Whether you are downsizing, upsizing, or moving to a new area, self-storage can help to make your whole moving home process just that little bit easier. If you haven’t used self-storage before, you probably want to find out more about what it is, how much you can store, and what the benefits of self-storage are.
Fortunately for you, all of the above and more is covered below in our ultimate guide to using self-storage for home moves.
Ready to get started?
What is self-storage?
In a nutshell, self-storage is a service that provides units of space for rent. They come in a wide variety of sizes and can be used for many different purposes.
Designed to offer both maximum convenience and security, each storage unit is locked from the outside by the person renting the space and can be accessed whenever you want to. Most self-storage units are also protected by 24hr CCTV, as well as intruder alarms, offering peace of mind that your belongings are safe at all times.
Why use self-storage for your home move?
Moving to a new house can be a chaotic and overwhelming experience with so much going on and so much to do. However, with the use of self-storage, you can make the process a lot less stressful.
Some of the most notable benefits of using self-storage when moving into a new home include:
1. To declutter
It can sometimes be a shock when you start packing up and realize just how much you and your family have accumulated over the years in terms of possessions. If you don’t have the time or the inclination at this time to sort through all these items to decide what should and what shouldn’t come with you to your new home, a self-storage unit can provide you with a convenient solution.
Simply store any items that you are unsure about away and revisit them when you are unpacked and settled in your new home.
2. To store items if your new home is not ready
If you have sold your existing home and the new owners are ready to move in, but you have not yet secured your new property, or the old owners have yet to move out, you may find yourself either in temporary accommodation or staying with family and friends.
If this is the case for you, do you really want to have to lug all your belongings to your temporary home, only to have to move them again in a few weeks or months’ time?
Of course not. Therefore, why not instead place them in an affordable and conveniently located self-storage unit until your new home is ready for you?
3. To store items in case of unforeseen issues
Moving day itself can be fraught with complications and unplanned problems, with no-show removals companies and mortgage approvals falling through all being common issues.
Therefore, it’s always a good idea to have a back-up plan in place to avoid even more stress and worry on the big day. One way to get around any unforeseen issues is to place all your items bar the essentials in temporary self-storage. This way, if anything does happen, you are only left with a few small bags to deal with rather than all your worldly possessions.
4. To free up space for renovations
If you are planning to add some upgrades to your new home, whether that be some simply decorating or more elaborate changes, it is a much better idea to refrain from moving in all your furniture and belongings until any renovations have been completed.
Simply take any essentials that you need, such as clothes, toiletries, and basic kitchen appliances, and store the rest in a self-storage unit until your new home is finished.
5. To facilitate moving abroad
Moving abroad is definitely exciting, but it can also be daunting. Many people decide to rent somewhere in their chosen location before buying so that they can scope out the local area and find their dream home. If this is the case for you, your best option is to place your belongings in storage in the US until you have secured your new property. This is a particularly great idea if you are renting a property that is already furnished.
You can find self-storage units that can be rented for as little as a few weeks or for extended periods of time in case you find yourself enjoying the flexibility of renting abroad.
You may also want to rent a self-storage unit if you are only planning to move abroad for a fixed amount of time and will definitely be returning to live in the United States.
6. To store items during a corporate move
If you are relocating for professional reasons, your company may have found you temporary accommodation in your new city to facilitate the moving process. Rather than have to move and unpack all your belongings into a home that you will only be residing in for a limited amount of time, why not simply store them in a self-storage unit until you are settled in a more permanent residence?
Self-storage is also a great option if you are moving into fully furnished rented accommodation and you need somewhere to store your furniture.
Top tips for using self-storage to move home
- Determine the right size unit for your needs
- Plan in advance to get the best deals
- Consider climate-controlled units
- Label all your boxes
- Don’t be afraid to ask your self-storage unit provider questions
If you are moving home and think that self-storage could facilitate the process, your next step is to find the right self-storage unit to accommodate your storage needs.
StorageArea.com offers the largest database of storage facilities in the United States, enabling you to find the best storage unit providers in your chosen area.
Simply type in your zip code or city and your move-in date and discover a full list of affordable and secure self-storage units near you.