Self-Storage Move-In Day Checklist
From start to finish, the process of moving can feel like an overwhelming, uphill battle with a never-ending list of organization and logistical tasks to conquer. If you're moving your house into storage, you need to pack efficiently, ensure everything is safe, and strategically fit everything inside your unit to maximize space.
It’s easy to miss small details when you move to storage, which is why a checklist is beneficial to save time, prevent stress, and keep your belongings safe.
In this exclusive Stop & Stor article, we provide a self-storage checklist to guide you through your moving day, helping you feel confident and relaxed instead of disorganized and chaotic.
Plan Ahead for Your Move to Storage
Well before your moving day and before you create a self-storage checklist, it's essential to assess exactly what you need to store, such as furniture, keepsakes, or business documents. Also, consider how long you'll need storage and whether you require a short-term or long-term option, for which climate control may be worth the added protection.
Another factor to consider when storing a house is how often you'll need to access the unit, as this can influence whether you choose a ground-floor or upper-floor unit. For budgeting purposes, weigh your priorities between cost, space, and features to choose the right facility.
At Stop & Stor, our facilities provide enhanced security features, including surveillance, gated access, and personal locks on units. When choosing a facility, also learn about its hours, elevators, loading zones, and other accessibility details. Some facilities offer additional features that you may need for your move to storage, such as climate control. Every facility offers moving supplies, and protection plans if you don’t currently have homeowners insurance.
Gather the Required Documents and Other Essentials
To rent a self-storage unit, you'll need to provide the facility with a few documents, including a valid personal identification, such as a driver's license or passport. To move to storage, you'll need to sign a contract or reservation confirmation and also provide a method of payment, such as cash, a credit card, or set up autopay.
In the event of an emergency, you'll need to provide your storage facility with an authorized user list to establish who else is authorized to access your unit. For safety reasons, please bring your insurance documentation, including proof of coverage, for your new storage unit. Alternatively, if you don’t have homeowners’ insurance you can purchase a Protection Plan directly at the storage facility.
Another essential item for your self-storage checklist is a lock for your unit. We recommend a disc or cylinder lock. When moving from a storage unit, jot down important information, such as your unit number, gate code, and hours of operation, for future reference.
Take Inventory and Get Organized
When you organize your storage unit well, it makes move-in day and future visits much more convenient. It also makes moving out and setting up your new home or apartment so much easier and efficient. Before moving a house into storage, create a detailed list of every item you're placing inside and label your boxes with information about the contents and the room to which they belong.
Stop & Stor also now carries a great new storage organizational product called SmartLabels, it’s a “digital Filing System that easily helps you track, manage & organize the items you store in your space. You can also use color-coded labels to keep boxes separated by categories, such as yellow labels for the kitchen and blue ones for the bathroom. Place any items that you need to access frequently near the front. For any valuable items you plan to store, take photos and note their worth for future insurance purposes.
It's helpful to print out a paper copy of your self-storage checklist so that you can cross items off and make notes on moving day. However, also keep a digital copy via an app or spreadsheet so you can easily pull it up later.
How to Safely and Efficiently Pack for Storage
To prepare for your move to storage, it's essential to follow best packing protocols to prevent damage in transit or within your unit over time.
Here are some packing tips to keep in mind:
- Place heavy boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top
- If you use boxes all the same size, they’ll be easier to stack
- Don’t overpack your boxes to prevent them from collapsing
- Take apart furniture and store assembly parts in labeled bags
- Fill empty spaces in boxes with packing materials to prevent items from shifting
- Avoid storing items in plastic bags because they can lead to moisture and mold
- Cover mattresses, sofas, and electronics for protection
- Pack essentials all together in a box for easy and early access
- Leave some space for air to circulate your boxes for ventilation
- Never place perishable foods, liquids of any kind, or hazardous materials in a storage unit. See your facility manager for specific details.
Personalize Your Moving Day Self-Storage Checklist
Although everyone's move is unique, there are a few standard components that are almost always part of a self-storage checklist. First, check with your storage facility to understand any rules regarding unloading areas and applicable time limits. At Stop & Stor, we offer carts, dollies, and hand trucks to make unloading easier. Remember that most Stop & Stor locations offer exclusive Drive-Thru access, allowing faster, safer, and more comfortable access in and out of your space.
Ensure you're wearing comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes on moving day. Start loading the heaviest items first, leaving fragile items for last. You can maximize your storage space by stacking boxes in an even manner. However, don't forget to leave an aisle open inside your unit if you're storing belongings for an extended period.
Once you've finished your move to storage, double-check your lock for security and peace of mind.
Best Practices for Safety and Security
For additional safety and security, here are some self-storage best practices to remember once you’ve locked your unit with a high-quality disc or cylinder lock:
- Learn about your facility’s cameras, lighting, unit alarms, and smoke detectors
- Keep your insurance policy up to date
- Never share your access code or lock combination unless necessary
- Periodically visit your unit to check on your belongings
How to Stay Organized After Moving Day
Once moving day has come and gone, you can stay on top of your storage situation by maintaining a copy of your unit inventory at home and updating it whenever you add or remove items. When you retrieve items, secure everything back in place and maintain a clear pathway for the next access.
If you have a lot of seasonal gear, such as sporting equipment or clothing, consider rotating it in and out of your unit throughout the year. Every so often, it’s also beneficial to do a DIY inspection and cleanup to eliminate dust and check for damage.
After reading this article, we’re sure you’ll better prepared to create a self-storage checklist and feel confident about your move to storage, or perhaps even moving from a storage unit to your new home.
To book your unit and schedule your moving day, please browse our locations near you or contact our helpful customer service team.
Keep your possessions safe and secure during the entire phase of your home renovation by seeking out storage units in NYC. Here at Stop & Stor, we have a wide range of storage unit sizes. We offer small 25 square foot units that can hold a few furniture pieces as well as large 300 square foot units that have enough room to hold all the possessions from a 3-bedroom house. Find an available unit today to learn about all of our storage solutions so you can free up space in your home until the construction is complete.
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