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Do you have an upcoming move? Is it starting to stress you out? Would a storage unit help with some of the that stress? A storage unit can provide a secured place for your items during a move. One bonus of a storage unit is that you will be able to stage your house for selling a lot easier. You will be able to store items that you will not need or add a bit of an eye sore to your home.
Not everyone is going to need a storage unit for when they are moving. But sometimes, move out and move in dates do not always line up properly, and this is when a storage unit will come in handy. Also, you may just need a short-term storage unit while you are waiting for your home base to be finished or are still looking for a new home. Here are some storage unit tips that will help keep any stress level down and make sure your move goes as planned.
1. Reserve Your Unit Early
Just like hiring a moving company, if you are going to need to rent a storage unit, you will want to get one as early as possible. You will want to reserve it once you know that you will be moving. This will allow for extra time to start packing and not having to wait to the last minute. You can use the storage unit as a place to put items to declutter your home so that it sells faster, or you can store your items there while you deep clean your apartment or current residence. If you do not like the sight of moving boxes in your home, take them to the storage unit.
2. Find the Best Storage Unit for Your Items
When looking for a unit you will first want to decide if you will need the unit near your new home or if you want it close to your current home. If you are moving out of state, then you may want to store everything close to you, so that when the move does happen then you can move everything at once.
What Size Storage Unit?
- If you have small items, small boxes, and books, then a small five-by-five unit will be perfect for you.
- If you are going to need to store a one-bedroom home, you will want to go to the next size up and pick a ten-by-ten unit.
- A good size for a three to four-bedroom home is a ten-by-twenty unit.
- Units do come in all different sizes.
Do I Need Climate Control?
- If you are looking to store any electronics, artwork, photos, you will want to reserve a climate-controlled storage unit.
- Consider the time of year, what your duration is going to be, and items you plan on storing in the unit, and this will help decide on the type of unit.
3. Moving Truck Rentals
There are some storage unit companies that will offer free moving truck rentals with a new lease on a storage unit. This can help offset some of the moving costs and will make moving your items from you home to the unit seamless. Check with the storage rental company first to make sure that they are still renting truck due to COVID-19.
4. Pack Non-Essentials in Storage
If you are storing your home, anything that you are able to live without at the moment should be packed and placed in your storage unit. For example, if you have multiple pots and pans, pack one set and keep the other for use in the kitchen. Clothes that you may not be using depending on the time of year can be boxed up and packed away.
5. Keep Organized
One of the most important things to remember is to keep your storage unit organized. You are not just going to want to bring things to the unit and place them in there. If you are going to be using the unit for long-time storage, then you will want to keep related items packed together. No need to walk in the unit and spend hours searching for what you are looking for. Follow the moving checklist to help with your storage unit and moving in general. Remember, that the moving process can take a while, especially if you are looking to sell your home first.
A storage unit will help keep everything organized in your home during your move. But this will not be effective if you keep the unit a mess as well. Keep the unit organized from the first box to the last box you place in there. You may remember at first where you have put everything, but over time you may not remember where you put the smaller and lesser used items. Make sure to label everything!
Other Helpful Tips:
- Keep items and boxes off the ground. Use pallets or shelving units.
- Make sure to have makeshift aisles in the unit. This will create easier access to boxes.
- Create an inventory system, diagram the unit as well. Once you have the diagram, tape it to the inside and update as needed.
- If you have an extra vehicle, take in consideration of storing it as well until you move.
6. Ask for Advice.
There is never a wrong time to ask for advice. If you are not sure or have a unique situation you may need some specific guidance. Storage unit employees are there to help and have answers to all the questions you may have. They will also offer you some helpful tips on storing specific items.