Storage can make the process easier, whether moving to a smaller space or needing time to paint before you move in. If you choose a moving company with storage solutions, you can pack at your own pace and save yourself the headache of moving day. Downsizing can be emotional, and deciding what to keep or discard is challenging. A storage unit can provide a temporary home for sentimental items and furniture pieces you’re not ready to part with.
Access
A storage unit is a safe place to keep items while you complete the final moving steps. Using a moving company offering storage solutions allows you to move comfortably and reduces the time your belongings are in transit. This can also prevent costly damage and loss of belongings while trying to get your new abode ready.
You can typically rent a storage unit with an online application or in person at the facility. You may need a government-issued form of identification, such as your driver’s license or passport, to sign the rental contract. A deposit will likely be required at the beginning of the rental period. Some facilities offer 24-hour access, making managing your storage space easier when your schedule doesn’t align with regular office hours.
Getting the most out of your storage unit requires careful planning and packing. It would help if you used boxes that are sturdy and appropriately sized, as well as labeled them clearly with the contents. Stacking items neatly and carefully is also essential to prevent them from being damaged or crushed in transit. Most storage units San Mateo have security and surveillance, and you can often request a specific aisle or location to help protect your belongings from theft.
Security
The perks of renting a storage unit don’t stop with extra space; a secure place to store items during a move is accommodating for various reasons. For instance, if you are selling your current home and need to de-personalize it for showings, a storage unit can safeguard your furniture and décor while you prepare the house to sell. This saves you from lugging your items around in moving boxes and allows you to concentrate on the essentials during the move.
Similarly, if your new home is smaller than your current home, or you are downsizing from an apartment to a house, a storage unit can help provide a buffer until you decide what to do with the items. This could include determining whether to gift them or give them to family members or whether to keep them with you.
A reputable self-storage facility will offer features like security cameras, gate access, and individual alarms for each storage unit, so you can rest assured your belongings are safe during the transition period. They also may provide climate-controlled units for delicate items or fragile artwork, which will preserve them in the most ideal conditions. It would help if you took inventory of all your belongings before storing them, made a list of valuables, and considered taking pictures for documentation.
Packing
Whether you’re moving home for the summer, heading back to school for the fall, or dealing with the aftermath of natural disasters, a self-storage unit is an excellent solution to make room in your apartment. Depending on your circumstances, renting a storage unit can also help ease the stress of downsizing for retirement or caring for aging family members.
The best way to determine what size storage unit you need is to create a detailed inventory of everything you want to store. This will give you a sense of the most essential items and the space they’ll take up.
Once you know what you’re storing, it’s time to start packing. Invest in high-quality boxes and packing materials to ensure your belongings are safe from your home or apartment to the storage facility. You’ll need sturdy, durable moving boxes, which can be purchased from the facility, and strong packing tape to seal the boxes and protect against water damage.
You can save money on packing materials by reusing items around the house, such as suitcases, old grocery boxes, or blankets. Bubble wrap is essential for protecting fragile items, and newspaper or magazine pages can be used as padding in the boxes. Labels are an important finishing touch to every box. Look for pre-printed labels that include categories (e.g., Kitchen, Bedroom) for easy identification later.
Transportation
A storage unit is a clean, dry, and secure space in a storage facility where you can store your belongings short or long-term. It’s an excellent option for people undergoing complicated moves, military deployments, house renovations, seasonal changes, and more.
Storage units come in various sizes to fit whatever you’re storing. A 10-foot by 20-foot unit will hold the contents of a small apartment or a one-car garage. Larger units can have a home’s worth of furniture and boxes and mid-size vehicles like boats or RVs.
The cost of a storage unit depends on location, size, and features such as climate control. However, most storage facilities rent monthly so that you can store your belongings for as long as necessary.
Many items, including furniture (like sofas and tables), clothing, linens, and dishes, can be stored in a storage unit. You can also store knick-knacks, toys, books, electronics and sporting equipment. It’s essential to be discerning about what you put in storage, as some items aren’t suitable for the environment or security of a storage unit.
For example, you shouldn’t store flammable or combustible materials, live plants or animals, or anything obtained through theft. The best way to avoid this is by only storing items that are still useful and safe to keep.
