Moving your business or home can be hard enough without the added stress of trying to figure out how to move some of your things to a storage unit for long term storage.
Businesses also use storage for inventory, furniture, or materials they don’t have sufficient room for during periods of growth, seasonal challenges, or when remodeling.
If you work from a home office or are a road warrior, you can use a storage address for deliveries or even work out of some locations like an office. IBM rented units in Houston that field technicians used to make phone calls, store parts, and do paperwork in.
If you plan to store small items, consider adding metal shelves or bookcases to make access easier. Make sure you check the days and hours of access. Some are always accessible, but many are not.
Check out this video for additional ideas on how small businesses use storage units:
There is a vast selection of facilities and different pricing models available. While this article can’t solve the cost of storage, it will help you to plan for a more successful move. By following these 10 easy steps, you can alleviate the stress of moving and enjoy a more relaxed move, free from the common headaches.
1. Choose the right location and unit size for your needs. Make sure the location of the storage facility is within a comfortable drive from your home or business. Also, make sure that you know what you’ll be storing ahead of time so that you know the minimum size of the storage unit you will require.
2. Plan how you’ll move your things to the storage facility. Will you rent a truck or a van or just take it over using your own vehicle or a friend’s?
3. Check that you have enough packing materials to store the items you’re transporting to the storage facility. You can utilize a combination of boxes that you already have and buy additional boxes at a shipping or storage company.
4. Take larger pieces apart so that they transport more easily and fit into the storage unit once you arrive. Box all other smaller items so that they don’t get lost in the move. Wrap breakables with newspaper or cloth and keep them towards the top of the boxes and on top of heavier items. Don’t pack lots of heavy items into the same box.
5. Label all of your boxes clearly with a permanent marker so that when you come back to get them, you can find what you need quickly and easily.
6. Clean out any appliances that you may be storing and tape the doors shut so they don’t open up on you during the transportation or lifting of them during the move.
7. Load your largest items into your truck, van or vehicle first. Then make sure to secure any heavy or large items so that they don’t shift, slide or crash during transport.
8. Once at the storage unit, don’t stack heavy boxes on top of lighter boxes to avoid crushing. Store all appliances with the doors wedged open.
9. Leave an aisle to walk through so that you can get to the back of your unit if you need to get something out from the back at a later date.
10. Place a dust sheet over all your items once you’re finished to keep them in good shape while they’re in storage.
This list will help you to alleviate stress while moving your items to a storage unit. Check out Loknstore.co.uk for other great tips about storage lockers or if you’re in the U.K. to get a great deal on your next storage locker.
By following these 10 easy steps for moving your things to a storage unit, you’ll be in better shape than others who don’t prepare. By following this checklist, you’ll also make sure that you don’t forget a few key steps!
You know how difficult moving is without help, so think about how you would feel if you asked someone to help you move and they did not. But if you must make an excuse, at least be original. Try this “Random Excuse Generator“.
Gail Gardner
Latest posts by Gail Gardner (see all)
- The Business of Women’s Sports [Infographic] - June 16, 2021
- Grow Your Small Business: Video Replays and Live Event Invitation - April 25, 2021
- Career Choices: How to Find Work in the Remote Economy [Infographics] - April 15, 2021
I do agree that it is important for us to consider the size of the storage unit prior to renting it. My wife mentioned that she would like to store our recreational equipment in a storage unit. I will definitely keep this information in mind and ensure that we choose the right size.
Kristofer Van Wagner would love you to read ..11 Tips For Choosing The Ideal Storage Space In Alaska
I liked what you said about how finding things can be done more easily and quickly when the boxes are labeled. My cousin has been thinking about getting rid of some of her clutter and putting it into another area so that she can be cleaner and relax. She would really like to get some help from a professional so that her objects will be safe 24 hours a day.
Thanks for sharing this informative blog, i can relate the above points to my real life incidence.
It was really helpful to read about checking to make sure that you have enough packing materials. My uncle is thinking about getting some self-storage. It would be really nice for him to declutter his house.
Great points you have defined for moving storage. Moving can be stressful and boring for kids and family members but Smart Move are the one’s who believe it to make exciting and easy. Thanks for sharing.
Nice blog. Moving stuff into a storage unit mostly used when Relocation of the house, and maybe in furniture removal.Thanks For sharing very informative and interesting too.
I wish it would be exciting and easier, not stressful or disruptive. I also know a company who is very responsible for their jobs of home removals and they are Smart-Move. They are passionate about their work and can continue their work outside working hours, just for you that you won’t worry about your next working day.
