Moving from one place to another can be a lot to organize, especially when it comes to managing your things and your schedule. So, what is self storage for moving? In simple terms, self storage is a flexible way to safely store your belongings-either for a short time or longer-when you’re moving and your schedules don’t quite line up. Instead of crowding your new place with boxes or filling up a half-finished room, you can use a self storage unit as a safe, off-site spot for your things. This helps you handle the move at your own speed and keeps your home and mind less cluttered.
Self storage is a useful tool for helping you move. If there’s a gap between your old lease ending and your new home being ready, or if you’re renovating and need to protect your furniture, self storage takes away some of the stress. Understanding how this option fits into your moving plan can make what often feels difficult much easier to manage.
What Is Self Storage for Moving?
Self storage for moving means renting a storage unit to hold your things for as long as you need during your move. This might be anything from a handful of boxes to everything you own. The main advantage is having a secure and easy-to-access spot for your stuff if your new place isn’t ready yet, or if you need to tidy up your current home before selling.
Self storage facilities are more secure than leaving things in a garage or with a friend. These businesses have safety features, different sizes of units, and sometimes even climate-controlled spaces to keep your things safe. Using self storage can remove a lot of the hassle and heavy lifting from moving, especially with a tight timeline.
How Self Storage Helps When Moving
Having a storage unit makes moving less stressful by giving you a safe place for your items if you can’t move everything straight from one home to the next. For example, if you sell your house before your new one is ready, a storage unit lets you move your items out, clean the house for the new owners, and keep your things secure until your new home is available.
With self storage, you can unpack at your own pace. You don’t have to rush or make quick choices about what to keep or throw away. You can also bring in your essentials first, then fetch the rest as needed, so you’re not surrounded by boxes right away in your new place.
When Should You Use a Storage Unit During a Move?
There are several times when having a storage unit is especially helpful:
- There’s a gap between your move-out and move-in dates (for example, your old house sells before the new one is ready).
- You’re renovating and want to protect your things from dust, paint, or damage.
- You need to clear out clutter to stage your home for buyers.
- You’re moving to a smaller place and need a spot for things you’re not ready to let go of yet.
Self storage can solve these problems, often with flexible month-to-month rentals.
Why Use Self Storage During a Move?
Using a self storage unit lets you have more control over your move, keep your items safe, and lower your stress. It helps keep the process organized and lets you move in steps instead of feeling rushed. You can take out the items you need first and keep the rest out of the way until you’re ready.
It’s also helpful for selling a home, since you can store extra furniture and keep your house clean and open for showings. By breaking up your move into stages, you save time and energy later.
Benefits for Short- and Long-Term Storage
Self storage offers advantages for both quick moves and longer, more complicated ones:
- Short-term: If you have to leave your current home before your new one is ready, storage lets you keep your things safe briefly, without rushing decisions or risking damage.
- Long-term: If you’re moving across the country or have an international move, you can store items you don’t immediately need. This can save money, since you’re not paying to move everything at once or for a huge temporary home. It’s also handy if you move for work but don’t know exactly when you’ll get a permanent new place.
Handling Gaps Between Lease or Closing Dates
One of the main struggles when moving is dealing with mismatched dates between leaving your old home and getting your new one. Storage units come with flexible terms so you can rent by the month and only pay for what you use. You won’t have to ask friends to hold your things or scramble for space-you’ve got a secure spot until your new home is ready.
Protecting Items During Renovations or Delays
Moving into a home that needs work or facing delays can put your items at risk of getting dirty or damaged. Placing your belongings in storage keeps them safe from dust, paint spills, and theft common during renovations. If you’re fixing up one room at a time, you can move things in and out as you need.
Decluttering Before Selling Your Home
Buyers like a tidy, open space. A self storage unit lets you clear away extra furniture, personal items, or boxes, showing off your home’s best spaces. It’s also a good way to pre-pack, making your final move easier later. Label boxes and store what you don’t need right now, so your moving day is less hectic.
Types of Self Storage Units for Moving
Self storage comes in various shapes and sizes, each fitting different needs. Picking the right one is an important step for protecting your things and making your move easier.
- Some units have climate control for delicate items.
- Others offer quick access for frequent visits.
- There are also portable options where the storage comes to you.
Let’s look at the main options:
| Type of Unit | Best For | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| Climate-Controlled | Electronics, wood furniture, art, antiques, important papers | Keeps temperature and humidity steady |
| Drive-Up/Outdoor | Tools, appliances, less delicate items | Park your car right at the unit for easy loading |
| Portable Storage | Flexible timelines, door-to-door moves | Container delivered to you, then moved or stored as needed |
Climate-Controlled Storage
These storage units keep temperature and humidity even all year, useful for things like wood furniture, electronics, musical instruments, artwork, and paperwork. If you’re storing things for a while or you’re in an area with weather extremes, climate control helps protect your possessions from warping, mold, or rust.
Drive-Up and Outdoor Units
Drive-up units are like garages-you drive straight up to the door to load or unload. These work well for heavy or oversized things and are priced lower than climate-controlled options. They’re best for items that can handle temperature changes, like tools or lawn equipment.
