How to Choose Temporary Storage for Your Move

Need temporary storage for your move? Here's what you need to know upfront:

1. Common Reasons for Storage:
   • Mismatched home closing dates
   • Renovations before moving in
   • Staging your home for sale
   • Temporary housing needs
   • Seasonal or extra items
2. Storage Types:
   • Standard Storage Units: Self-managed, flexible options.
   • Mobile Storage Units: Delivered to your location, great for convenience.
   • Moving Company Storage: Full-service, stress-free solution.
3. Key Factors to Consider:
   • Unit Size: Ranges from 25 sq ft (small items) to 200 sq ft (4-bedroom house contents).
   • Short-term vs. Long-term: Mobile units for short-term; traditional facilities for extended use.
   • Special Needs: Climate-controlled units for delicate items like wood furniture, electronics, or artwork.
   • Security Features: Look for video surveillance, gated access, and insurance options.
4. Quick Tip: Compare at least three facilities for pricing, location, and features. Use tools like MOD24 to find combined moving and storage services.

Quick Comparison:

Storage Type	Best For	Key Features
Standard Storage Units	DIY movers on a budget	Flexible access, various sizes, self-managed
Mobile Storage Units	Convenient loading and transport	Delivered to your door, store or transport options
Moving Company Storage	Full-service, hands-off moves	Secure storage, professional handling, inventory tracking

Start by estimating your storage needs, choosing the right type, and prioritizing location, cost, and security. Keep reading for detailed tips on picking and managing your storage solution.

Your Guide to Temporary Storage Solutions

Know Your Storage Requirements

Figuring out your storage needs ahead of time can save you money and prevent unnecessary stress.

Calculate Storage Space Needed

Start by taking stock of everything you plan to store. Estimate the total cubic feet required to choose the right unit size. For example, a 10' x 10' unit (100 square feet) can typically hold the contents of a two-bedroom apartment, while a 5' x 5' unit (25 square feet) is better suited for smaller items like seasonal decorations or a few pieces of furniture.

Unit Size	Capacity	Ideal For
5' x 5'	25 sq ft	Small furniture, boxes, seasonal items
5' x 10'	50 sq ft	Contents of a studio apartment
10' x 10'	100 sq ft	Contents of a two-bedroom apartment
10' x 15'	150 sq ft	Contents of a 2-3 bedroom house
10' x 20'	200 sq ft	Contents of a 3-4 bedroom house

Short-term vs Long-term Storage

How long you plan to store your items will affect your costs and options.

• Short-term (up to 3 months): Mobile storage units with flexible, month-to-month contracts are a convenient choice, especially if they’re close to your temporary location.
• Long-term (4+ months): Look for traditional storage facilities that offer better rates for extended use. Prioritize options like:
  • Climate-controlled units
  • Locations near your final destination
  • Advanced security measures

Additional Considerations

Certain items need extra care, so consider climate-controlled units for belongings like wood furniture (55-85°F), electronics, musical instruments, documents, artwork, and photographs.

When selecting a facility, prioritize features such as:

• 24/7 video surveillance
• Unit-specific alarms
• Gated access with personal codes
• On-site security personnel

For specialized storage needs, you might require:

• Indoor or covered parking for vehicles
• Wine storage maintained at 55-57°F
• Custom crating for antiques
• Rack systems for organizing business inventory

Storage Options Available

Choosing the right storage solution for your move is all about balancing your budget, timeline, and security needs. Here's a breakdown of the main options to help you decide.

Standard Storage Units

Self-storage facilities, like Public Storage and Extra Space Storage, are available nationwide. These units come in climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled options, offering 24/7 access. You'll need to bring your own lock and handle item delivery yourself. Some facilities also offer basic insurance plans.

Mobile Storage Units

Portable storage containers, provided by companies like PODS and U-Pack, are delivered straight to your location. You can load the container at your convenience, and once ready, it can either be stored at a secure facility or sent to your new home. Costs usually include a monthly rental fee plus delivery charges.

Moving Company Storage

For a hands-off experience, professional moving companies offer storage as part of their full-service packages. This includes expert loading, secure warehouse storage, and inventory tracking. It's a great choice for long-distance moves or if you need extra help. Platforms like MOD24 (https://mod24.com) make it easy to compare licensed, insured moving companies that offer these services.

Storage Options Comparison

Storage Type	Best For	Key Features
Standard Storage Units	DIY movers on a budget	Various sizes, flexible access, and self-managed security
Mobile Storage Units	Convenient loading and transport	Delivered to your door; includes storage or direct transport options
Moving Company Storage	Full-service, stress-free moves	Professional handling, secure storage, and end-to-end moving assistance

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Key Selection Criteria

Choosing the right storage facility can make your move much smoother by balancing location, cost, and security based on your needs.

Location and Access

Think about how convenient the storage facility is to access. Ideally, it should be close to either your current or future home to save time and effort. Also, consider the facility's access hours and whether it can handle your moving needs.

