I’m one step closer to that basement storage unit

Could it really be happening? After living in my New York apartment for three and a half years — could I finally be getting a storage unit? I might.

It probably sounds ridiculous that I could be so ecstatic over something that sounds so trivial. “Sounds” is the key word here. Storage in New York City is both essential and lacking, but it’s not trivial.

So I downsized from 2,800 square feet to almost 1,000, but I had three huge closets. Then I did it again to live in 825, but with less closet space. Since then, every nook and cranny has become filled with stuff in our apartment. It may appear clean, uncluttered, and well organized. But if you visit, do not open the closets. I repeat. Do not open the closets.

One of the reasons we bought our apartment in our current building was because there was supposed to be an opportunity to rent storage space in the basement each month. Shortly after we moved in, some major exterior improvements were necessary (otherwise there was a good chance the building might collapse!), therefore additional storage lockers were axed from the budget. But we didn’t give up.

That’s when my husband decided to campaign and run for mayor, or to become a member of the co-op board. Michael was elected to the board of directors in 2010 and he recently entered his third term (or year in co-op apartments). He’s still thinking that we stand a better chance of getting that sought-after storage unit with his authority and persuasion, but it’s 2012, and storage rarely enters the conversation during board meetings. And so, I had given up.

Things can change here in a New York minute, however. Our non-existent storage situation may be looking up and we may soon be paring down our closets. Someone pushed a note under the apartment door recently and it read:

The Board of Directors would like to gauge your interest in renting a storage locker. The dimension of the lockers will be 3′ wide X 5′ deep X 7′ high. If you are interested, please place a check mark next to the applicable statement. Your immediate response will be greatly appreciated. Please return your survey to the doorman ASAP. Please enter your apartment number below so that we may get back to you.

My check mark will be placed next to:

I’m interested in renting a locker. √

My comments will read something like this:

Dear God of the Storage Lockers, please build more basement units so that I can clean out my closets. I need to clear space for more cute clothes, shoes, and handbags.

I won’t be waiting either. I will turn my form in TODAY.

And for all of the 666 Park Avenue fans (sadly canceled) — in case you’re wondering — my prewar building’s basement isn’t nearly as scary, but there may be a few child ghosts floating around.