Portable and Mobile Storage
With portable options like PODS or U-Box, a container comes to your home. You fill it at your own pace. When you’re ready, the company takes it to storage or your new address. You only have to load and unload once, which saves time and effort, especially if you don’t want to drive a truck.
What Size Storage Unit Do You Need for Moving?
Getting the right size storage unit saves money and prevents damage from overcrowding. Storage units usually come in three main sizes:
| Size | Common Dimensions | Can Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 5×5 or 5×10 ft | Boxes, small furniture, seasonal items |
| Medium | 5×15 to 10×15 ft | 1-2 bedroom apartment: sofas, appliances, beds, boxes |
| Large | 10×20 to 10×30 ft | Whole house: multiple bedrooms, furniture sets, appliances |
Small Units: What to Store
Best for a few boxes, small furniture, sports gear, or clearing out one room. Not enough for big furniture sets.
Medium Units: Ideal for Apartments
Great for the contents of one or two bedrooms, bigger furniture, and multiple boxes. A good choice for apartment moves or during renovations.
Large Units: Good for Whole-House Moves
Fit the entire contents of a family home, including all furniture and appliances. Useful for big moves or when you need to keep everything together while waiting on a new house.
How to Pick the Right Self Storage Facility
Not all storage places are the same. When choosing a facility, focus on safety, ease of access, and location. Here are some things to look for:
Security and Access
- Security: Look for video cameras, secure gates, personal entry codes, plenty of lights, and maybe even on-site managers.
- Access: Will you need to get into your unit after hours? Does the schedule match when you need to move things? More access might add to the price, but is sometimes worth it.
Location and Convenience
- Choose a storage facility close to your old and new homes to save time and money on trips.
- Is there enough space for moving trucks? Are there ramps or elevators if your unit is not on the ground floor?
Facility Reviews and Reputation
Check online reviews for feedback about safety, cleanliness, and staff. Look for repeated complaints or, even better, lots of positive reviews. Picking a well-known company can give you some peace of mind.
Booking and Move-In Process
Many storage facilities let you book a unit and sign the paperwork online-saving you a visit. Some offer instant move-in options. Pick a place with straightforward online sign-up and clear info so you can get started quickly.
How to Pack Your Items for Storage When Moving
Packing well saves you time and helps prevent damage. Use these tips to keep your things safe and organized:
Packing Fragile and Valuable Items
- Wrap everything carefully with bubble wrap, packing paper, or foam peanuts.
- Packing dishes or glasses? Use boxes with special dividers.
- Label boxes with “FRAGILE” on all sides.
- Keep important personal items with you, not in storage.
Disassembling and Protecting Furniture
- Take apart beds, tables, and big furniture.
- Keep screws and bolts in labeled bags taped to the furniture.
- Clean before wrapping to avoid smells and pests.
- Use blankets, sheets, or furniture pads instead of plastic, which can trap moisture.
- Set upholstered items on pallets to keep off the floor in non-climate-controlled units.
Organizing the Storage Unit
- Put heavy or large items at the back or bottom.
- Make an aisle for easy access to boxes.
- Label all boxes clearly, with label sides out.
- Place things you may need near the front.
- If you’re worried about moisture, put plastic or pallets on the floor first.
Avoid Overcrowding
- Don’t over-pack the unit. Stacking too high or squeezing things can cause damage.
- Consider renting a slightly bigger unit if you have a lot to store.
- Leave some space for air to move around.
- Never put heavy boxes on top of fragile ones.
Extra Moving Services with Self Storage
Many storage providers also offer extra help, making your move even easier:
- Moving Labor: You can hire help for loading and unloading your unit, making the heavy lifting much easier and faster. Services like Moving Help® connect you to local crews paid by the hour or job.
- Packing Services: Some companies offer professional packing, either for everything or just for tough-to-pack items. This saves time and makes sure your things are packed well, using the right materials.
Comparing Self Storage to Other Moving Storage Choices
Self storage isn’t your only option. Here’s how it stacks up against others:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Self Storage | Inexpensive, DIY, easy access | You haul and organize your stuff yourself |
| Full-Service Storage | Company handles everything, extra insurance/liability | Limited access, higher prices |
| Portable Containers | Delivered to you, only load/unload once, flexible destination | May cost more, less regular access to your stored things |
When to Choose Self Storage
Pick self storage if:
- You want to manage your own packing and moving
- You need access to your items during storage
- You have smaller or mid-sized storage needs
- You want the most affordable price, even if it means more work
Self storage is a very practical choice for bridging a short gap between leaving one home and getting into another.
Common Questions about Self Storage for Moving
How Long Can Items Stay in Storage?
You can store your stuff for as little as a month or for many months, even years. Most storage places rent by the month, so you only pay for what you need. This works especially well if you’re dealing with changing move-in dates.
Can Movers Put Items Into and Take Items Out of Storage?
Yes. You can hire movers just to help with the storage unit, for loading and unloading, even if you don’t use their full moving service. This is helpful if you don’t want to do all of the heavy work yourself.
What About Insurance for Stored Items?
You should make sure your stored things are protected. Many storage companies require insurance, as they’re not responsible for your items. Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance might cover belongings in storage-check before you buy extra coverage. Storage facilities often sell their own insurance too, which can cover things like fire, theft, or water damage.