Additional Storage: Do You Need It?

Additional storage can make or break home organization. But what if the problem isn’t too little storage, but too much stuff? (Read: Home Office Organization Sheds Pounds)

We all love accumulating clothing, papers, books, and many other things that seem important at the time. And even though you can think of reasons to keep it all, maybe it’s time to reevaluate. Figure out what’s really worth it and what you're ready to let go of, to free up more room for the things you love. You might learn that your storage space is just right after all. 

Additional Storage Doesn’t Help a Fashionista's Habits

Stylish clothes are great, but do you really need twenty-three (or more) pairs of shoes? You might not require additional storage for an ever-growing collection if you sort through what you love and separate what you don’t. (Read: Creative Shoe Storage You'll Love) 

The general rule for clothing is that if you haven’t worn it in a year or two, you probably won’t wear it again. So get rid of all of those jeans that don’t fit and dresses that are too short or too long. They’ll find better use in someone else’s closet.

You Might Not Need Additional Storage in the Kitchen, Either

Kitchen gadgets that overfill drawers, and pots and pans that have seen better days, don’t deserve a place in your kitchen. This is especially true if storage space is minimal. Not sure which gadgets you should get rid of? Here are the results of a quick survey I did on which gadgets most people keep on their counter tops.

If you don’t use certain gadgets, you can donate them to someone who will. Thrift stores such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill take donations, and they might even pick them up!

Additional Storage for Toys Won’t Remain Important

Kids grow up, and their need for assorted toys in every variety will wane. Extra storage that seems like a great idea now might be unnecessary in a few years.

Cutting back on kids’ belongings is a challenging job, but it’s worth it. Broken toys don’t serve anyone, so donating isn’t a good idea for toys that don’t work. But you might have luck with recycling because your parts might be just what a neighbor needs to fix their child's toy.

Books Make a Home, but Additional Storage Might be Overkill

Every home is nicer with a good collection of reading material. But if you bring in more than you take out, think about donating some which according to Money Crashers, might qualify for a tax deduction. You can also give your books to friends who you know will read them, a better alternative than adding on storage so your books can collect dust. 

Books that are special should stay, of course. That’s the same as with any other item in your home. But for volumes that you won’t read again and don’t care to lose, enrich your public library, a friend’s collection, or a local thrift store and free up some valuable shelf space.

Additional storage sounds like a great idea, but it’s not always necessary. And it’s not always the smartest way to use your square footage. Before you invest in cabinetry or hire a contractor to build new closets, take some time to sort through everything you own. Only then can you determine whether it’s storage that you need, or if you’d be better off cutting back.

What’s your take on additional storage? Is more always better, or do you prefer a streamlined household where fewer things equal a simpler life?