Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Why You Must Inventory Your Storage Units

Summary:
In this episode of Be a Smarter Homeowner, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic dive into a topic you might not think about often — what's hiding inside your storage unit or other outbuildings? Whether it's transitional moves, seasonal gear, heirlooms, or forgotten treasures, too many people lose track of what they own simply because it's out of sight.

Beth and John break down why it's critical to inventory your storage units, sheds, barns, or other structures — and how doing so can save you money, protect your investments, and ease the burden on your family in the future. They share real-life stories (including some pretty wild finds!), practical tips for getting started with a simple photo inventory, and why HomeZada makes managing all these spaces easier than ever.

You'll also hear how taking just a few hours upfront can prevent the costly mistakes of duplicate purchases, lost heirlooms, and even unwanted appearances on shows like Storage Wars!

This is a must-listen if you have any kind of off-site or extra storage — and even if you think you don’t! Chances are, you’ve got more stored away than you realize.

Takeaways

• People often forget what they have in storage units.
• Storage units are used for transitional moves and seasonal items.
• Climate-controlled storage is important for items like wine and art.
• Documenting items helps avoid duplicate purchases.
• An inventory can assist in estate planning and passing on belongings.
• Taking photos of items can simplify inventory management.
• Hiring professionals can ease the burden of inventorying storage units.
• Organizing storage units can save time in the long run.
• Understanding what's in storage can prevent unnecessary expenses.
• Communication with heirs about storage contents is crucial.

Sound Bites

• "I can't remember what was in them."
• "It's super easy to take an inventory."
• "Documenting is a huge reason to inventory."
• "You may be able to see large items."
• "It's a waste of money."
• "You can hire somebody to do it."

Chapters

00:40 Introduction to Storage Units and Their Importance

03:27 Reasons for Using Storage Units

06:46 Unique Storage Needs and Climate Control

11:24 The Challenge of Managing Storage Units

13:16 The Importance of Inventorying Storage Units

18:30 Inventorying Other Structures

21:17 The Value of Documenting for Future Generations

24:21 Advice for Managing Storage Units

30:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts