All New Yorkers know that space is a premium. Closets double as pantries, under-bed bins serve as winter wardrobes, and “extra room” is more concept than reality. That’s why spring isn’t just for deep cleaning. It’s your chance for an annual reset or a time to reorganize, breathe easier, and finally see the back of that closet.
For renters, using a self-storage unit can be the smartest and sanest way to reclaim square footage while keeping what you value close.
Learn what to keep and what to toss, pring cleaning tips and tricks that can help, and how to maximise self storage New York unit for your organizational and spring cleaning needs with our experts at Stuf Storage.
What to Store in New York Self Storage Units This Spring: The First-Timer’s Guid
For first-time self-storage renters, it can be hard to know what’s worth boxing up and what deserves a permanent spot at home. That’s where this practical guide comes in.
We’ll walk through the most clutter-prone areas and show you exactly what to store and how to decide which items should stay or go.
1. Wardrobe: Rotate Seasonal Clothing
Puffy coats, scarves, knits, boots and gloves - you won’t need these items again until after many months, so it’s best to store them outside your home, where they won’t become another obstacle.
But, instead of just storing them, we recommend you do a thorough clean out.
Tip: Do the 3-box method.
Label three containers “Keep,” “Store/ Maybe,” and “Donate” then place all your winter gear in one pile.
Go through them one by one, asking questions such as:
- “Did I wear this this year?,”
- “Does it fit and feel right?,”
- and “Would I buy it again today?
Remember, be absolutely logical. This way, you truly clean out wardrobe clutter rather than simply relocating them.
2. Holiday & Seasonal Decor: Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind
That string of fairy lights still hanging in your hallway or those jolly little trinkets on your tabletops? It’s time.
Holiday decorations bring joy once a year, however, in a city apartment, they shouldn’t be eating up year-round space.
For our deep spring cleaning tip, we recommend you use the one-year rule: If you didn’t hang it up last season, odds are you won’t next time either. So store the timeless in your self-storage unit, toss the tangled, and label your bins clearly so future you will thank you.
3. Kitchen Tools: Free Up Counter Space
Most New York kitchens aren’t built for stockpiling. So kitchen appliances and utensils that haven’t been used in a year or have always been in the “just in case” category don’t need to take up more home real estate.
I once had three slow cookers and zero counter space. All of these were presents from relatives who knew I loved to cook. Unfortunately, more slow cookers don’t mean more delicious meals.
Since they are presents, however, I couldn’t bring myself to simply get rid of them. So while I’m looking for new homes for them, the extra ones live happily in storage, and now, my kitchen feels twice as big.
Tip: Consider whether you’ve touched them in the last three months or if you'll need them in the next three.
If they’re in the later category, set up space for them in your self storage New York unit. However, for the first one, give them another thought and if you see yourself using them in the future, store them safely as well.
Don’t forget to get rid of duplicates.
4. Kids’ Gear & Toys: Grow Out, Don’t Throw Out
Toys, clothes, and gear from last year might not serve this year but that doesn’t mean they’re useless.
Box up and store:
- Outgrown clothes in good condition
- Seasonal outdoor toys
- Baby gear you’re not ready to sell
Label by age group or season to stay organized and to make rotating back in a breeze.
5. Bedding & Extras: Make Room for Comfort
Thick flannel sheets, heavy comforters, and even guest bedding sets can go into your climate-controlled self-storage in New York
I used to stash bulky bedding above my closet shelf, where it slowly avalanched onto me every time I opened the door. Now, vacuum-sealed in storage, it’s both safe and out of my hair.
How to Prep Items for Cleaning
Once you’ve decided what to store in your self-storage unit, you need to prep your items to make sure they stay in great condition. Here’s how to do it right:
1. Use Proper Containers: Store your items in clear plastic bins or sturdy boxes. This will keep moisture and dust out. Try to avoid cardboard as they can deteriorate over time
2. Label Everything: Label each box with contents and a date. This will make it much easier when you need to retrieve things later
3. Don’t Overstuff: Leave space in boxes so that items don’t get squished or damaged. The goal is to make it easy to get to what you need from storage without disrupting everything.
4. Protect Fragile Items: Wrap delicate items in bubble wrap or packing paper. You can even use towels or linens for protection. If you're storing glass or ceramic pieces, make sure they’re in their own boxes, marked fragile.
Clear Your Space The Right Way for
Spring cleaning doesn’t need to mean tossing everything you own. It means making smarter decisions about what belongs in your space right now. And with storage options that are flexible, secure, and climate-controlled, combined with the right spring house cleaning tips, that is highly possible.
At Stuf Storage, we help NYC renters take back control without giving up comfort. Whether you’re storing winter layers or giving your kid’s room a reset, a self- torage unit gives you breathing room. And in New York, that’s priceless.
Explore our storage options or locations across NYC now and start your spring reset today. Contact us today for more inquiries
