As you move to a new residence, you may encounter the unfortunate problem of not having enough space for all your belongings or some other issue necessitating temporarily storing your belongings. What you use for storage, as well as how you prepare your belongings for storage, matters. Even if it's not a permanent arrangement, you don't want damage to your belongings while waiting to be unpacked.
There are many reasons to store your belongings for moving so that you can wait for a new house or apartment unit to be available. To move in stages rather than all at once, reducing stress. Store your belongings while you downsize. To wait for a permanent living arrangement if where you're moving isn't yet permanent. All these are reasons to consider storage for moving.
Here is how to store belongings for moving.
Plan for the when and where
Before you rent a storage container or arrange storage for your belongings, understand when you will need to store your items and where they will eventually be put. Logistically, you won't want your belongings stored too far out of your way.
Get rid of unnecessary belongings
To make it more affordable and reduce the space you need for storage, take a hard look at what items you don't need and get rid of them. Especially if you have large furniture, you probably won't need it for some time. It may be cheaper to sell it or give it away than it will be to put it into storage for moving for an indefinite period.
Option 1: Rent a storage container
A portable storage container can be more advantageous as it allows you the flexibility of putting your items, belongings, and more inside a safe, reliable container. However, the container can then be transported to a different location and unloaded. Some companies, like The Storage Box, offer many pickup and drop-off locations. Portable storage offers flexibility, organization, and freedom to plan your move in the most painless way possible.
Option 2: Rent a storage truck
Albeit costly, if you only require storage for a few days, you may find it easiest to simply rent a storage truck of some kind. Assuming it is large enough, you may be able to pile in your furniture and other items for storage, even though there are no guarantees that this is the safest way to go about personal storage.
Option 3: Use a friend's place
While this will create more work for you and potentially result in some compromises in terms of storage conditions, if you don't have the cash to set up anything else and have a friend with an empty room or extra space, this may be a way to store belongings for moving on a very temporary basis.
Just remember that if you don't get your stuff out when you say you will, this can easily cause friction in the relationship if they want to use their space for something else.
Option 4: Rent a storage unit
A storage unit is the traditional go-to. It is one of the cheaper solutions for storing belongings and could be an excellent way to go if you know the amount of time you need storage for is indefinite or unclear. A storage unit is generally easy to find in any town or city nationwide.
Consider transportation
A storage unit with large furniture will require you to rent a truck or make arrangements to move it. Considering the pros and cons, a portable storage container brought to you with delivery included in the cost may be a lot more attractive.
Access to what you have in storage
You may not have access to what you have in storage. This may not be an issue for some people, but it may be for others. Furthermore, you may be locked into their schedule if you're using a professional moving service. If you miss your delivery time, you may need to wait an extra day or two before accessing your belongings.
Pack Your Belongings Correctly
Use the right size boxes. Put heavy items on the bottom of your storage container and lighter items up top. Label and tape every box. Take special care packing fragile items. Use moving blankets for mirrors and flat screens. Ensure nothing is putting stress on anything else in the container. The more carefully you pack, the less of a chance any damage occurs during transport, storage, or loading and unloading.
Ensure your storage container is protected
The weather, temperature, moisture, and exposure to the elements can permanently damage what you store inside a moving container, truck, or storage unit. Ensure that what you select for storage is safe, sealed, protected, and not putting any of your items at risk.
Hiring a professional mover
If you're your mover, how to store belongings for moving becomes your responsibility to get right, but you do get to oversee all your items and make sure they're packed to your liking. If you're hiring movers, they can handle the furniture disassembly, loading and unloading, ensuring items are carefully packed and boxes labelled and should prioritize safe handling at every step. That's a lot of work taken off your hands, so long as you trust them to do the job right.
