These Are the Signs You Need to Invest in a Storage Unit, According to a Professional Organizer

Professional organizer Amanda Titchenal rarely approves of her clients investing in a storage unit—but there are exceptions to every rule. The founder of full-service organizing firm Well Organized spends her days refolding or rehanging garments, helping empty nesters prep for a future downsize, or simply decluttering and freeing up more space in people’s homes. In specific and somewhat rare circumstances, she’ll suggest moving items into storage.

The reality is, storage units are pricey. Depending on the size, location, and type, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $1,000 per month. With this in mind, Titchenal encourages clients to ensure they’re selecting valuable (or truly invaluable) pieces worth stowing off-site. 

Below, the cases that have Titchenal’s seal of approval for bonus storage.

You’re Preparing for a Remodel or Future Move

Most of it comes down to whether you’ll need storage for a fixed period or as a long-term solution, and how much you’re willing to spend. For short-term needs, like an upcoming move or remodel, stick with an exterior storage unit you can drive up to for easy loading and unloading, or order hire a company like PODS. These are more affordable than interior, temperature-controlled units and more convenient for your moving team. 

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“Make sure the stuff going in storage is really items you’re going to keep and reuse at your new place,” Titchenal adds. “A lot of our clients are going through remodels and living in a furnished or smaller rental for six months to a year, and they don’t need to bring everything they own.” 

Even though a storage unit can take the pressure off temporarily, you want to save yourself from another organization session once you get to your new home. “If your furniture isn’t going to fit into the new space or you don’t like it anymore, there’s no sense in storing it,” she says. 

And, just in case your remodel or move takes longer than planned (an all-too-common occurrence), keep any perishables like food out of storage.

You Have a Lot of Memorabilia 

There are some things you just can’t purge and part with. For the ultra-sentimental, Titchenal says it’s OK to relocate your special keepsakes if they’re creating too much clutter in your home. Some of her clients are professional athletes or work in the entertainment industry, and have trophies and other memorabilia burdening their homes. The key here? Titchenal encourages clients to limit the storage space to that specific category. “It’s a slippery slope,” she says.

…or Oversized Holiday Decor

Same goes for the most wonderful time of the year. “We have clients who use storage units solely for holiday decor,” Titchenal says. “A lot of people have a lot of large items and they don’t want it taking up space in their home.”

You’re a Host with the Most

If you host big parties a few times per year, Titchenal says to consider storing bulky items like heaters and folding tables elsewhere. It doesn’t make sense to leave occasionally used pieces in your garage or a closet in your home year-round. 

You Run a Business Out of Your Home

Many of Titchenal’s clients run small businesses and keep inventory stocked at home, which is another solid reason to get storage. 

“You really want your home to hold the stuff you use regularly and not a storage place,” Titchenal says. “If you have limited space and you need to get storage, make sure your storage is for specific purposes and not just a place to dump things to deal with later.”

Long-term storage for memorabilia, occasional decor, and business inventory are well-suited for the more expensive, secure environment provided by an interior storage unit. Plus, you need to treat it like any other room in your home and keep everything organized and off the ground. Titchenal typically purchases Clear Weathertight Totes from The Container Store and stacks them in these storage shelving units.

“Think of it as an extension of your garage,” she says. “You should be able to walk in, see what you need, and grab it.”

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