Moving Tips: How a Storage Unit Can Help During a Big Move

Storage Units


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September 6th, 2024


Moving can be one of the most stressful events in life. Whether you're relocating to a new city, upgrading to a larger home, or downsizing, the process of packing, organizing, and transporting all your belongings can feel overwhelming. One way to reduce the chaos and make the process smoother is by renting a storage unit. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of using a storage unit during a move and offer practical tips on how it can make the entire experience easier.

Table of Contents

  1. Why Consider a Storage Unit During a Move?
  2. The Benefits of Temporary Storage
  3. How to Choose the Right Size Storage Unit
  4. Storing Your Belongings Safely
  5. When Should You Rent a Storage Unit?
  6. Frequently Asked Questions
  7. Final Thoughts

Why Consider a Storage Unit During a Move?

Moving can often take longer than expected. There may be delays in closing on a new home, renovations that aren’t completed on time, or simply the need to downsize before settling into a new place. Renting a storage unit offers a convenient solution, providing a temporary home for your belongings until you're ready to move them into your new space.

Common Moving Challenges That Storage Units Solve:

  • Timing mismatches: When your lease ends before your new home is ready.
  • Downsizing: Needing extra time to decide what to keep and what to discard.
  • Decluttering: Keeping unnecessary items out of the way to make packing and moving less stressful.

The Benefits of Temporary Storage

Storage units can greatly simplify the moving process by offering a safe, secure place to temporarily store your belongings. Below are some of the top benefits of using a storage unit during a move:

1. Flexibility with Timing

Moving timelines don’t always align perfectly. Maybe your new place isn’t ready yet, or perhaps you need to vacate your old residence sooner than anticipated. A storage unit provides a solution by offering a flexible option to store your belongings while you finalize other aspects of your move.

2. Declutter Before the Move

One of the best ways to streamline your moving process is by decluttering beforehand. Renting a storage unit allows you to temporarily store items you’re unsure about, giving you more time to decide whether to sell, donate, or keep them without the pressure of last-minute decisions.

3. Simplifies Staging Your Home for Sale

If you're selling your home, using a storage unit to temporarily store excess furniture or personal items can help make your home look more appealing to potential buyers. Decluttering makes your space feel larger, cleaner, and more organized, which can lead to quicker sales.

4. Reduced Stress and More Organization

A move can be chaotic, especially if you’re transporting all of your belongings in one go. By utilizing a storage unit, you can move non-essential items out of the way and focus on what you need day-to-day. This will make unpacking and organizing at your new place easier and less overwhelming.

5. Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, transporting all your items in one trip can be costly and cumbersome. By using a storage unit, you can gradually move items over time or store them until you're ready to transport everything in a more organized manner.

How to Choose the Right Size Storage Unit

Choosing the correct storage unit size is key to ensuring your items are stored efficiently and safely. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right size based on your needs:
  • Small Storage Units (5’x5’ or 5’x10’): Perfect for storing boxes, small furniture, and personal items. Ideal if you're only storing seasonal items or decluttering.
  • Medium Storage Units (10’x10’ or 10’x15’): Suitable for a one- or two-bedroom apartment’s worth of items. These units can store larger furniture pieces like couches, mattresses, and appliances.
  • Large Storage Units (10’x20’ or larger): These units can hold the contents of a 3-4 bedroom house, including large furniture, appliances, and multiple boxes.

Storing Your Belongings Safely

While using a storage unit during a move can be incredibly convenient, it’s important to make sure your items are stored safely. Here are some tips to ensure your belongings are well-protected:

1. Use Proper Packing Materials

Invest in high-quality boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper. Make sure fragile items are packed securely to avoid damage during transportation or storage.

2. Label Everything

Clearly label all boxes with the contents and the room they belong to. This will make unpacking much easier once you're ready to move into your new home.

3. Keep Valuables Separate

Consider keeping valuables, important documents, and irreplaceable items with you rather than storing them. While storage units are typically secure, it’s always better to keep valuable or sensitive items close at hand.

4. Utilize Shelving and Stack Carefully

Maximize the space in your unit by using shelves for small items and stack boxes carefully, with heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top.

5. Choose Climate-Controlled Units

If you're storing items that are sensitive to temperature changes—such as electronics, musical instruments, or antiques—opt for a climate-controlled unit to prevent damage from humidity or extreme temperatures.

When Should You Rent a Storage Unit?

Knowing the right time to rent a storage unit can be essential in making your move more manageable. Here are a few scenarios where renting a storage unit is particularly useful:
  • Before the Move: Start the decluttering process early by storing non-essential items ahead of time. This will make packing less stressful.
  • During the Move: If there’s a delay in moving into your new place, storage units can be a lifesaver, offering a secure spot for your belongings until your new home is ready.
  • After the Move: Not ready to fully unpack? Use a storage unit to keep items you're not sure where to place in your new home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long can I rent a storage unit for?

Storage units are typically rented on a month-to-month basis, giving you flexibility. This means you can keep the unit for as long as you need, whether that’s a few weeks or several months.

2. Is it safe to store furniture in a storage unit?

Yes, furniture can be safely stored in a storage unit, especially if you choose a climate-controlled unit. Make sure to properly wrap and protect furniture to prevent scratches and damage.

3. How much does it cost to rent a storage unit?

Prices vary depending on the size of the unit, location, and whether it’s climate-controlled. On average, a small storage unit can cost around $50-$100 per month, while larger units or climate-controlled options can range from $150 to $300 or more.

4. Can I access my storage unit anytime?

Most storage facilities offer flexible access hours, with some even offering 24/7 access. Be sure to check with your facility to understand the exact access policies.

Final Thoughts

Moving is always a significant undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Renting a storage unit can provide a flexible, secure, and affordable solution to many of the challenges that arise during a move. Whether you need a temporary home for your belongings due to delays, want to declutter before staging your home, or simply want to make the moving process more organized, a storage unit can help.By taking the time to choose the right unit size and storing your items safely, you’ll make the entire moving process smoother, less stressful, and more manageable.