All NEW When You Move in: Utah Rethinks Storage

Do The Numbers Before Signing a Rental

When moving or downsizing, you may need space for your stuff and a storage unit can be a quick solution. Before you do this, ask yourself a few questions. You could save yourself some much needed money or at least a better experience when you move in.

Three Things to Think About

First, look over the furniture and boxes of clothing and do a quick estimation of what it is worth if you were to sell it. Used items usually go for 10% to 30% of the original price. Is anything you plan to store worth more than the price of storing it will be?

Small storage units in Utah are going for $125 and bigger ones closer to $200. When you add other fees like air conditioning these costs can add up fast. Is what you have in storage worth $600 bucks? Is it worth a couple thousand?

Next, think about how often you use these items. If they have sat in boxes in the garage for more than a year, you may not be that attached to them. It is probably time to declutter rather than store it.

Maybe you are saving it for your posterity. This would be a good time to have your kids over and ask if they want it. You may be surprised how little they are interested in. If the do desire it, give it to them now.

The last thing you should think about is what it might be like moving into your new place with new furniture? What if you sold all your old stuff to others who could use it. Then save the money you would have spent on a storage unit each month, and buy new when you move in?