A successful move is a well-orchestrated one, but the process of packing up an entire household can feel overwhelming. Juggling the logistics of a move while still living in your home can be a recipe for stress and chaos.

This is where a self storage unit becomes your greatest ally.

By providing a secure, flexible, and accessible space for your personal belongings, a storage unit can transform a daunting move into a streamlined, low-stress experience.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step, week-by-week timeline to help you navigate your move, as well as demonstrate how self storage is the key to a smoother transition. We’ll also share why our units at Apex Self Storage could be the perfect fit for you and your family’s needs.

Six to eight weeks before your move

The journey to a stress-free move begins long before the first box is taped. This initial period is all about planning, decluttering, and setting a solid foundation.

Create a master checklist and budget

Start by creating a comprehensive checklist of all the tasks you need to accomplish. This will be your roadmap for the coming weeks.

Alongside this, establish a clear budget for moving costs, including a buffer for unexpected expenses. Having a clear plan from the outset will keep you on track and in control.

Declutter and donate

The single best way to make your move easier is to move less stuff.

Go through every room in your home and be ruthless. Sort items into three piles: keep, donate/sell, and throw away. This is often the most time-consuming part of the process, but it’s essential for saving time and money on packing and transport later on.

Start packing non-essential items

With the decluttering process underway, you can begin packing items you won’t need in the final weeks before your move.

Think about seasonal clothing, holiday decorations, books you’ve already read, and spare bedding. This is a perfect opportunity to get a head start.

How a storage unit helps

This is the ideal time to reserve and start using your self storage unit. Rather than cluttering your living space with piles of packed boxes, you can move these non-essential items directly into a secure, clean unit.

This process of moving to a storage unit early clears up valuable space in your home, making it feel less chaotic and much easier to navigate as the final weeks approach. It provides a secure place to store your “keep” pile, allowing you to focus on the things you still need.

Four to six weeks before your move

With the initial planning complete, it’s time to solidify the practical arrangements for your move.

Book your moving company or rental van

Professional movers book up fast, especially during peak season. Get quotes from several companies and book your chosen service to ensure you have help on your desired moving date.

Be sure to check out reviews and ask friends and family for recommendations, too, as this will help you to secure a reliable and reputable moving company. Or, if you plan to do it yourself, now is the time to reserve a rental van.

Purchase packing supplies

Ensure you have a good supply of sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Buying more than you think you need is always a good idea to avoid last-minute scrambling. Labelling boxes clearly is crucial for an organised unpacking process later on.

You can purchase any packing supplies you’ll need from our shop! Stocking everything from boxes and padlocks to tape and dust covers, these supplies are more than capable of securing your belongings and taking the stress out of your move.

Research and reserve your storage unit

If you haven’t already, make sure to secure a self storage unit that’s the right size for your needs. Consider the volume of items you have and whether you’ll need regular access to them.

When you book one of our self storage units, you don’t need to worry if you find yourself needing more space, as you can easily upsize (or downsize) along the way. You can also use our free storage planner feature to figure out how much storage space you’ll need.

Two weeks before your move

The countdown is on, and the pace of the move begins to quicken. At this stage, you’re packing in earnest and managing key administrative tasks.

Begin packing the bulk of your belongings

Tackle the main contents of your home. Start with rooms you use less frequently, such as guest bedrooms or dining rooms, and work your way towards the kitchen and main living areas.

Remember to label each box with its contents and destination room in your new home. This will make it easier on moving day, so you know exactly where everything needs to go, ready to be unpacked.

Change your address and update utilities

Notify the post office of your change of address. Contact your utility providers, banks, and other important services to update your information and arrange for disconnections and reconnections.

Pack a “first night” box

This box is your lifesaver. It should contain everything you need for your first night in the new house, including toiletries, a change of clothes, phone chargers, snacks, and important documents. Keep this box separate from all the others.

Making the most out of your self storage unit

By now, your home is likely filled with packed boxes.

Moving a significant portion of these into your self storage unit a couple of weeks before the move can drastically reduce the clutter and stress in your living space. This is a key part of the moving to a storage unit strategy, as it makes moving day itself much more manageable.

The storage unit acts as a temporary holding space, allowing you to focus on moving only the essential items and furniture into your new home.

The week of your move

The final push. This week is all about double-checking details and preparing for the big day itself.

Double-check arrangements

Call your moving company to confirm the time and date. Finalise your access plan for the storage unit, ensuring you know the opening hours and have any necessary access codes.

Why not choose our driver and van service during your move? All of our customers are entitled to one van load of items, which will be brought to your chosen Apex Self Storage centre, completely free of charge! Please get in touch with a member of our team today to find out more.

Do a final clean and empty the fridge

Give your old home a thorough clean as you pack the last items. Empty and defrost your freezer and refrigerator.

Pack your remaining items

Pack up your last-minute essentials. Everything should be in a box, ready to go, except for the contents of your “first night” box and anything you are using that day.

Moving can be unpredictable. There might be a gap between when you need to be out of your old home and when you can get into your new one.

A self storage unit provides the perfect solution for this logistical challenge. Instead of being stranded with all your belongings, you can move your entire household into storage and handle the final leg of the move at your own pace!

Moving day

The day has arrived! Your meticulous planning and use of a self storage unit will now pay off.

Supervise the movers or van loading

Be on-site to direct the movers or to manage the loading of your rental van. Make sure boxes are loaded in a logical order, with items you need first being loaded last.

Final walkthrough

Once the van is loaded, do a final walkthrough of your old home. Check every cupboard, drawer, and room to make sure nothing has been left behind. Take photos of meter readings for your final utility bills.

By having already completed the first stage of moving to a storage unit weeks ago, you have a smaller volume of items to deal with on moving day. This makes the day quicker, more efficient, and less tiring.

If you are using the storage unit as a temporary home for all your belongings, you can simply direct the movers to the storage facility, where you can then unpack and organise everything at your own leisure.

Find the perfect self storage unit with Apex Self Storage

The process of moving house is often ranked as one of the most stressful life events, but it doesn’t have to be!

By integrating a self storage unit into your moving timeline, you can simplify any logistics, reduce clutter, and give yourself the time and space you need to make a smooth and easy transition.

Whether you’re looking to declutter before a move, need a temporary home for your belongings between properties, or just want to get organised, Apex Self Storage has the perfect solution for you. We offer a wide range of clean, secure, and affordable storage units in various sizes to meet all your needs.

Our friendly team is on hand to help you choose the right unit for your needs and answer any questions you may have along the way. Plus, with flexible access and transparent pricing, we make the process as easy as possible.

Take the first step towards a stress-free move. Unlock your free instant quote or talk to one of our storage experts today to find out how Apex Self Storage can help make moving to a storage unit straightforward.