When Should You Book a Storage Unit Before Moving?

The right storage facility should make packing and moving simpler, not add another job to your moving checklist.

Start with location and access. If you’re moving belongings in and out over several trips, choosing a self storage facility that is easy to reach can save considerable time. You should also consider security, storage unit availability, flexible rental terms and whether there is enough choice to find the right amount of storage space.

At Troon Self Storage, customers can choose from a range of unit sizes, from compact closet units through to full garages and warehouse spaces. Troon facilities also feature CCTV-monitored security, while flexible rental options make them suitable for both short term storage and longer stays.

For people moving anywhere in Melbourne, Troon offers personal storage at Dandenong South and Altona North. Each location offers flexible storage solutions suited to moving, renovating and downsizing.

Waiting until moving day to organise storage can leave you trying to solve two problems at once.

Booking self storage in advance when moving gives you somewhere to progressively move non-essential belongings. That can make decluttering easier, free up space while you pack and reduce the amount that needs to happen on moving day itself.

It can also provide a buffer when plans change. If your new home isn’t ready or settlement dates don’t line up, temporary storage gives your furniture and household items somewhere to go without forcing you to rush into another solution.

There is no single timeframe that suits every move. However, the earlier you can assess what you need, the more time you have to choose an appropriate unit rather than simply taking whatever is available.

4-6 weeks before moving

If you already know you’ll need storage, this is a good time to book a storage unit.
You can start decluttering, estimate how many boxes and larger items you’ll have and determine the right unit size. We suggest as a baseline that a one-bedroom home will typically have around 10-20 boxes, while a three-bedroom home can have around 25-40. Understanding your inventory is very useful when estimating your space requirements.

2-4 weeks before moving

Two to four weeks can still give you enough time to organise storage solutions and begin transferring belongings you don’t need every day. This can be particularly useful when downsizing, as you can separate what is moving directly into the new property and what will just be household storage.

Less than a week before moving

Sometimes storage isn’t part of the original plan. Settlement delays, renovations or changes to temporary accommodation can mean you suddenly need short term storage. In these situations, check availability as soon as possible and focus on finding a unit that suits your immediate needs and moving schedule.

A storage unit is best used for belongings you won’t need immediate access to during your move. Furniture, appliances, packed boxes, seasonal items and other household goods can be stored ahead of time, helping free up space at home and making moving day more manageable.

For larger items such as beds, sofas and dining tables, make sure they’re clean and dry before storing them and use protective covers where appropriate. We also recommend making use of vertical space when organising your unit to maximise the room available.

Keep everyday essentials, medication, important documents and anything you’ll need immediately at your temporary or new home with you rather than placing them in storage.

If you realise you need more space, speak to the storage facility as early as possible about the units currently available.

The easiest way to avoid running out of room is to estimate your belongings before booking. Count your large furniture first, estimate the number of boxes you’ll have, and allow enough room to organise the unit safely.

Troon offers storage units ranging from small spaces for a few boxes through to larger units suitable for full household moves, giving customers options for different moving requirements.

Whether you’re planning weeks ahead or your moving plans have suddenly changed, having the right storage space can take some of the pressure out of moving house.

Troon Self Storage offers secure, flexible storage across Melbourne for everything from a few boxes to the contents of a full home. With a range of unit sizes and convenient access options, you can find a solution that works around your move rather than the other way around.

Explore Troon’s storage units and find the right space for your move.