Simple word, storage.

 

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But stashing your stuff can be anything but. Unless of course, you have an organized storage plan that includes paring down what you can and smartly storing what’s left so that you — and anyone else in your home — can find what they need in that moment of need. Preferably without your help.

Few of us are blessed with an overabundance of storage space, so we’ve got to develop a system that maximizes what we do have. And if that system is going to work, the whole family has to be in on it. This will help everyone down the road. For example, next winter Bobby will be able to grab his snowboard at the sign of the first flake.

Make a Map

I borrowed this idea from a friend who borrowed it from another friend. We’ve all added our own touches to it over the years, and you’ll need to adapt it to your needs as well. But this is the basic premise: Map your storage space into specialized areas for seasonal, sports, papers, etc., and make a list of the boxes that go into storage. Nothing goes into storage unless it also goes on the list.

Here’s an example. Your categories will vary according to your needs:

 

1. Label each box by category (Seasonal, Luggage, etc.) on five sides in large letters. Then assign each box in each category a number. For example, Seasonal 1, Seasonal 2, Luggage 1, Luggage 2.
2. Assign one area of your storage space for each category and note the location on a list that you’ll keep in your computer.
3. Finally, make a listing of each box (Seasonal 1, Clothing 3) and its contents. If you add more boxes, you can just add a number (Seasonal 5, Clothing 8).

Record on your list how many boxes you have in each category. Then you’ll know if you have them all. This year, we found one box of decorations we never even unpacked.

Now, when you want to find a special decoration, all you have to do is consult your list (it’s in Seasonal 4) and your map or guide (Seasonal is near the southeast corner of the attic).

With a map of your storage area, all members of the family can retrieve what they need when they need it. This method can work whether you have an attic, a loft in the garage or boxes stacked against the walls of the basement. You can even track boxes stored in various closets this way. Just keep your guide handy or in your computer.

The Trouble with Storage

When we moved into this house, I was most excited about the extra bedroom and the larger closets and a bigger garage. Storage! I thought to myself. I’ll never have to worry about storage again.

Boy was I mistaken. I have stuff I only see when I move. Stuff from college. Stuff from when I was a SINK — single income, no kids. (And no, I don’t remember a minute of it. Though I’m sure I had some good times in my tiny loft in Boston.) But now that I think about it, I didn’t have enough storage space then either. And it was just me and my high school stuff to store.

Nobody has enough storage. Just look at the growth of the self storage industry. Time was there wasn’t such a thing. Or at least if there was, we’d never heard of it. Now, it seems there’s at least one storage warehouse in every neighborhood of every city.

The problem with storage is that once you store something, it’s much harder to keep track of. You need a written plan because you really are going to forget things. And you’ll need to tell the rest of the family where you put that written plan.

First, you’ll need to realize, as I have, that garages and basements are not designed to be the repositories for a lifetime. You need to keep stuff there that you actually intend to use at some time. Sell, give away or toss the rest.

Trust me, it’ll be worth the heated discussion you’ll have with your husband about how you’ll use that fold-up table or those unmatched glasses in your second home someday. You won’t. By then you’ll be able to afford new, stylish stuff.