Blended families: how to share a storage unit?
Living in a blended family often means juggling limited space and diverse needs. Duplicate furniture, toys for all ages, seasonal clothing, sentimental items… it can quickly lead to a cluttered home. A shared self-storage unit offers a flexible, neutral solution to help create more harmony and breathing room at home.
Why storage is a real issue in blended households
With more children, different routines and lifestyles, space becomes a key challenge. Common situations include:
- Duplicate items (furniture, appliances, toys)
- Alternating custody or frequent transitions
- Stress related to shared spaces
- Disagreements over what to keep or where to store it
Creating fair storage areas, respecting personal items and managing changing dynamics becomes essential for family peace.
Storage units: neutral, shared, and stress-free
Renting a shared storage unit allows everyone to keep what matters without overcrowding the home. It helps to:
- Store kids' items not needed daily
- Keep sentimental or undecided items out of the way
- Reduce visual and physical clutter
- Avoid storage conflicts in the home
Example: Laurent from Bidart
Laurent lives in Bidart with his partner and their two teenagers. With alternating custody, the home felt tight. They decided to rent a storage unit in Anglet from Dans mon box, freeing up a bedroom that became a quiet study space.
How to organize a storage unit as a family
- Clearly label boxes and areas (by person, use or season)
- Use a shared inventory (a Google Sheet works fine)
- Set rules on who can access and manage the unit
- Pick a location accessible for all family members
What to store in a shared unit?
- Seasonal or outgrown clothes
- Furniture or décor not in use
- School supplies, sports gear
- Archived files, toys, and keepsakes
Example: Nadia and Julien from Boucau
Nadia and Julien live in Boucau with their three children. Their garage was overflowing. By renting a storage unit in Bayonne, they made space for a workbench and even a kids’ play corner at home.
4 smart rules for shared storage
- Everything must be labelled
- Shared access (codes, hours, responsibility)
- Zones by person or purpose
- Declutter twice a year
Conclusion
In a blended family, space can be a daily challenge. A shared storage unit provides flexibility and peace of mind. It’s a simple way to stay organized while respecting everyone’s place in the home.