Receiving an inheritance can be a big stress. You’re dealing with a big loss, yet you still need to organise items that have been handed down. On one hand, it may bring new financial flexibility, but it can come with overwhelming decisions.
What do you keep, what do you let go of, and how do you manage all the belongings? If you don’t know where to begin, self-storage can be a surprisingly effective tool, and Storage Works can help.
This article will show how smart storage strategies (especially through Storage Works self-storage options) can help you take control, stay organised, and move forward with confidence.
What Does Next of Kin Mean?
According to Legal Vision, “next of kin” refers to a person’s closest living relative and is often used for legal and medical purposes. The specific definition and rights of next of kin vary by jurisdiction (state to state) and by the laws governing estates and intestacy.
- > In many Australian states, next of kin have priority when distributing estate assets if there is no will.
- > However, being next of kin doesn’t automatically render someone an heir or beneficiary under a will.
- The responsibilities may include applying for probate, managing debts, and distributing assets.
You might inherit the entire estate if no will exists. As a beneficiary, your share is explicitly spelled out and intervening legal issues (such as debts or disputes) may override or reduce what you receive.
Always consult a legal professional or the trustee handling the estate to clarify your rights, obligations, and the timeline. Storage Works is not qualified to provide legal advice.
Decluttering During Inheritance

Why is it so important to declutter and organise things when you’re receiving an inheritance? Sorting through someone’s possessions after they pass away is emotionally taxing. Without structure to your storage, you might:
- > Waste more time revisiting the same items
- > Accidentally get rid of something important
- > Causes conflict among siblings or other relatives
Here are some great strategies for organising personal belongings:
> Set up zones or categories such as keep, donate, sell, trash, or undecided.
> Start with low-emotion items (kitchenware, tools) to build momentum.
> Use one room or table as your sorting area, so items don’t get scattered everywhere.
> Work in short periods of time. Decluttering when you have energy will help you avoid burnout.
> Photograph or inventory items before discarding, especially if they mean a lot to you.

What about managing more sentimental items?
These items are hard to part with, but sometimes you can’t always keep everything.
- > Temporarily store sentimental items (like letters or keepsakes) while you focus on less emotional decisions
- > Limit “keepers” by establishing a fixed shelf or trunk size
- > Rotate items back into your living space over time instead of all at once
- > Invite family members to review or pick items to take the load off of you
Why is it worth investing in professional self-storage?
When emotions are running high and logistics are just too overwhelming, professional help can:
- > Save you more time and mental energy
- > Bring objectivity to emotionally-charged possessions
- > Offer experience in packing, transporting, and staging
Never used a paid storage space before? There are many reasons people use self storage during life transitions.

How Does Storage Works Help You?

With constant changes to our lifestyle, needs and space, Storage Works can help you get sorted. Our secure personal storage units offer:
- > Clean, state-of-the-art facilities
- > Individual alarms
- > PIN-controlled security gates
- > 24/7 CCTV monitoring & recording
- > Storer-only areas
- > Extended hours
- > Concierge services
Our units also come in over 50 different sizes and shapes, from small storage units to large drive-up units and car park spaces. No matter what you need stored—furniture, sports equipment, hobby gear, seasonal decorations our storage units will give you just the space you need.
Make StorageWorks Self Storage your choice for personal storage on Sydney’s North Shore. Our storage space is conveniently located in Artarmon, easily accessible from:
- > Chatswood
- > Crows Nest
- > Lane Cove
- > North Sydney
- > Neutral Bay
- > Mosman
- > Cremorne
- > Willoughby
- > Kirribilli
- > Greenwich
- > Lindfield
- > Northbridge and more
If your inheritance involves a vehicle or two, we support you with vehicle storage options as well. Storage Works has the perfect answer for those needing to store a car. We offer car storage on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, ideal for those extra cars and other vehicles that you don’t have the space for. Our storage spaces are large enough to store anything from bikes to regular-sized cars. Our car park spaces are clean, dry and secure, featuring:
- > 24/7 CCTV monitoring and recording
- > PIN-controlled security gates
- > After-hours back to base monitoring

Read more: Vehicle Storage: A Guide To The Benefits.
And if you’re not sure how much space you’ll require, our Storage Space Calculator provides you with an estimate. Simply fill in the quantity of each type of article you’d like to store, and the calculator will automatically determine your total storage. Note: As the size of individual articles will vary, this calculator provides a rough guide only.
At Storage Works, your space is our place. We offer a range of flexible storage solutions, from mini warehouses to large business storage, warehouse storage or boxes and packaging. We can also support you with the right house removalists or recycling services. Talk to us to know more!
Need Personal Storage in Sydney? Get a Quote at Storage Works!
Inheriting someone’s belongings is emotionally and practically complex. But with a structured decluttering plan and smart use of self-storage, you can turn a chaotic inheritance into an opportunity for fresh beginnings.
Need more information about our storage options? Please call us on 02 9901 3200 or email us at artarmon@storageworks.com.au. With a 4th storage building in Artarmon, it is one of the largest storage facilities in Sydney. Currently, we have around 1500 storage spaces.

Self-storage gives you breathing space with time and distance to decide without cluttering your home or making quick decisions. You’ll be able to handle inherited items sensibly, cost-effectively, and compassionately.
Our facility is equipped to receive shipping containers, and we provide on-site equipment, like forklifts and pallet jacks, to make handling goods easy. For added convenience, our concierge service can manage the receipt and dispatch of your shipments. We even have a Tesla charging station available.
StorageWorks self-storage is conveniently located on the Pacific Highway in Artarmon, Sydney, not too far from North Sydney, Crows Nest, St Leonards, Chatswood, Neutral Bay, Mosman, and Lane Cove locals. Storage access is straightforward when you need guidance after a loss.
StorageWorks Pty Ltd acts as trustee for the StorageWorks Trust and is a proud member of the Self Storage Association of Australasia.