Share this article:
Did you know moving is one of the biggest causes of stress in the U.S.? More than divorce and starting a new job. That’s because moving involves doing a lot of things simultaneously, planning and coordinating a process that depends on external factors, not just your plans.
One thing that you can do to streamline the process is to focus on one step at a time. A moving checklist can help you decide those steps and make sure you’ve got everything covered. One of those steps can be further eased if you can get part of your belongings shipped ahead of time to a storage unit close to your new home. It will save you quite some time and effort as you’ll avoid the hassle of managing the contents of your entire home as you deal with everything else. As it happens, 1 in 3 renters uses self storage for moving purposes.
Here are some of the most common types of items you can consider putting in storage when you’re in the process of moving house:
1. Furniture
With furniture being one of the main items to be put in storage, it’s essential to consider moving it into a storage unit before any other type of belongings. It tends to be among the bulkiest items, and it requires the most storage space. Consider a 10’x10’ or a 10’x15’ unit if you’re storing furniture alone.
Moreover, moving means making readjustments in your life. You might discover that your new home isn’t the right size or shape for every piece of furniture you own. You can keep some furniture items in storage – that you either use frequently but don’t have enough room for in your new home or that have a sentimental value for you. You can take them out of storage when you’re ready to use them again or maybe pass them down to someone in your family.
On the other hand, furniture can sometimes have sentimental value. Many important family moments may have taken place around the dinner table or on the sofa in front of the TV. Giving them up feels like giving up those memories. Your home might not fit them now, but what about a few years down the road?
Another potential scenario is to sell your furniture, but you’re in the middle of a move, so prioritizing your tasks is paramount. Self storage units are usually rented on a per-month basis, so you can keep your furniture safe for the entire duration of the move, then you can sell it when you’re ready.
2. Appliances
Appliances, along with furniture, are some of the most popular choices of items to keep in self storage. Things like washers, dryers or fridges are household essentials, and you will need them in your new home, especially if you’re transitioning from being a renter to a homeowner. Putting them in storage can help when moving, especially if you pick a storage unit that’s close to your home. Come moving day, you can decide which appliances to gradually move into your new home.
Besides moving, a storage unit can come in handy when you’re doing a home improvement project in areas of the home where you have appliances. Having your appliances lying in the middle of the kitchen while you redo the walls can make the whole process more difficult to tackle. You can keep them safely in a nearby storage unit for the duration of the renovation and retrieve them when the project is completed.
3. Documents
Do you run a business from home? You’re not alone. Half of all American businesses are home-based. That’s a lot of paperwork to be kept in everyone’s homes! Many business owners found a smart solution – they keep their archives in self storage! A storage unit can hold years or even decades worth of documents safely.
However, it is very important to rent the right kind of storage unit. Deciding on the ideal unit size for keeping documents depends largely on how many you have. If you’ve been in business for a year or two, you could probably use a locker or a 5’x5’ unit. Another thing to consider is that documents are prime candidates for climate-controlled storage because they need to be kept away from humidity and extreme temperatures to avoid any damage. Fortunately, most storage facilities offer climate-controlled units for these types of items.
4. Seasonal items
To run a proper household, you probably have many kinds of seasonal items, whether they’re bulky clothing and bedding, seasonal décor, sports gear or gardening tools. The one thing they all have in common is that they go for long periods of time without any use. Add that to the fact that many of these types of items are bulky – skis behind the couch, anyone? – and keeping them year-long inside your home can create extra clutter and can also make the moving process more challenging.
Keeping seasonal items in storage is great because it reduces the number of tasks, items and trips that you have to make when moving out. And we all know that the sooner you are finished with the move, the better!
A good trick is to store your seasonal items by rotation. Keep your winter gear in storage over the summer, then switch it with your summer stuff once the cold arrives. This way you don’t need a big storage unit to fit everything!
