I was reminded once again today how valuable storage units can be when you are selling.

The townhouse I was in did not have a basement. Everything was in its own utility closet. The furnace had one, the breaker box had one. There was a storage space built at the end of the garage and under the stairs.

The seller had a shelf unit in her kitchen for storing extra things. Not a good thing for selling but ok for living. Then of course there were the over the door hooks that helped and the row of hooks for coats as you came in the door.

There were some furniture pieces that needed to be removed to open up some of the rooms. With no basement how could this seller cooperate? Well it came to a choice between a friends unheated garage and renting a heated storage unit. There was no guarantee the friends garage would hold it all.

I'm voting for the heated storage unit. That rack in the kitchen just has to go. It is screaming about the lack of cupboard space and really for the size of home they are not bad. Over the door hooks are easy but extra chairs, bookcases and hope chests are not.

For about $100/mos the problem is solved.

 

 

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Post is included in group: Advice for Sellers
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5 Comments on When you don't have a basement ...

MAR
11
2011
243,009 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Gee, we don't have basements in South Florida because digging them would yield a swimming pool, so this is a problem we just don't deal with. We are so used to it, we don't address it. It is in the same place with the "coat closet".
8:16pm • #1
235,736 Points 10 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Hi Janice--not having a basement is a drag.  The last two states I've lived in (AZ and HI), basements are nonexistent.  And so is storing things in attics, as the heat will destroy them (actually there generally aren't attics in AZ either).  My general rule is if it doesn't fit then you don't need it.  But I am only too aware of the extra shelving, bookcases, etc., that accumulate in homes without extra storage.  An off-site storage facility is a great option and glad that worked out for your client. 
8:17pm • #2
259,990 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

We recently built our new home and chose to put in a basement for this very reason - space! But, if you do not have one rented storage units are a great choice!
8:38pm • #3
806,112 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Janice - Many people also use pods or similar storage systems.  However, it would not likely fit on the townhouse property.
9:36pm • #4
MAR
12
2011
477,929 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Kathy, I wish we didn't need coat closets too LOL.

Janet, Extra storage is so important. Buyers want to feel the house will hold everything they have with no trouble.

Shannon, There are lots of these storage options out there for those that need them.

Marc, Pods are great. You can fill it, have them pick it up and deliver it to the next house.
8:42pm • #5

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Janice Ankrett Burlington Ontario Accredited Staging Professional (Janice Ankrett Home Staging) Rainmaker_large

Janice Ankrett Burlington Ontario Accredited Staging Professional

Burlington, ON

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Janice Ankrett Home Staging

Cell Phone: (905) 467-5353

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Home Staging tips and advice offered to help sellers. Working in Burlington Ont. and surrounding areas Janice Ankrett ASP helps sellers prepare their homes for sale. Janice works with real estate agents and owners to help the home sell as quickly as possible for the best possible price.


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