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Moving tips

The Benefits of Renting Storage Space During a House Move

By TLC Moving & Storage · Published 15 September 2019

Renting storage space during a house move lightens your load and spreads the move out, instead of moving everything in one day. It also helps you sell, bridges mismatched moving dates and gives you room to settle in.

A mover writing on a clipboard at the back of a van stacked with boxes marked fragile

Why storage helps a house move

It’s no secret that moving houses and packing up all your furniture and belongings can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. And while hiring professional movers is one way to help alleviate some of the burdens, renting storage space to store contents of your home can further help to lighten your load and spread out your move instead of moving everything in just one day.

What storage space for a move looks like

Storage units come in various sizes, from small units for boxes and books to large units for the contents of a whole house. You can store anything you can live without for the time being, well before your moving date, and it stays readily available at your storage unit during and after the move.

Advantages of Renting Storage for Moving

  • Items Are Readily Available Before and After Moving

    You can start storing things you don’t regularly use well before your moving date to help alleviate the stress of moving everything in one day. And if you need to access these items at any point throughout the moving process, or after your move, they are readily available at your storage unit.

  • Safety and Reliability

    Look for reliable moving storage companies to store your belongings. Choose a storage facility with a security system in place to help protect your belongings.

Getting Rid of Excess Clutter Makes Your Home More Appealing to Potential Buyers

If you are selling your home, moving excess clutter into storage will only help you sell. Removing clutter makes homes look and feel more spacious. And buyers want homes that have enough space to house their belongings while still allowing for room to grow.

More Space in Your New Home When You Move In

Instead of being overwhelmed by piles of boxes to unpack, you will have more space in your new home to settle in and make it your own without the added clutter. This extra space will also make home renovation projects easier. For example, if you want to clean the carpets or redo the flooring when you move in, you’ll have less furniture and items to move around.

Give Yourself More Time to Move In

Storing your belongings allows you to move at your own pace instead of rushing to move everything in one day. You can break your move up into stages and start moving things into storage as early on as you want. So come moving day, there will be much less stress to move everything.

When Move-Out Day and Move-In Date Don’t Line Up

Sometimes moving dates don’t line up. A buyer/new tenant could take possession of your old home before you get possession of your new home. Or, maybe by the time your home sells, you still haven’t found a new place to live.

If this happens, you’ll need to find temporary accommodations—and they will likely not be able to accommodate the contents of your home. But a storage unit can keep all of your belongings safe during this transition period when you’re between houses.

Less Stress When Any Unexpected Issues Arise on Moving Day

On moving day, anything can happen that can interrupt your move. But having a storage backup plan on moving day can help ease your stress, allowing you to move your items to a safe spot until you can move into your new home.

Helpful for Cross-Country/Overseas Moves

If you’re planning for a long-distance move, either across Canada or to another country altogether, you may not want to bring all of your belongings right away. Maybe you’ll be renting a temporary home until you can find more permanent housing. Or maybe the move itself is temporary and there is no need to go through the hassle of moving all your belongings such a far distance.

Tips for Renting Storage Space

  • Determine What Size You Need

    Storage units come in various sizes, from small units for boxes and books to large units for the contents of a whole house. Consult with the storage company to get an idea of the size you’ll need for your belongings based on the size of your home and what you plan to store.

  • Plan Ahead – Reserve Storage Space Early

    As soon as you know for sure that you are moving, reserve a storage space. It’s never too early to start packing and moving things into storage. And the earlier you start preparing for moving day, the easier the big day will be.

  • Take Inventory of What You Plan to Store

    This will help you determine if there is enough space in your storage unit for all your items. Taking inventory will also help you keep track of everything you do end up storing.

  • Know What to Store and What Not to Store

    Store anything you can live without for the time being. But make sure you know what is appropriate to store in storage units, along with things you shouldn’t keep in storage. Some examples of things you should not keep in storage include: Plants; hazardous materials; perishables; scented items; medical supplies; firearms and ammunition.

  • Obtain the Proper Insurance

    Ask storage companies about insurance. And see if your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers off-premises property protection for theft and damage. Getting the right coverage for your belongings while in storage will help ease your mind during the move. If you want to help ease the stress of moving, consider renting a storage unit and contact your local moving and storage company well in advance of your moving day.

Questions about moving with TLC

Why rent storage during a house move?

It’s no secret that moving houses and packing up all your furniture and belongings can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. And while hiring professional movers is one way to help alleviate some of the burdens, renting storage space to store contents of your home can further help to lighten your load and spread out your move instead of moving everything in just one day.

What if my move-out and move-in dates don’t line up?

Sometimes moving dates don’t line up. A buyer/new tenant could take possession of your old home before you get possession of your new home. Or, maybe by the time your home sells, you still haven’t found a new place to live.

How do I choose a storage unit for a move?

Determine What Size You Need: Storage units come in various sizes, from small units for boxes and books to large units for the contents of a whole house.

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