Deciding on the type of unit you need to keep your seasonal items largely depends on how many items you intend to store. For year-round use, you can turn to a 5’x5’ or 5’x10’ unit, but when you’re moving, you can probably upgrade to a 10’x10’ unit to have everything fit. If you have fewer seasonal possessions, a 5’x10’ could probably do.
5. Collectibles
There are many types of collectibles you could own, big and small. Many of them are fragile and can be a major source of stress for collectors when moving house. They often require specialized packing, careful driving and skilled handlers.
Keeping your memorabilia, souvenirs and hobby collections in a storage unit means they don’t have to be subjected to the risk of being crushed, smashed or shattered during the move. You’ll have time to handle and move them carefully once you’re settled into your new home. Since collectibles come in all shapes and sizes, deciding on the ideal storage unit is less clear-cut. You can consult this storage unit size guide to help you make that decision.
6. Musical instruments
Musical instruments are valuable beyond their material cost, and so many have deep sentimental value for their players that it’s only natural to want to care for them as much as possible.
This means minimizing the risk of damage during moves. Just like with collections, musical instruments can sit nicely inside a storage unit until you are ready to make them fill your new home with music. The ideal unit size depends on the size of your instruments and how many you have. Whether you’re storing them with other items or you’re going for a separate storage unit, consider getting a climate-controlled unit. This will help preserve the quality of your musical instruments, as they typically require an environment where humidity and temperature are ideal.
7. Miscellaneous items
We usually keep duplicates of many things, from extra detergent to an extra set of tires. These are items that are necessary for a home where you’ve already settled in. During the move, however, these can cause extra clutter, which will make every other job harder.
Using a storage unit to keep all your spares, backups and extras will also help you determine what should stay after the move and what shouldn’t. Pack them separately in a labeled box and put them in a small unit – think a 5’x5’ or 5’x10’ unit depending on how many items you actually have. You can later decide whether you’re keeping them all or disposing of some of them.
The perks of using a storage unit
Climate control is just one of the amenities available to you as a self storage renter in many self storage facilities. There are facilities that offer 24-hour access, which makes coming to your unit more convenient as you can plan a visit based on your own schedule.
Moreover, on-site security personnel and video surveillance in place are also offered in some facilities – giving you peace of mind that your items are safe while in storage. Packing supplies and moving trucks are sometimes available with some of them – make sure to inquire about them when you’re moving if you need assistance in this respect. According to UK storage professional Ryan Banks, putting a brief of what you plan to store, as in weight, volume and type could help personnel prep those for you.
Military, student and seasonal discounts are also some of the perks that can make self storage more appealing. Ask your self storage provider whether they offer any discounts or sales.
The cost of renting a storage unit
The cost of renting a storage unit differs depending on location, unit size and other amenities you might consider. In some cities, street rates are lower than in others. For instance, renting a storage unit in Los Angeles, CA, costs $259/month. Similarly, San Francisco, CA ($266/month) and New York City, NY, ($250/month) also come with higher rates. Other places such as Phoenix, AZ ($125/month), Austin, TX, ($120/month) or Cleveland, OH, ($109/month) come with more affordable self storage prices.
Let’s take a look at how other cities fare in terms of self storage rents:
Share this article:
Mirela is a real estate writer and lifestyle editor for Yardi. With an academic background in English and translation, Mirela now covers a range of topics including real estate trends, lifestyle and economy. Her previous experience in proofreading academic articles has inspired Mirela to choose a writing career path. In her free time, Mirela enjoys reading, but also hiking and creating art. You can contact Mirela via email.
Related posts
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes: Winter-Proof Your Apartment Like a Pro
When winter hits, it’s not just your hands and feet that get cold — your apartment pipes can feel the chill too. Frozen pipes can…
Furniture Storage In NYC: Expert Tips & Top-Rated Facilities For Total Peace Of Mind
A bustling metropolis with abundant job opportunities and an ever-expanding population, the Big Apple seems to have it all, except for sufficient space. Despite leading…
How to Navigate Apartment Package Deliveries
Online shopping has completely changed how we shop, offering amazing convenience. But this boom in e-commerce has also created some new challenges for those living…