By the way, thank you for such an informative post!
Moving a business can be very tricky, but taking time to plan a little can make a huge differnce.
Great advice!
I’d say that you don’t have to buy boxes from companies. If you ask a reasonable amount of companies to give them for free, you will surely have enough of this material.
It is good to know that you should have a plan before you start putting things inside. I personally would want to map out where I was going to put everything. That way, I know where everything is later on.
It is really a big thing for me. You have no idea how much your tips save my belongings and money.
Great points you have defined for moving storage. Moving can be stressful and boring for kids and family members but Smart Move are the one’s who believe it to make exciting and easy.
Level making is a good thing because this is the way you can manage your moving household. I believe that is a cleaver move.
Anthony Boulos would love you to read ..Neat, Quick Removals and Moving Services
Moving is definitely difficult especially if you don’t have enough idea of how do it simply and hassle free. However, I really love these 10 steps on moving storage very precise and straight to the point. Thank you for the share, Gail.
Anna Smith would love you to read ..Packing and Moving Supplies You Need To Prepare Before Moving
Hey Buddy,
Nice post….!
Shifting to another place is so stressful. Even if we had planned everything in advance, still something somewhere always go wrong. Your post explains everything that is needed to know before shifting. It helped me a lot and I am sure, it will be helpful to everyone who came across this article.
Thanks for sharing…!
I love it! I really enjoyed your post. This post is very easy to understand,Moving storage units are the latest entrant into the storage industry.
As the business of mobile units offers a service that is both storing and moving, it provides a convenient and flexible option for people who are planning to relocate.
One can save one or two rounds of packing and unpacking by hiring a portable store unit.Not all storage businesses provide moving storage units. The best way to find organizations that provide this service is to check the internet. There are some online directories exclusively for mobile store units that provide location-specific details of such units.
Thanks for being sharing.
Regards
Joshua Knetes
Joshua Knetes would love you to read ..Cafe Bar and Kiosk Starter Packs
What a great array of easy moving steps! Gonna use some of these Gail, in my next move(very soon). These all are wallet friendly, simple and useful that really works. This is a really well written article. I will make sure to come back to read extra of your useful info.
Thank you for the post.
Alice would love you to read ..Xmas giveaway!
This cool moving storage information, in moving you have must choose a full standard storage that it can load and carry all the item even the biggest stuff. Moreover, thank you, Gail. For a such significant content.
Rae Alexander would love you to read ..Have Stress Free Moving with Packing Services
Relocating without early planning is kinda suicide for me. HAHA! However, the numerous tips on the list are precise and considerable to follow. Great post, Gail.
Gina Rosborough would love you to read ..Benefits of Hiring Movers When Relocating
Moving is kinda punishing for a movers and it is really mentally stressful, so to lessen pressure you must think wisely if you are going to hire moving company or moving storage unit you must pick a size that it can carry and load your belongings. Nevertheless, this moving article has all the list strategy of how to move smooth and hassle free.
Randy Hills would love you to read ..Benefits of Hiring Movers When Relocating
I totally agree on this post, especially the 3rd tip, you have must enough moving material and that;s part of planning ahead of time. Great post Gail.
Lillian Crews would love you to read ..Benefits of Hiring Movers When Relocating
I love the ideas of taking apart bigger items for storage and then leaving an aisle to walk through to the back. Those are two things I have never thought to try! I bet that would make things so much easier to locate once all of the items are packed in. I’ll keep these things in mind when I finally decide to get a storage unit. I have a lot stuff I need to put away, so these tips will really help.
Jalu Sakti would love you to read ..Post formats – Status
All 10 easy steps for moving is common, but, definitely useful, especially labeling your boxes with permanent marker is a must. Choose a moving truck that can carry all your item. By the way thanks for posting this info’s Gail!
Mary Lefever would love you to read ..Things To Do Before Hiring Full Service Movers
Moving is difficult to do, that’s why its important to plan ahead of time, moreover, this 10 simple but useful tips are really important and this should be follow, unfortunately I do not needed one for now, but my neighbor is about to move, maybe they need this powerful moving strategies.
By the thank you for sharing Gail…
Megan would love you to read ..Benefits of Hiring Movers When Relocating
Hey Great Share,,
Storage facilities provide several benefits when moving into a smaller place. Instead of trying to fit everything into an apartment that doesn’t have enough space for your things, you can use a self storage facility.
Keep sharing…!!!!
