What Should You Keep in Storage and What Should You Donate or Toss?

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August 29th, 2025

If you’re moving, downsizing, or just tackling a big decluttering project, you’ve probably faced this tricky question: What should I keep in storage, and what should I let go of?It’s a decision that can feel overwhelming. Some belongings carry sentimental value, others are practical but rarely used, and some are just taking up space. By knowing what belongs in a storage unit and what should be donated or thrown away, you’ll not only maximize your storage space but also make your life more organized and clutter-free.

Why This Decision Matters

A storage unit is a fantastic way to give yourself more breathing room at home while keeping belongings safe and accessible. But the key is being intentional about what goes into that unit. Making smart choices helps you:

Save money by only renting the space you actually need.
Avoid clutter creep so your unit doesn’t become a second garage full of forgotten stuff.
Protect your peace of mind by knowing that everything you’re storing is truly worth keeping.

In short, your storage unit should feel like a purposeful extension of your home, not an expensive junk drawer.

What to Keep in a Storage Unit

So, what kinds of belongings deserve a spot in your Liberty Bend Storage unit? Here are some common categories:

Seasonal Items

Holiday decorations, winter coats, camping gear, or summer sports equipment, these items are useful but don’t need to take up year-round space at home. Storage gives them a safe home until the right season rolls back around.

Furniture You’re Not Using Right Now

Maybe you’re between homes, saving furniture for your kids’ first apartment, or hanging onto pieces for a future remodel. Quality furniture is worth keeping, and storage is the perfect solution when it doesn’t fit in your current living space.

Sentimental Items and Heirlooms

Family photo albums, childhood keepsakes, or heirlooms passed down through generations deserve to be protected, even if they don’t have a place in your home right now. A storage unit provides a safe, climate-stable environment for these meaningful belongings.

Business or Hobby Items

Boxes of files, extra office supplies, or inventory for your side business are excellent candidates for storage. The same goes for hobby supplies or equipment you don’t use daily but don’t want to get rid of.

What to Donate or Throw Away

Of course, not everything is worth paying to keep in storage. Here are a few categories of belongings that are usually better off being donated, sold, or discarded:

Clothes You Haven’t Worn in Years

If you haven’t worn it in the past 12 months, chances are you won’t wear it again. Clothes in good condition can be donated to local charities, while worn-out items can be recycled.

Outdated or Broken Electronics

That old TV or broken laptop may feel hard to part with, but it doesn’t belong in storage. Electronics age quickly and are often more trouble than they’re worth. Recycling or donating is usually the better option.

Bulky, Rarely Used Items

Treadmills that double as laundry racks, broken furniture, or outdated appliances tend to collect dust in storage. Ask yourself honestly: will I really use this again? If not, it might be time to let it go.

Duplicate Household Items

Do you really need three coffee makers or four sets of pots and pans? Duplicates are a common culprit in clutter, and most of the time, they can be donated without regret.

Prohibited or Perishable Items

Food, plants, flammable materials, and other hazardous items should never be stored in a unit. Not only do they pose risks, but they’re also often against storage facility rules.

Tips for Making the Decision

It’s easy to get stuck when deciding whether to keep or toss an item. Here are some simple tricks to help guide you:

Try the “One-Year Rule.” If you haven’t used an item in over a year, ask yourself if you really need it.
Ask: Does this add value to my life? If it doesn’t serve a purpose or bring you joy, it might be time to part with it.
Think about replacement cost. If it’s inexpensive or easy to replace, storing it may not be worth the space.
Take it one step at a time. Start with one category—like clothes, books, or kitchen items—so the process feels less overwhelming.

With these strategies, decluttering becomes less about “losing” things and more about making space for what matters most.

How Liberty Bend Storage Can Help

At Liberty Bend Storage, we understand that choosing what to store and what to donate isn’t always simple. That’s why we make it easy to store the items you decide to keep.Our facility in Liberty, MO, offers a range of unit sizes, all in a clean, secure, and easily accessible environment. Whether you need a small space for keepsakes or a large unit for furniture, our team is here to help you find the perfect fit.Visit Liberty Bend Storage to explore our unit options, and give us a call at (816) 781-9595 if you need advice, we’re always happy to help.