Here are some important things to check:

• Operating hours: Can you access your unit when needed?
• Loading docks: Are they available for easy loading and unloading?
• Elevator access: If your unit is on an upper floor, are elevators available?
• Parking: Is there enough space for moving trucks or vehicles?
• Climate control: Does the facility offer temperature-controlled units if required?

Once you’ve confirmed location and access, take a closer look at the costs involved.

Price Breakdown

Storage costs can include several components. Be sure to review the following:

• Monthly rent: The base cost for the unit.
• Security deposit: Often refundable, but check the terms.
• Insurance fees: Some facilities require coverage.
• Climate control fees: Additional charges for temperature-controlled units.
• Setup fees: One-time costs for getting started.

Don’t forget to ask about promotions or discounts that might lower your overall costs.

Safety and Coverage

Security is crucial when storing your belongings. Look for facilities that offer:

• Electronic gate access: Controlled entry adds an extra layer of security.
• 24/7 video surveillance: Helps monitor the premises continuously.
• Bright lighting: Ensures visibility, especially at night.
• On-site management: Staff presence can deter theft or vandalism.
• Fire suppression systems: Protects against fire-related damage.

Keep in mind that most facilities require insurance for stored items. While your homeowner's or renter's insurance might provide some coverage, it’s worth considering additional storage insurance for better protection against theft, natural disasters, or damage. To stay organized, take photos of your items and keep an up-to-date inventory list.

How to Pick Your Storage

Compare Local Options

Start by narrowing down storage facilities that fit your needs for space, price, location, and reviews. Use online tools or make direct calls to gather details. Reach out to at least three places to confirm their current rates and any special offers. Many facilities have deals like a free first month or lower deposits that aren't always advertised.

Platforms like MOD24 can make this process easier by letting you compare options in one place. Some even bundle moving and storage services for added convenience.

Check Storage Quality

Take a close look at the facility, either in person or through a virtual tour, to ensure it meets your standards. Pay attention to:

• The condition of the unit (look for signs of water damage, rust, or pests)
• How well the doors function
• Adequate lighting
• The security system's reliability

If visiting isn't possible, ask for recent photos or a video walkthrough of the exact unit you're considering. Many places now offer virtual tours to help you make an informed choice.

Once you're satisfied with the quality, you can move forward with securing your unit.

Book Your Storage Unit

When you've made your choice, lock in your unit by completing a few steps:

• Carefully review and sign the rental agreement. Look out for details like notice periods, late payment rules, access hours, and insurance requirements.
• Provide a valid photo ID and proof of insurance.
• Set up your payment method and get your access credentials.

With everything finalized, you're ready to focus on organizing your items and making the most of your storage space.

Storage Space Management

Now that your storage unit is booked, it’s time to organize your space effectively.

Pack for Storage

Packing smartly can help you make the most of your storage space. Stick to uniformly sized boxes - they stack well and make the best use of vertical space. For long-term storage, heavy-duty plastic bins are a better choice than cardboard, as they offer better protection against moisture and pests.

Here’s how to create a vertical system:

• Place heavier items at the bottom.
• Use sturdy shelving units to keep things organized.
• Stack boxes 3-4 high, and leave a clear aisle for easy access.

For larger items like furniture and appliances:

• Remove legs from tables and chairs to save space.
• Store sofas upright when possible.
• Bag mattresses to keep them clean.
• Cover appliances with breathable materials to prevent dust buildup.

Keep items you’ll need more often at the front of the unit. Set up zones within the space based on how frequently you’ll need access - daily or weekly items should be the easiest to reach.

Once everything is packed, a good labeling system will help you stay organized and find things quickly.

Label and Track Items

Labeling and tracking your items is key to avoiding frustration later. Start by creating a master inventory list that includes:

• Box number
• A brief description of contents
• Storage zone or location
• Priority level (e.g., high, medium, low)

Label each box on multiple sides using a consistent format like this:

Box #: [number]
Room: [intended location]
Contents: [brief description]
Priority: [High/Medium/Low]

To make things even easier, consider using a digital system like a spreadsheet or an inventory app to keep track of your items. Snap photos of valuable belongings and note their condition before storing them. If you have a lot to store, draw a simple map of your unit showing key zones and major items.

For added clarity, use color-coded labels or tape to group boxes by room or priority. Keep it simple so anyone can quickly understand the system.

Conclusion

Take time to review your storage needs and explore the available options to make your move as smooth as possible. Whether you go with a traditional storage unit, a mobile container, or storage services from a moving company, careful planning is key.

When deciding, keep these factors in mind:

• Security and climate control: Ensure your belongings are protected and stored in proper conditions.
• Location and access: Choose a facility that's convenient and easy to reach.
• Insurance coverage: Verify what’s included and consider additional coverage if needed.
• Overall cost: Look beyond the base price to account for any extra fees.

If you're looking for a one-stop solution, many professional moving companies offer combined moving and storage services. Platforms like MOD24 can simplify your search by connecting you with verified movers who provide both. Use their tools to compare rates and services from licensed and insured companies to find the best match for your needs.