Buy Storage Solutions

Before you choose any storage, evaluate the space you have available. Can you move items around in the garage to open up more space? Can you use shelves that are attached to the ceiling to open up more floor space? Consider wall racks and mounts, too. Do some homework on Wayfair.com, Lowes.com, and HomeDepot.com. You might find new ideas.

Keep in mind if you need permanent storage or temporary storage. There are plenty of heavy-duty plastic shelving options that can be put together quickly without tools and stored easily when not in use. I have several heavy-duty plastic shelving units and find them the most versatile, affordable, and lightweight.

Basement & Storage

The variety of items people store is vast. Many items on the included checklist may not apply to your situation. To begin, cross out the items you do not have so you can focus on the items you need to sort. Then, start with the fastest and largest items to sort. Your goal is to reduce your unused household inventory with the least amount of effort. This will help you feel like you are making great progress. What specific goal do you want to accomplish today? Two hours of focused attention is better than spending hours feeling overwhelmed. Try to avoid pulling everything into the middle of the room unless your goal is simply to group like with like to store and then sort later.

If you are procrastinating because the job is large, you can also start with easy things such as old newspapers, magazines, and expired food. You can also choose to just start with something fast and simple such as cleaning supplies. When you have a narrow focus, you are able to achieve your task. When you look at the entire project as one big job, you are likely to walk away and enjoy your favorite snack. Who hasn’t looked at a task and put it off? Keep in mind that you are reducing clutter to make room for the items you use and enjoy and that this is a process.

You have seen this same list before. It is very common to store things you use regularly in the main living area of your home and store similar items in the basement or storage areas. Remember to have your sorting labels ready. Consider having boxes or bins labeled before you begin to make it easy to toss things into the appropriate container. This will eliminate confusion and reduce frustration.