There’s no way around it – Moving is tough. It’s right up there with other major life transitions, like graduating, getting a new job, or buying a house. In fact, according to Zillow, the process of packing, sorting through your things, cleaning, physically moving items is actually considered one of the most stressful life events there is.
But fear not. There are ways to reduce the stress with just a little planning and know how. Whether you’re moving for the first time, a seasoned pro, or you’re helping a family member or partner, you’ll need to strategize a little to ensure the move goes smoothly, especially in the summer months. Part of that strategy may include storage.
Believe it or not, 13.5 million households were renting self storage as of 2020. That’s over 10% of Americans. Self storage isn’t just for storing more stuff in your current place, it’s also super helpful for big life transitions, particularly moving.
Read on to learn more about how to choose the right kind of storage unit for you and to get prepped for your summer move.
What’s your Mover Type?
Moves are all different, from where you’re moving to whom you’re moving in with. But there are a few kinds of moves that we’re all likely to experience at some time in our lives.
Think about how many things you had to move the first time you left home. Anyone else use a handful of trash bags and a duffel bag to pack your things? Raise your hand. But what’s moving like after selling your first home, when you’ve accumulated furniture and grandma’s old wedding China? Or when your kids are moving to college and you’re thinking about downsizing too?
All kinds of moves require all kinds of storage. Find your mover type to see what kind of storage unit is right for your move.
College Starter or College Grad
This is such an exciting time! Whether you’re leaving your family home for the first time for school, or you’re graduating and moving in with roommates, storage can create a space just for you to keep your valuables and your extra stuff close but not in the way.
Moving into a small dorm room presents spatial challenges. Closets and drawers for clothing storage are often shared with a roommate. And even with mobile storage drawer options, you might find yourself in a pinch when summer hits and you suddenly have no space for your burgeoning coat collection.
A 5×5 storage unit is about the size of a roomy hall closet and it’s perfect if you need to store a small number of things and seasonal items – think clothing, sports equipment, suitcases, or about 5-8 boxes of things you can’t fit in your dorm.
Moving to a new apartment after graduation? Though it’s tempting to want to move all your extra things back into your parent’s house, you may be met with some resistance by the current inhabitants. Make things easier, and more convenient, for yourself with a convenient storage unit right near your new place.
If you’ve accumulated more than just hand me down furniture in the last four years, and you aren’t willing to part with it, check out a 5×10 storage unit.
Similar to a 5×5, a 5×10 storage unit provides a little more space, like a large closet or mid-sized bedroom. What can you store in a 5×10 unit? Think bikes, chairs, small couches, chests of drawers, décor, sports equipment and more.
New Homeowner
It may seem counterintuitive to get a storage unit when moving into a new, larger space from an apartment. But, if you’ve bought a home recently, you may find there’s rarely anything new about it.
One of the biggest factors at play with the purchase of a home, is often planning for some level of remodel and upgrading. Even if you’re a DIY (do-it-yourself) demi-god, you’re going to need space to store your belongings.
While in the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic, homes doubled as day cares, offices, and gyms, so many homeowners dove into the DIY club headfirst. NerdWallet reported that,“3 in 5 homeowners (61%) have done home improvement projects since March 1, 2020.”
And though you may think the basement is a good enough space as any for storage, think again! That sanding dust from new floor work or wall removals is pesky and long-lasting. Your furniture and heirlooms risk water and temperature damage chilling on the basement or garage floor.
Save yourself the added clean up and check out a 10×10 or a 10×15 storage unit. These units are great for storing the amount of furniture and items you could fit in a large bedroom or small apartment, like lamps, bedroom sets, living room sets and even appliances.
Get started on that kitchen upgrade, nursery remodel, or new home gym and keep your things clean and dust-free while you’re at it.
Digital Nomad
You’ve probably heard the term “digital nomad” by now. You may even know a digital nomad. Are you a digital nomad? Jokes aside, this trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, so chances are you could become one. With recent changes to the workforce and many companies taking on new remote work policies, more people than ever are embracing a digital nomad lifestyle by working and living on-the-go! There’s just one thing to consider before you strap on your boots and hit the road – your stuff! Well, that’s not all to consider, but where you put your belongings while you travel is pretty important.
Many digital nomads reside in temporary lodgings and Airbnbs while they travel, so they never have to commit to a long-term rental or lease. Storage lockers with a month-to-month lease option may be for you if you want the flexibility of ending your lease at your leisure. Fit sporting gear, seasonal clothing, and business supplies easily in a convenient storage locker near your latest location of residence.
Empty Nester
As excited as kids are to leave the nest, this can be a really hard time for you. Especially if it’s your last fledgling. When your three-bedroom home, once filled with
noise, clutter, and shoes (oh my, the shoes), is suddenly quiet and clear, you may start to wonder, what’s there to do now?
The Mayo Clinic reports that even though Empty Nest Syndrome isn’t a clinic diagnosis, it’s a very real phenomenon that leaves some parents feeling sadness and loss of companionship. Everyone handles these emotions differently, and that means something different for everyone. Tackling a change or a project could be just the think to clear your mind.
Thinking of tearing down a wall and creating a home yoga and meditation space in old bedrooms? Maybe you just want to clear clutter in your home. Some empty nesters even take this opportunity to make the move of their dreams or downsize to a smaller dwelling.
So, if you’re staging your space, clearing clutter, or thinking of a reno, a 10×20 storage unit is a great option. Shop climate-controlled and elevator accessible units to keep your furniture and other valuables conveniently close and cool.
Small Business Owner
The blood, sweat, and tears that go into creating your small business is no joke. Maybe you’re just getting off the ground and you have no where to store your inventory, or maybe you’re a seasoned owner who outgrew your garage or your basement and you’re looking to expand.
Really, the choice is yours. Sometimes a 5×10 or 10×10 storage unit is the perfect space, and sometimes it’s a simple storage locker. Many small business owners need a covered space to park their vehicles and equipment, in which case a 10×30 storage unit is a great fit. Options in your area may include covered or open vehicle storage, climate-controlled units for inventory and beverage storage, and more.
Simple Summer Moving Tips
When moving, don’t forget safety. Just a little advanced planning goes a long way to ensure a move is a little easier.
- Hire professional movers in advance to assist you.
- Avoid moving in the middle of the day, if possible, when the heat index is at its highest.
- Take care to ensure children and pets have a safe, cool place to rest while you move.
- Dress appropriately with shorts, t-shirts, and hats.
- Bring a case of water for you and your helpers/movers.
- If moving to a new home, turn on the AC or fans in advance to keep cool when you arrive and unpack.
Happy moving and DIY this summer! Search storage units near you for easy storage when you need it.
