Smart Storage: 6 Tips to Make Moving Easier with a Storage Unit

Planning a move? Feeling the pressure? Renting a storage unit can be a game-changer when you're between homes, staging for a sale, or just need space to breathe. Here are six smart tips to help you get the most out of your storage unit and take some of the stress out of moving.

1. Book Early
Storage units fill up fast, especially during peak moving seasons. As soon as you know your moving timeline, reserve your unit. Early access gives you a place to declutter, deep clean, or start staging your home for buyers without tripping over boxes.

2. Choose the Right Unit for Your Needs
Location matters—decide whether it's more convenient to store near your current or future home. Then, pick a size based on what you need to store:

• 5x5: Great for small boxes, books, seasonal décor
• 10x10: Ideal for a one-bedroom apartment
• 10x20: Best for 3–4 bedroom homes

Need climate control? If you’re storing electronics, photos, or anything sensitive to heat or humidity, go with a climate-controlled unit—especially during extreme seasons.

3. Take Advantage of Moving Truck Rentals
Some facilities offer free or discounted truck rentals when you rent a unit. That’s a bonus worth asking about—it can save time and money on moving day.

4. Store Non-Essentials First
Pack up what you won’t need immediately—off-season clothes, duplicate kitchen items, extra linens, etc. This frees up space at home and makes your move more manageable.

5. Stay Organized from the Start
An organized storage unit saves time and frustration later:

• Label everything clearly
• Group similar items together
• Leave walking space for easy access
• Keep items off the ground with pallets or shelves
• Sketch a layout of where things are and tape it inside the unit

You may know where everything is on day one—but three weeks later? Not so much.