StorWise Self Storage News & Blog

The Psychology of Clutter: Why We Hold Onto Things and How to Let Go

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Decluttering blog post

Have you ever looked around your home and noticed the piles of things you’ve accumulated over the years? It could be a closet full of clothes you no longer wear, stacks of books gathering dust, or sentimental keepsakes from every chapter of your life. While having a few cherished items is normal, excessive clutter can creep into our lives and weigh us down more than we realize—both physically and mentally.But why is it so hard to let go of stuff, even when we know we no longer need it? To understand this, we need to explore the psychology behind clutter. Why Do We Hold Onto Clutter? Sentimental AttachmentMany of the objects we hold onto are tied to special memories. We fear that letting go of these items will mean losing a part of ourselves or the emotions tied to those memories. Whether it’s your child’s first drawing or a gift from a friend, these objects often represent moments in time we don’t want to forget. Fear of Scarcity or Future NeedWe’ve all heard ourselves say, “I might need this someday.” The fear of needing something later drives us to hold onto things "just in case." This mindset stems from a scarcity mentality, which often leads us to stockpile items that rarely, if ever, see the light of day. Identity and Self-WorthWe often assign value to objects based on how they reflect who we are. Whether it’s a hobby-related item, a piece of furniture from a past home, or items that align with a certain self-image, it’s easy to feel like letting go of possessions is letting go of a part of our identity. We attach meaning to these things, making it harder to part with them. Avoidance and Decision FatigueDecluttering requires making decisions, and decision-making can be mentally exhausting. When faced with a room full of things, our brain often says, "I’ll deal with it later." Procrastination and avoidance are natural responses to the emotional and cognitive labor of sorting through years of belongings. The Impact ...


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October 18th, 2024

Maximizing Your Storage Unit: Tips from Professional Organizers

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Maximizing Your Storage Unit

Whether you're downsizing, moving, or just in need of extra space, a storage unit can be a game-changer for keeping your belongings safe and organized. However, it's easy to lose track of what you’ve stored and how to make the most of your unit. That’s where professional organizers come in! We’ve gathered top-tier tips from the pros to help you maximize your storage space, maintain order, and find what you need without stress. 1. Plan Before You Pack Before you even start moving things into your storage unit, spend time planning how you want to use the space. Professional organizers recommend sketching a layout or mentally dividing your storage unit into sections for different categories (e.g., furniture, clothing, seasonal items). This will help prevent your unit from becoming a chaotic pile of boxes and will make retrieving items a breeze. Tip: Leave a pathway through the center of the unit so you can easily access items stored in the back. 2. Use Vertical Space Don’t forget that your storage unit offers vertical space as well! Stack boxes, bins, or containers carefully, with heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Invest in shelving units to take advantage of the height of your storage unit, creating easy-to-access layers for smaller items. Tip: Clear, stackable bins are your best friend! They allow you to see what’s inside without unpacking everything. 3. Label Everything Clearly The key to keeping your storage unit organized is knowing what’s in each box. Professional organizers advise labeling all sides of your containers so no matter how you stack them, you’ll know what's inside. Use a clear labeling system, like color-coded labels for different rooms or categories, to easily locate what you need. Tip: Create a master inventory list on your phone or a spreadsheet with all the contents of your unit and their exact locations. This way, you can find what you need in seconds. 4. Disassemble Large Items Bulky items like furniture take up valuable space, so try ...


