter for a weekend or important event. You may not even need climate control for such a short-term rental, but you'll want to keep an eye on the weather and consider climate control if you'll store electronics or delicate belongings. A month may seem like a long time, but that allows you to get your things in storage days before the event so you can spend the rest of the time cleaning and decorating. Then, you can take your time getting things back home and decide if you want to sort and toss as you bring boxes back in.

Put Select Furniture Pieces in Storage

Depending on the type of event you're hosting, you may want to move your large sofa and big chairs to the storage unit and then rent folding chairs so everyone will have a place to sit and so your room won't be cluttered and crowded. When many people get together, they often stand and mingle, so you'll want plenty of floor space too, and this could mean removing large furniture. While a sofa is comfy, it only holds a few people so it might not be the best use of your space.

Pack Up Personal Items

Buy a few inexpensive tote boxes with lids that snap tight for storing souvenirs, excess décor, and personal items. By getting rid of these for your event, your home seems larger and less crowded. Plus, it may look more stylish since a minimal look is popular. Also, by putting small items in storage, you don't have to worry about strangers handling your things and dropping or stealing them.

Pack Well Even Though It's for the Short Term

Everything you put in your storage unit should be prepared carefully so nothing is broken or damaged during the process. This might include wrapping fragile items and covering furniture with dust cloths. Your things may only be in storage for less than a month, but you don't want them to get mildewy or attract insects and dust. Be sure everything is dry, clean, and protected so it's ready to go back to its original place once your event has passed and you retrieve your belongings from storage.