Quote Originally Posted by Catlady711
If you're a packrat (like me) then storage units are just the 'emotional' holding ground for stuff you should get rid of but just can't emotionally let go of yet for whatever reason (sentimental, still could be of use 'someday', etc).
Oh, Catlady, ya got me. I'm a Packrat with a capital P! I'm not even absolutely sure of what is in those boxes, because I didn't pack them, my dad did. Madame Alexander dolls and stuffed animals and who knows what else. Over the weekend I decided that the way to handle this is to get rid of other stuff I know I no longer need, and then bring the boxes in, sort them, properly store the collectibles and let the rest go. That means a shelving unit purchase in the future, but I'm not doing that till after I know what's going on those shelves. Ikea has a nice, narrow one I've had my eye on, so I need to reduce the volume of stuff until just what will fit is left.

I have two problem areas ... the stuff that could be of use 'someday' and the things that bring to mind happy memories when I look at them. The challenge is that someday never comes, and the happy memories are there whether I look at those things or not. I would not wish Packrat tendencies on anyone.