Is Renting a Storage Unit a Good Idea? Let’s Talk About It From a Professional Organizer’s Perspective
For many people, renting a storage unit feels like a quick solution—but truthfully, it often turns into deferred decision-making. Instead of taking the time to declutter—deciding what to keep, donate, or discard—you end up paying a monthly fee just to avoid making choices about your belongings.
Now, if done intentionally, a storage unit can be part of a smart space management strategy. With the right approach, you can organize the contents thoughtfully, maintain an inventory system, and access your items when needed—making sure your storage unit enhances your life. unfortunately, that’s not what usually happens. In most cases, storage units become a classic example of "out of sight, out of mind”. With auto payments, you may not even remember at bill time that you are paying to store items you are not using.
Security is another major factor people often overlook. Recently, I heard from someone who received a call from their storage facility: multiple units had been broken into. Someone had simply walked down the row cutting off locks. It was heartbreaking to hear—and it highlights the reality that even with gate codes and strong locks, offsite storage isn’t usually as safe as keeping belongings in your own home.
Before renting a unit, it’s worth taking a moment to mindfully evaluate:
◈ Are you storing things you truly value?
◈ Would you be heartbroken if they were damaged or lost?
◈ Could you sort, simplify, or donate instead?
Only store items you wouldn’t be devastated to lose. Protect your belongings—and your peace of mind—by being intentional.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the decision-making process, that's exactly where a professional organizer can help. Organizing isn’t just about creating a beautiful space—it’s about helping you make clear, confident choices that safeguard your time, energy, and emotional well-being.
If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go topinkyjackson.com
Photo: JOSHUA COLEMAN @joshstyle
