Should You Upsize or Downsize Your Storage Unit? A Simple Guide to Deciding
Whether moving, decluttering, or downsizing, choosing the right storage unit size can save you money while keeping your belongings safe, accessible, and well-organized. If you already have a storage unit, your decision to upsize or downsize might be driven by finances, the need to declutter your home, or the need to make room for a new member of your household. We understand that, as life changes, so do your storage needs.
Storage units are real lifesavers during big life transitions like moving. And the good news is that storage is flexible—you can upsize or downsize your unit at any time as your needs evolve. For example, if you've reached a point in your life where traveling abroad is within reach, but you're not ready to let go of all your worldly possessions. A small, 10x10 or larger 10x15 storage unit would give you peace of mind. We have a few tips to help you decide if upsizing or downsizing is the right choice for your situation.
5 Reasons To Upsize Your Storage Unit
There are a variety of reasons why you may want to upsize your storage unit, like inheriting family heirlooms, a growing family, expanding your business, or accumulating more outdoor gear than the garage can handle. A larger storage unit can offer the flexibility and breathing room to stay organized without crowding your living spaces. A larger storage unit ensures everything has a place, stays protected, and remains easy to access when you need it. Here are some of the most common situations where upsizing could be the right choice for you.
Starting A Home-Based Business
Starting a small business often takes up far more space than expected. Whether you're running an Etsy shop, flipping furniture, storing contractor tools, or managing inventory, your home may start to feel overcrowded. Instead of crowding closets, spare bedrooms, or the garage, upsize your storage unit. You might even find that your productivity improves with less clutter.
An Expanding Collection Of Outdoor Equipment
We totally get it—adventure gear has a way of multiplying as the seasons change and new adventures call. Hobbies tend to do the same. What starts as a weekend project, such as woodworking, fishing, music recording, or gardening, can quickly expand into tools, materials, and equipment that overwhelm your home. Upsizing your storage unit so you can keep everything organized and decluttered at home means you can devote more energy to what matters most.
Welcoming A New Family Member
Life transitions, like welcoming a new baby, asking an aging parent to move in, or combining households, often mean certain belongings need to be stored temporarily. Choosing to upsize to a larger storage unit provides the flexibility to keep quality furniture, family keepsakes, and baby clothes without having to part with items you may need again. It's a graceful way to manage change without additional stress.
Seasonal Gear That Outgrows Your Current Unit
Seasonal living comes with seasonal stuff. Patio furniture, snow equipment, holiday décor, warm-weather toys, and all the extras that only see daylight a few months a year can quickly exceed the limits of a small storage unit. Upsizing allows you to rotate seasonal items easily throughout the year, keeping everything accessible and stored in a way that prevents unnecessary wear and tear.
When You Need Climate-Controlled Protection
Sometimes the issue isn't just space—it's temperature, humidity, or the security of high-value or fragile items. Artwork, instruments, antiques, business inventory, and essential documents often require a climate-controlled environment to preserve their condition. You might have begun your storage journey with an outdoor drive-up unit and later realize your belongings need better protection. Upsizing to a climate-controlled unit provides space for these valuables while ensuring they remain in good condition year-round.
Managing A Major Life Transition
A major life transition is one of the reasons people turn to self storage for a temporary solution. For example, sorting through a loved one's belongings is an emotional and time-consuming task. Many people need extra time to store items while deciding what to keep, what to pass along to other family members, and what to donate or sell later. Upsizing a storage unit creates breathing room during a period that's already difficult, allowing families to move at a pace that feels respectful rather than rushed.
5 Reasons To Downsize Your Storage Unit
You may find it's time to downsize your storage unit when a life transition makes it clear that you don't need as much space. Or, it could be time to consolidate multiple units to save money, or you have fewer belongings to store. Once the kids are grown, you may no longer need to hold onto their old gear or furniture. A major decluttering or minimalism push can also shrink what you keep.
Reducing Multiple Units Into One
Many people downsize storage when they realize they've accumulated two or more units over the years. Consolidating everything into one space cuts monthly costs, reduces stress, and makes it easier to keep track of everything. It's also an ideal opportunity to call in family members and charitable organizations. Passing along cherished items to loved ones or to those who need them makes the sometimes-stressful process of decluttering more meaningful and fulfilling.
Moving Into Assisted Living Or Downsizing a Home
The decision to move to assisted living or a smaller home often means there's simply less room—and less need—for stored belongings. Furniture, décor, and household items that once filled a full-sized home may no longer be wanted, making a smaller unit the practical choice. Moreover, having the flexibility of a month-to-month storage unit gives you room to revisit items you might be on the fence about.
Kids Growing Up & Moving Out
When children establish their own households, parents often discover they don't need to keep boxes of school projects, childhood memorabilia, or extra furniture on standby. Of course, you'll want to collaborate with your kids before getting rid of anything. Especially if your child is out of college and starting their own family. They may appreciate the opportunity to stroll down memory lane with you.
A Major Decluttering Or Minimalism Push
A deep decluttering project or a move toward a more minimalist lifestyle can dramatically reduce what you think you need or want to keep. The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to let go of things you've been keeping for the "just in case" scenario (that hasn't ever come about). You may find it easier to move into a smaller unit, which, of course, is the first step to reducing your personal belongings.
Ending a Renovation Or Home Remodel
Renovations and remodels often require temporarily storing furniture, appliances, and home décor. Once the kitchen or main bedroom and bathroom remodel project wraps up and everything returns home, the extra space becomes unnecessary, making downsizing your storage unit an easy next step.
Selling Vacation Homes, RVs, Or Seasonal Properties
When you sell a vacation home, RV, or seasonal property, much of the gear, furnishings, and equipment tied to that lifestyle often leaves with it. Ski equipment, kayaks, patio furniture, or extra bedding that once filled a storage unit may no longer be needed. With fewer belongings to store, a smaller unit often becomes more than sufficient. Downsizing in this scenario isn't just practical—it's an opportunity to reassess what's truly essential.
StorQuest Makes It Easy To Customize Your Storage Solution
Your storage experience matters, and StorQuest is committed to delivering one that's easy, reliable, and built around your needs. Our clean, modern facilities offer climate-controlled units that maintain stable temperatures and humidity year-round—perfect for protecting adventure gear, seasonal décor, and household belongings. Whatever direction life takes you, StorQuest has your back. Reserve your unit online today and make room for your next adventure.