Moving into a new home is exciting, but the process of getting everything packed, transported, and organized can quickly become overwhelming. Whether you are moving across town or into a home that needs some renovation before you can fully settle in, having extra storage space can make the transition much easier.

A storage unit gives you a convenient place to keep belongings that you still want but do not need immediately. The key is knowing what to put in a storage unit when moving so you can keep your new home organized without storing things you will need right away.

Furniture You Are Not Ready to Use

Furniture is one of the first things to consider when deciding what belongs in storage. You may have extra couches, tables, chairs, bookshelves, or bedroom furniture that does not fit your new home’s layout.

Instead of cramming everything into your new home while you figure out where it belongs, a storage unit gives you room to make decisions at your own pace. This can be especially helpful if you are downsizing, moving into a home with different-sized rooms, or planning to replace some furniture later.

Before placing furniture into storage, clean it thoroughly and cover upholstered pieces with breathable protective materials. Avoid wrapping furniture too tightly in plastic for long periods, since trapped moisture can cause problems.

Seasonal Decorations

Holiday decorations are another excellent candidate for storage. Christmas trees, ornaments, Halloween decorations, outdoor decorations, seasonal tableware, and other holiday items may only be used for a few weeks each year.

Pack seasonal decorations into clearly labeled containers and group them together. You may even want to organize your storage unit so that the decorations you will need next are toward the front.

Clothing for Another Season

If you are moving during the summer, you probably do not need your winter coats, snow boots, heavy sweaters, and cold-weather gear immediately. The same is true for bulky summer clothing if you are moving during the winter.

Use clean, dry storage containers and make sure clothing is completely dry before packing it away. Label each container so you can quickly find what you need when the seasons change.

Items You Are Saving for a Future Home Project

Moving into a new house often comes with a list of projects. You may plan to remodel a room, replace flooring, update a bathroom, or work on the landscaping.

If you already own supplies or materials for future projects, a storage unit can keep them out of the way until you are ready to use them.

Extra Kitchen and Household Items

Moving is a great time to take inventory of how much household equipment you actually use. You may discover that you have duplicate dishes, extra appliances, serving pieces, furniture, or household supplies.

If you are not ready to donate these items but do not have room for them in your new kitchen or home, storage can provide a temporary solution.

Children’s Toys and Keepsakes

Families often accumulate a large number of toys, baby clothes, artwork, school projects, and other childhood keepsakes. You may want to hold onto these items even if your children have outgrown them.

A storage unit can provide a dedicated space for belongings that have sentimental value but do not need to be displayed in your home.

Items From Your Garage

Garages can become cluttered quickly during a move. Tools, camping equipment, sporting goods, seasonal equipment, outdoor furniture, and miscellaneous household items can easily fill the space before you have even finished unpacking.

Rather than forcing everything into an already crowded garage, consider which items you actually need right away.

For example, if you are moving in the middle of winter, patio furniture and certain outdoor recreation equipment may not be a priority. If you are moving during the summer, winter equipment may be better suited for storage.

What Should NOT Go Into Storage?

While a storage unit can hold many types of household belongings, not everything should be placed inside one. Items such as perishable food, hazardous materials, flammable substances, and other restricted items generally should not be stored in a storage facility.

It is also a good idea to avoid storing extremely valuable or irreplaceable belongings without first understanding the facility’s policies and your insurance coverage.

If you are unsure whether a particular item can be stored, check with the storage facility before bringing it in.

Keep the Things You Need Most Accessible

One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving belongings into storage is packing the unit without thinking about future access.

If you know you will need certain items soon, place them near the front of the unit. Seasonal items that will not be needed for months can go farther toward the back.

Leave a small walkway whenever possible, and create sections for categories such as furniture, holiday decorations, clothing, household items, and garage equipment.

Label every box on multiple sides. It may take a little extra time while you are moving, but it can save you a lot of frustration later.

Make Your Move Easier With Extra Storage Space

The best items to put in storage are generally things you want to keep but do not need immediately, including seasonal belongings, extra furniture, decorations, future project supplies, and other household items that are taking up valuable space.

If you are searching for a storage unit, Idaho Falls, choosing the right storage space can make the moving process significantly more manageable. Instead of trying to fit your entire life into your new home on day one, you can take your time deciding what belongs where and create a home that feels organized from the beginning.