Self storage cannot, of course, solve every problem in the World. But in many ways it can be a big tool for our own ‘self help’.

There are all kinds of definitions for ‘self help’ out there, so for clarity this is the one we’re referring to when making as a big a claim as ‘self storage as self help’: “the action or process of bettering oneself or overcoming one's problems without the aid of others; notably the coping with one's personal or emotional problems without professional help.” (Source: Merriam Webster Dictionary.)

Essentially, ‘self help’ is about learning how to help yourself, and applying it to your life to create positive change that lasts.

Oh, how simple that sounds!

There’s truth in your mental wellbeing having a link to your home environment. According to the University of Minnesota, your home environment influences your mood positively if it’s light and airy, influences your behaviour positively and your motivation to act, facilitates interactions in your family and with guests, and can considerably reduce stress.

The other side of that coin is that your home environment can also do the opposite. If having inviting, comfortable spaces makes interacting with guests easy, a messy space is uninviting and may make the owner feel guilty and depressed, not wanting to invite people home. If the hall is already messy, loaded with bags and shoes, it’s easy to add to, hard to clear.

So how can self-storage help? Decluttering can bring major mental health benefits. And self-storage and decluttering go hand in hand.

Top self help through self storage tips

1.       Throwing things out can be hard

A study by researchers at Yale University used brain scans to show that for people with hoarding disorders, throwing things out activates the part of the brain that’s responsible for processing pain. No surprises then that a good declutter can be hard. How many of us have found at box of photos and spent a week with a messy coffee table whilst we look at them rather than simply packing them away?

Storage allows you to keep things that have emotional value but which add nothing to your daily life. The photos we just mentioned. Your children’s first pair of shoes, or your dog’s puppy collar.

2.       It’s cheaper and financially more predictable than getting a bigger house

According to government statistics average UK house prices had increased by 1.9% in the 12 months to May 2023. And then things changed. A 3.5% annual fall in June was followed by a 3.8% lower average price in July than a year ago - the fastest annual rate drop in 14 years. With house prices unstable and mortgage interest rates rising, it makes sense for many not to move until things level out, and to make the best of the space you have.

Self-storage is your friend!  Joining the ranks of lifestyle storers means you have the means to stay on top of organising and planning your home, bringing out festival gear in the summer and decorations at Christmas when you need them and putting them away when you don’t. All of which gives you a tidier space and saves you money.

The benefit goes beyond that. Upsizing can be huge financial burden. For young families it may be a family life saver, of course, but for most, an increased mortgage may mean extra financial pressure. According to MIND, this can lead to all kinds of mental health issues, from the panic of opening an envelope when it contains a bill, to the isolation of not being able to socialise. 

Self storage is, by contrast, generally cheaper, more predictable and more flexible than the current housing/mortgage market.

3.       Create space in your home

There are endless ways that extra space in your home can contribute toward your own self help goals. Some examples:

·         Home office space that allows you to balance out life by working from home on occasion or dedicate time to a ‘side gig’;

·         Create a home workout space;

·         Create a space for quiet contemplation, prayer or meditation; 

·         Gardening is good for you. Storage can help you sort that shed to make it less chore and more fun.

4.       Start your own self storage business

easyStorage runs its business through a network of franchisees, who are a great bunch and help each other out. It’s in everyone’s interests that these franchises do well, and there are opportunities to join us. Obviously it requires some investment and hard work – the good things always do – but if you’re looking for something to help you to a new life, to give you some autonomy, it’s always worth a look: https://www.easystorage.com/franchise

Self storage can’t, sadly cure all ills, or wave a magic wand. But it can, perhaps, offer a valuable aid as you head toward achieving your life goals.