Moving back from overseas, former procrastinators, we left suitcases in the hotel storage room – which flooded in our absence. Weeks later, we returned to find all our clothes had turned pink and green and fuzzy. Yuk. At least we were innocent that time.
Now we are dealing with mildew for which we are responsible, the consequences of past actions – not antlike.
We have two nice sheds in our backyard. With no garage, these are useful. But we goofed. Learn from us before your stuff turns colors. With storage, if you don’t fight humidity, you still fight dust, mustiness, dry rot, and maybe critters. Garages are not very different.
Overall, we put too much in there and left it too long. With lots of life going on, we made quick decisions to toss things in the shed. It was hard to access any of it. We pass on these lessons ant people can appreciate:
- Sheds are great for tools and outdoor items. They are not for things you actually want to keep or to maintain in good condition long term. For that, you need a climate controlled space. – in the house or (only if absolutely necessary) a storage unit.
- Avoid “put it in the shed for now.” Make a decision and deal with the item immediately. Out of sight, out of mind. We found items we placed out back “just for the renovation” ten years ago.
- Evaluate realistically, then store appropriately – if at all. Are you really going to want those play bills or unread books later? Interests wane. Usefulness erodes.
- Some items should not go in a shed, period. Shoes, leather, canvas, other fabric. Question sleeping bags. Often smells do not wash out. If it’s possible to restore that leather case, the expense, effort, or time required may not be worth it.
Gratefully, our tale of woe is turning into a song of joy. Though late to class, we’ve learned our lesson. Our “shed holdings” are now fewer – appropriate, uncluttered, accessible.
What items in shed or garage storage will you rescue this week?
Just cleaned/rearranged our shed for the winter…happy to say it is in order and accessible. The Garage however is another story! We keep “saying” we’re going to start going through all the boxes and pitching things – now we need to “do” just that.
As we age we are learning that we can’t take things with us and we need to hold lightly those things in our immediate care. We need to be good stewards of those things that are really, really important and let the rest go!
Yea, Lynn!! So right about stewaradship. Sometimes we take on more than God gives us to steward. Doesn’t that good shed success make you itchy to do the garage too? More to be grateful for this month.