Whether you live in a compact flat in the city centre, a family home nearby, or a shared student house near the university, one thing’s for sure: clutter creeps up on all of us. And with busy lives and limited space, it’s no surprise that more people in Preston are looking for smarter, simpler ways to take control of their spaces.

Decluttering doesn’t mean throwing everything away. It’s about making space for the things that matter—and that’s exactly where self storage comes in. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps to declutter your home and explain how storage units can be a powerful part of the solution.

Why Decluttering Matters

A clutter-free home isn’t just easier on the eyes—it’s better for your wellbeing. Studies have shown that a tidy environment can reduce stress, improve focus, and even help you sleep better. For families, it creates calmer spaces. For students and professionals, it boosts productivity. And for anyone moving house or renovating, it makes life 10 times easier.

But decluttering can also feel overwhelming—especially if you’re dealing with years of accumulated stuff. That’s why having a strategy (and a backup plan for storage) is key.

Start Small

Don’t try to tackle the entire house in one weekend. Begin with a single drawer, cupboard, or corner of a room. A small win creates momentum—and makes the process feel a lot more manageable.

Sort items into categories

Use the simple four-pile method:

• Keep – items you use regularly or love
• Store – items you need but don’t use daily (e.g. Christmas decorations, summer gear)
• Donate or Sell – items in good condition but no longer needed
• Bin – broken, expired, or genuinely useless items

Be Honest

Have you ever heard of the year rule for decluttering? This is simply, If you haven’t used something in over a year, ask yourself if you really need it. This applies to clothes, decorations, personal belongings all of which take up space… You don’t have to throw it out—self storage offers a middle ground for things you can’t part with just yet, but its definitely worth sorting through your stuff.

Clear one space before moving on to another

Fully finish one room or area before jumping to the next. This avoids spreading clutter from one place to another and gives you a visible sense of progress.

How Self Storage Can Help You Declutter

Self storage isn’t just for people moving house or running businesses—it’s an incredibly useful tool for everyday living. Here’s how it can make decluttering easier:

• Temporary Holding Space: If you’re redecorating, renovating, or simply in between decisions on what to keep, a storage unit gives you time and space to figure it out—without living in a mess.
• Seasonal Storage: Free up wardrobes, lofts, and under-bed spaces by moving out-of-season clothes, camping gear, or holiday décor into storage. You only access it when you need it, keeping your home clutter-free year-round.
• Declutter without letting go: Struggling to part with sentimental items or family heirlooms? You don’t need to. Store them safely off-site while you maintain a tidy, functional home.
• Make room for any life changes: Expecting a baby? Creating a home office? Downsizing? Storage helps you make space quickly while you transition to the next chapter of your life.

Storage in Preston: What to expect

Whether you live in Penwortham, nearby or right in the city centre, there are plenty of local storage facilities that cater to household needs. Units come in various sizes—from small storage units for a few boxes to large spaces for full-house contents—and most offer flexible, short-term contracts, that can easily be changed if your situation demands it.

Look for a facility that offers:

• 24/7 access (handy for busy schedules)
• Strong security
• Clear pricing with no hidden fees
• Helpful staff who can advise on the right unit size

You don’t have to be a minimalist to enjoy the benefits of decluttering. It’s not about living with nothing—it’s about living with what matters, and creating space for what’s next. Whether that’s a home office, a calm living room, or simply the ability to breathe a little easier at home, it starts with taking action.

And if you need a helping hand? Self storage is the perfect tool to support your decluttering without the pressure of permanent decisions or getting rid of belongings that you might regret later down the line.

Ready to declutter your home?

If you’re based in Preston and need a little extra space to make it happen, we’re here to help. Our friendly team can guide you through choosing the right unit, and we even offer short-term, flexible rentals—perfect for decluttering projects.

Get in touch today to learn more, or to reserve your space