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September 25th, 2024

Essential Guide to Estate Planning: Securing Your Legacy

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In the labyrinth of financial planning, estate planning stands tall as a critical cornerstone. Yet, it remains a topic often overlooked or deferred until later years. However, the essence of estate planning lies not just in preparing for the inevitable, but also in ensuring the well-being of loved ones and the preservation of your legacy. In this blog post, we unravel the significance of estate planning and shed light on why it's paramount for everyone, regardless of age or wealth.Understanding Estate Planning:Estate planning encompasses a spectrum of legal and financial arrangements designed to manage an individual's assets during their lifetime and after death. At its core, it involves drafting documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to dictate how your assets should be distributed, who should manage them, and how your healthcare decisions should be made if you become incapacitated.The Importance of Estate Planning: Protecting Your Loved Ones: Estate planning isn't just about divvying up your assets. It's about safeguarding your family's financial future. By clearly outlining your wishes, you spare your loved ones the burden of making difficult decisions during times of grief. Proper planning ensures that your assets are distributed according to your desires, minimizing conflicts among beneficiaries. Minimizing Tax Burden: Thoughtful estate planning can help minimize the tax burden on your estate, allowing more of your assets to pass to your heirs rather than to the government. Techniques such as establishing trusts, gifting strategies, and charitable donations can all play a role in reducing estate taxes. Preserving Your Legacy: Your estate represents more than just monetary value. It holds the story of your life, your values, and your accomplishments. Through estate planning, you can preserve this legacy by specifying how you want your assets to be used to benefit future generations or charitable causes that are close to your heart. Planning for Incapacity: A comprehensive estate plan doesn't just address what happens after you pass away; it also plans for the possibility of incapacity during your ...


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March 25th, 2024

Tips To Help You Be A Snowbird On A Budget

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Being a snowbird on a budget requires careful planning and resourcefulness. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the snowbird lifestyle without breaking the bank: Choose Affordable Locations: Look for destinations with lower living costs, such as smaller towns or rural areas, instead of popular tourist spots. Consider areas with affordable housing options and lower taxes. Rent Instead of Buy: Instead of purchasing a second home, consider renting a property for the duration of your stay. Renting can be more cost-effective and flexible, allowing you to explore different locations without the long-term commitment. Timing Matters: Travel during the off-peak season to take advantage of lower rental rates and travel expenses. Prices for accommodations and amenities may be significantly lower during the shoulder seasons compared to peak tourist times. Budget-Friendly Accommodations: Look for budget-friendly accommodations such as vacation rentals, Airbnb, or RV parks. Consider alternatives like house-sitting or caretaking opportunities, which may offer free or discounted lodging in exchange for services. Travel Discounts: Use travel rewards programs, discounts, and deals to save on transportation costs. Look for discounted flights, rental cars, or public transportation options. Consider driving instead of flying if it's more cost-effective. Cook Your Meals: Save money on dining expenses by cooking your meals instead of eating out. Rent accommodations with kitchen facilities or bring along a portable stove for camping or RV trips. Shop at local markets or grocery stores for affordable ingredients. Limit Entertainment Expenses: Enjoy free or low-cost entertainment options such as hiking, birdwatching, biking, or visiting local parks and beaches. Take advantage of community events, festivals, and cultural activities that offer free admission or discounted tickets. Healthcare Considerations: Research healthcare options in your destination area and consider factors like access to affordable medical services, health insurance coverage, and prescription medication availability. Downsize and Simplify: Before heading south for the winter, declutter and downsize your possessions to reduce storage costs and simplify your lifestyle. Consider storing or donating items you no longer need on s regular basis to save on moving expenses. Stay Flexible: ...


