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Recently I posted about how to organize storage space, but what if you can’t get a storage unit? Maybe you cannot afford the monthly bill, or perhaps there simply is no availability in your area. Here are some alternate storage ideas for small spaces.

• Declutter. This one may be obvious, but a lot of people are resistant to it, so it is always worth emphasizing! If you can de-stash at all, do it! Consider items that you no longer want or need—or which someone else may want or need more than you do. Take them to the thrift store or gift them to friends who need them. The less stuff you have, the less space you will need for it. If you struggle with this, ask yourself if you will even remember the item is in storage in five years. If you don’t think you will, then maybe someone else could use it more than you.

• Optimize your existing space. You may think you need a small storage locker, but after decluttering, maybe you can fit everything in your own place! Make sure to invest in plastic tubs for storage. With the right supplies and a few clever storage ideas for small spaces, you may be pleasantly surprised at what you can accomplish.

• Ask a friend or family member for help. This is not always an option, of course, but sometimes someone may be willing to lend you a hand over the short term. Lots of people have extra room in their basements, attics, and spare rooms. You also can think about whether any of the items you have to store could be genuinely useful to someone. Maybe you need to store a bicycle, and you have a friend who could benefit from borrowing it and making use of it. This can be a great way to help someone else out while helping yourself.

• Construct a storage shed. So this may not be a cheap DIY storage idea, but chances are good you can do it for less money than you might imagine. This may be a great idea if you are going to be staying in a permanent location and you have the yard space. What is nice about a shed is that you can customize it. It can be as large or small as you want, and you can pick any dimensions. Plus, it is right there, easy and convenient to access. And don’t forget—even though this may be a high up-front cost, it will pay for itself over the months and years to come.

Coming up with cheap storage ideas for small spaces can be tricky and time-consuming, which is one of the reasons that so many people turn to storage units. But storage units can be pricey, especially if availability in your area is low or you are in an urban location. If it is at all possible for you to save the money, you should consider putting in the effort!