The Art of Downsizing

One of the beautiful benefits of an Ottawa storage unit, is the freedom it allows you to have in every other aspect of your life. Do you want to travel for a month, and put your space on Airbnb? Perhaps an ailing parent needs to take you back to your hometown for a few months, or a move to a smaller more conveniently located apartment requires you downsize.

Downsizing doesn’t need to be a four letter word. Downsizing can make your life more enjoyable to live, more manageable, and even more fulfilling. Ottawa storage units make it possible for you to surround yourself with fewer things, and live a more streamlined life.

Making the Move

One of the first steps to downsizing is often moving. Moving to a smaller home encourages you to have fewer, more meaningful and useful belongings. Sometimes this means moving to a different neighbourhood. Choose a neighbourhood that you identify with. Find one that has all of the amenities you desire, and maybe some that will broaden your horizons. If you don’t drive, make sure to take into account public transportation and proximity to your work and friends.

Moving to a smaller home will often allow you to pay less rent (or taxes if you own your home), as well as less on maintenance and utilities. Your lower cost of living will free up finances for you to experience your life. Take a course, go on vacation, pursue a hobby! Take stock of just how much space you actually need and find a home that offers everything you need, and nothing you don’t.

Make an Inventory

Once you’ve made the decision to downsize your life, make an inventory of everything you own. Whether this is in written form, or simply mental taking stock of your belongings is a crucial first step. If necessary, categorize your belongings and get ready to make some decisions. During this process you will want to take into consideration your lifestyle. If you’re not in the habit of hosting dinner parties, it’s probably a good idea to say goodbye to the extra folding chairs, and place settings. Same goes for sports equipment. Your intentions were good when you bought the snowshoes, but are you ever actually going to use them?

Here’s a tip: make three piles: donate, store, sell. Use local consignment shops, and online platforms to sell your gently used belongings. Then, turn your profits into seed money for your next adventure!

Rent an Ottawa Storage Unit

Once you have decided on what’s going to make it into the storage unit, get packing. Staying organized during this stage is absolutely crucial! If you can’t find things in your storage unit, they are as good as useless. For tips on how to pack and organize your storage locker, see this article.

If you would like to learn more about renting an Ottawa storage locker from Acceptable Storage call us at 613-822-7666!