Awesome 10 easy steps when moving, and I agree on the tip you must label your box with marker so that you can find easily and less stress. Thank you for sharing Gail. 😀
Kathleen Prada would love you to read ..Things To Do Before Hiring Full Service Movers
Yah.. Your right Gail.. 🙂
You must check first the quality and capacity of the storage if it can carry all the item you have, furthermore, its better also to make plan ahead of time to avoid delays.
Gloria Gately would love you to read ..Benefits of Hiring Movers When Relocating
I have never tried this tip before. We always runs out of boxes to pack our items so my only way is to purge items that I won’t be needing anymore. The “10 easy steps for moving your things to a storage unit” tips sounds better than mine.. 🙂 After two months we will be moving again to another house and hopefully that’s our permanent place. I will follow this useful information to make sure everything’s perfect and moving is less stressful. Thank you Gail Gardner!
Frank Mathis would love you to read ..Have Stress Free Moving with Packing Services
Hi Frank,
Your business name gets me every time. I always think, oh, a horse hauler who specializes in stallions. 🙂
Gail Gardner would love you to read ..WANTED: Bloggers Interested in Collaborating to Increase Their Incomes
Wow!! Great Share@Gail Gardner!
These moving storage tips are awesome. Things you covered through the post are interesting and impressive. I have enjoyed reading all of it. Very informative tips. You have explained the things about improving the business and shifting things easily.
Thanks for sharing it 🙂
This article makes things easier for the renter, I like that you make things easier to access (location, labeling, Aisle). Sheets to cover your furnishings are a great choice too, but if you are a rodent phoebe like me you can get fabric bags to cover and zip your couches and love seat into when they are stored. I usually purchase really nice furnishings and want to ensure their life by doing this and the bags are made of recycled materials so you are helping the earth too. Happy moving and storing. http://www.foothillsstorage.net/
linda Prin would love you to read ..Organising your Self Storage unit
I actually did the “specific labeling” on each of my boxes that you suggested and it was the easiest move I have ever attempted. I am using my storage space for a business rental and it has made leaving work so much easier so that it no longer collides with my home life. Thank you for suggesting such useful tips. I will share them with my other friends that run home businesses. Thanks.
linda Prin would love you to read ..Organising your Self Storage unit
Your tips are very helpful and should be followed by everyone that needs guide and help with relocation. As we all kn ow that it’s very stressful thing to move to a new place and every bit of help should be appreciated, I am surely going to share your post with my friends to spread all the helpful info you put out. Thanks!
Hello folks, there’s someone talking about moving? Because I, really those tips and ideas from experts of this thing,
Me and my family planning a big moving on this few week’s but there’s a problem about that because I don’t know or how to organize all of my stuff and the most problem we don’t have enough boxes to compile all the things especially those big item and fragile item,
But thanks you for this article i founded, this really pleasant to hear and better suggestion and sharing ideas that i take note right now.. thank you so much..
These are some helpful tips for moving into a storage unit. I like how you mentioned planning how to move things before actually moving, that could save a lot of time. Moving isn’t a fun thing to do, but there are ways to make it go a lot easier, so thanks for sharing!
It is such a smart idea to find a good spot for a storage unit ahead of time so that you can gradually move your stuff over without actually putting it in the house yet. I’ll be making two trips prior to moving there so I’ll just have to look for a storage unit I can put my stuff in there.
David Laniado would love you to read ..griffen self storage blog post
I am preparing for a moving, and one thing that people have been telling me is to get lots of packing tape and cardboard boxes. However< I hate to think of using those all just once and then never again, or leaving them lying around my house for years unit I need to use them again. That's why I like this useful idea i read.
Good advice there. we are planning to move in a few months and this give me the idea on what to do. thanks for sharing.
Clarence Byrne would love you to read ..Benefits of Hiring Movers When Relocating
I tend to have a scattered brain when I pack things, so I really appreciate these tips! I’ll be sure to have enough materials for this, as last time I ran out of tape quickly! I feel a lot more prepared this time, thank you!
Having a plan is always a recipe for success in my book. Thank you for mapping out the process of moving things to a storage unit. Now the only thing I have to do is commit to implement these!
This has some great tips for moving things into a storage unit. Making a good plan for how to move into the unit is a great idea. Nothing is worse than moving without a plan, it goes so slowly and ineffectively.
Choosing the right location and size of a unit is what I would need to keep in mind. It would be for next week, because my wife and I are thinking about getting one before we move. Our plan is to get a unit to move all of our furniture and appliances in.
