When you’re cleaning out your home, preparing for a move, or just trying to make more space, you’ll likely face the same question many of us do: What should I put in a storage unit, and what should I just get rid of? It’s not always an easy decision. Some items carry sentimental value, while others just take up space.
Renting a storage unit is a great way to free up space while keeping your belongings safe. But the truth is, not everything is worth storing. Choosing carefully helps you:
Save money by renting only the space you need.
Stay organized so your storage unit isn’t just a second “junk drawer.”
Feel lighter by letting go of clutter and focusing on the items that really matter.
By deciding what should be stored and what should be donated or discarded, you make your storage unit a useful extension of your home rather than an overflow closet.
Here are some common categories of belongings that make sense to keep in your storage unit:
Think holiday decorations, winter coats, ski equipment, or summer camping gear. These are things you don’t need year-round, but they’re valuable and worth keeping for when the season comes around again.
If you’re moving, downsizing, or planning to redecorate, extra furniture is a prime candidate for storage. Whether it’s a dining table you plan to use in a new home or a couch you’re saving for your kids’ first apartment, furniture is worth storing until it’s needed again.
Family photo albums, childhood memorabilia, or heirlooms passed down through generations often don’t have a place in your everyday living space, but they’re too meaningful to part with. A storage unit keeps them safe without taking up room at home.
If you run a small business or work from home, you may accumulate boxes of files, supplies, or equipment. Storage can free up valuable space in your office or home without forcing you to part with important items.
On the other hand, some belongings are better off being donated, sold, or thrown away. Here are some things you might want to let go of instead of storing:
If you haven’t reached for it in a year (or longer), you probably don’t need it. Clothes in good condition can be donated to local charities, while worn-out items can be recycled.
That old DVD player or cracked monitor probably isn’t worth storing. Unless the item has real sentimental or collectible value, it’s often better to recycle or donate electronics rather than take up storage space.
Exercise equipment, outdated furniture, or large appliances that don’t fit your lifestyle are usually better off being sold or donated. Ask yourself honestly if you’ll ever use them again.
Do you really need four sets of mixing bowls or three coffee makers? Storage is for items you’ll actually want again, not duplicates collecting dust.
Food, plants, and hazardous materials (like paint or gasoline) don’t belong in storage. They can spoil, attract pests, or create safety risks. Always check facility guidelines to make sure your items are allowed.
It’s normal to feel unsure about whether to keep or let go of certain belongings. Here are a few simple strategies that can make the process easier:
Use the “One-Year Rule.” If you haven’t used an item in the past year, it’s a good candidate for donation or disposal.
Ask: Does this add value to my life? If the answer is no, consider letting it go.
Think about replacement cost. Is it inexpensive or easy to replace? If so, it may not be worth the storage space.
Start small. Begin with one room or one category of items to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
By being intentional, you’ll feel more confident that you’re storing what matters most.
Centennial Storage Can Help
At Centennial Storage, we understand that choosing what to keep and what to let go of isn’t always simple. That’s why we offer a variety of storage unit sizes to give you the flexibility you need. Whether you’re storing just a few boxes of keepsakes or an entire household of furniture, we’ve got you covered. If you’re unsure how much space you need, our friendly team is always here to help you choose the right unit.
Visit our size guide today or Call Us Today at (417) 363-0871 to have one of our experienced staff members help you find the right fit.
