Moving to a new home can be an exciting time, but it also requires a lot of planning and preparation. One important consideration is where you will store your belongings before, during, and even after your move. Renting storage space can provide a secure and convenient solution for storing your stuff when relocating. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to rent storage space to make your move as smooth as possible.

Determine How Much Space You Need

The first step is figuring out how much storage space you will need for your belongings. Consider the following factors:

Take inventory of everything you plan to move. Make a list of all your furniture, boxes, and other possessions to get an idea of volume.
Measure the square footage of your current home, especially for larger items like beds and couches.
Calculate how much free space you will have in your new home. This gives you an idea of what can fit versus what needs storage.
Are you downsizing or moving to a larger home? Downsizing means you may need more separate storage.
Will you need short-term or long-term storage? Short-term needs less space versus storing things for many months.
Are you storing business inventory or equipment? Calculate the quantity and sizes.

Take your time going through your home room-by-room to get accurate measurements. Knowing your approximate storage needs in square feet allows you to choose the right unit size.

Compare Storage Facility Options

Now that you know how much space you need, the next step is researching storage facilities. Look for options near both your current home and where you are moving for maximum flexibility. Consider the following:

Location

Proximity to your home makes it easier to access your belongings. Storage on the way between destinations can also help. Check drive times during peak hours to ensure easy accessibility.

Unit Sizes

Match available unit sizes to your space requirements. Standard sizes are 5×5, 5×10, 10×10, 10×15, and 10×20 feet, with some larger options available. You want a unit big enough to fit everything without being too large.

Security Measures

Look for facilities that offer 24-hour video monitoring, gated access, keyed entry, and site managers living on the premises for security. Avoid units with lax safety measures.

Climate Control

If storing sensitive belongings like electronics, musical instruments, or antiques, look for climate-controlled units. These regulate temperature and humidity levels year-round.

Insurance

Most storage facilities only insure the building, not your contents. See if they offer tenant insurance or find your own provider to protect your possessions.

Accessibility

Check access hours and procedures. Ideally, select a facility with extended access times and the ability to schedule deliveries or move-ins outside of regular hours.

Cleanliness

Visit in person to check for clean grounds, offices, and storage areas. This reflects how well they maintain the property.

Reviews

Read reviews on Google, Yelp, and other sites to learn about reputability, customer service, and overall experiences. Favor locations with consistently positive feedback.

Prices

Compare monthly rental rates across several options. Remember to factor in fees like insurance and locks when budgeting. Avoid the cheapest units if they compromise on security or unit condition.

Reserve Your Unit in Advance

One you find the right storage facility with an appropriate unit, reserve it as early as possible, ideally at least 2-3 weeks before your moving dates. Here are some tips for reserving:

Ask about prepaying first and last months’ rent to secure the unit.
See if a deposit is required. This is often equal to one month’s rent.
Inquire about the cancellation policy in case your plans change.
Try to choose a move-in date shortly before you have to vacate your old home.
Many facilities allow online reservations. Look for this option to quickly get a lease agreement in place.

Reserving in advance provides peace of mind and ensures you have storage lined up when it is time to move out and pack up your belongings.

Prepare Your Items for Storage

Proper packing and preparation prevents problems down the road. Here are some tips:

Choose Containers Wisely

Invest in high-quality moving boxes, totes, and other containers designed for storage versus flimsier boxes like those from grocery stores. Label clearly with permanent marker.

Pack Strategically

Heavier items should go on bottom with lighter stuff on top. Pack together items you will use most immediately for easy access later.

Protect Furniture

Disassemble furniture when possible. Use furniture pads, moving blankets, mattress bags, and other protective materials to prevent dings and dust.

Guard Against Moisture

Elevate items off concrete floors using pallets. Place moisture absorbers like silica gel packets in boxes. Avoid storing fabric directly on the ground.

Prevent Pests

Inspect for bugs and rodents prior to packing. Use mothballs around fabrics. Remove food from the premises that could attract pests.

Taking time to properly seal and protect your belongings makes for a better storage experience.

Make an Inventory

Creating a detailed inventory is highly recommended when putting items into storage. Here’s how:

List contents of each box, tote, or piece of furniture.
Identify box numbers clearly on the outside with permanent marker.
Note any existing damage or defects on inventory.
Take photos of expensive items before packing them.
Include serial numbers for electronics and valuables.
Keep keys for locked furniture and accessories together.

Maintaining a precise inventory helps you quickly locate items later and confirms everything is accounted for upon moving out. Provide a copy of the inventory to the storage facility as an extra security precaution.

Transport Items to the Facility

When moving day arrives, you need an efficient and careful method for getting items from your old home into your rented storage unit. Consider these tips for transport:

Declutter First

Eliminate any items you no longer need before packing to reduce volume. Donate unwanted goods instead of paying to store them.

Rent a Truck or Trailer

For DIY moves, rent a truck, trailer, or van of sufficient size to fit your belongings safely. Protect the interior with blankets and straps.

Hire Movers

Professional movers with expertise and the right equipment can handle transport and unloading into your unit quickly and injury-free.

Make a Plan

Pack a moving day kit with supplies like boxes, tape, markers, rope, and first aid gear. Assign tasks. Note truck dimensions to avoid overpacking.

Use Dollies and Carts

Having the right hand trucks and moving carts allows you to easily roll heavier items in and out instead of carrying things.

Patience and care goes a long way when loading possessions into your storage unit.

Load the Unit Strategically

When packing the storage unit, certain techniques and strategies help utilize all space efficiently and access key items easily:

Place frequently needed items near the door while seldom-used goods go in the back.
Elevate smaller boxes on top of larger items to maximize vertical space.
Create rows with aisles which allows you to walk between and access any item.
Avoid blocking the door with furniture or stacks of boxes that hamper entry or exit.
Pad and secure shelving units and cabinets against walls so they don’t fall over.
Use furniture sliders under heavier pieces so they can be shifted around the space as needed.

Take time arranging and rearranging items until your unit is loaded sensibly. This pays off later when retrieving items.

Protect Your Storage Unit Contents

Your preparation does not end when your unit is packed. Take these additional steps:

Lock the unit using high-quality padlocks provided by the facility for security.
Invest in rental insurance to cover your possessions in case of theft or damage.
Avoid storing valuables, heirlooms, or documents if possible. Instead use a safe deposit box.
Check for signs of bugs and install preventative traps if needed.
Place moisture absorbing products inside to guard against humidity.
Return periodically to check for damage or signs of unauthorized entry.

Proper protection reduces worries so you can feel confident your things are safe.

Access Your Unit During the Move

Need to grab something in storage while in the process of moving? Here are some pointers:

Evaluate what essentials you may require soon like clothes, toiletries, dishes, etc. Pack these last on the truck for easiest access.
Keep your storage unit lease agreement and gate code/keys on hand, separate from your packed goods.
Determine storage facility access hours and policies for retrieving items. Arrange for after-hours access if necessary.
Have a plan including dollies or hand trucks to smoothly transfer goods in and out.
Communicate with facility staff about any heavy items that require vehicle access or assistance.
Bring helpers who can hold doors open while you load and unload items.
Re-lock the unit carefully when exiting to keep contents secure.

By planning ahead, you can retrieve items from storage with minimum hassle during your move.

Use Your Unit for Additional Storage Later On

Settled into your new home but need a bit more space? Your storage unit can continue to serve as a smart solution.

Use it to store seasonal items like holiday decorations, sports equipment, summer clothes, etc. and swap these items in and out as needed.
Keep infrequently used bulky items like extra furniture or special occasion dining sets safe until required.
Store important documents or valuables off-site as an extra precaution.
Use it as flex space if you remodel portions of your new home.
Hold onto mementos and keepsakes without cluttering your living space.
Allow adult children who boomerang home to keep personal belongings in the unit.

The right sized storage space gives you breathing room even after you finish moving. Maintain it meticulously as an extension of your home.

Remove Items When Ending the Lease

Eventually, you may clear out the storage unit completely when it is no longer needed. Proper removal prevents leaving items behind accidentally:

Review your inventory and check that you have retrieved everything.
Clean up any small debris like dust or packing materials left over.
Cancel any insurance policies if they were specifically for this storage space.
Check facility procedures for ending your lease early if needed. There is sometimes a fee.
Ask about providing proof of vacancy like taking date stamped pictures.
Turn in all gate cards, fobs, and other access materials.
Confirm no outstanding rental or late charges are due.
Lock up vacant unit and return keys to the office as instructed.

A quick walk through ensures you clear out fully and conclude the rental properly for a smooth exit.

Key Takeaways

Renting storage while moving provides a flexible, secure way to stow your belongings safely. By determining your needs, finding the right facility, prepping items carefully, and using best practices for loading, accessing, and removing your stuff, you can make the process hassle-free. With the proper temporary space, your attention stays focused on the excitement of your new home rather than the logistics of moving.

How Much Storage Space Do You Need?

Determining the right storage unit size for a move takes some careful measurement and calculation. Here are some useful guidelines for gauging your needs:

Take Measurements at Your Current Home

Calculate total square footage including rooms, garage, attic, basement, and any outdoor sheds or other spaces used.
Measure furniture and large items like beds, couches, dressers, appliances, and televisions. Note these dimensions.
Measure the amount of linear space filled by smaller items like boxes and containers. Tally the total length.
Don’t forget rarely used spaces like coat and linen closets. They often contain more than you think.

Performing a thorough walk-through helps you conceptualize just how much volume you currently utilize across all of your possessions.

