Best Tips for Storing Your Items During a Temporary Move

12 September 2025

Moving, even if just temporarily, can feel like trying to pack a whole circus into a single clown car—overwhelming, chaotic, and way more stuff than you thought possible. Whether you're relocating for a few months due to work, renovations, or an extended travel adventure, figuring out what to do with all your belongings can be a real puzzle.

But don't worry! With the right approach, you can store your items safely and efficiently, ensuring that everything is just as you left it when you return. So, let’s dive into the best tips for storing your items during a temporary move.

1. Determine What Needs to Be Stored

Before you start tossing things into boxes like you're playing a rushed game of Tetris, take a step back. Do you really need to store everything? Probably not.

Sort & Declutter

Start by going through your belongings and separating them into three categories:
✅ Store – Seasonal items, furniture, sentimental belongings
✅ Take with You – Daily essentials, important documents, valuables
✅ Donate or Sell – Anything you haven't used in the past year

This step not only minimizes storage space but also gives you a chance to declutter—because, let’s be honest, do you really need that box of tangled charging cables from 2009?

2. Choose the Right Storage Option

Now that you've decided what to store, it’s time to pick the perfect storage solution.

Self-Storage Units

If you need a secure place to keep your things, a self-storage unit is a great option. They come in various sizes and climate-controlled options, depending on your needs.

🛑 Pro Tip: Choose a facility with 24/7 security, gated access, and video surveillance for peace of mind.

Portable Storage Containers

Companies like PODS or U-Haul U-Box deliver storage containers to your home, allowing you to load them up at your own pace. Once packed, they haul them away to a secure facility. This is ideal if you're unsure when you'll need everything back.

Friends or Family’s Extra Space

Sometimes, the best (and cheapest) storage option is a friendly favor. If a trusted friend or family member has extra space in their basement, garage, or attic, consider asking if you can temporarily stash your belongings there. Just make sure they don’t turn your boxes into a coffee table!

3. Pack Like a Pro

Having a storage unit isn’t enough—you have to pack your items properly to keep them safe from dust, moisture, and damage.

Use Quality Packing Supplies

Invest in sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and plastic bins. Avoid using flimsy old grocery store boxes that will collapse faster than a house of cards.

Label Everything

Trust me, your future self will thank you. Instead of digging through a mountain of boxes labeled "Miscellaneous," clearly write the contents and room on each one. Better yet, use a color-coded system or a storage inventory app.

Disassemble Large Furniture

If storing furniture, take apart anything you can—tables, bed frames, bookshelves. This allows for more efficient use of space and helps prevent damage. Place screws and bolts in labeled ziplock bags so they don’t go missing in action.

Protect Delicate Items

Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap, blankets, or foam padding. For electronics, place silica gel packets inside the boxes to prevent moisture damage.

4. Keep Climate in Mind

Not all storage environments are created equal. If you're storing wooden furniture, clothing, electronics, or artwork, a climate-controlled unit is a must. Extreme temperatures or humidity can lead to warping, mold, and other unpleasant surprises when you retrieve your belongings.

🛑 Pro Tip: If you’re storing in a non-climate-controlled garage or attic, use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes to prevent moisture damage.

5. Arrange Your Storage Unit Strategically

Once you’re ready to move everything into storage, don’t just throw boxes in haphazardly—your future self will be cursing you when they need to find something.

Store Heavier Items at the Bottom

Stack heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top to prevent crushing delicate items.

Leave a Pathway

It might be tempting to pack everything tightly to save space, but leaving a small walkway will allow easy access if you need to grab something later.

Place Frequently Needed Items Near the Front

If you think you might need seasonal clothing, important documents, or small appliances while your belongings are stored, position them near the front for easy access.

6. Secure Your Storage Unit

Leaving your belongings in storage might feel like bidding them farewell forever, but with a few precautionary steps, you can ensure they stay safe.

Choose the Right Lock

Invest in a disc lock or a cylinder lock. These are harder to cut or tamper with compared to traditional padlocks.

Get Insurance

Even the most secure storage facilities aren't completely immune to theft, fire, or natural disasters. Check if your homeowners or renters insurance covers storage units. If not, consider getting a separate policy from the facility.

Avoid Storing Valuables

Things like jewelry, important documents, or irreplaceable heirlooms should stay with you rather than in storage.

7. Set a Reminder to Check on Your Items

Out of sight shouldn't mean out of mind. If you're going to be away for months, schedule a visit (or have a friend check in) every once in a while to make sure everything looks good.

🛑 Pro Tip: If you won’t be able to check on your storage unit, make sure it's well-ventilated and protected with moisture absorbers to prevent mold and mildew.

8. Plan for an Easy Move-Out

When the time comes to move your items out of storage, you don’t want to feel like you're playing another round of moving-day Jenga.

Have a Plan for Transport

Will you rent a truck? Hire movers? Recruit your strongest friends with the promise of pizza? Make arrangements ahead of time so it's a smooth transition.

Clean Items Before Bringing Them Home

Items stored for long periods can gather dust. Give everything a quick wipe-down before bringing them back into your home.

Final Thoughts

A temporary move doesn’t have to mean unnecessary stress. By decluttering, choosing the right storage option, packing properly, and securing your items, you can enjoy your time away without worrying about your belongings.

The key is planning ahead—because nobody wants to open a storage unit and find a chaos-filled mess waiting for them!

Got any other storage hacks that have saved your sanity? Drop them in the comments below!