To Store Or Not To Store….

The first ever self- serve storage facility was built in 1958 in Fort Lauderdale. For a few decades, storage facilities were a novelty, acknowledged by most and used by few. Then, came the 1990s when we simply couldn’t keep up with the demand for remote storage space. From 2000 to 2005, 3,000 new storage facilities were built each year in the United States alone.  

Today’s population is not only more mobile than ever before, but we own more things. From electronics to furniture, and a whole lifetime’s worth of memorabilia it’s not a wonder that storage lockers are more important than ever before. Travelling for months on end while you sublet your apartment and put your belongings in storage has become the norm, not just for jet setting young adults but for families and professionals as well. But it’s not just travellers who keep storage lockers full, it’s also your average Canadian. 

The Necessity of Ottawa Storage Solutions

According to one study by the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals, the average Canadian will own 4.5 to 5.5 homes in their lifetime. It can be hard to believe, but 14% of Canadians move once every year, meanwhile, 28% of homeowners in Canada will move once every five years. Chances are, these homeowners aren’t moving from house to identical house. With every move, and the passing of every year, the chance of requiring a bit of extra storage space increases. 

Ottawa Self-Service Storage Tips

So the question remains, what do you store, and what do you simply…let go? The following are a few questions that you can ask yourself before you make a trip to your storage unit. 

1)   Is it mine? 

Parents, I’m talking to you. How many of the boxes in your basement, or storage locker are yours, and how many belong to your children? When it comes to adult children, it might be time to have a little family reunion and divvy up the boxes of stuffed animals and toddler hockey skates. Not only will you be clearing some space for belongings of your own, but baby clothes, sports equipment, and long forgotten about belongings from your kids adolescence will be given a second life. 

2)   Does it have sentimental value? 

At Acceptable Storage Ottawa, we know that not everything you keep in your storage lockers can be defended with logic. Sometimes, sentimentality prevails. Perhaps it belonged to a parent, grandparent, or close friend. Or, it reminds you of an important milestone in your life. Allow yourself to be a little carried away by your emotions, but set yourself a limit. Holding onto a photo album is a little different than hanging onto your grandmother’s brocade chesterfield that is missing a cushion. 

3)   Have I used this in the past year?

This might just be the most important question of all. Think back – when was the last time you used the article in question? While some hardcore de-clutterers swear by the six month rule, we think that taking into account the whole year prior is a better judge. When was the last time you wore that bright pink angora sweater, or took those rollerblades around the block? Have you ever even used that cookbook? Now is the time to be ruthless – your well organized, spacious storage unit will thank you for it!

Affordable Ottawa Storage Units

If you would like to learn more about Acceptable Storage’s units and rates we would love to hear from you!