Veteran Moving and Downsizing: How Self-Storage Can Help
Moving to a new home or downsizing can take time, especially when you’re sorting through belongings collected over many years. For veterans and their families, a move may also come with a new routine, a change in location, or decisions about what to bring into the next chapter.
A self-storage unit can provide extra room while you make those decisions. It can hold furniture, household goods, tools, keepsakes, or other belongings during a move, renovation, or transition between homes.
When might storage help a veteran during a move?
You may not know exactly where everything will go on moving day. A storage unit can give you a temporary place for belongings while you:
- Move between homes or wait for a new home to be ready
- Downsize to a smaller house, apartment, or retirement community
- Renovate or prepare a home for sale
- Sort family belongings at your own pace
- Relocate closer to family or a new community
- Organize items you want to keep but don’t need every day
Storage can also be useful when several parts of a move happen on different timelines. You can move some belongings into your new home and keep the rest stored until you decide what to do with them.
What should veterans store when downsizing?
Start by deciding what you’ll need in your new home and what can wait. Items that may be suitable for storage include:
- Furniture that won’t fit in your next home
- Seasonal clothing and decorations
- Tools, hobby equipment, or outdoor gear
- Boxes of family keepsakes and photographs
- Household items you’re still deciding whether to keep
- Belongings you plan to pass along to family members
Before packing, make an inventory. Label boxes clearly and group them by room or category. If you expect to visit your unit, leave a path to the items you may need.
How do veterans choose the right storage unit?
The right unit depends on what you plan to store and how often you’ll need to access it. Make a list of large items, measure furniture, and estimate how many boxes you have. Then compare that list with available unit sizes. StoragePRO offers a handy Size Guide here: StoragePRO Size Guide
Consider these questions when comparing options:
- Will you need to visit the unit often?
- Do you need drive-up access or an indoor unit?
- How long do you expect to store your belongings?
- Are there facility rules for the items you plan to store?
- What access hours and features are available at that location?
Unit sizes, features, and availability vary by facility. Contact the location to discuss your needs before reserving.
How can veterans make storage easier to manage?
A little planning can make it easier to find your belongings later. Use sturdy boxes, label each one on more than one side, and keep a simple inventory on your phone or in a notebook. Place frequently needed items near the front of the unit and keep important documents somewhere you can access them easily.
If you’re storing furniture, clean it before moving it in and protect it with appropriate covers. Avoid packing boxes so heavily that they’re difficult to lift, and stack heavier items near the bottom.
Does StoragePRO offer a military discount?
StoragePRO offers a 10% military discount to active-duty service members and veterans. The discount is available at StoragePRO locations, subject to the offer’s terms, including keeping the account in good standing. Contact your preferred location to ask how to apply it to your rental.
StoragePRO Military Discount & Storage Units
Find a StoragePRO location
Whether you’re preparing for a move, settling into a smaller home, or taking time to sort through belongings, self-storage can give you more flexibility during the transition. Explore StoragePRO locations to compare available unit sizes and find a facility near you.
