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My Savior? A Storage Unit!

08/08/13 | assorted

As the emails and invitations begin to pour in to check out the latest fall collections now in stores I have two reactions – one, please stop rushing me, it is only just barely August and two, time to go shopping me! Then I remember – I have an entire winter wardrobe stored away…

Last week I posted last about how much I love walk-in closets.  Until I have my very own walk-in, preferably a small bedroom,  I have the majority of my clothes in a storage unit.  A bit extreme?  Yes, but there are certain things like those eight pairs of boots from my boot storage DIY post that I do not need during these extreme months of heat. About half of the items in my unit  are seasonal items ranging from clothes to Christmas decorations and the rest consists of items I only need or wear occasionally, like this long dress I wore to this gala or my ski jacket.

If you have items that you do not need all of the time I strongly recommend a storage unit.  The biggest thing you need to decide is the right size unit.  Estimating how much space you will need for your storage items can be easy if you know what you want to store – here is the best diagram I found  for assessing your self storage needs: 

Storage Unit Sizes

When choosing a storage unit these are a few other things you should consider: 
  • SECURITY/LOCKS:   That black faced dial you used in high school is just not going to cut it. Many locks are rated on a 10 point system with 1 being deterrent security and 10 being ultimate security. While I do not have any priceless works of art or state of the art electronics but I chose to lock my unit with level nine a stainless steel Master Lock Padlock. This may be overkill but it makes me feel better about all of my belongings being safe.
  • MAKE A LIST:  Create a list of the items that you are going to be storing – this not only allows you to choose the right size unit (I realized a 5×5 was more than enough for me!) it also serves as a helpful reminder for what is in there.  In receiving one particularly tempting email about quilted vests a quick glance at my storage inventory list reminded me I have three! 
  • CLIMATE CONTROL:  I voted yes but this is up to you –  climate control at most facilities means that your unit maintains a steady temperature of 55–80° using central air conditioning and heat.  While one large provider only suggests a unit with climate control if you are storing furniture, photographs, discs/records, and electronics I decided to opt-in to protect my leather and fur in the crazy range of New York City weather.  And just to be safe, I still use mine with DampRid tub just in case!   

I do not think storage units are just for people with small apartments though – I know one person who actually use theres so they can park *gasp* their car in the garage.  If you have ever driven down the West Side Highway you have seen ads for Manhattan Mini Storage and while that is not the one I chose, it is a viable option, but there are literally hundreds of others.  Thanks to shows like Storage Wars on A+E they are ones popping up all of over the United States from NYC to LA.  Wherever you live, I think they are a great solution to a tidier home and peace of mind!

Do you have a unit?  What would you use it for? 
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Comments

  1. Janell Casey says

    December 20, 2013 at 6:45 am

    hey, try it here Utah self storage

  2. Janell Casey says

    December 20, 2013 at 6:45 am

    hey, try it here Utah self storage

  3. Fred Casey says

    September 20, 2013 at 5:28 am

    I would see all the aspects before purchasing a storage unit. Storage unit really help a lot in eliminating the mess up in home or office.
    Harlington Storage space prices

  4. Taylor Smith says

    August 10, 2013 at 11:12 am

    Wish I saw this post before I moved into my apartment! So handy. Found your comment on fash boulevard and I am so happy I did. You are great at this- such an inspiration. Please check out my new blog fivetimesfun.blogspot.com 🙂 xo

  5. docdivatraveller says

    August 10, 2013 at 3:41 am

    LOVELY post!! great storage ideas!!
    visit my blog too 🙂
    http://docdivatraveller.blogspot.in/

  6. Aley Greenblo says

    August 9, 2013 at 3:35 am

    great blog!
    http://tickledpink.alphie-eve.com

  7. Helene in Between says

    August 8, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    ohh that is awesome! i think storage units are a must, i had one when living in an apartment and it definitely saved me!

  8. Always Maylee says

    August 8, 2013 at 10:19 am

    Luckily we have this nifty crawl space in our basement where we can store really random stuff that we don’t always need to use. It really frees up a lot of space!

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

  9. Alyssa says

    August 8, 2013 at 10:01 am

    I’m lucky that we have a decent amount of storage in my apartment. I have almost everything there in the city, with the exception of bulky winter coats, etc. I keep those at my parent’s house!

  10. TheTinyHeart says

    August 8, 2013 at 9:16 am

    Like Rachel said, my storage unit is also my parents house! 🙂

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart
    Rad Market Giveaway!

  11. Ashley says

    August 8, 2013 at 8:41 am

    I don’t have one but I probably should! Lol. Great post!!

    Xo,
    Sincerely Miss Ash

  12. Rachel says

    August 8, 2013 at 8:15 am

    My “storage unit” is my parents house! I’m keeping seasonal items there because my closet is so tiny! Just annoying that I have to lug my wardrobe back and forth via the 3 hour deive

  13. WOWS says

    August 8, 2013 at 7:36 am

    Very useful post!

    Kisses from
    http://www.withorwithoutshoes.com – My Bloglovin

    Today I show you an amazing neon colors dress with a special accessories touch!!!.

  14. lavenderloafers.com says

    August 8, 2013 at 7:12 am

    I desperately need at least one storage:)

    http://lavenderloafers.com

  15. Sonia De Macedo says

    August 8, 2013 at 7:02 am

    I don’t but then again I don’t live in New York City and can always find extra storage space back home at my parents hahaha!

    SDMxx
    http://www.daringcoco.com

Hi, I am Kelly and welcome to Sparkles and Shoes, a fashion, travel, and lifestyle blog.  I am a New York City girl at heart but I moved to London in the Spring of 2018!

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