Dos and Don’ts When Putting Items in Storage for a Home Move

One of the most considerable challenges when moving into a new home is managing and safeguarding your furniture and other belongings in the midst of a busy transition. Whether you’re downsizing, moving to a new neighborhood, or simply looking to declutter, temporary storage can be a practical solution. But storing your items isn’t just about packing them up and dropping them off. There are key considerations to ensure your belongings stay protected and organized during the process.

This guide outlines the essential dos and don’ts of using storage during a home move, helping you achieve a smooth and hassle-free transition.

Do: Create an Inventory of Moved Items

Before you pack or store anything, take the time to create an inventory list. Start by walking through each room of your home and cataloging what needs to be placed in storage. This doesn’t need to be complicated—a simple spreadsheet or written list will work.

Having this inventory ensures two important things. First, it allows you to keep track of your belongings while they’re out of sight, reducing the chances of anything being lost. Second, it makes unpacking or retrieving specific items from storage much easier, especially during the hectic days of settling into your new home.

Do: Label Boxes and Bins for Storage

Labels are your best friend when it comes to organizing items placed in storage. Clearly labeling each box or bin helps you and any movers working with you quickly identify its contents at a glance. Use sturdy labels and write legibly to ensure that the contents of your storage remain easy to identify over time, even after regular handling or moving.

This simple step can save hours of digging through multiple boxes to find a single item. Additionally, labeling helps prevent items from being stored improperly or in areas that could damage them, such as fragile items being stacked under heavy boxes.

Do: Select a Convenient Location for Both Homes

When choosing a storage facility, think about its location carefully. Consider how close it is to your current home and your new one. A convenient location means easier trips to retrieve or drop off items as needed.

Opt for a facility with flexible access hours, preferably one that allows entry seven days a week. Temporary storage units located near main roads or highways can reduce the hassle of navigating through city traffic during your move. By selecting a location that’s easily accessible, you’ll minimize stress during your transition.

Do: Employ Strategic Packing Methods

Packing your items strategically is essential to keeping them safe during transit or in temporary storage. Start by placing heavier items at the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top to prevent damage. Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or clothing to cushion fragile items, and make sure to fill any empty spaces to avoid shifting during transport.

Always stack boxes with the heaviest at the bottom to maintain stability and avoid crushing lighter items. When storing furniture, disassemble large pieces such as tables or bed frames to save space. Additionally, cover them with protective blankets or plastic wraps to avoid scratches or damage.

Do: Choose a Moving Company with Storage Options

If you’re working with professional movers, consider a company that also offers storage services. Coordinating your move and storage needs with one provider can save time, effort, and money. Full-service residential movers often provide seamless solutions, handling everything from packing to storing your belongings securely.

This option is particularly helpful if your moving timelines don’t align perfectly, such as when there’s a gap between leaving your current home and moving into your new one. A moving company with storage capabilities can simplify logistics and reduce the burden of managing separate services.

Don’t: Use Low-Quality Packing Materials

Although it may be tempting to cut costs by using free or cheap packing materials, these could cost you more in the long run. Low-quality boxes and tape are more likely to break, leading to damaged belongings. Similarly, using subpar protective materials can leave valuable or fragile items vulnerable.

Investing in sturdy, high-quality packing materials such as double-walled cardboard boxes, heavy-duty tape, and quality padding ensures your belongings stay safe while in storage. While the upfront cost is slightly higher, the protection your possessions will be worth it.

Don’t: Underestimate the Storage Space You Need

One common mistake during a move is renting a storage space that’s too small. Not only does this lead to cramped, inefficient packing, but it also increases the risk of damaging items. To avoid this, calculate the necessary storage space by listing all the items you plan to store, factoring in their size and quantity.

Err on the side of caution by choosing a unit slightly larger than your estimate. Extra space allows you to properly organize items and leave room for airflow, which helps prevent mold and mildew. Alternatively, investing in a climate-controlled storage may be worthwhile for regulating humidity levels and temperature to keep your belongings protected.

Don’t: Store Valuables in Storage

Storage units are generally not the ideal location for keeping valuable items such as jewelry, important documents, or cherished family heirlooms. Even in the most secure and well-monitored storage facilities, there’s always some level of risk involved when storing highly valuable or sentimental belongings. Instead, keep these items with you during the move rather than leaving them in storage.

Likewise, many moving companies outline in their contracts with customers that they may not load and transport “high-value items” due to the risk of damage. Discuss with your movers what items they are not permitted to relocate and inquire about the safest ways to secure these belongings on your own.

Don’t: Rush Moving Into Your New Home

While getting everything unpacked as quickly as possible may be tempting, rushing this process can add unnecessary stress and lead to disorganization. Instead, consider transitioning in phases, starting with packing and relocating non-essential items from your old home into storage.

Work your way up to packing your essential, daily-used items last, keeping belongings organized by room. Using storage during your move can help create more space in your new home, making it easier to unpack and arrange items without clutter. This phased approach allows you to organize your new home more thoughtfully and ensures you’re not overwhelmed during your first few days in the new space.

Make Moving Simpler with Smart Storage Practices

Using storage during a home move can be a valuable solution for staying organized and managing transitions. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll set yourself up for success while minimizing potential stress.

If you’re ready to enjoy a seamless moving experience, consider reaching out to professional movers at JT Melia Moving, who understand the unique needs of home relocations in the greater Houston area. Our full-service team offers packing and transportation to our vault storage facility, where homeowners can keep their belongings secure for short- or long-term periods. Use our website to schedule an in-person moving quote and take the first step toward a stress-free move today.