Declutter Day = Storage Companies?

When many people consider having a declutter day, they think that getting a storage unit will solve their clutter problems. Although, that is not usually the case. The only real solution for your clutter is to sort though items and decrease the amount of things that you have.

Self storage companies put commercials on television bragging about how they can provide you with a great solution for your clutter problem. Do not let them convince you that this is a great idea. It definitely is NOT a good idea. They entice you with great offers for your first months rental on the storage unit. Some companies offer $1 for the first month or even the first month free. Even if you intend to just utilize the storage for just 1 month, this in not the thing to do. What usually happens it that you end up leaving the items in there longer.

I speak from experience and have learned a valuable lesson. I was in the process of moving from one apartment to another and the new one was not going to be ready for about 2 weeks. Instead of sorting through the clutter and getting rid of some of my junk before I moved, I thought it was a great idea to get a storage unit temporarily (or so, I thought). I intended on getting the items out before the end of the month, but that did not happen.

As is the case with most people, once you put the stuff in storage, you tend to forget about it. Out of sight, out of mind. Then I always seemed to be too busy to go and sort through the stuff or get anything out. And of course, you can only go there when the place is open, which also limits the time you have to sort through the items. Then before you know it, you have been paying for the storage unit for over a year. The costs really add up. I realized that it would have made my life a lot easier if I had just sorted through everything before I moved. That way I could have just kept the items I really needed(not wanted)and downsized.

The storage companies already know that this is going to happen to most of the people who rent the units. They know that once people get the items into these units that they are going to keep them there for an extended period of time. That is what they are counting on. That is why they do everything they can to convince your to put your items there in the first place. They figure that if you were the type of person to sort through the items quickly, then you would have done so earlier and, therefore, would not have needed to store these items there to begin with.

I know, because I used to be that type of person myself. It is not easy to change and it is difficult for people to part with certain items, especially sentimental items. These companies know that when a person finds it hard to deal with all of the clutter (and the emotions that go along with it), that they can easily take advantage of their vulnerability and offer what appears to be an easy way out.

This only prolongs your agony. Try to avoid this trap at all costs. The money spent on a storage unit, each month, could be better spent on something else.

I'm not suggesting that you get rid of all of your mementos or family heirlooms. But I do suggest,that if you have some special items, that the best place for them is not in a storage unit. You should honor these items, by displaying them in your home, so that you can see them and appreciate them everyday. What is the sense of having these precious items if you cannot enjoy them.

I believe that everyone can learn to declutter their homes and their lives, you will be so happy that you did.

Maria is dedicated to helping people live a clutter free life. Discover strategies for getting organized and reducing clutter and stress in your life. For more on your declutter day or to sign up for our FREE 10-day mini course visit http://www.declutterprogram.com