Account for Any Downsizing

If moving to a significantly smaller home, you likely need additional separate storage:

Compare square footage and room sizes between old and new homes. The greater the difference, the more you’ll need to store elsewhere.
Will extra furniture like guest beds no longer fit? Plan for off-site storage.
Do you have space for all your shelving and cabinets? If not, measure them for removal.
Are you losing major spaces like a basement, attic, or garage? Calculate this lost area.
Is parking more limited? If you lose a garage or driveway, factor in needing to store vehicles elsewhere.

Crunching the numbers prepares you for the reality of downsizing your belongings to your new space constraints.

Factor In What You Won’t Move

Not everything makes the trip to your new home. Deduct these items from storage needs:

Are you getting rid of or selling unneeded possessions? Subtract this square footage.
Do you plan to donate clothing and household goods? Reduce estimated space accordingly.
Will you give or throw away broken or worn-out items? Minus the space requirements.
Are you leaving bulky pieces that won’t fit your new home like appliances or exercise equipment? Deduct their footprint.
Are you passing along to family heirlooms or collectibles? Measure and exclude these items.

Realizing what stays and what goes helps right-size the amount of storage you actually need.

Determine Short-Term vs Long-Term Needs

Short-term storage requires less space than longer durations:

Are you storing items for just weeks while in transition between homes? Smaller space often suffices for this timeframe.
Will everything go into storage or just some things? Partial contents require less unit size.
Do you need to access your belongings regularly? Consider smaller unit if you’ll remove items often.
Are you storing for 6 months to a year? Plan for a larger unit if saving most possessions.
Are you storing indefinitely with no definite removal timeframe? Maximize space to fit everything you’re keeping.

Your access needs and duration help target the appropriate amount of storage square footage.

Leave Room for Maneuverability

Don’t underestimate the space required for maneuvering bulky goods:

Leave room to open furniture doors and drawers once inside.
Ensure walkways and aisles wide enough to move large items easily without banging walls.
Give yourself space to unpack, assemble, or rearrange items if needed.
Provide clearance to access electrical outlets and switches without obstruction.
Consider elevating smaller boxes to utilize vertical space while still keeping items accessible.

Leaving wiggle room makes accessing your belongings much easier.

Knowing what to measure along with calculating durations allows you to determine storage needs accurately. Allotting the right amount of space in advance makes for smooth storing and accessing.

Selecting the Right Storage Facility

Choosing a quality storage facility helps safeguard your belongings and provides peace of mind. Use the following criteria when selecting a rental company:

Reputable National or Regional Brand

Established chains have a trustworthy business reputation to maintain. Look for names like Public Storage, Extra Space Storage, CubeSmart, LifeStorage or Uncle Bob’s Self Storage.

Convenient Locations

Seeking facilities close to both current and new homes saves time and hassle. Storage on your moving route also helps.

Extended Gate Access Hours

Look for facilities open early mornings, late evenings, and weekends for maximum accessibility. Many offer 24/7 gated entry.

Video Surveillance

Camera monitoring of the entire premises deters crime and allows for viewing recorded footage if needed.

Personal Access Codes

Keypad gates provide controlled access. Get unique codes to each customer for monitoring who enters and exits.

Climate-Controlled Units

Temperature and humidity regulated units protect sensitive belongings from moisture damage, mold, or overheating.

High-Security Locks

Choose sturdy cylinder or disc locks instead of weaker padlocks for utmost safety on your unit.

Unit Sizes to Fit Needs

A range of unit dimensions provides flexibility. Seek month-to-month terms in case sizing needs change.

Moving and Packing Supplies

Opt for facilities that sell boxes, tape, locks, and other moving supplies on-site for added convenience.

Insurance Options

Look for rental insurance or third party providers to protect contents from theft, fire, water, and weather damage.

Professional Site Management

On-site office staff provides security, maintenance, and assist customers. Avoid unmanned locations.

Selecting a reputable facility with the right features ensures a storage experience that is both convenient and secure during your move.

Protecting Your Belongings

You want your possessions to remain safe and damage-free while in a storage unit. Take the following precautions:

Invest in High-Quality Storage Containers

Durable plastic bins in consistent sizes stack neatly and protect from dust and moisture. Label clearly.

Use Desiccants and Dehumidifiers

Place moisture absorbing silica gel packs in boxes and install portable dehumidifiers to guard against humidity and condensation.

Elevate Items off Concrete Floors

Place wood boards or pallets underneath fabric, cardboard, and metals to prevent moisture damage from direct floor contact.

Shrink Wrap Furniture

Plastic wrapping prevents scratches and dings to wood, leather, and upholstered pieces during moving and storage.

Temporarily Deconstruct Furniture

Disassembling beds, shelves, and tables makes large items easier to transport and can prevent damage.

Invest in High-Density Furniture Pads

Thick 1⁄2 to 1-inch pads cushion couches, mattresses, and other soft pieces from compression dents or tears.

Cushion Edges with Foam or Bubble Wrap

Use protective padding on shelf corners, cabinets, and other hard edges prone to chipping during loading and unloading.

How to Rent Storage Space When Moving