I live in a small apartment, and no matter how much storage furniture I buy or how strategically I plan how to store the stuff I already have, I just can’t get over the fact that I just don’t have much space. I have a storage unit (and have had one for years), and before you say you don’t need one, consider this.

When I got my first storage unit, I had no idea what it would be like. The only thing I knew about storage units was that the ones I had seen in my rural hometown were huge, meant to hold farm machinery or old cars, and the ones I saw on reality shows about locker auctions were also huge, for the most part. All I wanted at the time was a place to store my stuff for a few weeks while I moved, so when I arrived at the storage facility and found that they had closet-sized units, I was both surprised and grateful.

The only thing I really need is a closet the size of a closet, because closet space is what I lack in my house. I keep out-of-season stuff in mine, so right now it’s full of hoodies, jackets, and boots, but in a few weeks I’ll get it back and put my shorts, swimsuits, and beach gear in there. I’ll still have room for other stuff, like an air purifier I never use and valuables I don’t need to see but need to keep.

What you can put in it depends on a few personal factors, such as where you live and what you own. Other good ideas include: