It may take some time to declutter your home at first, but if you go through the initial decluttering phase and develop good habits, you’ll be sure to have a tidy space all the time. If you’re ready to start the decluttering process, set aside an afternoon to gather all the clutter. Depending on the size of your home and how much time you can actually spare, you may set aside an afternoon or two to do either of the two options:

• Gather all items in one room and sort clutter from there.
• Do a room-by-room decluttering.

The first option is best if you have a small or average-sized home, and you can set aside a whole day to tidy up and sort items. For large homes or limited time, we suggest going for the second option by focusing on one cluttered space at a time. However, you must keep the already tidy room clutter-free once you’re done with it or else miscellaneous items will pile up all over your home again.

Sort through clutter

The first thing you need to do is to figure out what to do with all the items that clutter your home and sort them according to their necessity in your daily life. If you’re unsure how to categorise your clutter, consider preparing cardboard boxes where you’ll toss in the items. You can start off with the labels below:

• Store: For sentimental items you need or want to keep. 
• Repurpose: For items you may not need but can serve a different purpose right away.
• Dispose: For items you don’t need or have no use for anymore.

You may also want to prepare a box for items to “Return” for items you borrowed but forgot about.

Once you’ve sorted through everything, we highly recommend going through your “Store” box again just to make sure you really want to keep all the items in the box. If in doubt, take the Mari Kondo route and only keep what truly “sparks joy” then dispose of the rest.

Store

When it comes to decluttering, there should be a place for everything and everything should be stored in its proper place. If you’re set on keeping the items that used to clutter your home, you need to provide ample storage space for it – simply stuffing and locking them all together in a junk drawer won’t cut it.

Home storage

If you wish to keep items in your home, determine if you have enough cabinet space to store your miscellaneous items. If there’s none, you may consider purchasing, building, or installing the necessary storage space, such as inexpensive baskets, caddies or new shelving.

However, if you’re running out of space at home, you can always consider other options, building a storage shed in the backyard or renting from storage providers. If you’re keen on the latter, you can choose from a commercial storage space provider or searching for privately-owned rental spaces.

Commercial storage space rentals

There are many accessible commercially-run storage space rentals across Australia – you just need to do a quick search to find one that meets your requirements near you.

Most commercial storage facilities offer 24-hour security, so you can rest assured that your items for storage will be secure. Furthermore, if you have items that are sensitive to temperature changes, some facilities offer temperature-controlled storage units to ensure that 

Privately owned storage spaces

If you don’t want to sign a lease with a commercial storage provider, you can always look for people willing to rent out a room or garage for storage purposes. Some people advertise the space they rent out online, such as in Gumtree and social media marketplaces. Both are good options, but you’ll have to compare listings carefully because their terms and conditions (T&Cs), as well as payment options, may not be suitable for your needs.

But if you don’t want to go through the trouble of reviewing the T&Cs each listing, you can also check out online platforms that list rental spaces and facilitate smooth transactions between hosts and potential renters.

Spacer is one such platform, and it provides a large number of parking and storage spaces for rent across Australia at affordable rates. Spacer offers over 30,000 listings for monthly storage space, so you’ll be sure to find one that meets your requirements – whether it’s a bedroom storage space in Sydney, a basement storage cage in Melbourne, or a weatherproof outdoor shed in Canberra.

Repurpose

As you sort through the clutter, you may find items you’re not exactly keen on keeping but, at the same time, you don’t really wish to dispose of either. In these cases, consider if you can breathe new life into them by repurposing these old items so they can become useful once more and may even help you avoid spending money for new items.

For instance, a cookie tin can serve as storage for small miscellaneous items like pens and paper clips, and you can turn old picture frames into cute jewelry organisers just by repainting and decorating the frame, removing the glass, and adding tiny screws or hooks.

Other items, such as bottles and jars can also be turned into nightlights just by placing fairy lights inside. But if you have no idea what to make of your item, a quick search for DIY tutorials may give you a lot of useful ideas – just avoid buying more materials that will end up as additional clutter.

Dispose

Just because you placed items in your “dispose” box doesn’t mean they’re going straight to the garbage bin. Although this is also an option, it’s best to consider the state and value of each item you’re removing from your home so you can sort them further and maybe even make money off unwanted items.

Donate

Give back to the community by donating items that are still in good condition, whether it’s old clothes or even children’s toys. These items will especially be helpful to those who suffered from natural disasters or are simply having a tough time at present.

As the old saying goes: “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”, so instead of accumulating waste in your home, consider presenting it to someone who can treasure them.

Sell

For items that may be valuable but you have no space for anymore, such as collectibles and old furniture, you may want to consider selling them in a garage sale, flea markets, or on online marketplaces for extra cash.  Such items may not always fetch a high price, but earning a few dollars of additional pocket money  in exchange for a clutter-free space won’t hurt.

Recycle

There are a variety of recycling programs being implemented across Australia and a quick search can point you to a facility that would happily buy off your old recyclable items or exchange them for discount vouchers. Likewise, there are well-known companies and brands that promote trade-in of old items from their brand in exchange for discounts on new items or discount vouchers.

Some of these popular well-loved brands and their recycling programs include:

•  H&M: Drop off old clothes and textiles in exchange for a thank you voucher that can be used on your next purchase.
• Apple: Trade in your old Apple gadgets for recycling and receive a trade-in credit that you can use to receive a discount on the new device.
• Kiehl’s: Exchange used up Kiehl’s cosmetics packaging for recycling and receive Kiehls Rewards Points which you can use to redeem vouchers and exclusive offers from their rewards program.
• Telstra: Post-paid service subscribers can recycle your old devices through Telstra and earn bill credits.

The brands and companies above are only the tip of the iceberg, and you can find more recycling programs with just a quick search.

Of course, once you have sorted through all the clutter and disposed of the unwanted items, you need to avoid unnecessary purchases as well. Consider practising the “One in, One out” policy. That is, before buying anything new, evaluate whether you really need the item and decide what item you currently have in your home you will dispose of to make space for the new one.

Make it a habit

The most important thing that will keep your home clutter-free is to change your behaviour and ensure that everyone else at home is committed to the same goal. Form the simple habit of cleaning up after yourselves and setting aside time to tidy up.

Likewise, consider adopting a minimalist lifestyle and changing your buying habits to avoid the accumulation of possessions. The battle against clutter is a continuous process, but taking these basic steps to minimise the unnecessary items that end up as clutter can help you achieve a calm and clutter-free home.

 © This content is originally published for Spacer AU, a Spacer Technologies company, and is protected under the Copyright Act 1968 (Commonwealth). Unauthorised use or reproduction of this article, in whole or in part, without permission is prohibited and may result in legal action.

The post How To Keep A Clutter-Free Home All Year Round appeared first on Spacer Blog.

When it comes to renting out your garage as storage or parking space, however, the rules are quite straightforward.

As long as you’re not in violation of any by-laws, you’re legally allowed to rent out your garage. 

Can I rent out my garage?

You’ve got an empty garage and something to save money for but your income isn’t increasing. Then a brilliant idea pops up: why not secure an additional income stream by renting out the extra space to a trustworthy renter? It’s the easiest solution you can think of to maximise an underutilised space while making extra cash at the same time. But stop for a moment before you register to become a host.

Even if the garage is technically yours, can you easily just rent it out to a third party right away?

Not really – it all depends on your ownership status, the existing regulations, and the safety standards that must be met. Read on below to further understand these key considerations.

Ownership status

Ownership status refers to whether you legally and fully own the property, a co-owner exists (joint ownership), or you’re simply a tenant. This is important because the type of ownership will determine your decision-making limitations.

•       Full/sole ownership means you can decide on everything pertaining to the property.
•       Joint ownership means you and your co-owner, whether spouse or non-family member, must come to an agreement to avoid future issues.
•       Tenancy means you’ll have to request the permission of the owner or check the leasing agreement to determine whether third-party leasing is allowed under the contract.

Existing regulations

Existing regulations can hinder your plans regardless of ownership status if, for instance, the home owner association (HOA) does not allow non-residents to enter. In this case, your renter options can be severely limited. Another is if, for instance, renting out will only be allowed after securing certain permits and background checks on the space renter.

Local laws may also restrict how a home garage can be rented out depending on the safety and security measures in place. Likewise, some by-laws may restrict the use of a garage space for anything but motor vehicles and accessories.

Just know that the general consensus is that a garage is considered a non-habitable structure, so make sure that your potential tenants won’t live in their vehicle that’s parked in your garage. Likewise, if you have business owners as tenants, find out whether they will really just use your garage as storage space. Your tax filing may become more complicated if they conduct business on your rental property.

If such restrictions are not imposed, however, renting out for storage or parking is acceptable.

Safety standards

You may own the property but there are still standards that must be met before you can rent out your garage for storage or parking.

In general, since a garage is actually meant to house vehicles, you’d have no problem with renting it out for parking purposes to a third party – but it’s a different story for storage.

When it comes to storage, you need to take into consideration the general climate conditions, temperature fluctuations, and health and fire safety standards.

That is, some items may be affected by weather and temperature fluctuations that could lead to damage, growth of harmful mold, or cause a dangerous chemical reaction or fire. You’ll have to ensure that you can address potential dangers that may affect both what is stored in the garage and the neighbourhood.

Likewise, there is a possibility that stored items are illegal in your state but not in others. Hence, you’ll have to ensure that your garage is up-to-date when it comes to health and safety standards.

Tax implications of renting out your garage

Renting out your spare space for additional income is nice, but you need to remember to pay appropriate taxes to avoid getting in trouble. That is, according to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), any income you earn from renting out all or a portion of your property or home still forms part of your assessable income.

That means you need to ensure that you declare all rent income you receive from renting out your garage and pay the appropriate tax, or else you may get in trouble with the tax bureau. Fortunately, filing tax for garage rent income through the digital platforms is more straightforward than taxation on other property taxes.

According to the ATO, income from peer-to-peer sharing must be declared under “other income” no matter how small the amount is. Make sure to keep your receipts so you can also claim tax deductions for some expenses, such as platform service fees, if any.

Note that this rule only applies to the income you earn for sharing assets excluding accommodation that you rent out through a platform.

You must also declare income and deductions for only the portion of the asset that you own. This means that if you have a joint ownership of the garage with your spouse, you only need to declare 50 per cent of the income and are only allowed to claim 50 per cent of the expenses for tax deductions.

You don’t need to worry about Capital Gains Tax (CGT) unless you sell the property you rented out.

The Bottom Line

You can legally rent out your garage as part of the sharing economy under Australian laws as long as you meet certain requirements and pay the appropriate taxes.

If you have more questions with regard to taxation, the ATO is more than happy to help you sort them out.

This content is originally published for Spacer AU, a Spacer Technologies company, and is protected under the Copyright Act 1968 (Commonwealth). Unauthorised use or reproduction of this article, in whole or in part, without permission is prohibited and may result in legal action.

The post Is it legal to rent out your garage? appeared first on Spacer Blog.

Four years after the global pandemic, Australia’s GDP growth remains low at 1.5 per cent – its weakest since year 2000.

Financial difficulties resulting from the slow economic growth and rising inflation prompted many to find other ways to earn money, such as taking on side jobs or taking risks by trying out platforms that promise financial rewards. You can do it too!

What is passive income?

Passive income is basically an additional income stream that can be earned with only an initial investment and little effort on your part.

There are many ways to earn passive income and the initial investment varies depending on your choice and risk tolerance. Both selling a tutorial course online and shelling out tens of thousands of dollars to purchase and rent out property are examples of passive income sources.

Another example is adding blue-chip shares that consistently pays out dividends in your investment portfolio as this would only require you to make an initial investment. For this, you can continually reap the rewards as long as you don’t sell your shares.

Check out and try some of the suggestions in our passive income ideas post.

How to earn money off your garage

At present, one of the rising contributors for passive income is the increased enthusiasm for the sharing economy – an enthusiasm that you can benefit from if you have an underutilised or unused garage space.

To define, sharing economy is a peer-to-peer economic model that facilitates the sharing of goods and services between individuals or groups of people. That is, instead of simply acquiring businesses, consumers become active players in the consumption, distribution, and trade of goods and services.

For example, let’s say you own or lease the property you’re residing in, but you have too much room and tight finances. You may rent out the extra space, such as a bedroom or garage, to someone who needs the space to earn extra cash. Of course, if you’re renting your home, make sure that your contract doesn’t prohibit such transactions to avoid legal and financial issues.

Declutter and repurpose your garage space

Ideally, a home garage is a safe place to park your car when it’s not in use, although it can also be repurposed as an office space, extra room, or even a workshop.

However, repurposing this extra room doesn’t always maximise its purpose.

There are also some who end up using their garage to store items that they are unable to throw away just yet and these items tend to pile up over time until there’s just too much clutter.

How to declutter and make money

Decluttering your garage is a good way to take stock of the items in your home, but more than that, it’s also an opportunity to discover items you can sell off.

As the adage goes, “one man’s trash is another one’s treasure.”, and that isn’t far off the mark. What you might not need or want anymore could be something that another person is needs but is unwilling to purchase brand new.

Sometimes, things pile up not because we hold on to them for sentimental reasons but for the simple fact that busy schedules get in the way of sorting items out for safekeeping or disposal.

In this sense, consider setting aside a day or weekend to finally sort the clutter in your garage, and you may find items that you don’t really need anymore. Cash in on your finds by doing any or all of the following:

Hold a garage sale or sell online
Sort out and set aside items that are still in good condition and those that may have minor damage but are still usable. For such items, you may hold a garage sale, join a neighbourhood flea market, or sell the items on social media platforms or your preferred online platform for a reasonable price.

Recycle for rewards
A quick search online would show you a variety of option for recycling programs in Australia that accept old items in exchange for cash, discount vouchers or item trade in. Vouchers and item trade-ins may not be cash, but it still helps minimise the cash coming out of your wallet.

Recycle for safe disposal
Finally, while this suggestion may not benefit you financially, it would at least help lower your carbon footprint. Items such as used batteries and chemicals have proper disposal methods, so by bringing them to the proper facility, you can proudly say that you helped reduce the danger to the environment.

Easy ways to monetise garage space

Assuming you own the property, another way to make money off your garage is to monetise it by renting out your garage to people who need the space and are willing to pay for it. Your only concern is if there are neighbourhood regulations that would prevent you from leasing your home’s garage.

If there isn’t any potential violation, you may choose whether to rent out your garage as a storage facility or a car parking space.

Rent out as storage facility
Demand for storage facilities increased during the pandemic as the situation required people to adjust to work from home arrangements and they needed to store items in their homes to create space.

Likewise, there are also some who move their place of residence and need a place to temporarily store their things. In such cases, it may be more affordable option for them to rent a storage space closer to the new home than find a large commercial storage facility that may be out of the way.

If you have no specific use for your garage, consider taking advantage of this temporary necessity as a possible source of income by engaging in short-term rentals. The size and location of your garage will determine the demand and amount you can charge for it but, essentially, that’s an easy stream of income of a hundred dollars or so each month.

Rent out as a car parking space
So you just cleaned up the clutter and don’t want to see any more, but you don’t have a use for the extra garage space at home? Then just let others park their car in your garage and charge money for it.  You even have the option to rent out for daily bookings or month to month lease.There’s actually a demand for parking spots all over Australia, especially in and around CBDs, so if you’re at a favourable location, you’ll quickly find a space renter if you advertise well.

How to rent out your garage

If you want to do one or both of the options above, you’ll have to post your ad in online marketplaces like Facebook or Gumtree and monitor it well so you can respond to queries in a timely manner. But if you want to make things easier, why not give Spacer a try?

Spacer is a platform that connects people who have space (hosts) and those who want to book spaces (renters). The best part is that it’s free and easy to list your garage and it’s a platform that’s trusted by over 100,000 Aussies – and the user base keeps growing.

Spacer has storage and parking space listings and customers all over Australia so whether your garage is in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, or Perth, someone is bound to consider booking your property.

It only takes five minutes of your time to register and input your garage’s photo and details. After that, just wait for someone to book your space.

Don’t worry, Spacer doesn’t take control of your space and all decisions regarding your listing, including the minimum rent duration, is still up to you.

This content is originally published for Spacer AU, a Spacer Technologies company, and is protected under the Copyright Act 1968 (Commonwealth). Unauthorised use or reproduction of this article, in whole or in part, without permission is prohibited and may result in legal action.

The post 3 Ways to Make Money Off Your Garage appeared first on Spacer Blog.

Self storage is often seen as mainly beneficial for personal use, especially when you’re moving, relocating overseas, or renovating your home. It provides a convenient way to temporarily store your belongings and make life easier.

But many businesses — both large and small — are not aware of the advantages self storage offers, and how utilising one can support their business growth.

However, business owners should not overlook the numerous benefits for businesses that self storage offers.

From providing economic savings to improving day-to-day operations, here are seven ways self storage can transform your business for the better.

 7 benefits of self storage for businesses 

1. Help cut down on expenses 

Renting a storage space feels counterintuitive to saving money, but its benefits and the value it brings to your business will outweigh its costs.

This is because office and business space is at a premium. As of March 2024, the median price to rent a desk in Australia is $500 per person per month. And the more you use valuable office space, the higher the expense.

A growing business needs room to expand, and this is where self storage units come into play. Storage units cost significantly less per square metre compared to office space, so putting your bulky items to a storage unit can lead to significant savings on rent.

Instead of renting additional office space, you can cut down your expenses for office or commercial space by storing excess stock, seasonal items, or seldom-used equipment off-site in a self storage facility.

2. Provides flexibility 

Businesses need to be flexible to keep up with changing times. Having storage space provides the much-needed flexibility to scale up or down based on current storage requirements.

Since self storage units are available in various sizes, you can find a suitable option no matter how big or small your business is.

Additionally, it comes without the long-term commitments and high costs associated with commercial leases. Small business owners can benefit from the flexibility offered by short-term or month-to-month rental options, allowing them to adapt to changing business conditions with ease.

If your business is in a period of growth and needs extra space immediately, you can upgrade to a larger unit. You don’t need to scramble to find larger business premises or warehouse space that will cost you time, effort, and money.

This also makes it an attractive option for start-ups and seasonal businesses such as Christmas stores, retail stores, pop-up shops, and more.

On the one hand, businesses can always downsize their storage space if they go through tough times (e.g. slowdown in demand). This ensures they only pay for the space they need.

So whether you need additional space for excess inventory, unused office furniture, or business documents, or just manage shifting stock levels, you can easily adjust the size of your storage unit to accommodate your changing business requirements.

3. Safety and security

Self storage facilities provide business owners with the peace of mind that goods are safe and secure.

By storing important business records and valuable assets off-site in secure locations, the risk of loss, damage, or theft is significantly reduced compared to keeping them on-site or in less secure environments.

Self storage providers offer basic security features such as perimeter fencing, 24/7 monitored surveillance, access control systems, and alarm systems to protect any valuable business assets.

Additionally, modern facilities offer advanced security measures that provide an extra layer of protection. These security systems include biometric access, motion detectors, individually alarmed units, electronic gate access, and on-site security personnel.

4. Ease of access 

One of the biggest advantages of using a business self storage unit is the accessibility it offers.

Most off-site storage facilities provide 24/7 access, allowing business owners to get or store items at any time. Others also offer extended access hours.

A 24-hour access storage facility is especially useful for businesses that operate outside the standard 9-to-5 shift or during odd hours. It can also serve as an excellent storage solution for businesses that bring their services to their customers, such as trade businesses. Tradies who need immediate access to their inventory, tools, and materials on an on-call basis can rely on storage units for convenience and efficiency.

Another perk is the convenience self storage units offer; these are often strategically located for ease of access.

For example, platforms like Spacer help you rent a self storage space that is conveniently located for you. Whether you need a space in central business districts, near your business premises, or in suburbs where you provide a service or product, it’s easier to access your business items.

5. Provides tailored storage solutions

Beyond the general benefits of self storage, many facilities also offer tailored amenities and specific benefits for business owners. Some of these are:

Climate-controlled units for temperature-sensitive items

Self storage units with climate control are an ideal solution for businesses that need to keep products at the right temperature and humidity levels. This is especially beneficial for eCommerce businesses that store temperature-sensitive items, such as electronics, cosmetics, candles/soaps, and perishable items. Sturdy packaging, like cardboard pallets, can add an extra layer of protection for these goods.

By using climate-controlled units, businesses can ensure their products remain in optimal condition; reducing the risk of damage and maintaining customer satisfaction. And in the long run, these small wins will help support business growth.

Drive-up access

For businesses that frequently move large items or volumes, having drive-up access is a game changer.

This feature allows you to drive your vehicle directly up to the unit, making it especially convenient for loading and unloading goods. By saving you time and effort, drive-up access lets you spend less time handling items and more time focusing on your business.

 6. Provides convenient storage for transitional periods

Change is a natural part of any type of business’s life cycle. This includes renovations, remodelling, or relocating to a new business location.

Renting a self storage facility provides a convenient option during transitional times. You can move all your office furniture, equipment, stock, paperwork, and other essential items into storage. This ensures everything is easily accessible once you arrive at the new location or when your remodelling or renovation is completed.

It is a practical solution that minimises the downtime of essential business services and keeps your workspace clutter-free, allowing for a smoother, more efficient transition.

Additionally, it provides a secure place to store valuable items, reducing the risk of damage or loss during the move or renovation process.

7. Ensures smooth recovery and business continuity during disasters

Storing off-site inventory can be a key part of keeping your business running smoothly, even during unexpected and unfortunate events such as a fire, natural disaster, etc.

If a disaster or an unforeseen incident affects your main location, having inventory stored elsewhere means it’s safe and untouched; this allows your business to bounce back and keep operating without major interruptions.

By storing some of your important items off-site, you’re protecting your business against potential setbacks. This approach not only safeguards your valuable assets but also ensures that you can continue serving your customers quickly.

Off-site storage is like having a safety net, giving you peace of mind and a quicker path to recovery when the unexpected happens.

Find the perfect storage solution for your business with Spacer 

 Self storage provides numerous benefits for businesses. You can protect your valuable assets, keep your workspace organised, and ensure that your operations stay on track.

Whether you’re expanding, remodelling, or preparing for unexpected events, self storage can help keep your business running smoothly.

Embrace the convenience, security, and peace of mind that self storage solutions bring, and see how they can benefit your business in countless ways.

At Spacer, we understand the diverse storage needs of businesses, which is why we connect businesses with storage providers offering a variety of solutions, including self storage units, garage storage, and warehouse storage.

With options available across the country, including major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, Spacer makes it easy to find the secure and accessible storage you need for your business.

The post 7 Ways Self Storage Can Transform Your Business appeared first on Spacer Blog.

Like in other major cities, finding convenient and affordable parking in Perth can be a challenge.

First off, parking in the Western Australian capital can be pricey, especially for people who need to park every day for work, running their businesses, or going to university.

Finding a parking space can also take a lot of time, especially during peak hours. While there are plenty of council-operated car parks in the city, it’s almost routine for the best ones to be filled up even before 9 am. 

Meanwhile, choosing to park with commercial operators can cost you a pretty penny, which is far from economical if you’re doing it daily.

 You can try street parking, but you’ll need a bit of luck on your side. Street parking is often hard to come by and you’ll face tough competition. 

Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or simply spending time in the city, the daily chore of finding a parking space can quickly become a major hassle for most drivers.

 But what if there was a way to save money and make your life a lot easier? This is where booking a monthly parking space in Perth could be the perfect solution.

Here’s why renting a monthly parking space in Perth may be worth it: 

5 reasons why you should book a monthly parking space in Perth 

1. Save money

If you drive into the city regularly, the cost of daily parking can add up quickly.  By booking a monthly parking space, you will save money in the long run. 

For many people, the bigger upfront cost of monthly parking will hurt their pockets more. But by crunching the numbers, you’ll find it’s a more economical parking solution. 

For example, parking in King Street can cost you as much as $57 per day with commercial operators, based on data from Parkopedia.

If we calculate the monthly cost of parking based on an average of 20 weekdays (4 weeks times 5 weekdays), you can pay up to $1,140.

That’s a lot of money you have to fork out just for parking. It also doesn’t help in the background of a cost of living crisis squeezing people’s wallets.

Booking a monthly parking space on platforms like Spacer often offers significant savings compared to daily rates. A monthly parking space in the same area can be rented for $500 per month or just $25 per day! 

This means the money you save can go toward other household expenses like groceries, rent, or food! 

A monthly pass provides a more economical solution, allowing you to budget your parking expenses more effectively.  Plus, you can plan your budget better without those pesky daily parking expenses popping up.

2. Convenience

Having a reserved monthly parking space means you won’t waste time searching for a place to park each day.

You also don’t have to worry about entry and exit times, feeding the meter, or even worrying about your car being towed away or paying a hefty fine from a parking ticket. 

It also means you’re guaranteed a parking space, no matter how busy the city (and life) gets. This is particularly advantageous during peak hours or special events when parking can be difficult to find. 

This convenience can reduce stress, save time, and make your daily routine smoother. Knowing exactly where you’ll park can also help you better plan your commute.

3. Better security

Next to a home, a car is one of the biggest investments you will make. By renting a monthly parking space, you will have the peace of mind of knowing your vehicle is consistently parked in a safe and secure location. 

One in four out of over 1,000 Australians surveyed said they had their belongings stolen from their car in 2023. 

Out of these figures, almost half, or 44% had their car, belongings or both stolen due to someone breaking a window or breaking in through a door to enter their vehicle. 

You can avoid being part of this statistic by booking a monthly parking space with security features such as surveillance cameras, controlled access, or on-site patrolling personnel. 

Spacer often offers parking spaces in secure locations, whether it’s a locked garage or a monitored underground car park. This can provide peace of mind, knowing your vehicle is in a safer environment compared to street parking or less secure spaces.

4. Protect your car from weather conditions and other elements

In addition to storing your car in a secure location, having a monthly parking space means your vehicle is protected from the weather elements. 

Choosing an indoor or covered parking space can help safeguard your vehicle from the elements such as rain and extreme heat. It can also reduce the wear and tear on your vehicle. 

Not to mention an indoor parking space will save you the trouble of cleaning up bird droppings, dead leaves, and other debris that might fall on your vehicle when you park outside! 

A monthly parking space will keep your vehicle in better shape for longer while keeping its performance in top condition. 

5. Location flexibility

Finding a parking space in high-demand areas like Perth CBD, Fremantle, and Cottesloe can be difficult due to the large number of cars on the road.

Even if you find one, it’s usually not convenient, and you often have to walk a considerable distance.

Monthly parking means saying goodbye to hunting for a good space every day. It allows you to choose one that’s most convenient for your needs—whether it’s close to your office, home, or other frequently visited places. This flexibility can improve your overall accessibility and convenience.

Find a monthly parking space in Perth with Spacer!

Booking a monthly parking space in Perth is a smart move for anyone looking to save money, time, and stress while ensuring the safety and convenience of their vehicle. It’s an investment in hassle-free parking that can significantly improve your daily routine.

 So, if you’re looking for a smarter, easier, and more cost-effective way to park in Perth, give Spacer a go.  Book your monthly parking space today and take the stress out of your commute!

 Make sure to also check out our articles on why booking a monthly parking space in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane can be a game-changing parking solution. 

The post Is Booking a Monthly Parking Space in Perth Worth It? appeared first on Spacer Blog.

Brisbane, the vibrant capital of Queensland, is a city that wears many hats. Ask ten different people what comes to mind when they think of Brisbane, and you might get 10 different answers.

For many, Brisbane City is Australia’s Sunshine Capital. With an average of over 280 days bathed in sunlight each year, the River City enjoys more sunshine and warmth than just about anywhere else in the country.

This perfect weather makes the city for sun and adventure seekers – think picnics in New Farm Park, bike rides along the Brisbane River at The Gap, or exploring the Jan Powers Farmers Markets at Milton. 

For others, Brisbane is a city brimming with opportunity. Fueled by strong economic growth, the Queensland capital has become one of the world’s fastest-growing capital cities. 

