Your Ultimate Guide to Storage When Moving Houses

Moving houses is a big task—and let’s be honest, one of the most stressful life events you’ll face. But here’s the good news: using storage when moving can make the process much smoother and less chaotic.

Think about it like this—do you really want to stress over where your furniture will go while juggling the bigger goal of moving into your new home? Probably not.

That’s why decluttering and storing some of your belongings ahead of time is such a smart move. It helps show potential buyers the full appeal of your house. Plus, it gives you the peace of mind that your items are safe while you focus on what matters most: the future.

With the right strategy, self-storage services can turn an overwhelming move into a manageable one. Let’s explore how to make it work for you!

Understanding Your Storage Needs

Efficiency starts with clarity. You can’t make smart decisions about storage until you fully understand what you need. So before diving into the planning process, take a step back and figure out your specific storage requirements.

Start by considering the type of move you’re making—local moving or long-distance moving—and the kind of items you’ll be storing. Are you dealing with bulky furniture, fragile valuables, or a mix of both? This will help assess the amount of storage space you’ll need, taking into account the size and shape of your furniture and boxes.

Next, think about how long you’ll need the storage. Is it short-term storage while you settle into your new place or longer-term storage as you transition between homes?

Knowing all this upfront will help you choose the right size of storage container and ensure you’re not paying for more than you need.

What Are Storage Units and Why Use Them?

Not sure if you really need a self storage unit or think you can manage without one? Maybe—but it’s worth taking a moment to weigh the benefits before diving in. After all, moving is stressful enough without adding unnecessary complications.

Storage units are ideal for many people moving houses because they simplify the process and make things more flexible. Knowing your items are in good condition and safely stored can be a huge weight off your shoulders.

Storage units offer much more than a place to stash your stuff. 

Many come with features like 24/7 surveillance, on-site managers, and climate-controlled storage units to keep your items protected both from theft and the elements. Plus, flexible lease terms make it easy to rent storage space for exactly as long as you need.

All these small details can make your move on track. With the right storage unit, you’re giving yourself room to breathe and focus on what matters most.

When Should You Use Storage When Moving?

There are plenty of scenarios where storage units can be a lifesaver during a move. 

For starters, if you want to declutter before moving day, storing some of your belongings in a storage container can make packing and organizing much more manageable. It’s also incredibly helpful if you’re moving overseas or find yourself in between houses and need a safe storage space during the transition.

Sometimes, unexpected hiccups can pop up on moving days—like a delayed closing or logistical mix-ups—and having a temporary storage unit as your plan B can save you a lot of headaches.

Storage is also ideal if you want to take your time unpacking or if your new home needs renovations before you fully move in.

Whatever your situation is with moving and storage, having a plan B is always a good idea.

How to Choose the Right Storage Unit

Here’s your next big step to keep your move smooth and stress-free: choosing the right storage company. 

With so many storage options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But don’t worry. It doesn’t have to be so complicated. Focus on a few key factors and you’ll find the perfect fit in no time.

Here’s a breakdown of what to consider to make sure you choose storage services that work for you:

• What Are You Storing? This is the first factor. Are you dealing with just a few boxes or larger furniture pieces and fragile valuable items? This will determine if you need portable storage containers or a traditional storage unit.
• Think About the Size. Don’t get stuck paying for a unit that’s too big. Use size guides or ask the staff to help estimate the ideal unit for your belongings.
• Waterproof = Peace of Mind. Protect your items from leaks and water damage by choosing a waterproof unit—it’s worth it.
• Location Matters. Pick a storage company that’s convenient, either close to your home or along your moving route. 
• Put Safety First. This one is a no-brainer, you want your stuff to be safe. So, make it your priority to look for 24/7 surveillance, gated access, and on-site management. 
• Flexibility Is Key. Life doesn’t always go as planned, so choose storage solutions with convenient access hours to suit your schedule.

When you check off these boxes, you’ll have a storage unit that fits your needs and makes moving a lot easier.

How to Choose the Size of Storage

Another crucial part of the moving process is to determine the size of the storage container you’ll need. It can influence everything from how you organize both moving and storage services to how much you’ll spend on them. 

We suggest you make a detailed list of everything you plan to store. This will help figure out the right size and give you a better idea of how to arrange your items so they’re stable and secure in the unit. Consider the type of items, too, and how much space they’ll take up when stacked or organized neatly.

Next, familiarize yourself with the common unit sizes. They tend to be similar in all storage container companies. Here’s a breakdown of the most common storage options:

• 5’x10’ (50 sq ft): Ideal for a small apartment or the contents of a single bedroom
• 8’x10’ (80 sq ft): Like a walk-in closet—great for mattresses, small furniture, and boxes
• 8’x20’ (160 sq ft): Fits the contents of a two-bedroom house, including larger furniture and appliances
• 8’x40’ (320 sq ft): Suitable for a three-to-four-bedroom house, with room for big furniture and appliances

If you’re not sure, consult your storage company’s staff to check out their available sizes and ask for professional assistance. They often have a good sense of what will fit.