I really like your tip to clean out appliances and tape their doors shut. Things can move around a lot in the moving process, so it’s best to make sure everything is as secure as possible beforehand. Plus, cleaning out your appliances will prevent you from coming back to the storage unit later and finding who knows what growing in your toaster or microwave. Thanks for all the tips!
I agree that you should choose a good location and unit size. I think some storage units are in a dangerous part of town. I would want to put safety first by choosing a unit where there isn’t the risk of my things getting robbed.
Using a storage unit for unexpected periods of growth for your small business can be a great benefit. However, there are considerations that need to be taken into account before this move happens. Having a plan is no use if you don’t have an exact amount of how much you will be storing. Thus, the first thing I would do is figure out exactly what needed to go to the storage rental.
For me, the most important step that you mention is to plan. I have learned that if I don’t plan, then there is always going to be things that go wrong. You specifically mention the use of transportation. That’s something important to plan so that the move can be done efficiently.
I’m going to be moving in a few months, and I’ve decided to rent a storage unit to hold all of my things while I make the transition. I’ve never used a storage unit before, though, so I’m glad that I found your tips! I especially liked that you mentioned how I should leave an aisle in my storage unit that I can walk through to access all of my things. I never would have thought about doing that, but I can see how it could be helpful if I need anything from the unit. I’ll be sure to keep this in mind when I’m loading my unit. Thank you for the advice!
My husband and I decided last year that we were going to start living a more minimalist lifestyle. We have finally finished building our tiny house and we have gotten rid of many things we don’t need. However, we still have quite a few things that are worth hanging onto, but we won’t have a place for them in our tiny house. I think a small storage unit would be a good solution. We will keep your helpful tips in mind when we are ready to store. Thank you for sharing!
I definitely agree that it is a good idea to plan out your move before you do it. That is something that can really help save you a lot of stress. It also is a really good idea to leave a path in your storage unit. That definitely makes getting everything in your unit a lot easier.
Moving really is tiring and troublesome. Without the right knowledge you might put things in the wrong place and end up breaking it. Sad.
Personally, I’ve wanted to move some of my grandmother’s stuff into a storage unit. I think that they are a great way to store things that you don’t necessarily need in your house and that just take up space. It’s nice to have steps like this to know how to start to move things into storage. I think that choosing the right location and unit size is essential, like you say in your first step.
I love your comment about labeling boxes. I did it just recently for the first time, and it’s amazing how much time it saved me when I was packing and unpacking. It’s so much easier when it’s organized and you know where exactly things are!
Gail, these steps sure give me some ideas on what to do when I get a storage unit. In fact, my wife and I are going to be driving into town at a store to check out their storage units prices. Together we figured that there are so much antiques that would be need to be stored somewhere else instead of throwing them away.
I think that labeling everything clearly is a great idea when using a storage unit. Cleaning and organizing things would also be a great help. I always make sure to mark boxes clearly, so I can keep track of all my items. It makes it easier when I need to empty my storage unit at a later time.
I really liked that you talked about leaving an aisle between your things when you have them in a storage unit. Unless you plan to move everything out at once, you’ll need to be able to get to these things at some point, and if you don’t make an aisle, you’ll probably need the thing all the way in the back of the storage unit. Hopefully people are able to find good ways to things like this in the future.
I liked your idea to add metal shelves or bookcases to your unit. This will definitely make access to the little things you occasionally need easier. Making sure that your things are organized and put away in an organized way will make all storing and any additional moving you need to do much easier.
My wife and I are moving in the next couple of months and we need to store some of our things. Fortunately, I ran across your list because I had not thought of things like checking to see if I had enough packing materials or how we are going to transport all of our stuff there.
I am looking to put a bunch of stuff in a storage unit. The stuff would be best served by being packed in boxes first. Would a storage unit company be able to provide packing materials for an additional fee?
Hi Bryan,
Many, but not all, storage companies sell boxes. You can also typically get boxes by asking at retail and grocery stores. The best boxes have lids, though, and you would probably have to buy those.
Gail Gardner would love you to read ..How Systems Can Help You Overcome Your Small Business Woes
I’m getting ready to move overseas for a year and have been trying to find a place to safely store all of my things. I hadn’t even considered placing a dust sheet over everything. I have some expensive electronics that need to be stored and a dust sheet is the perfect solution.
I was actually debating with my friend it the big boxes should go first or smaller ones. After reading the article I am convinced that it is the bigger boxes go first. So this means that I won the bet; thanks a bunch for the info on moving and the small box big box dilemma.
