Sometimes a move doesn’t go in a straight line. The closing date on your new place gets pushed back. Renovations run longer than expected. You’re downsizing and not everything is coming with you right away. Whatever the reason, a self storage unit can be one of the most useful tools in your moving plan — if you use it right. Here’s what our movers want you to know before you rent one.
Do You Actually Need Storage?
Before you sign a rental agreement, ask yourself honestly whether storage is the right move. Storage units cost money every month, and it’s easy for a temporary solution to become a long-term expense. If you’re storing things because you haven’t decided what to do with them yet, a pre-move declutter might be a better first step. Brothers Moving offers junk removal across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland — we can haul away anything you don’t need before your move so you’re not paying to store things you’ll eventually throw out anyway.
If you genuinely need a bridge between homes, or if you’re staging your home for sale and need to clear out furniture, storage absolutely makes sense. Just go in with a clear plan for how long you’ll need it and what’s going in.
Choose the Right Size Unit
Renting a unit that’s too small means you can’t fit everything in. Renting one that’s too large means you’re paying for space you don’t need. Here’s a rough guide for Vancouver renters and homeowners:
A 5×5 unit is about the size of a large closet — good for boxes, small furniture, and seasonal items. A 5×10 unit fits the contents of a one bedroom apartment comfortably. A 10×10 unit works well for a two bedroom home. A 10×20 unit is suitable for a three to four bedroom house with furniture.
When in doubt, go slightly larger — you’ll thank yourself when you’re actually loading the unit and realize you need more room to walk around and access your things.
Consider Climate Control
Vancouver’s weather is mild compared to much of Canada, but humidity is a real concern — especially in older storage facilities. Climate controlled units maintain a stable temperature and humidity level year-round, which matters if you’re storing wooden furniture, electronics, vinyl records, artwork, important documents, or anything that could warp, crack, or grow mold in a damp environment. If you’re storing for more than a few weeks, climate control is worth the extra cost.
Pack Your Storage Unit Like a Pro
How you load a storage unit is just as important as what goes in it. Place heavy items like furniture and appliances at the back and on the floor. Stack boxes on top, lightest at the top. Items you might need to access before the move is complete — seasonal clothing, tools, paperwork — should go near the front and be clearly labeled. Leave a pathway down the middle of the unit so you can reach the back without moving everything out to get to one box.
Use pallets or wooden boards under your furniture to keep it off the floor in case of any moisture. Cover furniture with breathable moving blankets or cloth covers — avoid wrapping furniture directly in plastic, which traps moisture and can cause mold.
Label Everything as if You’ll Forget
You will forget what’s in half those boxes within two weeks. Label every box on the top and at least two sides with the room it came from and a description of the contents. Keep a written or phone-based inventory of everything that goes into the unit so nothing gets lost or forgotten.
Brothers Moving can move your belongings directly into a storage unit as part of your move — just let us know when you book. We’ve helped families across Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Delta, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Langley, Abbotsford, White Rock and Horseshoe Bay navigate moves that include a storage stop. We also serve Vancouver Island including Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtenay, Campbell River and Parksville, and throughout BC including Kelowna, Kamloops, Penticton, Chilliwack and Prince George.
Ready to move? Call us at 604-720-0931 or get a free quote online today.