And let’s not forget the city’s strong sports culture! Brisbane is a haven for sports fans, with a thriving local scene and hosting major national and international sporting events.

Whether you’re cheering on the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL or catching a world-class cricket match in The Gabba, the city’s energy is truly electric.

Brisbane has been named Australia’s top sports city by the 2023 BCW Index and the host city for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  

People who fall in love with the city’s iconic landmarks will most likely rattle off what they know about the Story Bridge, the Wheel of Brisbane, or the magnificent City Botanic Gardens.  

As a testament to the city’s charm, TIME Magazine named Brisbane as one of the world’s greatest places to visit in 2023, making it the only Australian city to be included in the Top 50!

However, there’s one aspect of Brisbane that might not make everyone’s “best of” list: parking. 

Brisbane residents are all too familiar with the challenges of finding parking in the city, particularly in high-demand areas, where it can be both difficult and costly.

While this parking challenge is not unique to the city, Brisbane’s parking prices are still in a league of their own. 

According to data from UK car maintenance company Fixter, Brisbane ranks fifth for having some of the highest parking fees among 65 major cities worldwide. Only New York, Boston, Sydney, and London have higher parking fees.

For those living and working in Brisbane, the daily cost of parking quickly becomes economically impractical. As a result, there’s been a growing trend of Brisbanites opting for monthly parking in the city.

In this article, we look into why parking in Brisbane is so expensive and how a monthly parking space can be the life-changing solution you are looking for.  

5 reasons why parking in Brisbane is so expensive

Parkhound’s data showed parking in Brisbane CBD is part of Australia’s ‘big three club’ for expensive parking costs, alongside Melbourne and Sydney. 

Here’s a closer look at why Brisbane parking costs a pretty penny:

1. Supply versus demand imbalance

The main reason Brisbane parking fees are so high is because more people are looking for parking than there are spaces available.

Over the past two decades, Brisbane’s population has been steadily increasing. During 2022-2023 alone, the population of Greater Brisbane increased by 81,200 people (3.1 per cent), the third-highest growth rate behind Perth (3.6 per cent) and Melbourne (3.3 per cent).

Along with the rise in the population are the number of cars travelling Brisbane’s roads. 

Data on car ownership of the households in Greater Brisbane in 2021 showed that 89.2 per cent of the households owned at least one car – the highest among all Australian states and territories. 

Unfortunately, this rapid growth hasn’t been matched by a corresponding increase in parking infrastructure, leading to a shortage of spaces. This problem is particularly felt by drivers in high-demand areas, such as in the CBD and inner suburbs.

 2. Limited on-street parking  

A 2020 report by the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) found that Brisbane has the second-highest average cost for on-street parking in Australia, at $4.90 per hour.  As of 2023, Brisbane’s on-street parking costs around $6.15 per hour. 

The exorbitant prices, according to the organisation, are mainly due to the lack of available spaces. Brisbane only has 7,500 metered parking spaces, making it tough to find street parking. Adding to the pain is drivers dealing with short time limits.

 This leads to fierce competition for parking, often resulting in drivers resorting to expensive commercial parking options.

3. Lack of competition 

According to the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ), parking fees in Brisbane are very expensive due to the small pool of parking operators in the city. 

 A significant portion of Brisbane’s off-street parking facilities are operated by private companies and the lack of competition likely contributed to Brisbane’s high parking prices.

4. Public transport shortcomings

While Brisbane has a good and growing public transport network, a 2020 report by the Public Transport Authority of Queensland (PTAQ) acknowledged limitations in reach and frequency, particularly in outer suburbs. 

When public transport isn’t an option for everyone, lots of people keep using cars. This keeps parking demand high and prices up.

5. Limited parking incentives and regulations

The Brisbane City Council offers some resident parking permits and discounts, but they may not be widely available or effectively tackle the broader issue of costly commercial parking.

Without broader regulations or incentives to manage pricing across private operators, parking costs can fluctuate and potentially reach high levels.

5 benefits of monthly parking in Brisbane 

If you’re someone who needs regular and consistent access to parking,  here are some reasons why renting a monthly parking space can change the way you  live, work, and explore in Brisbane: 

1. Saves money

Getting a monthly parking space in Brisbane can help you or your family reduce spending on transport costs, which includes parking fees. 

And with Brisbane named the epicentre of an ongoing cost-of-living crisis in Australia, it’s more important than ever for households to sharpen their pencils.

Aussies have been feeling the squeeze of increasing cost of living for a while now, and there are not many other areas where they can further tighten the proverbial belt on their budgets. While there is a bigger upfront cost to shoulder when you book a monthly parking space, crunching the numbers shows you can get big savings compared to paying for daily parking. 

For example, daily parking in Queens Street, located in the heart of Brisbane, can set you back by $65 per day. If we calculate the monthly cost of parking based on an average of 20 weekdays (4 weeks times 5 weekdays), you can pay up to $1,300.

 But with innovative platforms like Spacer that offer monthly parking, you can get the same space at a fraction of the cost. 

A quick search of the website will show parking spots in the same Queen Street area can be rented out for as low as $455 per month – that’s $15 per day based on a 30-day month average.

By booking a monthly parking space, the extra hundreds of dollars you saved can be used on your next grocery run, help pay for your rent, or heck, even your next vacation!

2. Convenience 

Brisbanites often end up with parking spots that are way too far from where they need to be.

And let’s face it, nothing ruins your day quite like feeling like you’ve run a marathon just to reach your car and back.

This is where a monthly parking space comes in handy. Having a reserved long-term parking spot near your destination saves you from walking a long driving commute to work or after a long day at your office, business, or university. 

And with Spacer, you get access to prime parking locations across Brisbane! You can easily find a cheap and convenient monthly parking space in high-demand areas such as Fortitude Valley, New Farm, Teneriffe, Spring Hill, and more! 

3.Guaranteed parking 

 Booking in advance also saves you from circling the car park to find that ‘Goldilocks’ parking space you’re after. 

No more stress waiting for a parking space to open up and no more competing with other people who are raring for a spot too. 

It gives you the peace of mind that when you arrive at a destination, there’s a parking space waiting for you. This is especially beneficial in areas where finding parking can be stressful and time-consuming.

4. 24/7 parking

If you work late hours or have an irregular schedule, monthly parking gives you access to parking 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You don’t have to leave your home early just to qualify for an early bird rate and you don’t have to worry about getting a penalty for leaving a car park outside the allotted exit times.  

This gives you the freedom to move in and out throughout the day, giving you greater control of your time. 

5. Peace of mind 

Having a monthly parking space gives you the peace of mind that your vehicle is in a secure location.

It’s worth noting that Brisbane recorded the highest number of car theft incidents in 2022, with 4,504 vehicles stolen during the year. 

Booking a monthly parking space with platforms like Spacer allows you to choose a parking space with security features like surveillance cameras, patrolling security personnel, etc. You can also see if a parking space is in a well-lit area or close to where you need to be! 

Find monthly parking in Brisbane with Spacer!

Monthly parking offers Brisbanites a new way to park: one that is stress-free and convenient. 

