Moving
is complicated enough, but what happens when you have more stuff than you do
room in your new home? What about if there’s a gap between your move-out date
and your new lease? If you need to declutter your house before you sell it,
where do those additional belongings go?
Temporary
storage units are an excellent tool that can simplify your move. But before you
rent one, you should have a clear idea of how much space you need. You also
want to know what kind of storage makes sense, whether that’s drive-up or
interior climate-controlled.
Let’s
explore the ins and outs of using temporary storage units during your move.
Key Takeaways
- Temporary
self-storage is helpful if you need to store items during home staging or
long-distance moves.
- The pros of
self-storage units include extra space available in different sizes and
prices.
- Self-storage
drawbacks include limited access to belongings and additional headaches
when transporting items to and from the unit.
- Alternatives
to traditional self-storage include storage containers delivered to the
home and moving company-provided storage.
- Research to
ensure you choose the right-sized storage unit at the right price.
Deciding if You Need a
Temporary Storage Unit for a Move
The
biggest decision isn’t what kind of storage unit you need to rent. It’s if you
need one in the first place. Create an inventory of what you currently have.
Focus on bulky items like furniture or seasonal items.
If
you’re staging your home for sale, you might need to remove items from your
home. In this situation, renting storage space might make decluttering
or downsizing easier.
Another
thing to consider for your move is the potential for unexpected delays or space
constraints in your new home. Are you moving into a house or living in a small
apartment? Renting a storage unit without needing one could lead to wasted
money. However, underestimating your needs might lead to last-minute decisions
on moving day about what to leave behind.
What You Need to Know
About Renting a Storage Unit
If
you decide renting a storage unit makes sense for your move, there’s good news.
Renting one is relatively easy. Most storage facilities offer short-term leases
that won’t tie you down for a specific period.
Not
all storage facilities are equal. Some storage facilities offer different
amenities, like car storage or drive-up access. Some even allow you to store
boats or RVs on-site. Security features at the facility can differ, too. Some
locations offer on-site management. Others use 24-hour video surveillance and
gate codes to keep unwanted visitors out. No matter the facility, you’ll likely
need to provide a valid ID when renting a unit.
The
most important amenity at many facilities is climate control.
One
expert from Safe Ship Moving says, “If you require temporary storage, it’s
important to specify if your items need to be in a climate-controlled
environment. Many warehouses aren’t climate-controlled environments.”
Climate-controlled
units protect their contents from damage caused by excessively hot or cold
temperatures. That’s critical for items like electronics, antiques, and certain
furniture.
Pros of a Self-Storage
Unit
Renting
a storage unit as part of your long-distance
move offers several benefits. Consider the following perks that come
with renting storage when you move.
An Easy Way to
Declutter Your Home
As
mentioned above, self-storage units are a fantastic way to declutter your home.
You can use them to temporarily store belongings you don’t want visible during
home staging. You can then decide what to do: donate, sell, or dispose of
items.
Time to Finish
Renovations
If
you’re renovating your new home, the last thing you want is a bunch of boxes in
the way. A storage unit lets you keep these items out of the way (and
undamaged) during renovations.
A Bridge Between
Leases or Closing Dates
One
major perk of renting a self-storage unit is the flexibility you have. Most
facilities offer short-term leases that don’t require annual contracts. You can
rent the unit for as long as you need it. In addition, facilities usually have
several storage unit sizes to choose from. Storage units typically range from
closet-sized 5’x5’ units that accommodate a room’s worth of belongings to a
full-size 10’x30’ unit that fits everything in a four-bedroom house.
Flexible Storage
Options
One
major perk of renting a self-storage unit is the flexibility you have. Most
facilities offer short-term leases that don’t require annual contracts. You can
rent the unit for as long as you need it. In addition, facilities usually have
several storage unit sizes to choose from. Storage units typically range from
closet-sized 5’x5’ units that accommodate a room’s worth of belongings to a
full-size 10’x30’ unit that fits everything in a four-bedroom house.
Cons of Temporary
Self-Storage Units
While
renting temporary home storage units offers plenty of benefits while moving,
there are a few downsides. Be aware of the following potential drawbacks as you
consider what to do.
Quickly Escalating
Costs
Even
though there aren’t usually long-term leases, the self-storage costs can
quickly increase over time. Hidden charges like insurance or late payment fees
can add up, making it less budget-friendly than expected.
Limited Access to
Belongings
Many
storage facilities have set access hours. This can be inconvenient if you need
to retrieve your belongings on short notice. Depending on the facility’s
location, you may have trouble accessing your unit on weekends, holidays, or
after hours.
Potential for Damage
or Theft
Even
with insurance, storage units aren’t immune from risks. Without climate control
or interior access, your belongings might be at the mercy of pests or extreme
temperatures. Some facilities may have issues with security, and theft — while
rare — can occur.
Extra Transportation
Hassles
Moving
items in and out of storage adds extra logistics layers. Getting your
belongings to the unit and retrieving them after can be time-consuming. Be
aware of that hassle when renting a storage unit.
Insufficient Space
Picking
the wrong size storage unit can be a problem, too. Renting something too small
might mean you don’t have enough room for your stuff. A unit that’s too large
will result in wasted space (and money). Carefully plan before you
sign your lease.
Other Considerations
for Storing Your Belongings
As
you look at renting temporary storage units, think beyond the basics. Start
with your budget: How much can you afford to pay, and for how long? What will
you store? Delicate or valuable items might require additional protection in a
climate-controlled storage unit. Lawnmowers or other power tools might be fine
in outdoor or drive-up units with easy access.
Location
matters, too. A storage unit near your new home can save you time and
transportation costs, even if the monthly rent is slightly higher. Your moving
timeline is another factor. Does sending some items ahead of time make sense,
or will you need to access them throughout your move?
Alternatives to
Temporary Storage for Moving
If
using temporary storage for moving doesn’t suit your needs, other options
exist. Portable storage containers offer flexibility and allow you to pack and
store items at your own pace. The downside is that they take up space in your
driveway. You can also downsize by selling or donating unused items.
Another
strategy to reduce the need for storage is carefully timing your move to align
with your home sale. Working closely with relators and other moving service providers
can help align key dates and avoid gaps that might require storage. This can
also save you money and time during your move.
Storage with Movers
vs. Self-Storage for Moving
Another
option that doesn’t involve renting third-party self-storage for your move is
to ask the company providing your residential
moving services about temporary storage. Some moving companies offer
this service at an additional cost.
Learn More About Renting
a Storage Space
As
with many aspects of your move, there’s much to consider: budget, timelines,
space needs, etc. There’s also no shortage of options out there for temporary
storage. If you’re considering renting a storage space as part of your move,
carefully plan and research available options.
If
you have questions about whether storage is necessary for your move, consider
asking your moving broker for advice.
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