Space is limited — especially in New York City. There are a few things you can do with your stuff if you’ve accumulated too much. Here’s a list of 4 things you can do with your items:
1. Store extra stuff in a self-storage unit
You may simply need extra space for your belongings. Storing items — even in a small unit — can save lots of space in your home. Maybe you have a few clothes, some books, or pieces of luggage that need storing for a short period of time. Here are a few things to consider as you store items:
What items you should pack in your storage unit
Some items are not used very often or they’re seasonal. Here are a few things to put away for a little while:
- Seasonal items. Winter or summer clothing are perfect items to store. You won’t need that large coat or pair of snow boots during the summer, so why keep them in your home?
- Vacation items. Do you enjoy the great outdoors, but only go out a few times a year? Maybe put that tent, hiking, or camping gear in a unit.
- Furniture. Maybe you don’t have space for that dresser, kitchen table, or bed, and you don’t want to get rid of it quite yet. A self-storage unit is a great place to put it for a month or more.
How to pack your items in your unit
It’s important to know how to pack your things for storage. Here are a few things to remember as you pack items:
- Use a box. Pack simple and light things in a cardboard box. Securely tape it with packing tape when finished.
- Consider special environments. Some items need to be stored in a temperature-controlled environment. Items like wine, musical instruments, or artwork need special attention to detail. Determining if it needs to be temperature controlled or placed in the dark are important details.
- Take inventory. Make a list of the things you pack — electronically or on paper — so you’ll remember what you pack. After a few months, you may forget! You can have peace of mind knowing what things are stored wherever you are.
How to move your items to your unit
So you’ve packed everything and it’s time to drop it off at the unit. But how will you get it there? Depending on the number or weight of your belongings, you can take it by yourself. Or maybe you’ll need to have someone move it for you.
Taking your stuff to your unit
We have two locations in New York City — one in Queens and one in the Bronx. If you decide to take your things by yourself, consider these options:
- Carry it. This is the first and most logical thing that comes to mind when thinking about moving things in New York. The hard part is … it’s heavy and bulky! You don’t want to carry your items too far.
- Public transportation. In the same thinking, you can carry your items using the Subway or train, bus, or taxi, but this can be hard as well.
Ask your friends. You could always ask your friends to help too, but a “thank you” dinner would be in order after that. - Let Moishe’s move it for you. We have a team of moving and storage experts that can move your items for free if you meet specific requirements. Don’t do the heavy lifting yourself, let us do it!
2. Give your extra stuff away to someone who needs it
Someone in need may benefit from your donation. Clothing and blankets are the most needed items in New York, but furniture is also needed. Here are a few places where you can give away your extra items:
Salvation Army
New York has many Salvation Army locations for you to drop your non-wanted items. They’ll take clothes, kitchen supplies, or larger items like washing machines. Consider giving items away if you no longer need them. Here’s a list of where you can drop off items at the Salvation Army.
Goodwill
Goodwill is perfect for clothes and smaller items, but they do not take larger appliances such as refrigerators. They have plenty of drop-off locations! Here’s a link to a Goodwill store locator.
Donate NYC
There’s a full list of all places you can drop off non-needed items in New York City on Donate NYC‘s website. This list also tells if they pick-up. They realize it may be hard to take bulky items, so they offer to come get it.
3. Sell it and get bang for your buck
Selling online is always a viable option — we all could use a little extra cash! Here are a few to get you started:
- Craigslist: The first one that comes to mind is Craigslist. You can sell or give away almost anything. Simply place a classified ad for people to look at. If it’s something worth messaging you about, they will contact you via the website — if that’s the setting you selected.
- OfferUp: Use this app to buy or sell things to a local network. That kitchen table or dresser is a good option for this one.
- LetGo: Another app where items can be sold locally.
4. Dispose of it in an environmental-friendly way
After you considered all the options above and none of them work, you may just have to throw it away. Some items are small enough to put in the trashcan. Other items are larger and need to be taken directly to the dump. When you have items too big, contact New York’s local waste pick up. They’ll come get those large items that you cannot take to the trash yourself. Go to the local government’s website (NYC311) for more information.
Contact Moishe’s Self Storage if you’re looking for cheap storage units in New York City to hold wine, art, or other things. Our Manhattan/The Bronx and Queens/Brooklyn Storage Facilities are conveniently located near you. We offer over 20 different storage unit sizes, available to individuals, students, and businesses. Reserve your room, view specials, or contact us.