Not only does it help save time, money, and petrol, but a monthly parking space can give you the peace of mind that you are parking in a safe and secure location with unlimited access.

Ready to find your monthly parking spot in Brisbane? Make sure to check out Spacer! Whether you’re looking for a driveway near your home in Paddington, or near your workplace in Brisbane CBD, Spacer has a parking space that fits your needs. 

The post Why Booking Monthly Parking in Brisbane Is A Smart Move appeared first on Spacer Blog.

Parking can be tricky in Melbourne, but it’s not entirely due to a lack of available parking spaces.

According to the City of Melbourne, 130 car parks are providing 68,000 off-street spaces for public parking across the greater Melbourne area, with 40% of them located in the CBD.

When it comes to street parking, a recent study found that Melbourne has plenty to spare.

RMIT University found that about half of the street parking spots in Melbourne could be moved closer to empty spots in parking garages nearby and there would still be enough parking on the street, including spots for loading and disability access.

But you can ask any Melburnian, and they’ll probably tell you finding a cheap and convenient parking space in the Victorian capital is harder than it sounds. 

A recent report from Parkhound showed most parking close to Melbourne CBD is incredibly costly and highly contested. 

Off-street parking rates in Melbourne’s CBD average $18.15 per hour, $36.30 for two hours, and a hefty $79 for a full day. Meanwhile, on-street parking in Melbourne costs around $7 per hour. 

Cheaper car parks, which are located in Williamstown and Canterbury, lie over 10km outside of the centre, meaning you’ll need to travel for over an hour on public transport to reach the CBD.

Understanding Melbourne’s parking challenges boils down to supply and demand. In big cities like Sydney and Melbourne, where space is at a premium and the number of drivers is high, parking becomes a sought-after commodity.

So while there’s plenty of parking available, demand still outweighs supply. This causes the value of parking to increase, especially in high-demand areas such as in Melbourne CBD, Fitzroy, St Kilda, Carlton, and Southbank.

And that’s a problem for a city that loves to drive. In 2016, over 1.3 million Melburnians, constituting 74% of the commuting population, relied solely on cars for their commute.

By 2021, this percentage fell to 49.7% with the rise of the work-from-home setup. Despite the decline, the number of Melburnians relying on cars for their commute still stood at around 1.2 million in the latest census, due to factors like Melbourne’s population growth.

With commuting being a regular part of life for many Melburnians, some have found a smarter way to park by booking monthly parking spaces.

Here are five solid reasons why getting a monthly parking space in Melbourne might just be the perfect solution for you.

Why you should book a monthly parking space in Melbourne

1. Help you save money 

Booking a monthly parking space can help you cut down extra expenses from your budget.

This is especially important as the cost of living crisis in Australia worsens due to higher costs of groceries, petrol, electricity, and housing. 

While a monthly parking space might seem like an upfront expense, the long-term savings on meters, parking fines, and even petrol can make it a smart financial choice. 

Breaking it down, a monthly parking fee can also often result in lower daily costs compared to paying for parking daily.

For example, a day of parking in one of the busiest areas located in the heart of Melbourne, Lonsdale Street, will cost you back $45 daily with traditional and commercial operators. 

If we calculate the monthly cost of parking based on an average of 20 weekdays (4 weeks times 5 weekdays), you can pay up to $900.

 But with innovative platforms like Spacer offering monthly parking, you don’t have to spend as much just to have a parking space. 

With Spacer, you can find a monthly parking space in Lonsdale Street that can be rented out for as low as $330 per month – that’s just $17 per day!

2. Guaranteed security

Another benefit of securing a monthly parking space is the assurance of safety for your vehicle. 

And with car theft on the rise, knowing where your vehicle is parked matters more than ever. 

In Victoria, car theft is increasing at an alarming rate. According to the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA), there were 19,073 motor vehicle thefts recorded across the state in the year to September 2023, marking a hefty 24.96% increase from the previous year.

Platforms like Spacer offer the flexibility to select a parking spot that suits your security needs.

You can choose a driveway, undercover, or underground parking space equipped with surveillance cameras, secure gates, or other safety features. 

Having a secure parking spot for the long term also means having peace of mind, knowing you won’t have to worry about constantly finding another safe place to park near your home, work, or university. 

3. Convenience 

Another major benefit of having a monthly parking space in Melbourne is the convenience it offers.

By having a reserved parking space waiting at your destination, you don’t have to waste time (and petrol) circling in a car park, hoping a spot would open up. 

If you’re street parking, a dedicated parking space also means you won’t have to worry about moving your car or feeding the parking meter every hour or so, or risk getting a parking ticket. 

Booking a monthly parking space near your work or home ensures you won’t have to settle for parking in a distant spot, avoiding the need for long walks.

You can also secure a parking space near Spencer St Station and Flinders Street Station, making your commute using different modes of transportation easy and convenient. 

4. 24/7 access to parking

Booking a monthly parking space also provides the convenience of unlimited access. 

Unlike commercial car parks with set entry and exit times, where you may need to plan your schedule around early bird promotions or rush to leave before closing time, a monthly parking spot offers unrestricted access

This means you can come and go as you please, whether it’s during regular business hours or late at night, without worrying about time constraints or additional fees.

5. Helping the environment

This may come as a surprise, but did you know that choosing a monthly parking space in Melbourne can also be good for the planet?

By having a designated parking space, you spend less time driving around looking for parking, which means less fuel burned and fewer emissions released into the air. This helps keep the air cleaner and reduces traffic congestion in the city.

Platforms like Spacer also help make the most of underutilised urban spaces by connecting drivers with available parking spots. The best part? You can also help space owners make extra money from their unused driveway or garage! 

Find a monthly parking space in Melbourne with Spacer 

Although a monthly parking space in Melbourne feels like a big commitment, it’s the best parking solution for those who are looking to save time and money.

A monthly parking space means no more stressing about finding parking when you reach your destination. It’s also having peace of mind that your car is parked in a safe and secure area. 

With Spacer, you can find the best parking options in Melbourne quickly and easily. Save money on parking fees and avoid the hassle of finding a parking space yourself.

The post Top 5 Reasons to Book Monthly Parking in Melbourne appeared first on Spacer Blog.

Booking monthly parking can transform how you live and work in Sydney – here are 5 reasons why.

Sydney consistently ranks high on many “most liveable cities” lists, and for good reason.

The Harbour City’s stunning beaches, and vibrant culture, coupled with a strong economy and high quality of life, make it a highly desirable place to live and work in for many.

It’s safe to say Sydney has many things going for it. But ask any Sydneysider, and they’ll likely agree on one downside: parking is hard to come by and can be expensive.

Employees travelling to Sydney CBD on weekdays reported spending an average of $11,031 each year on commuting and parking. This makes the city one of the world’s most expensive places to park.

Another parking woe drivers face is there’s simply not enough parking space in Sydney, especially in the CBD area. 

You’ll often hear horror stories of struggling to find parking, whether it’s battling for a space in Darling Harbour, dealing with limited options near Parramatta’s Westfield, or endlessly circling the block in Surry Hills. 

If you opt for street parking, you’ll be at the mercy of parking meters, which charge around $7.60 per hour and drivers potentially hitting your car if it’s parked on the street. 

And if you park or stop in the wrong place, there’s also the risk of getting a parking ticket. Depending on the parking offence, you could find yourself paying anywhere between $116 to $352. 

Adding to the pain is that kerbside parking in Sydney is hard to come by, with most streets reserved for loading zones during weekdays. 

In addition, most parking meters only allow for short 2-hour stays, with a few offering up to 4 hours at set times. 

With commuting a daily part of most Sydneysiders’ lives, some have taken steps to park smarter, not harder, by booking a monthly parking space.

Here are five reasons booking a monthly parking space in Sydney can be a convenient and cost-effective parking solution. 

5 benefits of booking a monthly parking space in Sydney 

1. Save money

With the rising cost of living putting pressure on Aussies’ wallets, a monthly parking space might be what you need to make your budget work. 

Of course, you need to cough up a bigger upfront fee when you reserve a monthly parking space in Sydney, but it will help you save money in the long run. 

Most people think booking monthly parking in Sydney is more expensive than daily parking due to its bigger price tag. But if you break down the figures, this is not true.

Let’s crunch the numbers. For example, the average price for a parking space in Darling Harbour can cost $79.00 per day on weekdays. 

If we calculate the monthly cost of parking based on an average of 20 weekdays (4 weeks times 5 weekdays), you can pay up to $1,580.

But with platforms like Spacer, you’re not limited to expensive car parks. Around the same Darling Harbour area, you can find a monthly parking space that can be rented out for as low as $450 per month or almost $23 per day. 

Not only do you cut down your parking costs, you also have the option of booking the space you need. 

2. Convenience 

One of the main advantages of booking a long-term parking space in Sydney is the convenience it offers. 

It also means no more fumbling for coins or dealing with parking metres. Another advantage is that you can automate your payment and you can have a long-term dedicated parking space without lifting a finger. 

 You also won’t have to worry about entry and exit times. Monthly parking often uses contactless entry systems and gives you unlimited access to a parking space. 

3. Save time 

Booking a monthly parking space in Sydney saves you precious time.

Forget the wasted minutes – and sometimes hours! – spent circling the block searching for a parking space. Reserved parking means you don’t have to go through the daily hunt for an available spot in a busy car park or an on-street parking space.

Think about the extra minutes you could sleep in, the delicious cuppa you could grab on the way to work, or the extra pages you could read by cutting down your driving time. Monthly parking lets you reclaim that lost time and start your day (or errand run!) stress-free. 

Plus, by choosing a parking space near your work, university, or home, you can ditch the long walks and get where you need to be quickly and conveniently.

4. Safety and security

Safety is a top priority for Sydney drivers, and booking a monthly parking space takes the worry out of where you leave your car. 

These spaces are often located in secure car parks with features like CCTV surveillance that keep an eye on your vehicle, deterring potential problems. Security measures, such as swipe card access or security patrols, provide an extra layer of protection.

You also need to factor in Sydney’s unpredictable weather. Monthly parking, especially in covered car parks, shields your car from the elements. No more worrying about the scorching summer sun fading your interior, heavy rain soaking your seats, or even the occasional hailstorm damaging your paint job.

With a monthly parking space, you park with confidence, knowing your car is secure and protected, allowing you to focus on the things that matter – whether it’s conquering the workday, exploring the city, or simply enjoying the Sydney sunshine.

5. Improved quality of life 

Having a dedicated parking space near where you work or live also gives you peace of mind. It removes the need to book or find a space every day of the week. 

You don’t need to rush out the door every day just to qualify for an early bird rate or try to beat the afternoon traffic just to make sure you’ll have a parking space near your home. 

Find a monthly parking space in Sydney with Spacer 

Don’t let parking hold you back. Booking a monthly space in Sydney offers a convenient, cost-effective, and stress-free solution for your parking needs.

And with Spacer, finding that perfect parking space is easier than ever. Book a monthly parking space in Sydney for as low as $300 per month. 

Spacer isn’t just for Sydneysiders. Whether you’re facing parking woes in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, or other major Australian cities, Spacer can help. Find a secure and affordable monthly parking space that fits your needs, no matter where you call home.

Zarah Mae Torrazo

Zarah Mae Torrazo is the senior copywriter at Spacer Technologies, managing and creating content for Parkhound, WhereiPark, Spacer.com.au, and Spacer.com. She specialises in a range of topics including real estate, health, finance, and wellness. Beyond her expertise in these fields, she's deeply passionate about the sharing economy and its impact on industries. Previously, she worked at Momentum Media as a journalist and has written for a number of titles including Smart Property Investment, Real Estate Business, nestegg, Mortgage Business, and Lawyer’s Weekly. Zarah Mae has almost 9 years of experience in the industry. Have any questions you’d like to ask Zam? Drop her an email at [email protected]

The post Why You Should Book a Monthly Parking Space in Sydney appeared first on Spacer Blog.

When people talk about ‘self-care,’ they usually think of pampering at a spa, eating healthier, or going to the gym.

But the secret to improving both your physical and mental health may be closer to home than you think. In fact, it may be within your walls. 

Peter Walsh, renowned organisational expert and author, firmly believes that clutter is anything that stands in the way of people living their best lives.

“Clutter is not just the stuff on your floor – it’s anything that stands between you and the life you want to be living,” he wrote in his book, “It’s All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff.”

If you’re constantly shuffling things around to get things done at home or work, or if you feel swamped by all your stuff, it’s a sign that clutter has taken over. 

Joseph Ferrari, a professor of psychology at DePaul University in Chicago, defines clutter as “an overabundance of possessions that collectively create chaotic and disorderly living spaces.” 

And a cluttered home, as recent research suggests, can be a stressful one. Clutter and mess is linked to negative emotions like confusion, tension, and irritability while an organised home tends to be associated with more positive emotions like calmness and a sense of well-being.

 A study published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin showed that women who described their homes as ‘cluttered’ were more likely to be depressed than those who identified their homes to be ‘restful and restorative’. 

Similarly, a study published in Journal of Environmental Psychology revealed clutter had a negative impact on people’s psychological well-being.

On the bright side, there’s also science showing keeping things clean and organised has many physical and mental health benefits. It’s no wonder then how the Marie Kondo tidying method and minimalism gained traction in recent years. 

After all, decluttering or the process of putting away miscellaneous items where they belong or getting rid of unused items) not only makes it easier to find what you need, but it can also improve your physical health and mental wellbeing.

Let’s take a closer look at how tidying up your space can be beneficial to both your mental and physical health. 

 7 health benefits of decluttering 

The process of decluttering your space may be a chore, but here are some of the benefits of letting go of your unnecessary items:

1. Improve your focus 

Ever went shopping in a cluttered space like a big second-hand store or farmers market, only to leave in frustration because you couldn’t find what you were looking for? 

The reason you feel like you’re looking for a needle in a proverbial haystack is the same reason why disorderly environments make it tough to focus on your task: distraction. 

A study by Princeton University researchers titled  Interactions of top-down and bottom-up mechanisms in human visual cortex discovered that clutter can make it difficult to focus on a task.

