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Storage Tips, Home Organization

The “Keep or Toss” Checklist

By Nicolas Rincon

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Table of Contents
  1. 1. The "One Bulb Out" Light Strands
  2. 2. The "Guilt" Ornaments
  3. 3. The Bald Wreaths and Garlands
  4. 4. The Wrapping Paper Scraps

The holidays are over, and the bins are out. Your instinct is probably to grab everything that looks festive, shove it into a plastic tote, and force the lid shut until next November.

But wait.

Every year, we pay to store things we don’t actually want. We store broken lights, “meh” ornaments we felt guilty throwing away, and flattened wreaths that have seen better days. This year, before you head to your Personal Storage unit, do a quick audit.

Here are the four things you need to toss, recycle, or donate right now to save yourself space (and sanity) next year.

1. The “One Bulb Out” Light Strands

We all do it. We plug in a strand, see a dead section, and think, “I’ll fix that next year.”

  • The Reality: You won’t. Next year, you will be just as busy. You will pull that strand out, get frustrated, and run to the store to buy a new one anyway.
  • The Rule: If it didn’t work this year, it doesn’t go in the box. Recycle the copper wire and reclaim that space.

2. The “Guilt” Ornaments

These are the decorations you put on the back of the tree where no one looks. Maybe it was a gift from a coworker three years ago, or a generic bauble that doesn’t match your style anymore.

  • The Reality: If you didn’t love displaying it this year, you won’t love it next year.
  • The Rule: Donate it. Someone else might love it, and you get to reclaim space for ornaments that actually make you smile.
A frustrated person holding a shedding artificial wreath during post-holiday cleanup, deciding whether to keep or toss it.

3. The Bald Wreaths and Garlands

Artificial greenery lasts a long time, but not forever. If your floor is covered in green plastic needles every time you touch your garland, it’s time to retire it.

  • The Reality: Old, shedding plastics can actually attract dust and pests inside your storage unit if not sealed properly.
  • The Rule: If it’s shedding, shredding, or bending out of shape, toss it. When you buy a high-quality replacement next year, keep it fresh by storing it in a Climate-Controlled Storage unit to prevent heat damage.

4. The Wrapping Paper Scraps

Why do we save those awkward, crinkled tubes of paper that barely have enough left to wrap a jewelry box?

  • The Reality: Paper attracts silverfish and absorbs moisture. Storing piles of scrap paper is a fast track to clutter.
  • The Rule: Keep the full rolls. Recycle the scraps. If you want to keep the rolls pristine, use a vertical wrapping paper storage bin rather than piling them in a corner.

Start the Year Light

Storage units are for protecting your valuables, not your trash. By spending 20 minutes filtering your decor now, you ensure that when you open those doors next holiday season, you are greeted by organized, working, beautiful decorations.

Ready to store the “Keep” pile? Find your perfect unit size at one of our storage locations today.

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Size Guide

Small Storage Units
image Small Storage Units 5x5 1

5' x 5'

Equivalent to a standard walk-in closet.

image Small Storage Units 5x10 1

5' x 10'

Equivalent to a large shed.

Medium Storage Units
Image Medium Storage Units 10x10 1

10' x 10'

Equivalent to half of a standard garage and good for a one-bedroom apartment.

Image Medium Storage Units 10x15 1

10' x 15

Equivalent to a large bedroom and good for a small house.

Large Storage Units
Image Large Storage Units 10x20 1

10' x 20'

Equivalent to a small garage and good for a mid-size house.

Image Large Storage Units 10x30 1

10' x 30'

Equivalent to a large garage and good for a large house.

Vehicle Storage Units
Image Vehicle Storage Units parking covered 1

Covered Parking

Varying vehicle storage sizes can accommodate cars, boats, and RVs.

5' x 5'

This storage unit is small but mighty! Our 5x5, 25-square-foot spaces are about the size of a walk-in closet and great for holding household clutter, small furniture, and seasonal items.

Ideal for storing:
  • Boxes of offseason clothing and old toys
  • Small furniture or appliances
  • Seasonal decor or equipment such as garden tools and camping gear
  • Office supplies and business records and files

5' x 10'

This storage unit size is popular because it’s so versatile and functional. Our 5x10, 50-square-foot spaces are about the size of a large shed and great for holding various items from a small apartment or all the furnishings of a bedroom or office.

Ideal for storing:
  • Mattress sets, dressers, and coffee tables
  • Artwork, musical instruments, and mid-size electronics
  • Seasonal decor or equipment such as garden tools, skis, and camping gear
  • Business supplies, records, or inventory

10' x 10'

This storage unit is not too big, not too small, but just right for bulky furniture or equipment. Our 10x10, 100-square-foot spaces are about the size of half of a standard garage and can fit the contents of a one-bedroom home.

Ideal for storing:
  • Household furniture such as sofas, tables, dressers, mattress sets, and coffee or bedside tables
  • Electronics and musical instruments
  • Seasonal decor or equipment such as garden tools, bicycles, skis, and camping gear
  • Office equipment such as desks, chairs, and shelves

10' x 15'

Another popular choice, this storage unit is great for small families or households. Our 10x15, 150-square-foot spaces are about the size of a large bedroom and can fit the contents of a two-bedroom home.

Ideal for storing:
  • Bulky household furniture such as sofas, dining tables, dressers, bedroom sets, and bookcases
  • Major appliances such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators
  • Outdoor equipment such as grills, bicycles, skis, and camping gear
  • Commercial inventory and office equipment such as desks, chairs, and shelves

10' x 20'

If you’re in between moves, staging your home for selling, or planning a big remodel, this storage unit might be the one for you. Our 10x20, 200-square-foot spaces are about the size of a small garage and can fit the contents of a three- or four-bedroom home.

Ideal for storing:
  • Bulky household furniture such as sectional sofas, dining tables, mattress sets, dressers, and entertainment centers
  • Major appliances such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators
  • Large musical instruments or equipment such as pianos and TVs
  • Outdoor equipment such as lawnmowers, grills, bicycles, skis, and camping gear
  • Commercial inventory and office equipment such as desks, chairs, and shelves

10' x 30'

This storage unit is about the size of a large garage for those seeking a major space solution. Our 10x30, 300-square-foot spaces offer enough room to fit the contents of a four- or five-bedroom home.

Ideal for storing:
  • Items that aren’t easily boxed up
  • Large household furniture such as sectional sofas, entertainment centers, and mattress and dining sets
  • Major appliances such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators
  • Outdoor equipment such as lawnmowers, grills, bicycles, and canoes or small boats
  • Commercial inventory and office equipment such as desks, chairs, and shelves

Covered Parking

Parking spaces and covered vehicle storage for your car, boat, or RV can keep your ride from consuming valuable space in your garage, all while shielding it from the elements—like sunshine, rain, or hail. Some of our covered parking units even include electricity, too. Find and contact a self storage facility near you for location-specific car storage availability.

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