Moving Season and Self Storage

Planning a move during the summer? You’re not alone.

“Moving season”, or the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when movers are in peak demand, is nearly upon us. This period is when the majority of moves happen, and that means you may have a little more trouble finding moving services that are available when you want them at the price you’ve budgeted for.

Fortunately, that’s where a storage unit can help! From temporary storage ahead of the moving season to climate-controlled environments that protect your belongings from the summer heat, there are plenty of benefits to renting one near your new home. Here, we’ll go over some of those benefits and help point you in the right direction.

Why should I use a storage unit to help me move?

Some of the best reasons to consider a storage unit while you’re moving are:

• To save space while organizing your new home. Having a secure, climate-controlled place to keep your belongings in will keep you from having to maneuver around clutter while you put your home together.
• To perform more difficult moving tasks ahead of time. Renting a unit in your new home city, especially if it’s a significant distance from your old home, will help you get the hardest part of moving out of the way ahead of moving season. When you’re ready to move in, simply move your belongings from the storage unit to your home!
• To protect delicate belongings during harsh weather. Peak moving season can be hot and humid, depending on where you are in the country. Keeping your things in a climate-controlled storage unit will prevent them from being damaged by moisture or temperatures, giving you time to adjust to your new environment.

What can I place in a storage unit when moving?

As long as it isn’t perishable or prone to bursting or causing a fire, anything you can fit in your unit is fair game for storage. From books and clothes to large furniture and even vehicles, storage solutions are available for almost everything you might need to move and store.

How do I estimate what size storage unit I need?

It’s always good practice to figure out the square and cubic footage your belongings take up so you don’t rent a unit that’s too small or too large. However, here are some quick references as to what can fit in common storage unit sizes:

• 5’ x 5’: the contents of a small closet
• 5’ x 10’: the contents of a single bedroom, including a queen-size bed and dresser
• 10’ x 10’: the contents of a living room and two full bedrooms
• 10’ x 15’: the contents of three full bedrooms with some larger furniture added
• 10’ x 20’: the contents of a small multiple-bedroom house
• 10’ x 30’: the contents of a large multiple-bedroom house

What features should I look for in a storage unit?

Different storage facilities offer different storage features, so keep an eye out for the following while shopping for the best unit for your needs.

• Drive-up access. Storage facilities offering drive-up access allow you to drive your car or moving vehicle right up to the unit, cutting down on the distance you’ll need to physically carry things.
• Security features. Most storage facilities have gated access to keep non-renters away from units, but the best facilities have on-site security, video surveillance, good locks, and good lighting to deter any intruders.
• Climate control. We can’t stress this one enough: climate control is a necessity when storing any of your belongings. Even seemingly sturdy furniture can be damaged by extreme temperature changes and high humidity.
• Short-term leases. It may not be the most exciting feature, but a short-term lease allows you to pay month to month without having to commit to a long-term contract. This ensures you only pay for the time you need the unit.

It’s worth considering a portable storage container, such as those offered by PODS and Uhaul Ubox, if you’d like to combine the moving and storage operations into one. These containers allow you to pack them right in your driveway as you would a storage unit, then have them picked up, stored, and delivered directly to your new home.

What else should I consider when using a storage unit to move?

Organization is key to a tidy new home, and the same goes for your storage unit. Once you have the right size unit rented, make sure you have a detailed inventory of all your belongings and keep similar items together in the unit. When loading it up, line the unit walls first and keep frequently used belongings near the entrance. Don’t forget to leave some room for you to walk through the unit and access everything!

We hope you’re well-equipped to find the right storage unit for moving season! When it’s time to start searching, you’re in the right place; Storage.com’s built-in search tool allows you to find units near your new home, filter by the features you need, and compare prices right next to each other.