Karen’s Opinion

We all like our things. We have books, collectibles, and various odds and ends tucked into every nook and cranny of our households, yet the space these items consume isn’t always as appreciated as the items are themselves. As said before, we like our things, we just don’t always like them all over the place.
A basement doesn’t just have to be used for storing holiday decorations and seasonal clothing, and if you’re like me and live in the Midwest, you want your basement free and clear in case of inclement weather. A garage doesn’t have to be solely for boxes of keepsakes either – it can actually fit your cars freeing you from hot seats in the summer and iced windows in the winter. To free these areas, as well as closets and utility rooms, of additional clutter consider renting a self storage unit or building a storage shed.
Renting a storage unit from a self storage facility can be a great way to reclaim storage areas within your home. These units vary in size usually ranging from 5×5 to 15×20, and can be used for anything from basic possessions to family heirlooms. Many Missouri wine enthusiasts have even begun using self storage units for wine cellars. You can rent a climate controlled unit, which actually make these better than storing in your basement, as they won’t allow items prone to growing mold and mildew do so. Self storage units are also relatively inexpensive and generally won’t cost over $40 a month for a 5×5 unit.
For those who would like to keep their possessions still within arm’s reach, they always have the option of building a storage shed on their property. These are great buildings and often come prefabricated from home improvement stores. If you choose to build one from your own design, you can also build it to have a dual purpose such as storage and a work space or plant potting area. However, before you choose to build, check with your local city government office for any permits that may need to be required as well as your local neighborhood association as many have restrictions on the types of building materials that may be used.
There is no reason to sacrifice space within your own home simply to keep old baby clothes, holiday decorations, or family heirlooms. Both storage shed and storage units provide affordable options to help you reduce clutter and free up space so that you can even turn your basement into the entertainment area you always wanted or your garage, well, back into a garage.

I have been cleaning out closets and drawers like a maniac. Sometimes it hits me that I have too much stuff. I will probably regret throwing away some things but I don’t have the time to sell them on Ebay and I hate having yard sales. Hubby says I should keep the Nintendo because it will surely be valuable. Do you think so? Well, let someone venture into Goodwill and have the fun of buying it at a low price.

Does anyone have picnics anymore? I used to pack lunch boxes for the kids, lay a blanket out on the lawn and have a picnic with them. It was fun to drink Koolaid out of a thermos.

I gave this to Goodwill a few years ago. These days, they call it “vintage”. Sigh.

Here are the questions for this weeks Four Foods on Friday. You can join by clicking on the icon.
1. How many cookbooks do you have? (1-10, 11-20, 20+)
I cleaned out mine and gave many to Goodwill. I think I have under 10.

2. Where do you keep your large utensils (such as slotted sppons, spatulas, etc)?
I have a tall Longaberger basket that I keep tall spoons and ladles in.

3. What is your countertop made of?
old, old, formica

4. Do you use canisters in your kitchen?
I have them but they are only for decoration. Sometimes I store dog biscuits in one.