It’s time to have a heart-to-heart about storage. We all have those items we cling to, thinking we'll need them someday. But let's be real, some things are just not worth the hassle (or the cost) of storing. If it doesn't tug at your heartstrings or come with a boatload of sentimental value, it's time to let that sh** go.
Here are some top offenders:
1. Bulky Furniture
Couches
Unless it's really nice like a designer piece or an heirloom, storing a couch is like paying rent for a ghost tenant. They take up a ton of space and the monthly storage fees can add up to more than the couch is worth.
Think about it. Even a moderately sized couch can take up around 70 cubic feet of storage space. At an average cost of $1 per cubic foot per month, you're looking at $840 a year to store a couch that might be worth $300.
Do the math, folks.
Dining Tables
Your massive dining table might have hosted some wild dinner parties or competitive games of Uno but storing it is a bad idea.
The cost to store it can quickly surpass its actual value. Plus, finding a place that fits it perfectly when you finally need it again? Good luck with that.
You'd be better off selling it now and buying a new one later.
2. Outdated Electronics
Old TVs
That massive, outdated TV might hold a special place in your heart but it's time to upgrade. Technology moves fast, and by the time you retrieve it from storage, it'll be obsolete and you'll have paid more in storage fees than it's worth. A 50-inch plasma TV from 2006, for instance, might have cost you $1,500 back in the day, but now it’s worth next to nothing.
Storing it for $20 a month doesn’t make sense.
Printers and Scanners
Unless you run a business, there's no need to store old printers and scanners. They become outdated quickly, and you'll likely find a better model for a fraction of what you spent on storage.
Besides, these items are often replaced by all-in-one devices that do a better job and take up less space.
Yeah, the need to hang on to things “just in case” is real. Trust me, you’ll feel much better when you let go.
3. Cheap Furniture
IKEA Specials
We all love a good IKEA hack but storing those cheap, flat-pack wonders isn't cost-effective. They're affordable to replace, and the storage costs will far exceed their initial price. That $50 IKEA bookshelf isn’t worth $200 in storage fees over a couple of years.
4. Old Clothes
Fashion Fads
This one trips a lot of people up. We all have that pile of clothes we swear we'll wear again once they come back in style.
But if they haven't seen the light of day in a year, it's time to donate. Storing clothes you never wear is a waste of space and money. Plus, by decluttering your wardrobe, you’ll make room for new clothes you’re actually excited about wearing.
5. Books and Magazines
Stacks of Paperbacks
Unless you're storing first editions or rare finds, storing books is not cost-effective. They take up a lot of space, and the storage fees can easily exceed their value. Plus, most books are available digitally now. Do you really need to keep that stack of old magazines you never read anymore?
Keep the ones you can’t let go of and donate the rest.
6. Broken or Damaged Items
Stuff You're "Gonna Fix"
Oh yes, the little home projects you’ve been talking about fixing for three years now. You know damn well that most of it will never see a screwdriver.
If it's broken and has been sitting around for more than six months, it's time to let it go.
Fixing it might cost more than it's worth, and you'll be saving yourself the cost of storing it in the meantime.
7. Old Mattresses
Saving a Mattress for your Future Guest Bedroom
Storing an old mattress is like inviting a vampire to a daytime picnic—it’s just a bad idea. These space hogs are notorious for becoming breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and that mystery smell you can't quite place. And let's be honest, they don't get better with age.
Think about it: You’re paying for a mattress graveyard. That twin mattress from your college dorm is costing you $20 a month to store, and in a year, you've spent $240 on something you wouldn’t sleep on even if you were paid.
Save yourself the headache and the storage fees—donate it, recycle it, or give it a Viking funeral. Your back will thank you.
8. Sentimental But Non-Essential Items
Old Toys and Baby Gear
Sure, those baby clothes and toys hold memories, but storing them isn't practical unless you plan on using them again soon. Pick a few sentimental pieces and donate the rest.
Otherwise, you’re just paying to store nostalgia.
9. Office Supplies
Old Files and Papers
With everything going digital, there's no need to store boxes of old paperwork. Scan important documents and shred the rest. You'll save money and reduce clutter.
Question, when was the last time you actually needed that invoice from 2012?
10. Kitchen Gadgets
Unused Appliances
That bread maker you used once? The juicer you bought after reading about the “20 lbs. Down Juice Diet” that’s now just collecting dust?
Storing these items isn't worth it.
If you haven't used it in the last six months, it's time to part ways. These gadgets take up valuable space and cost you money to keep around.
Additional Tips for Smart Storage
Evaluate Before Storing
Before you decide to store something, evaluate its actual value and replacement cost. If it's cheaper to replace than to store, it's not worth keeping.
Declutter Regularly
Make it a habit to declutter regularly. This will help you stay on top of what you really need and what you can let go of. A good rule of thumb is if you haven't used it in the past year, you probably don't need it.
Consider the Environmental Impact
Storing items you don't need not only costs you money but also has an environmental impact. By reducing the amount of stuff you store, you're also reducing your carbon footprint.
Donate and Sell
Instead of storing items, consider donating or selling them. This way, someone else can use them, and you can avoid the storage costs altogether.
Look Into Storage Alternatives
Companies like Juujbox are perfect for people who need a safe space to store important items without renting an entire storage unit. We offer affordable prices as well as pick up and delivery options if you're in San Diego.
The Wrap-Up
When it comes to storage, less is more. Evaluate the true value of your items before deciding to store them. If it's not worth the cost, let it go.
Happy decluttering!
