Making downsizing easy: 10 ways storage can help

Here are 10 ways storage can help when downsizing:

1. Create a clutter-free space with storage while you move

Sorting through years of belongings can take time, and you don’t want to feel rushed into making permanent decisions. A secure storage unit allows you to remove excess items from your home while you pack, creating a more organised and stress-free environment. Once you are settled in your new home you can return to your storage unit and retrieve what you need in slow time.

2. Use storage to keep sentimental items safe

Not everything you own will fit into a smaller home, but that doesn’t mean you have to part with treasured family heirlooms, antiques, or personal mementos. At Alexanders we export wrap pieces of furniture before they go into storage so your belongings will come out of storage in the same condition as they went in. Storing items in our storage facilities ensures your most valuable and sentimental possessions remain safe for the future.

3. Use storage for seasonal & oversized belongings

If you’re downsizing to a home with less storage space, you may struggle to find room for seasonal items like decorations, summer garden furniture, or sports gear. Large pieces of equipment such as bicycles, kayaks, skis, snowboards, and golf clubs can take up valuable space in a smaller home. A personal storage unit lets you keep these items secure and easily accessible without cluttering your new space. You can access our self-storage facilities when you need to use your items.

4. Take your time with storage to avoid rushed decisions

One of the biggest downsizing mistakes is getting rid of things too quickly, only to regret it later. Short-term storage provides extra time to evaluate what you really need in your new home, preventing unnecessary losses.

Use our Storage Space Caluclator to decide what size unit you will need. Simply add in all the items you want to store and our tool will calculate the required amount of storage space for you.

5. Make room for a home office or hobby space

Moving to a smaller property may require you to prioritise space. If you need a dedicated home office, craft area, or workout space, storing excess furniture and belongings in a storage facility can help you optimize your living environment.

6. Use storage to ease the transition between homes

If you’re waiting for your new home to be ready or are in a temporary rental, self-storage can be an essential tool. It allows you to keep your belongings secure until you’re fully moved in and settled. At Alexanders we are experienced in providing removal services for complex moves, into and out of storage, so the process is as seamless and stress-free as possible for our clients.

7. Reduce moving day stress with storage solutions

Instead of dealing with a house full of boxes on moving day, consider moving non-essential items into storage ahead of time. This strategy makes it easier to unpack and settle into your new home without feeling stressed. This can be especially useful for elderly people who might feel overwhelmed by a big downsize and will have the time to sort through their excess belongings in storage once they’re in their new home.

8. Keep valuable items secure with storage during the move

At Alexanders our storage facilities offer secure units with CCTV monitoring ensuring your valuable belongings remain protected while you transition to your new home.

9. Downsize at your own pace with flexible storage

Downsizing doesn’t happen overnight. You might want to test out living with fewer items before committing to permanent changes. Flexible storage solutions allow you to keep what you’re unsure about, so you can take your time deciding what truly fits your new lifestyle. It might be your intention to transition to a more minimalist lifestyle, but self-storage will give you the option of testing a less-cluttered lifestyle before you commit to it fully.

10. Keep extra furniture for family members after downsizing

If you’re passing down furniture, collectibles, or household items to family members who don’t have immediate space, long-term storage provides a practical way to hold onto these items until they are ready to collect them.