There are few things I enjoy more as a professional home organizer than helping clients finally say goodbye to their storage units. While storage units can absolutely serve a short-term purpose, many people end up using them as a place to stash items they don’t want to deal with right now. Unfortunately, that delayed decision-making often comes with a monthly price tag and a lingering sense of stress.
In my experience, if you’re not actively using something in your home, moving it to a storage unit rarely makes it more useful. It simply moves the problem off-site. Out of sight does not mean out of mind. Your belongings are still there, quietly taking up mental space and costing you money. One of the most important mindset shifts I encourage is this: having a storage unit is not a solution – it’s a holding pattern.
The best way to approach a storage unit is with the goal to declutter, not reorganize it. Ask yourself honest questions as you sort: Do I use this? Do I love this? Does it support the life I want to live now? Items that truly serve you belong in your home where they can be part of your daily life, not boxed up and forgotten.
A common concern I hear is, “What if I get rid of something and need it later?” My response is usually, “What if you keep paying to store things you never end up using?” Replacing an item down the road often costs far less, financially and emotionally, than years of storage fees and ongoing stress.
Yes, you may uncover treasures along the way. If something brings value or joy, it deserves a place in your home. That may mean making thoughtful decisions about other items you own to create space. For things that are sentimental but impractical to keep, taking a photo can be a meaningful way to preserve the memory without holding onto the physical object.
Letting go has power. Donating items can help others, selling valuable pieces can offset costs and releasing what no longer serves you can bring incredible peace of mind.
And as always, if you’re feeling unsure about where to start or would love hands-on support, Smart Organizing Solutions is here to help. Learn more or book a session through my Contact Denver Professional Organizer | SOS Organizing page today. I know a storage unit can seem daunting, but if you’re ready to clear one out and eliminate that monthly bill, together, we’ll sort, declutter and make confident decisions so your belongings support your life, not weigh it down. I enjoy working with families throughout Denver, Central Park, Park Hill, Cherry Creek, Aurora and surrounding communities to declutter their homes, create customized organizing systems and build habits that make staying tidy feel manageable long term.