When it comes to the storage space, we can never get enough of it. The bigger the family, the more items to be stored. And usually, this becomes a problem when you decide to relocate. Not only that you must organize everything, pack, and contact your Number 1 Van Lines, but you must think about the layout of your new home and how to store everything. Especially if you are moving into a smaller space. So, let us focus today on rarely used items that can be stored indefinitely. Let’s store your Christmas decorations and seasonal items.
Store your Christmas decorations in a storage unit
Let us focus on a storage facility for a second. You can rent a safe storage unit in Canada fairly cheap and store your Christmas decorations there. This is an affordable solution to gain a lot of space which can be used for other items as well. Note that there are several perks that come with it. You can rent regular indoor and outdoor unit, as well as climate-controlled, and highly secured ones. Hence, making any combination you desire will work quite well in the end. So, find yourself a storage unit provider you like and browse your options. Find a storage unit in the area to make it all more convenient and easily accessible. Although, note that units vary in price depending on the location, size, and perks. Consider your budget to determine if this solution is a short-term solution or a long-term investment.
Store your Christmas decorations and other seasonal items
Yes, you can store whatever you like in your storage unit. Moreover, you can treat it the same way you treat your garage, attic, or basement. Just this time around, it must be a bit more organized and cleaner. So, think about all those random items you have stashed all over the place. For example, you can store seasonal items like hats, gloves, scarves, boots, ski equipment. The storage unit is a perfect place to hold all your puffy winter jackets, coats, Christmas sweaters. Especially if you have a bigger family and you possess six of each. And of course, bulky and robust seasonal items like a reusable Christmas tree, seasonal house decoration, etc. All those raindeers and Santa figurines will fit nicely inside a unit.
But remember that you can toss in a piece of furniture as well. This is an awesome solution to store items when decorating or hold them until you find them a better use. But, in the end, if you can’t be bothered with a storage unit, you can always store everything in your garage. Just make sure you keep everything organized and safe.
Clean up a bit
Before you store your Christmas decorations, you must clean them thoroughly. You do not want to store dirty and dusty items because you will find them a year later in even worse condition. And while shuffling through your Christmas belongings, check out if anything is in bad shape or outdated. Maybe you can replace some of it. Or simply throw old and unused items away. Moreover, you can do this with all your belongings. Especially if you are moving. Decluttering is a beneficial process, and after you go through with it you will rid yourself of all the clutter and hoard you have been dragging with you. Therefore, inspect all your items before you pack and take them over to the storage unit.
How to prepare your items for storing?
If you decide on using one of the tremendous moving services and rent a storage unit, you must know how to maintain it. Equally important, how to utilize the space given. And you will solve this puzzle with proper packing. Hence, you should obtain a few cardboard moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and labels. You can easily find those online, at the hardware store, or purchase from your movers. Once you have it all, start packing. Put smaller items in boxes, apply packing tape, and label it right. Labels are important so you can easily find what you need and when you need it.
For bigger items, you should wrap them in bubble wrap or cover with a sheet, blanket, or a tarp. Usually, those big Christmas items are oddly shaped and they won’t fit nicely inside your boxes. A solution is to put them inside the box and cover the part that is sticking out. Or you can completely wrap it up and put it somewhere safe. Note that most of the decoration is fragile and you should protect it as much as possible. Even if this means you must use a bit more material.
Use your space to the max
Ok, as we already mentioned, we must use all the space if possible. Of course, do not cramp it up and make a mess. But stacking boxes nicely on top of each other is a smart thing to do. Heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on the top. Choose a designated area that will keep all your boxes nicely stacked. Preferably a place with less movement involved. And for the bigger items, you can use metal or wooden poles to hang some of them off the wall. Use hooks and hangers to utilize the ceiling and wall space and you can double the storage space. Finally, you can always bring a piece of furniture to make it all work a bit better. An old cupboard can hold most of your decoration.
And to ensure your items will stay in the same condition, you must pest proof a storage unit and keep it clean. Cleaning each visit is recommended. A broom, kitchen cloth, air moisturizer, and rodent repellant is all you need. This way you will keep the mold, dust, and pests away. And remember to let the fresh air in each time you visit.
What to do with the excess items?
Not all excess items are to be thrown away. Some of it can find further use but with a different owner. So, in case you already filled your storage and you have no space in your home, some items must go. Whether it is a lamp, an old piece of furniture, or an outdated piece of electronics, the result is the same. Check out a few ways on how you can get rid of those items:
- Sell online – You can sell your stuff before moving by posting it on one of the related websites. An easy solution with a few bucks in your pocket.
- Garage/Yard sale – Organize a garage sale and invite your friends and neighbors. It can be a farewell party at the same time.
- Donate – Give your stuff to a local charity or a homeless shelter.
- Give away – Your neighbors and friends will appreciate it if you give them something to remember you by. Even if it is just a potted plant you can’t take with you.
- Recycle – The easiest way is to throw it all away. If you decide on doing it, remember to recycle. Drop everything off at the nearest recycling facility and you are good to go.
And that was it, now you are ready to store your Christmas decorations and other seasonal items. It is not hard at all. With a bit of planning and patience, you will fill your storage and have more space at home. Use it well.