Moving out of your family home is a significant milestone, filled with excitement and a bit of apprehension. One of the key challenges is deciding what to do with all your belongings. 

Whether you're downsizing, moving to a new city, or simply needing a temporary storage solution whilst you get your family set up, finding the right storage option for moving home is essential.

1. Emotional preparation

Leaving your family home is a significant emotional step. It’s a place full of memories and comfort. Acknowledge these feelings and give yourself time to process them. Talking to your family about your emotions can help. Remember, it's okay to feel both excited and sad about this new chapter.

2. Decluttering and sorting

Before you move, take the time to declutter and sort your belongings. This will help you decide what to take with you, what to store, what to discard, and when to rent a storage container.

  • Keep: Essential items that you will need in your new home.
  • Store: Items you want to keep but don’t need immediately, like seasonal clothing, keepsakes, and furniture that doesn’t fit in your new place.
  • Discard: Items that are no longer useful or meaningful to you. Consider donating, selling, or recycling these.

Not only will having a declutter before you move help you be more organised, but it will also save you time and stress once you’ve moved into your new home. 

3. Choosing the right storage solution

Depending on your needs, you might need to rent a storage space for the items you can’t take with you right away. 

Self-storage for moving

Self-storage for moving is one of the most flexible options. Bluebox Storage offers a variety of unit sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Whether you need a 10 ft storage container for a few boxes, or a 20 ft to 40 ft storage container for larger items, we have you covered. Our storage units for moving are secure, easily accessible, and conveniently located. 

4. Packing for storage

Proper packing ensures your items remain safe while in storage. It’s important to pack your things away effectively to avoid any damage or deterioration whilst they’re stowed.

  • Use quality boxes: Sturdy, stackable boxes prevent damage. Label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs to.
  • Protect fragile items: Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or blankets to protect fragile items. Mark these boxes as “Fragile.”
  • Disassemble furniture: Take apart large furniture to save space and protect parts from damage. Keep screws and small parts in labelled bags attached to the furniture.
  • Climate-controlled storage: For sensitive items like electronics, artwork, or antique furniture, consider climate-controlled storage to protect against temperature and humidity fluctuations.

Packing your belongings properly for storage makes sure your items stay in tip-top condition, as well as making your life easier on the other side too. Did you know that Bluebox Storage offers high quality, affordable packaging essentials, from cardboard boxes, to furniture covers and bubble wrap? Get in touch with our dedicated team who will be happy to arrange for free collection of any of our packing items for your most convenient storage location. 

5. Organising your storage unit

Organising your storage unit effectively can save you time and hassle when you need to retrieve items.

  • Create a map: Draw a map of your storage unit layout, noting where specific items are located.
  • Stack strategically: Place heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Keep frequently accessed items near the front.
  • Use shelving: Shelving units can help maximise vertical space and keep things organised.

Before you pack away your belongings into personal storage, it’s important to make sure you check to see what items you can keep in your storage unit. 

6. Moving day logistics

On moving day, having a clear plan can ease the process to make the process run as smoothly as possibly.

  • Hire movers: Professional movers can save time and ensure your items are transported safely. Get quotes and book in advance.
  • Enlist help: Friends and family can be invaluable for packing, moving, and unpacking.
  • Stay organised: Keep important documents, essentials, and valuables with you rather than packing them in the moving truck.

Once you’ve got all of your belongings from A to B, it’s time to get settled. Renting a storage unit to unpack a bit later on can often help alleviate the stress of moving day.

Contact Bluebox Storage

Ready to rent a storage unit in the North East? We offer affordable affordable prices at our storage units in Gateshead, Darlington sites, Valley Street and Cleveland Street, Middlesbrough, South Shields, Stockton and other locations across the region. Whether you’re moving out of your family home, or are looking for student or business storage - we’ve got you covered with a range of options. For more information, visit our about us page and explore our storage solutions.

Find the right storage container in North East for your needs, contact us today to secure your storage space.