If you're planning to put your Las Vegas home for sale, one of the most important parts of getting your house ready is getting rid of clutter. Our real estate agents know it helps with open houses to have as few personal possessions as possible so that potential buyers can imagine filling the space with their own belongings. Studies have shown that a decluttered home sells faster, and at a higher price point. Still, the issue remains—what to do with all that stuff.

A lot of things can probably be donated, given away, or thrown out. It's also a good idea to have a big yard sale to unload some old, unwanted items. Still, you're going to be left with a lot. It can't go back into your old house, and your new house probably isn't ready for it yet. If you've found yourself in this tricky spot, renting a storage unit may be the solution you're looking for, but it's important to choose wisely. 

Finding the Right Storage Unit

Not all storage units are the same, and it's important to weigh your options carefully. Be sure to take a few factors into consideration: 

• Start early: Waiting until the last minute to find a storage unit could end up limiting your options and force you to compensate on size, price, and location. Start your search early to lock down a great unit.
• Size matters: Before choosing a storage unit, make a list of everything you plan to store so that you can estimate how much space you'll need. Storage units typically range in size from 5x5 to 10x25 feet. A 10x10 unit can hold roughly two bedrooms' worth of belongings, while a 10x20 unit is usually big enough to accommodate the contents of an entire two-bedroom house. 
• The company you keep: Be sure to only work with a reputable storage company. Price is a consideration too, but don't rent from a sketchy company just to save a few bucks. Low-end storage could end up leading to problems with pests, moisture damage, or even theft.

Packing for Storage

Once you've picked out the perfect storage unit, it's time to start packing! Here's how to pack smarter, and get the most out every square foot of your storage unit: 

• Put a label on it: It might seem like a chore now, but it's nothing compared to sorting through piles of unlabeled boxes. Always put labels on everything!
• Don't store valuables: Even in a great storage unit, there's still a chance—albeit a small one—that something could end up damaged or missing. So it's best to keep valuables close at hand. That includes anything worth a great deal of money (art, jewelry), prone to climate damage (musical instruments), or irreplaceable (family heirlooms).
• Pack strategically: No matter how full your storage unit gets, leave a path to everything. You never know what you may need to access, so you'll be glad you made access possible. That said, it's always a good idea to pack things you know you'll need toward the front, and stick things you know you can live without for a while toward the back.
• Get stacking: Don't forget to take advantage of your storage unit's height. Most units are at least 8 feet tall, so be sure to stack those boxes! You'll be able to fit in a lot more if you think vertically. 

For more help selling your old home, buying a new home, or planning a move, Contact Wardley Real Estate today. Our team has years of experience in the Las Vegas real estate market, and we're dedicated to helping every step of the way.