How Much Will Storage Unit Cost You

Budgeting for storage and moving costs might not be the most exciting task, but it’s essential to avoid surprises down the line.

The price of a storage unit can vary, but on average, you’re looking at anywhere between $100 and $300 per month.  Of course, a lot depends on factors like unit size, location, whether it’s climate-controlled and how long you plan to store your stuff. 

It’s also a good idea to compare prices and check if there are any additional fees for insurance or climate control to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your situation.

Here’s a helpful breakdown to give you a clearer picture of pricing and help you figure out how much your storage solution will cost you:

Unit size	Storage space	Average costs
5×10	50 sq ft	$40 – $100
8×10	80 sq ft	$60 – $150
8×20	160 sq ft	$100 – $250
8×40	320 sq ft	$200 – $400

Your storage needs will influence your final price, but understanding the basics like unit size, location, rental period will help you choose the best fit for your wallet and your stuff. 

Tips for Preparing Your Belongings for Storage

Once you’ve gathered all the details—what you need, how much it will cost, what you’re storing—and chosen your storage facility, you’re officially ready to start storing! But hold on, you’re not done just yet. There’s one final step: preparing your belongings for storage. We’ve got you covered with some expert tips for doing this part right. 

Prepare Your Belongings for Storage

Before you start packing boxes, take the time to properly clean and disassemble furniture. This simple step is crucial for preventing damage and making packing easier. For delicate pieces—think fragile dishes, glassware, or electronics—wrap them carefully in bubble wrap or old blankets to cushion them during transport. 

And here’s a pro tip from our tip: always label everything when moving houses. Keeping an inventory of your boxes makes unpacking a breeze and saves you the headache of having to open every single one to find what you’re looking for.

Packing and Organizing Your Storage

Maximize every inch of that storage unit by stacking boxes strategically and using storage bins to keep everything organized. Clear bins are a game-changer because you can spot what’s inside before opening them.

Another tip is to keep frequently used items near the front. Think seasonal decorations or out-of-season clothing, or anything you might need to grab quickly.

At the end of the day, it’s all about planning ahead and making things easier for yourself in the future. A little organization now can save you a lot of effort later.

Furniture Storage: Tips and Considerations

Your furniture is likely one of the biggest (and most expensive) things you’re moving so storing it properly is quite important. Taking a few extra precautions can make a big difference in keeping it in top condition.

For instance, one of the ways to protect it is to wrap up each piece with protective materials like furniture pads or bubble wrap. This will shield it from dust, moisture, and potential scratches. Also, you should consider the size and shape of your furniture before choosing a storage unit. You’ll want enough space for your items to fit comfortably without being squished. 

Then, there’s the question of protecting it from the elements. This should especially be important to you if you’re storing valuable items or antique pieces. The solution here would be to go for a climate-controlled unit to protect them from extreme temperatures or humidity. 

Lastly, leave a little breathing room around your furniture for air circulation. This is another step you can take to prevent moisture buildup, ensuring your items don’t get musty or moldy over time.

Archival Storage: Preserving Your Valuables

Some of your belongings—like important documents, irreplaceable photographs, or cherished artwork—require special care because they hold memories and value. So when storing these items, go beyond the standard storage solutions. Look for storage facilities with secure facilities and 24/7 access to ensure your valuables are protected. 

It’s also a good idea to store these items in sturdy, acid-free boxes or file cabinets designed specifically for archival materials. For delicate artwork, consider using specialized packing materials, such as custom-made frames or padded wrapping, to prevent any physical damage during transport.

Trust us, you’ll feel much better about it if you do your best to protect everything.

Make Your Move Stress-Free With My Storage Box

There’s no denying that moving houses is extremely overwhelming. But why not make things easier on yourself? Using storage can be a total game-changer. It’s the perfect way to declutter, get organized, and take a load off your shoulders. 

It means not having to stress about where everything is and instead using that time and energy to settle in your new home. That sense of relief? Absolutely priceless. 

With the tips we’ve shared, you can turn this move into one of the easiest transitions you’ve ever made. We’d love to be a part of that journey with you. At My Storage Box, we offer secure and affordable storage solutions with 24/7 access, video monitoring, and gated entry to keep your belongings safe. Rest easy knowing your things are in good hands.

Ready to take the next step? Click the link below to get started, where you can reserve a unit and make monthly payments. Or, feel free to call us at (580) 300-3006. Happy moving—we’ve got your back!