In the quest to save money, increasing numbers of people have made the move towards smaller living spaces. Whether you are in the market for a slightly smaller home or are ready to take the plunge into the trendy tiny home market, reducing the amount you pay monthly on your mortgage can pay big dividends in the long run. Unfortunately, a common dilemma for those who wish to downsize involves how to manage all of the items they have accumulated over the years. A Phoenix storage unit can help you save money by providing a safe, convenient place to store items you need of value while eliminating the need for extra space within your home. The Tiny House Trend One current trend involves home buyers investing in a smaller home that meets both their needs and their budgets, as opposed to the rambling and pricey ‘McMansions’ that were so popular a decade ago. According to a report in the Huffington Post, tiny home builders are popping up throughout the United States and as many as 20 percent of all 25 to 35-year-olds, many of whom will be entering the real estate market as first time home buyers, state they would consider a tiny house with 1,000 square feet or less as opposed to the more traditional 2,500 or more square foot home that became so popular throughout the 80s and 90s. There are a number of factors that make tiny or smaller sized homes more appealing to today’s buyers: Tiny houses are able to be easily moved in the event the owner relocates or is transferred due to their job; Smaller homes are more environmentally friendly, offering a reduced carbon footprint both in terms of the materials used in their construction, as well as the energy they require; Smaller homes require less maintenance and repairs than more extravagant, larger homes; Utility costs for smaller homes are less, and they generally require smaller appliances, furnaces, and air conditioning units; Smaller homes are less expensive in general, resulting in less mortgage debt for their owners. According to the Huffington Post report, as many as 68 percent of tiny homeowners are mortgage free, while owners of smaller homes in general could save as much as much as 50 percent or more in mortgage loan costs. How A Phoenix Storage Unit Can Help One of the factors that can hold people back from downgrading their living space is the question of what to do with all of their personal belongings and family heirlooms. A Phoenix storage unit offers you an affordable, convenient option to hang onto items you need and value, while avoiding the expense of having to maintain extra rooms and space in your home or property. Examples of these types of items include the following: Yard equipment and tools; Sports equipment; Extra furniture and linens; Family heirlooms with emotional value; Seasonal clothing and decorations; Home office machinery and supplies. Storage units in Phoenix come in a variety of sizes to fit your needs as well as your budget. According to Young and Thrifty, a storage unit can not only help prevent your belongings from being damaged or ruined by mold or mildew commonly found in storage sheds, garages, and attics, but the monthly costs of your unit is inexpensive enough to still allow you to enjoy the savings associated with living in a smaller space. US Storage Centers 4860 North 83rd Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85033 (866) 858-7031