Decluttering? The belongings the KonMari Method calls “sentimental items” are always among the hardest to figure out. The trickiest part is out of the way once you decide which ones you still welcome, for which family heirlooms, keepsakes, mementos, and reminders of the past there’s space in your life.
When that’s done, you still have to decide if there’s space in your home. Creating an organized storage system for cherished memories allows families to preserve important items without sacrificing their peaceful living environment.
Sort your sentimental belongings by storage challenge rather than category, and they basically start organizing themselves.
Storage Options for Photos, Papers, and Other 2D Mementos
Diplomas, letters, children’s drawings, birthday cards, cinema tickets, and the like need some protection. They fade in the sun and are vulnerable to chemicals and bugs. Store them in acid-free binders (one for each category) and then archival boxes. Making digital copies is a great way to preserve papers when you no longer need the original — as well as to make a “backup.”
Small Personal Items Go in Beautiful Boxes
Jewelry, pins, medals, tiny toys, small pocket knives, and other small sentimental items only create clutter when you haven’t yet figured out how to store them nicely. Beautiful jewelry boxes, handy little tins, or even wooden drawer organizers can all make them look neat and tidy — so that, instead of a jumble of items, you can just have a little box sitting on a shelf.
Shadow boxes have to be an all-time favorite for small items you want to display. A beautifully-organized collection of your grandfather’s war mementos or your child’s first year looks intentional rather than cluttered.
Keep Slightly Larger Sentimental Belongings in Plastic Storage Bins
Fabric items like clothing, quilts, or soft toys require added protection from dust and insects. Vacuum-sealed bags are excellent for preserving materials, and stackable plastic storage bins allow you to organize by type. Label each bin clearly and color-code if possible. For figurines, shoes, or seasonal items, using indoor storage at a nearby storage facility can make retrieval easy and efficient.
Here’s how to organize larger sentimental items effectively:
- Use vacuum-sealed bags for soft fabrics before placing them in bins
- Group items by category (e.g., holiday, clothing, memorabilia)
- Use color-coded bins to differentiate item types quickly
- Place labels on multiple sides of each bin for better visibility
- Stack bins with frequently accessed items on top
This setup ensures your belongings are secure and easy to access while giving you back much-needed space at home.
Outsized Sentimentals Call for Tough Decisions
Sentimental pieces like antique furniture or inherited collections often require creative solutions. If they no longer fit your current space, long-term storage offers a flexible option that doesn’t force you to say goodbye.
Repurpose or Refinish Items
Some items may not match your style today, but a simple coat of paint or light restoration could breathe new life into them. Think about how a piece could serve a function with a few updates.
Store for Future Decisions
Use drive-up access at your storage unit to store large pieces while you evaluate their future. This gives you room to reflect without pressure.
Let Go with Intention
When space is tight and storage isn’t a long-term answer, donate or pass down items with intention. Knowing they’ll be valued by someone else makes it easier to move forward.
Using storage units allows you to preserve the pieces you’re not quite ready to part with while keeping your living areas clear and functional.
Choosing the Right Storage Unit Size
Not all storage needs are the same, which is why selecting the right unit size is important. A small unit may be perfect for boxes of memorabilia or seasonal items, while larger units are ideal for furniture or collections. Many self storage facilities in Council Bluffs offer a range of sizes to match your personal storage needs, so you only pay for the space you require. When in doubt, ask for guidance on what size best suits your belongings.
Small Units for Personal Storage
Small units work well for boxes of photographs, holiday decorations, and smaller keepsakes. They’re also a great option for short term storage if you’re between moves or reorganizing your home. These compact units are affordable and provide a secure storage space for items you don’t need daily access to.
Medium Units for Household Storage
Medium-sized units offer enough space for furniture, seasonal wardrobes, or several large bins. They’re ideal when you need more room but don’t require the largest unit available. Many residents use them for household storage solutions such as excess furniture, sports gear, or children’s keepsakes.
Large Units for Moving and Long-Term Storage
For families with larger sentimental pieces or those in the middle of a home transition, large units provide plenty of space. These are best for storing antique furniture, collections, or bulky seasonal items. With features like drive-up storage access and climate controlled storage, large units make it simple to protect and retrieve your belongings whenever you need them.
Benefits of Climate Controlled and Secure Storage
Climate control and security features are key when preserving sentimental belongings. Climate controlled storage protects delicate items like photographs, documents, and fabrics from temperature swings and humidity. Meanwhile, secure storage space with gated access, surveillance cameras, and on-site management ensures peace of mind. These added protections make Council Bluffs storage units a reliable choice for both short term and long term storage.
Go Easy on Yourself — Organizing Sentimental Items Takes Time
You might not know what to do with your sentimental things right away. Sit with that for a bit. Store “not sure if I want to keep this” items for a set period of time and revisit them once the month or season is up. Actively look for great ways to store those things in the meantime.
You’ll get there soon enough. Stuff that’s properly organized and nicely displayed or stored is no longer clutter, and the things that clutter your mind as well as your home might simply have to go.
Clark Storage – Best and Most Secure Storage Units in the Area
Our family business objective is to provide you with the best service and facilities in a secure location. As you get to know our facilities, you will note they were selected for your ease of access, location, and security. Please let us know how we can continue to improve your storage needs and fulfill your high expectations. We have storage units in Council Bluffs, Glenwood, and Pacific Junction. Contact us today. We are also offering a Move-In Referral Program, click here for more information.