To be more specific, it was revealed that a person’s visual cortex can be overwhelmed by objects not related to a particular task, making it harder to focus and complete projects  in an efficient and timely manner. 

Sharpen your focus by taking time to declutter your working space or your home. This is especially important if you’re working remotely at home. Less mess, more focus. 

2. Reduce your stress 

One of the biggest benefits of  decluttering is the reduction in stress and anxiety. 

When there’s lots of clutter, you lose control over your physical space, which is very upsetting and can cause increased stress levels. 

In fact, research shows that  women with less organised living spaces also had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is responsible for feelings of anxiety, tension and often associated with mental health conditions such as depression.

And when you’re stressed, it’s easy to procrastinate when it comes to tasks that seem too big to take — like tackling your overflowing junk drawer or sorting through unwanted items you’ve been putting off donating in months. 

If you’re looking for ways to lower your stress levels, consider decluttering as a first step.

A study by the University of Connecticut found that in times of high stress, people default to repetitive behaviors like cleaning because it gives them a sense of control during a chaotic time in your life. 

By clearing up your physical environment of clutter, you also clear up some mental space in the process – helping you gain a sense of control.  Decluttering can give you peace of mind and help clear your thoughts.

3. Better quality of sleep

Keeping your home — especially your bedroom—  clean, tidy and free from clutter can help create a calm and peaceful environment in which to sleep in. 

A messy space can cause several problems, like worse air quality, stress, and anxiety. These issues can make it hard to fall asleep and disturb your sleep.

When you declutter your bedroom, you create an organised environment providing visual calm, allowing you to unwind after a long day and transition more easily into sleep mode.  

And research aside, doesn’t it make sense to organise or remove unneeded items in a place where you replenish your physical and mental energy? 

4. Improved air quality in your home or work space 

If you have respiratory issues like asthma, you make be all too familiar with the troubles that come with clutter. 

Unnecessary items piled up or scattered in your space can gather up pollen, dust, pet dander and mold particles, worsening your indoor air quality and putting your health at risk. 

The more clutter you have, chances are the more surface area these particles have to cling to. 

Clearing out the clutter can help make it easier to clean and reduce dust accumulation. And once the dust begins to clear, you should be able to start breathing easier. A tidy space also has improved air circulation!

5. Help you lose weight

This seems like a surprising benefit of decluttering, but having a clean and organised space can significantly improve your eating habits for the better.

Multiple studies have found a link between clutter and poor eating choices. A study found that participants who spent time in a messy kitchen ate more provided cookies than those in a cleaner and orderly kitchen.

However, the study also showed that recalling a time the participants felt in control caused them to eat fewer cookies in the disorganised space, suggesting that mindset can reduce or mediate cravings in a chaotic environment. 

Aside from  triggering poor food choices, science shows that living or working in a cluttered space can lead to weight gain as well. A study on the link between hoarding and weight gain found people living in extremely cluttered and messy environments were 77 per cent more likely to be overweight. 

Of course, not everyone has a severe hoarding problem. But clutter-linked weight gain may also indicate that people are leading overly busy lives. 

People who are in a rush are more likely to eat what’s handy, such as pre-packaged or fast foods, which in turn leads to obesity. After all, why bother cleaning up a messy kitchen and preparing food when you can just order on Ubereats or Doordash? 

In a more organised home, you have more time to plan and make healthier meals — as well as more time to relax and eat more slowly.

6. Getting more active

Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up your space; it can also give you a much needed boost in physical activity. 

In fact, studies suggest that the process of decluttering can torch around 240 calories per day for the average homeowner. So, not only does decluttering make your home look better, but it’s also a simple way to sneak in some extra activity into your day-to-day routine.

The cherry on top is the sense of accomplishment you get after organising an area in your space. A boost in your mood from the small win of cleaning up your desk or getting rid of unneeded items may be just what you need to take on your next big goal!

7. Good for your heart

Decluttering can help boost your mood and reduce your stress, but did you know it can also help improve your heart health?

Donating items to charity organisations as a result of decluttering has been shown in several studies to have positive effects on both mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and contribute to an overall sense of well-being.

When you get rid of the clutter you don’t use, need or love, you also often feel more appreciation and gratitude for the things that are left.

And science shows that being thankful, even for the little things, helps to lower stress levels, enhance blood pressure, and even reduce inflammation. 

There’s also studies that show people who practice gratitude also exercise more and make healthier choices in their diet.

10 quick tips for decluttering your home or workspace

Do you have a clutter problem and don’t know where to start? Here are Spacer’s our quick tips to help you reclaim your space: 

1. Start Small

Set small, achievable goals. For example with your work desk or a pile of clothes you’ve been meaning to get rid of  to avoid feeling overwhelmed.  

2. Set aside time for decluttering

Set a timer and allocate a specific amount of time for decluttering. 

3.Use the four-box method

 If you’re trying to get rid of a large variety of items, try using the four box method. Start by label boxes as Keep, Donate, Trash, and Relocate to make sorting items easier.

4. Try the ‘One in, One Out Rule’

This is a fairly simple method to  avoid clutter buildup.  For every new item brought in, remove one item that is unneeded or unusable. It’ll also help you become more conscious about your purchases, saving money in the long run.  

5. Have a plan for your unwanted items

Donating your unused items can be a win-win scenario: you get objects out of your house while also putting them into the hands of those who need them. Try contacting charitable institutions or donation centres to schedule a drop-off or pick-up. 

6. Get rid of duplicates

While it’s easy to get into the hype train of certain items like tumblers and items, sometimes less is more.  Keep only one of each item and donate or discard duplicates to free up space.

7. Declutter regularly

Make decluttering a habit by scheduling regular sessions to prevent build-up of unnecessary items.

8. Ask for help

Of course, letting go of items is sometimes harder than it sounds. This is especially true if these items hold sentimental value. If you’re finding it difficult to clearly decide on the items you need to get rid of, enlist the help of a family member, friend, or paid consultant who can help you make decisions. In some cases, getting “permission” from someone else makes it easier to put your items in the donation or discard pile.

9. Declutter with a storage space

The decluttering process can be complicated if there are items you think you will need in the future, but you don’t have the space for it yet. Or maybe you just need something out of sight for them to be out of mind for a while, like extra furniture before a big move or children’s toys or clothes you’re planning to pass down to the younger generation In these cases, you can consider renting a storage space to make sure these items are protected and secured. 

10. Celebrate your progress

 We’ve all been there: we’ve started decluttering our home and mid-way, we lose all our motivation. It’s important to acknowledge and celebrate small victories to stay motivated throughout the decluttering process. But if clutter is overwhelming you or you are experiencing anxiety or depression, either causing clutter or due to out-of-control clutter, don’t be afraid to reach out to a therapist for help. 

Find the storage you need with Spacer

Need a hand in decluttering your space? Spacer can help you find the storage space you need. 

Whether you’re downsizing, renovating, or simply need extra room for your belongings, Spacer connects you with affordable storage solutions.  Browse through a variety of storage options from spare rooms to parking spots across major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and more. Not living in the big smoke? Don’t worry! We also have local storage spaces that are cheap and convenient. Reclaim your living space today!

Related: 10 Home Office Storage Products to Declutter Your Office in Minutes

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