Moving and Storage Tips and Guide

Moving may seem straightforward enough, but in some cases, you may find yourself wondering how to securely store your belongings.

There are countless reasons why storage is needed during your move. Fortunately, Allied has many storage options available to best suit your needs. Learn more about our short- and long-term storage solutions, plus some expert tips on packing and preparing your belongings for storage.

Comprehensive Moving and Storage Solutions

Before diving into the best ways to prepare your items for storage, let’s take a look at some of the best moving and storage solutions that may be available to you: 

Storage-in-Transit

Storage-in-transit is a type of temporary storage solution (think: less than 60 days). It’s a sort of go-between for customers moving between homes or renovating their property. Depending on your needs, you may be able to store your belongings at your current home, your destination, or an off-site location. When you’re ready to move in, your moving team will deliver your belongings to your property and can even help you unload. 

This type of storage is ideal for people who are not yet able to move into their new home, need extra space to store items from the attic or basement, or are trying to clear clutter in their home to prepare it for sale.

Short-Term Storage

Short-term storage allows you to securely set aside some or all of your belongings until you’re prepared to move into your new property. However, short-term storage may extend for longer periods than storage-in-transit. 

Typically, items in short-term storage are held at a third-party location, such as one of Allied’s secure storage facilities, all of which are equipped with automatic sprinklers and 24/7 security.

Short-term storage may be a good fit if you’re undergoing a major renovation in your existing home or new property. It’s also helpful if you’re experiencing significant delays or time gaps moving into your new space.

Long-Term Storage

As the name suggests, long-term storage is for items you need to store for extended periods of time. No matter the reason or how much you need to store, Allied has both temporary and permanent storage options available in our fully-secured warehouses. 

Discuss our many storage options with your personal moving coordinator to decide what option is best for you.

Essential Packing and Storage Tips and Tricks

Preparing your items for storage is a crucial step on your moving checklist. Proper preparation and packing will help keep your items safe, undamaged, and within easy access if needed. Take a look at some of our top short- and long-term storage tips and tricks for packing your belongings. 

• Keep essentials on hand. Separate necessary items — such as financial documents, personal identification, medication, electronics, and chargers — and secure them in a box or bag you plan to keep with you. Otherwise, you may find yourself digging through a storage unit to find your license, passport, or phone charger.

• Invest in quality packing materials and tape boxes properly. Even if you’re preparing your items for long-term storage, don’t skimp on packing materials. Purchase moving boxes and tape them well to prevent breakage or spills during transit.

• Don’t skip labeling. Labeling your boxes may seem like an extra step during the packing process, but it will make unloading and settling in that much easier. You don’t need a detailed catalogue of each box’s contents, either. Simply note which room the items came from to help you and your moving team down the road. 

• Secure breakable items. Fragile items will likely be safe during storage, but your moving crew will still need to transport them to the facility. Wrap breakables carefully and use clothes, towels, or packing materials to fill in gaps and prevent shifting. 

• Load the heaviest items first. As a general rule, load large boxes, appliances, or bulky pieces of furniture into your storage unit first. That way, you can easily access smaller items, like kitchen supplies or linens. 

How to Access Your Stored Belongings Efficiently

Labeling your belongings is the best way to ensure easy accessibility. In addition, you can opt for clear plastic storage containers instead of cardboard boxes. They may require more of an investment, but you can quickly scan a box’s contents to determine what’s inside.

You can also take notes while loading your storage unit or draw a map indicating where certain items are. Finally, as mentioned above, place larger pieces of furniture or appliances in the back of your storage unit for easier access to the items you’re more likely to need.

Our Best Moving and Storage Services

Our team at Allied has spent nearly a decade refining our moving services so you and your family can enjoy the journey instead of worrying about the process. We’re proud to be Canada’s most trusted, highly-rated household moving company, offering a range of done-for-you moving and storage solutions customized to suit your move. 

No matter the size or complexity of your move, you can count on us for: 

• Comprehensive household moving services, whether you’re moving around the block, across the country, or overseas.
• Secure short- and long-term storage facilities.
• Expert packing, loading, and storage assistance from our moving crews.
• Portable storage containers for easy on-site loading.

So whether you need help loading your belongings into an on-site container while renovating or a safe, long-term solution while you travel the globe, you can count on our experienced team of local and cross-country movers.

Why Choose Allied Van Lines for Storage

Allied has more than 95 years of experience in the moving and storage industry, and our trained professionals know better than anyone what goes into the relocation process. There is no moving and storage company better equipped to handle your relocation needs than Allied. For your local, inter-provincial, or international move, we are the company to trust with your belongings.

With more than 500 agent locations in North America, offices in more than 40 countries spanning Europe and Asia-Pacific, and representatives in more than 135 countries all over the world, Allied has global moving and storage solutions to handle your every relocation need. 

What’s more, our warehouses are equipped with sprinklers and theft protection systems for the most secure storage solution for your belongings. With 24-hour surveillance and fully secured facilities, you have peace of mind in knowing that your belongings are safe when in our care. Your belongings will also be vaulted for the ultimate safety, and we have climate-controlled storage available for temperature- or humidity-sensitive items.

Get Started with Your Moving and Storage Needs Today!

Moving can be complicated — unless you partner with the right team. With 24/7 customer service and a nearly 100% satisfaction rate, you can trust our experienced packers and movers, expert moving resources, and flexible services. 

Ready to get moving? Reach out to a local Allied agent today or request a free estimate online.