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February 15th, 2024

Spring Cleaning

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Spring cleaning and self-storage often go hand in hand. As the weather warms up and people feel the urge to declutter and organize their homes, self-storage becomes a popular option for items that are not frequently used but are still valuable or sentimental enough to keep. Here are some tips for incorporating both spring cleaning and self-storage into your organizational efforts: Assess Your Belongings: Start by going through your belongings room by room. Decide what you want to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. Be honest with yourself about what you really need and use. Declutter: Get rid of items that you no longer need or use. This could include old clothes, broken items, or duplicates. Decluttering will not only free up space but also make your storage unit more organized. Organize: Invest in storage solutions such as bins, shelves, and organizers to maximize space and keep things tidy. Group similar items together and label boxes for easy identification. Prioritize: Determine which items you need regular access to and which can be safely stored away. Seasonal items like winter clothes or holiday decorations are perfect candidates for self-storage. Choose the Right Storage Unit: Select a self-storage facility that meets your needs in terms of location, size, security, and climate control. Make sure the unit is clean and well-maintained. Pack Carefully: When packing items for storage, use sturdy boxes and packing materials to protect fragile items. Fill boxes to capacity to prevent them from collapsing and stack them neatly to maximize space. Create a System: Keep a list or inventory of items you've placed in storage, along with their location within the unit. This will make it easier to find things later on. Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular visits to your storage unit to check on your belongings and make sure everything is in order. Use these visits as an opportunity to reorganize or declutter if necessary. By combining spring cleaning with self-storage, you can not only declutter your home but also create a more organized living space. Plus, having ...


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February 13th, 2024

Self Storage and Taxes

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When it comes to self-storage and tax season, there are a few considerations to keep in mind: Deductibility of Storage Expenses: In some cases, you may be able to deduct the cost of self-storage as a business expense on your taxes. This is typically applicable if you use the storage unit for business purposes. However, personal storage expenses are generally not deductible. Business Use of Storage: If you run a business and use the storage unit to store business-related items, such as inventory or equipment, you may be eligible for a tax deduction. Make sure to keep accurate records and consult with a tax professional to determine the specifics based on your situation. Moving Expenses: If you're using self-storage as part of a move for work purposes, you might be eligible for certain deductions related to moving expenses. This could include the cost of the storage unit during the move. Document and Keep Records: Regardless of the purpose of using self-storage, it's important to keep detailed records of your expenses. This includes rental agreements, receipts, and any communication related to the storage unit. These documents will be essential if you need to provide evidence during a tax audit. Consult with a Tax Professional: Tax laws can be complex and subject to change. It's advisable to consult with a tax professional who can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and the current tax regulations. Remember that tax laws can vary by location, so it's important to consider the regulations applicable to your specific jurisdiction. ...


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January 24th, 2024

Tips for Moving in Winter

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Moving in winter can present some unique challenges due to the weather conditions. Here are some tips to make the process easier: Plan Ahead: Check the weather forecast and plan your moving day accordingly. Try to pick a day with the mildest weather possible. Dress Appropriately: Layer up with warm, waterproof clothing, gloves, hats, and sturdy, waterproof boots to stay comfortable and dry. Prepare the Pathways: Clear snow, ice, and debris from driveways, walkways, and entrances at both your old and new home. Spread salt or ice melt to prevent slips and falls. Protect Your Belongings: Use sturdy, waterproof packing materials to protect your items from moisture. Plastic bins or heavy-duty plastic bags can be more resistant to snow and moisture than cardboard boxes. Wrap Furniture: Cover your furniture with blankets or plastic wrap to shield it from snow, moisture, and damage during transport. Keep Essentials Accessible: Pack a separate box or bag with essentials like warm clothes, snacks, toiletries, and important documents. Keep it easily accessible during the move. Utility Preparation: Make sure utilities are turned on at your new place before you move in, so you have a warm environment immediately upon arrival. Hire Professionals: Consider hiring professional movers experienced in winter conditions. They'll have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle the challenges. Use Proper Equipment: If you're moving on your own, ensure you have the right equipment for snow removal, like shovels and snowblowers, to clear paths and driveways. Take Breaks: Moving in winter can be physically demanding, especially in cold weather. Take breaks indoors to warm up and stay hydrated. Protect Yourself: Be cautious of slippery surfaces to avoid accidents. Take your time and prioritize safety over rushing through the process. Backup Plan: Have a backup plan in case weather conditions worsen unexpectedly. Be flexible with your moving date if needed. Use Storage: Rent a storage unit to store nonessencial items to move when the weather is more accomidating. By preparing well in advance and taking precautions for the weather, you can make your winter move smoother and ...


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December 6th, 2023

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