Self storage units can be useful in a number of different circumstances. Here are some examples of situations in which it might be a good idea to rent one of these units.

You're downsizing

Over the course of a lifetime, most people accumulate a large number of personal possessions. If this is the case for you and you have recently made the decision to downsize to a smaller property, you may need to get rid of some of your current belongings, as there won't be enough storage space for all of them in your new, more modestly-sized home.

However, this is easier said than done. Going on a major de-cluttering spree can be quite emotionally draining; the idea of throwing away or donating items that are of great personal significance to you, or that remind you of times gone by, is no mean feat. If you're struggling to give away or dispose of certain sentimental items, such as mementos from your childhood or a large stack of photo albums, then it might be worth renting a self-storage unit for these things. This will enable you to hold onto these special possessions, without having to worry about them taking up too much space in your new home.

A storage unit can also serve as a safe place to store bulky items that you still need to use on occasion, but that you do not have enough room for in your new property. Things like a barbecue grill and garden furniture, which are only needed during the summer months, or your artificial Christmas tree, that is of course only used in December, might be included in this category.

You'll be away from home for several weeks or months

If you intend to travel for more than a week or two, you might want to consider putting your more valuable belongings into a self-storage unit, in order to keep them safe until you return. Storage facilities are generally extremely secure. Most are equipped with entry code systems and CCTV, and have security guards on site at all times. This means that you won't have to worry about the possibility of your possessions being stolen whilst you are away.

Even if you intend to hire a house-sitter to live in your property for the duration of your trip, it's still sensible to put your most treasured and expensive items into a self-storage unit, as there is a chance that your belongings may be stolen, even with someone else living in your home.  If the house-sitter makes a mistake, such as forgetting to lock the front door before they go to sleep, or failing to switch on the house alarm before they go out for the day, an opportunistic thief might be able to steal your possessions.