I recently had to move into a smaller home. I put a lot of my stuff in storage, and I agree with all of these. Putting the aisle is nearly essential if you want to get any of your stuff out at any point.
Excellent post! People definitely need help when moving a house and tips are really of a great help! The best tips in my opinion is :Plan how you’ll move your things to the storage facility. Planning is essential and it is very important to be done from early! Lovely post!
Thanks for the article! I think the second point in this post is often overlooked – I know I’ve done it once, and it was terribly difficult to fix right then. Many remember the boxes and where they will put them, but forget how to transport their things into their storage unit. With a few things to move, your own car or a friends would be an appropriate way to transport things, but if you have several boxes to put in storage and few people to help do so, a moving company may be in order.
Thank you very much for this advice. My husband and I are the process of moving and we have a lot of stuff that we can’t keep at our new house yet. We’re thinking about renting a storage unit, so we thought we should do some research. Your advice for moving your stuff into a storage container was very helpful. We’ll be sure to remember it.
Hi Susan,
Storage containers are popular for moves of any distance. Some also use them when remodeling. Another option in many areas of the country is to buy and sometimes even rent-to-own portable buildings. They are commonly built by Mennonites or Amish and delivered already built. I know about them because I know the people at Lone Star Structures portable buildings in central Texas.
There are many styles including barns and offices. They had a rent-to-own program where you pay the first and last month’s rent and either keep it until it is paid for and yours OR return it at any time with no penalty. (That is why they charged the last month’s rent up front.) They delivered within 100 miles for free and very reasonable further than that.
Gail Gardner would love you to read ..20 Best Shopping Engines for Retailers [Infographic] #ecommerce #etail
When you put it in steps like this, it almost seems too easy. I’m convinced now that getting a storage unit for our move is a good idea. I think it would save us a lot of time and hassle. It would probably also reduce the damage to our appliances and furniture as well during the moving process.
nice tips it is such a helpful to improving the business and shifting is easy through the reading article.
chandan Kumar would love you to read ..Bosch Service Center Gurgaon |Maruti Service Station In Gurgaon
It is hard to move a office. I have experienced it myself.
ashu would love you to read ..Advance Christmas Wishes, Messages, Greetings | Advance Christmas Images , Pictures
Its really times consuming when you pack things and got them in the wrong boxes when moving. Best way is to hire people who will do this things for you professionally. Moving is pretty much tiresome but some companies offer stress free service with a little bit of expense. Try it!
Very interesting analysis on how to store thins. Especilly some points are really helpful! Thanks 🙂
When you read this article you can store your things easily thanks.
Nice tips for storing the things thanks for sharing it the beautiful information.
Simple yet this is an everyday issue we all face. I recently moved so can completely relate to the points you mentioned here and I would say that not labelling my boxes while using small storage boxes was the greatest mistake I made. It took me valuable time to figure out some of the things I parked and where they were kept.
Sarah Spencer would love you to read ..How to Find the Best Themes for Your WordPress Blog
Thanks for commenting, Sarah. Many times people store stuff in boxes or move and never know what doesn’t get unpacked. The better boxes are labeled, the more likely something important you’re missing can be found quickly.
Gail Gardner would love you to read ..MUST FOLLOW SERIES: Gabriella Sannino @Level343 Needs Your Vote #ff
While shifting most of the people just forget to follow these necessary tips that leads them to face difficulties at-last. Thanks for sharing this valuable steps.
Alex Taylor would love you to read ..Video-Game Stocks Rise After NPD Reports Better-Than-Expected June Retail Sales
i was shifting my house and i packed the boxes myself and never labeled them…..and then faced all the problem finding the rite box!
Meghan would love you to read ..Video-Game Stocks Rise After NPD Reports Better-Than-Expected June Retail Sales
Thanks for sharing this article. It totally new concept to write an article on how shift your office? What is the requirement it needed? Indeed. I like to read your article and now I really find what I actually need it.
Pritam Nagrale would love you to read ..Top 15 E Learning Companies in India
i trying to same as above topic but could not find more about it what is actually this is but getting little as you explain i like to read your article and now i really find what i actually need
I remember the day when I was shifting my office to a new location and couldn’t find a service who can help me in moving my stuff. As my budget was less and in that budget the packers and movers are providing just take away facility so I decided to pack my belongings myself. And the biggest mistake I did is I forgot to label on some boxes and find it hard to know what is the boxes. So I also suggest to label them just after you pack your things.