Is It Better to Have a Yard Sale or a Storage Unit?

Whether you're moving long-term or short-term, for work or just to start fresh in a new area, chances are good that you're going to find yourself with lots of belongings and few ways to deal with them. This could be because you're moving into a small place or because you've acquired more belongings than you thought you had. Either way, the advice many people get is to hold a yard sale—but is that really the best way to go? These days, with so many affordable options for self-storage in Richmond, VA, you don't necessarily have to give up your belongings just to save time or space.

Many people don't realize how convenient self-storage in Richmond can be. Self-storage centers are not just garages—they include secure indoor spaces with easy loading and unloading, clean and well-lit premises and friendly staff. Here are a few of the reasons that putting your things in storage may be a smarter choice than selling them:

1.  Seller's remorse – It may seem easy to sell old things that you don't use that often, but it can be a lot harder than you think. In particular, you may find yourself torn over whether belongings are really something you're ready to let go of or if you might still need or want them. Our belongings aren't just day-to-day necessities; they also contain much of our personal history and are closely tied to our memories and past experiences. Selling an unused quilt or your old favorite chair might seem like the right choice today, but then leave you regretting it later.

2.  Access to everything you need – The other downside of selling off belongings is that it can be hard to know what you can do without. When you put your belongings in self-storage, you'll avoid making hasty decisions about what you don't need, and can always go get something you miss.

3.  Cost of replacing belongings – Yard sales and online auctions aren't as profitable as people often suggest they are. If you sell an old bicycle for $20 today, you might find that replacing it in a year costs $200 or more.

4.  Saving time – When you're dealing with a move, do you really want to take the time to hold a yard sale? It will take effort to organize and label items, and standing outside for half a day is never fun.

These are just a few of the reasons that more people are turning to self-storage and holding onto the things they love. Have you ever sold something and regretted it?

Extra Attic offers the perfect solution for your excess sentimental items. With one of our spacious units, you'll never have to wonder why you sold that tea set or kick yourself for getting rid of that snowblower that you ended up needing. Call or contact us to talk about your storage needs today!

3 Common Reasons that People Use Self-Storage

Self storage units are becoming more and more common in this day and age, as we collect things and increasingly have nowhere to put them. Moves, bequeathals, new children, etc. will all add to the amount of important possessions that we have, but leave us no space for them. Since not everyone can look for a new home just to accommodate their belongings, self-storage units allow people to keep everything in security.

Here are three of the most common reasons that people would rent a self-storage unit:

1. Temporary Storage While Moving

Whether people are moving temporarily or permanently, storage units are a great way to handle any excess belongings that they might have. After all, it's not always possible to move everything into a home and set it all up in one day. Having boxes and bulky furniture cluttering rooms and hallways until it can be assembled doesn't help either. A storage unit can be used to keep items until they are ready to be moved in, so that everything remains organized.

2. A Lack of Storage Space in the Home

People who live in houses often use their basements and attics for storage, but this isn't an option for those who live in an apartment, mobile home or anywhere else that may not have these convenient spaces. People who don't have a reliable storage space often rent storage units to cut down on the clutter in their own homes. This is an especially effective solution for those who are residing in smaller living spaces temporarily; once they move into a larger home, they simply retrieve what they had kept in storage.

3. Storing Seasonal Clothing

Just about everyone has clothing that can only be worn during certain times of the year. Nobody wants to wear a sweater on a hot summer day, and they probably won't have much use for a bathing suit in the winter. These clothes often take up space for months when they go unused, and many people like to put them in temporary storage. This is a popular solution for those who live in smaller homes and don't have the extra closet space.

Naturally, there are many reasons that people need self-storage in Richmond, VA, but these are just a few of the more common ones. Keep in mind that it is very easy for temporary storage to become permanent, so it's smart to keep a close record of everything that is locked up in these units.

Essential Self Storage Tips for winter

After the holidays are over, there always seems to be a lot more to store. When your post-holiday home needs a bit of clearing out, our storage units provide a safe and affordable way to do so; however, storing valuable items throughout the winter requires a certain amount of forethought. Since keeping your belongings protected is our biggest priority, we offer these tips to help you to improve your winter storage experience.

Keep Items Off of the Ground

Because of the bitter cold, keeping valuables off of the ground is vitally important to their integrity. Ever sleep on the floor in an unheated home? The ground is the coldest part of a storage unit, much colder than the surrounding air. A great, inexpensive way to keep goods off the ground is using wooden pallets and old blankets.

Keep Items Insulated

Speaking of blankets, it is important to keep certain objects well insulated during storage. Sensitive things like electronics, canvas artwork, and old photos can suffer greatly from condensation and temperature variances as the bright sun gives way to the icy winter night. Wrapping these kinds of items in a thick layer of bubble wrap, blankets, and other insulators will keep them safe. If you are storing something irreplaceable, it may be best to keep it out of storage until the weather gets warmer. Replace that vintage guitar with a couple storage totes filled with summer clothes to keep your valuables safe and your closets empty.

Take Precautions

There can also be a safety concern when walking outside in the winter weather. Rain turns to ice, which can pool on the ground, creating a treacherous working environment. Sand, cat litter, and plywood can be used to cover the ice and make your self storage experience a safe one.

Rent a Climate Controlled Unit

If you are willing to pay a little bit extra to protect your belongings, climate controlled storage might be for you. These units keep the temperature steady and comfortable so that your important items are less likely to sustain any damage. For those storing irreplaceable family heirlooms or important documents, climate controlled units may be especially useful.

We are proud to offer the best self storage in Richmond VA and the surrounding area, and we want to ensure that you and your valuables are secure. With these useful tips for safe and effective storage, you will be able to clear out your post-holiday home and never have to worry about your possessions, ever.