We all have stuff. Even the most ardent minimalist probably has a few items tucked away in a closet or storage unit. But what if you’re paying to store stuff that isn’t worth the expense or the space it occupies? After surveying hundreds of homeowners and renters, consulting with professional organizers, and analyzing data from self-storage companies, we’ve compiled a list of 13 things that many people pay to store but probably shouldn’t. Some of these items might surprise you, but the common thread is that they’re often not worth the expense or the space they consume.
1. Unused Exercise Equipment
We all have the best intentions when we buy that elliptical machine or set of dumbbells. But if you haven’t touched them in six months or more, it’s time to reconsider. The average cost of a small self-storage unit is $60 per month. If your exercise equipment is taking up a significant portion of that space, you could be throwing money away. Consider selling it on a site like eBay or Craigslist, or donating it to a local gym or school.
Not only will this free up some storage space, but it could also give you a psychological boost. Researchers have found that clutter can cause stress and impact your mental health. By getting rid of unused items, you’re also decluttering your mind.
2. Old Clothing
Many of us hold on to clothes that we haven’t worn in years, often because we hope to fit into them again or because they have sentimental value. However, the cost of storing these items can quickly add up. Instead, consider donating or selling them. Not only could you make a little extra cash, but you’ll also be helping someone else who could use those clothes.
Clothing donation is also an environmentally friendly option. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans throw away an estimated 17 million tons of textiles each year. By donating or recycling your old clothes, you’re reducing waste and helping the planet.
3. Old Electronics
If you’re storing old electronics, like outdated laptops, broken smartphones, or antique radios, it’s time to rethink. These items often decrease in value over time and may even become hazardous as they age. Many electronics contain chemicals like mercury and lead, which can leak over time and contaminate your storage space.
Instead of storing these items, consider recycling them. Many cities have electronics recycling programs, and some manufacturers offer trade-in or recycling programs. For example, Apple has an Apple Trade In program where you can get credit towards a new device when you trade in your old one.
4. Collectibles You Don’t Care About
Collecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby. However, if you’re storing collectibles that you’ve lost interest in, they’re probably not worth the space they’re taking up. Consider selling them to other collectors, or donate them to a museum or charity.
Remember, the value of a collection is not just monetary. It can also bring enjoyment, knowledge, and a sense of accomplishment. If your collectibles are no longer bringing you these things, it’s time to let them go.
5. Old Furniture
Old furniture can take up a lot of space in a storage unit. If you’re storing furniture that you’re unlikely to use again, it’s time to let it go. Consider selling it or donating it to a charity like the Salvation Army.
Keep in mind that furniture can often be repurposed. An old dresser could become a bathroom vanity, or a vintage trunk could be used as a coffee table. If you’re not going to use the furniture in its current form, consider whether it could be reused in another way.
6. Old Textbooks
Holding onto old textbooks can seem like a good idea at the time, especially if you paid a lot for them. But textbooks often become outdated quickly, and they take up a lot of space. Consider selling them back to the bookstore, or selling them online through a site like Amazon.
Remember, knowledge is not just stored in books. With the rise of digital learning, many textbooks are now available online. Instead of storing physical books, consider accessing information digitally when you need it.
7. Baby Gear
Baby gear, like cribs, strollers, and high chairs, can take up a lot of space. If you’re not planning on having more children, or if your children have outgrown these items, it’s time to let them go. Consider selling them or donating them to a local charity.
Remember, baby gear can also be a safety issue. Many items are recalled each year for safety reasons, and older items may not meet current safety standards. If you’re storing old baby gear, make sure it’s still safe to use.
8. Old Appliances
If you’re storing old appliances like refrigerators or washing machines, it’s probably not worth the space they’re taking up. These items are large, heavy, and often lose value over time. Consider selling them or recycling them.
Remember, many cities have recycling programs for large appliances. These programs often offer free pick-up and can save you the hassle of trying to move these bulky items.
9. Old Tools
Old tools can take up a lot of space in a storage unit. If you’re not using them, it’s time to let them go. Consider selling them or donating them to a local charity.
Remember, tools are meant to be used. If they’re sitting in a storage unit, they’re not serving their purpose. Let them go to someone who can put them to good use.
10. VHS Tapes and DVDs
With the rise of streaming services, physical media like VHS tapes and DVDs are becoming obsolete. If you’re storing these items, consider whether they’re really worth the space they’re taking up.
Consider digitizing your favorite movies and shows, or donate them to a local library. This will free up space in your storage unit, and you’ll still be able to enjoy your favorite content.
11. Old Magazines and Newspapers
Old magazines and newspapers can take up a lot of space, and they’re often not worth keeping. If you’re storing these items, consider whether you really need them.
Consider recycling them, or donate them to a local library or school. If there are articles you want to keep, consider scanning them and storing them digitally.
12. Old Holiday Decorations
Holiday decorations can take up a lot of space, and they’re only used once a year. If you’re storing decorations that you don’t use, or that are broken or outdated, it’s time to let them go.
Consider donating them to a local charity, or recycle them. This will free up space in your storage unit, and you can make room for new decorations that you really love.
13. Things You Forgot You Had
If you’re paying to store something and you can’t even remember what it is, it’s probably not worth the space it’s taking up. Take some time to go through your storage unit and get rid of items you’ve forgotten about.
Remember, storage is meant to be a temporary solution. If you’re storing something indefinitely, it’s time to reconsider. Consider whether you really need the item, or whether it’s time to let it go.
