What to Put in Self Storage: 25 Items Taking Up Too Much Space

Let’s be honest — no matter how much we organise, tidy, or “do a quick clear-out,” our homes still fill up with stuff we don’t really use. And if you’ve ever found yourself wondering what to put in self storage, you’re not alone. Whether it’s a treadmill turned clothes rail, a spare bed frame you might need someday, or boxes of baby clothes you’re saving “just in case” — it all takes up room. Before you know it, your loft is full, the garage is chaos, and your hallway resembles a car boot sale.

So, if you’re wondering what to put in self storage (instead of tripping over it every week), we’ve rounded up 25 of the most common — and surprisingly bulky — space-hoggers you can store away today.

🧳 Why Store It Instead of Tossing It?

Not everything unused is useless. Sometimes, it’s just not needed right now — but will be later. That’s where knowing what to put in self storage comes in; giving you a middle ground between clutter and regret. It’s like pressing pause on your belongings, without saying goodbye forever.

And with flexible, local storage solutions like Space Centre Self Storage, it’s easier and more affordable than you might think.

🧼 25 Surprisingly Space-Hogging Items You Can Move Out Today

🛋️ Bulky Furniture You Rarely Use

Spare mattresses or guest bed frames
Extra dining chairs (the ones that only see daylight at Christmas)
Fold-up tables or trestles
**That armchair you inherited but don’t love enough for the living room
Vintage furniture you plan to “restore someday”

Want to store furniture safely long-term? Here’s what you need to know:
Furniture Storage – Space Centre

🎿 Seasonal or Occasional Gear

Camping kits and sleeping bags
Suitcases and travel bags
Paddling pools, sledges, and seasonal sports equipment
Holiday decorations (Halloween, Easter, Christmas…)
Summer garden furniture or BBQs you won’t touch till May

🍽️ Appliances You Swear You’ll Use Again: What To Keep And What To Let Go

Slow cookers, air fryers, fondue sets — pick your culinary vice
Portable heaters or dehumidifiers
Box fans or air con units
That bread maker from lockdown (you tried)
Old TVs or spare monitors

🏋️ Fitness & Hobby Equipment: What To Put in Self Storage

Cluttered spare room | Storing fitness equipment

Rowing machines, spin bikes, or dumbbell sets
Yoga blocks, bolsters, mats — when not in daily use
Musical instruments in storage more than rotation
Sewing machines, easels, model train sets
Old gaming consoles you’re “keeping for nostalgia”

🧸 Kids’ Stuff: What to Put in Self Storage When They’ve Grown Out of It

Cots, changing tables, bouncers
Boxes of toys and baby clothes
Prams, highchairs, and play mats
Nursery art, mobiles, and keepsakes
School projects and giant painting folders

And don’t worry — storing these doesn’t mean forgetting. It means preserving them properly.

Deciding What to Put in Self Storage vs. What to Let Go

When choosing between the bin, the donation bag, and a storage unit, ask yourself:

Do I use this every month?
Do I actually have space for it at home?
Is this seasonal or situation-specific?
Would I be upset if it disappeared?
Would storage help me decide more clearly, over time?

If you answered yes, you’ve just figured out what to put in self storage first.

You’d be surprised how freeing it is to put something away for a while. Out of sight doesn’t have to mean out of mind — it can mean peace of mind.

📦 What To Put In Self Storage: Choosing The Right Size

If you’re wondering what to put in self storage, and how much space you’ll need — try this:

You can estimate how much space your bulky or occasional-use items will take, whether it’s a few boxes of toys or a full bedroom’s worth of furniture. Use our 120 sq ft Storage Unit Space Calculator.

🏡 Where to Store It All? (The Space Centre Difference)

At Space Centre Self Storage, we make it easy to declutter without the pressure of permanent decisions. Find your nearest self storage location and here’s what you get:

Flexible short- or long-term contracts
Locations in Bristol, Stroud, Stonehouse, Gloucester & Cheltenham
Free insurance up to £3,000
Clean, secure, and affordable units
Friendly support with zero hidden costs

Final Thoughts: Clutter Isn’t the Enemy — Inaction Is

Everyone has that one cupboard they avoid opening. Or a garage they wouldn’t dare show the neighbours. When you know what to put in self storage, and have access to a clean, secure space, it becomes far easier to breathe, move, and live without the pressure of clutter.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be about radical minimalism. It’s about giving yourself room to live — and think. With self storage, you don’t have to get rid of everything. You just have to move it out of the way.

Whether you’re preparing to move, renovate, or simply breathe easier at home, storage might just be the small solution to your big-space problem. Knowing how to effectively use and what to put in self storage can go a long way in helping you organise your home and life!