Moving Without Worries: Using Self Storage for Your Relocation
Moving can be pretty overwhelming at times, often bringing about feelings of stress and anxiety. However, there are ways to ensure your next move goes off without a hitch. By properly planning, exercising smart judgment throughout, and investing in a reliable self storage space, you can set yourself up for success.
The experts at Apple Self Storage are here to help you every step of the way. This blog will provide tips on how self storage can help the moving process, making your relocation journey smooth and worry-free.
Evaluate Your Home Situation
Before the moving process begins, it’s important that you take a step back and evaluate your situation. Start by sorting your belongings into categories like: keep, toss, sell, and store. This will help you weed out things you don’t need and separate things that can be stored away temporarily. Decluttering as you go not only lightens your load but can also make your home more appealing to buyers if you’re trying to sell it.
Next, go room to room and assess what you use daily versus what you can live without for a short period. Items such as seasonal decorations, extra furniture, and seldom-used kitchen appliances can be set aside for storage, while you should plan to keep things like clothes and electronics near the front.
Planning Your Move
Not every move is the same. How far you travel and the duration, if any, between housing arrangements can impact your timetable and overall plans. For in-town moves, self storage can act as a staging area where you can gradually move your belongings to reduce the chaos of moving day. You’ll instead be able to take your time to ensure that everything is packed and transported safely, a perfect example of how to simplify your move with self storage.
For long-distance relocations, self storage provides a temporary home for your items, allowing you to settle into your new place without the pressure of unpacking everything at once. This is especially useful if there are delays in your moving schedule or if you’re hiring movers to unload your stuff in a new city. Additionally, having a storage unit can be a lifesaver if your new home is smaller than your previous one, as it lets you slowly decide what to keep and what to let go.
How To Properly Pack for Storage
Proper packing is crucial for protecting your belongings during the move and while they are in storage. It’s not as simple as cramming everything into your car or moving truck—you may need to put on your thinking cap and use your best judgment. Here are some tips:
- Use high-quality materials. Invest in moving supplies like sturdy boxes, packing paper, and strong tape to protect your items from damage. Avoid using old or flimsy boxes that might collapse under weight. If you’re on a budget, liquor stores or supermarkets may give you boxes for free if you ask nicely!
- Label everything. Clearly label each box with its contents and the room to which it belongs. This will make unpacking more manageable and help you locate items while they’re in storage. Consider color-coding labels for different rooms to simplify the process even further.
- Disassemble large items. Take apart furniture and other large items to save space. Just make sure to keep screws and small parts in labeled bags and tape them to their corresponding item so you don’t lose them.
- Protect fragile items. Wrap fragile items individually with Bubble Wrap or newspaper and place them in boxes with ample cushioning to prevent movement. Use blankets or towels for extra padding around delicate items like glassware and electronics.
- Avoid over-packing boxes. Over-packed boxes can become heavy and difficult to move, increasing the risk of injury or damage. Distribute the weight evenly and ensure your boxes are light enough to lift safely.
Organizing Your Storage Unit
Investing in a well-organized storage unit can save you time and frustration. Before moving your items into it, use our unit size guide to visualize how you’ll set up your space. Place frequently accessed items near the front and less-needed ones at the back, as this will prevent you from having to move things around later.
Ways To Maximize Accessibility
After you plan where to pack your things in your storage unit, it’s time to move in. Here are some ideas to keep in mind on how to simplify your move with self storage:
- Use shelving units. Install free-standing shelving units to maximize vertical space and keep your items organized. Shelves can help prevent items from being damaged and make it easier to access your belongings.
- Leave aisles. Create pathways within your storage unit so you can reach all your items without moving multiple boxes. This is particularly important if you plan to access your unit regularly.
- Stack strategically. Place heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top, and use uniform-sized boxes for easier stacking. Avoid creating tall, unstable stacks that could topple over.
- Keep an inventory. Keep a detailed inventory list of all items in your storage unit. This will help you keep track of what you have and where it’s located. Consider creating a map of your storage unit and noting the location of specific items.
Tips for Moving Into Your New Home
When the time comes to transition into your new home, self storage can help keep the moving process organized. You should pack an essentials box near the front of your unit with things you need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries and clothes. From there, unpack things one room at a time, starting with important areas like the kitchen and bedrooms.
As you continue to unpack, don’t rush yourself. One of the most important self storage tips for relocating is that your unit can be used gradually, as non-essential items can be kept in storage until you have time to bring them all over. While settling into your new space, continue decluttering as you go, as it will help you maintain an organized and clutter-free home.
Rent Storage For Your Move With Apple Self Storage
Choosing the right storage provider is key to any successful move. Apple Self Storage offers a range of unit sizes to accommodate any need, whether you’re storing a few boxes or the contents of an entire multifamily home. Apple Self Storage provides peace of mind and convenience with secure, temperature-controlled units* and flexible rental terms.
Are you ready to get started? Find the closest Apple Self Storage facility to you today! For additional information, browse our list of frequently asked questions.
*at select locations