The big day is here – you’ve secured your storage unit, packed up your belongings, and now it’s time to move in. Whether you’re decluttering, relocating, or storing items long term, having a smooth move in experience can save you a lot of time, stress, and future headaches.
To help you stay organized and get the most out of your storage space, we’ve put together a move in day checklist to guide you every step of the way.
Confirm the Details
Before you set off, double check everything related to your storage unit. Make sure you know your unit number and size, confirm the access hours, and ensure you have any necessary codes, keys, or access cards. It’s also worth checking if you’ve completed all the required paperwork in advance. Some facilities allow online check in, while others may need to verify ID on the day.
And don’t forget one simple but crucial question: do you need to bring your own padlock, or can you purchase one on site?
Organise Transport and Helpers
If you’re hiring a van or moving truck, make sure it’s booked well in advance – especially during busy periods like weekends. For those relying on their own vehicle, consider how many trips you’ll need and whether your larger items will fit. Enlisting the help of friends or family can make a huge difference when it comes to heavy lifting or staying on schedule.
If your facility offers trolleys or carts, check ahead to see if they’re available. Otherwise, bringing your own dolly or hand truck can save a lot of time and back strain.
Pack Smartly and Label Everything
Even if you’ve already packed most of your items, take a moment to ensure that boxes are well sealed and clearly labeled. It’s a good idea to label more than one side of each box so you can see what’s inside without unstacking everything later.
Consistency is key – using similarly sized boxes makes stacking easier and safer. Try to group items by type or room (e.g., kitchen, office, winter clothes) and mark fragile items accordingly. If you know some items will be needed sooner than others, set them aside to be loaded last so they’re near the front of your unit.
Bring the Right Supplies
Even on the day of the move, having a few key supplies on hand can make a big difference. Be sure to have your lock, some packing tape, scissors or a utility knife, and a few spare boxes or bags just in case. Moving blankets or old sheets can protect furniture from dust or scratches, and gloves will come in handy when handling bulky or rough materials.
It’s also smart to pack a small essentials kit for yourself – think water, snacks, hand wipes etc. Move in day can take longer than expected, especially if you’re doing it alone.
Load with a Plan
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to stacking your storage unit. Place heavier boxes and furniture at the bottom to create a solid base, then stack lighter items on top. Try to store frequently used items near the front so they’re easily accessible later.
Disassembled furniture takes up less room and is easier to move, so if you’ve broken down beds, tables, or shelving, keep the screws and bolts together in labeled bags and attach them to the item or store them in a dedicated box.
It’s a good idea to leave small walkways or spaces between stacks so you can navigate the unit later, and if possible, raise items slightly off the floor using pallets or planks to allow airflow and reduce the risk of moisture buildup.
Keep an Inventory
Even if you’re only storing for a short time, it’s easy to forget what you’ve packed. Take a quick inventory as you load – snap a few photos, make a list of key items, or jot down box numbers with their contents.
If you’re storing items of high value, having a record can also be useful for insurance purposes or peace of mind.
Lock Up Securely
Once everything is inside and organised, lock up your unit with a secure padlock. Double check that the door is fully closed and the lock is in place. If you’ve got electronic access, test it before leaving to make sure everything is working properly.
If you need any extra clarity on anything, you can always check in with the office before you leave. Review your billing cycle, clarify how after hours access works, and ask about any additional services.
Relax Knowing Everything is Secure
Moving into storage can be tiring, but it’s a big accomplishment. With everything packed safely and securely, you can relax knowing your belongings are well cared for.
Whether you’re using the space for a few months or for the long haul, being organised on day one makes future visits faster and far less frustrating. If you’d like to discuss your storage requirements with our team then be sure to get in touch, or use our space calculator to figure out which unit is right for you.
