Even a simple move across the Cincinnati metro area can present numerous unforeseen difficulties. Whether you are relocating from Hyde Park to Oakley, or from Francisville, KY, across the river to Salem Heights, there are several things to consider.
One factor that can simplify your move is self storage. Self storage can help you choose a more flexible timeline while keeping your items protected from damage during short-term moves. This guide from Compass Self Storage will help you decide whether storage is worth the investment for your Cincinnati move and will provide essential self storage unit tips you can apply along the way.
Storage Tips To Help Staggered Moving Timelines
One of the most difficult challenges of any move is making sure the timeline fits your schedule. Whether you’re a homeowner working through closing dates or a renter trying to coordinate your lease dates, aligning your moving schedule can often feel like solving a jigsaw puzzle with a few missing pieces.
Self storage is an excellent solution for bringing all the pieces of that puzzle together effectively. If you are one of the many people who find themselves with an awkward gap between one living situation and the next, residential self storage can help secure your items for as short as a month or as long as you need. With convenient month-to-month leases, you can keep your items in storage until you are ready to move them into your new place.
Compass Self Storage even offersmoving truck rentals to help simplify your process.
How To Choose the Right Unit Size for Local Moves
Finding the right storage unit size can seem daunting if you are a first-time renter. There are many factors to consider, and much of it depends on your circumstances. Thankfully, Compass Self Storage has tools and resources to help you out.
If you are moving and need to store your belongings, there are a few rules of thumb when it comes to storage unit sizes:
- 5×5. Equivalent to a standard walk-in closet
- 5×10. Equivalent to a large shed
- 10×10. Equivalent to half a standard garage and good for a one-bedroom apartment
- 10×15. Equivalent to a large bedroom and good for a small house
- 10×20. Equivalent to a small garage and good for a mid-size house
- 10×30. Equivalent to a large garage and good for a large house
When selecting a storage unit, think about the items you intend to keep with you. If you’re staying with someone for a short time, you may not need to put every possession into storage. Sort those items to help you gauge the storage unit size you need. To learn more about Compass Self Storage’s offerings, check out our unit size guide!
Practical Storage Tips for Navigating Downsizing
Nothing will make you realize how many belongings you have collected over the years like packing them before a big move. It’s easy to assume you will have room for everything in your new space, only to realize you have too many books or coffee mugs, and something has to get left out.
The good news is that even if your new place is limited in space, you don’t have to part with everything. While self storage can be a short-term option, it’s also great for long-term solutions. Consider rotating your seasonal decor or clothes that you will only need for a few months. Or, knowing that Cincinnati has a great public transportation system, consider storing a vehicle that takes up too much space in your new driveway.
Packing and Labeling Strategies for Short-Distance Moves
The day of your move is often thought of as the hardest, but it can be made easier if you spend time beforehand organizing and packing your items properly. The first tip is to invest in quality moving and packing materials. The last thing you need is to worry about whether the gravy boat your aunt gave you for your wedding is going to break when you hit a pothole on Interstate 71.
Invest in quality moving boxes, packing tape, Bubble Wrap, and even packing peanuts. If you’re unsure where to find those, visit one of Cincinnati’s several Compass Self Storage locations to purchase packing and moving supplies in one of our offices.
Your packing shouldn’t stop with throwing your items into a box and moving on. You should make sure to label every box appropriately with the following essential information:
- Room destination. Like the kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedroom
- Contents. Such as clothing, toiletries, dishes, and decorations
- Handling instructions. Including fragile, this side up, and unload first
To label your moving boxes, you can use a thick, legible marker and/or a color-coding system. Consider using sticky tabs or even colorful tape to signify which room each item belongs in. That way, you can hold on to your unlabelled boxes for future use.
Use Climate-Controlled Units for Older Cincinnati Homes
Cincinnati is home to so many older, historic homes. From the beautiful Italianate architecture in Over-The-Rhine to the late 19th-century styles in Walnut Hills, there is no shortage of storied homes in all of these iconic Cincinnati neighborhoods. While these homes have incredible charm and history, they can also lack consistent temperature control, which puts some of your valuable items at risk.
Modern insulation standards have changed considerably throughout the last 100 years. The modern practice of insulation standards shifted significantly in the 1960s and 1970s, meaning anything before then could be vulnerable to inconsistent temperature levels. These inconsistencies can heavily impact items such as:
- Wooden furniture
- Musical instruments
- Electronics
- Artwork and photographs
- Books and documents
- Clothing
- Leather goods
- Bedding and mattresses
Hire Local Movers To Simplify Your Cincinnati Move
One of the simplest ways to ease stress on moving day is to hire professional movers. For local, cross-town moves, this solution will be more affordable than a long-distance move while saving you just as much time.
Hire a local moving company, like Clark and Sons Moving Company, or even a national provider like Two Men and a Truck,to help pack your moving truck and bring your items from point A to point B. Your movers can unload your items for you to save time before you return your rental truck.
Simplify Your Cincinnati Move With Compass Self Storage Today
Even if you are moving from one Cincinnati neighborhood to another, there is a lot for you to think about. Consider renting an Ohio storage unit at one of Compass Self Storage’s several Cincinnati locations today, including the following:
- Self storage in Cincinnati, OH, on Wilmer Court
- Self storage in Cincinnati, OH, on Nine Mile Road
- Self storage in Cincinnati, OH, on Hamilton Avenue
- Self storage in Hamilton, OH, on Princeton Glendale Road
- Self storage in Cold Springs, KY, on Licking Pike
- Self storage in Florence, KY, on Sam Neace Drive
- Self storage in Hebron, KY, on Northside Drive
To learn more about Compass Self Storage, visit our FAQ page or our first-time renter’s guide to help you prepare for your big move.