Whether you need to move across the country or you simply no longer need storage space, you may find yourself needing to pack up the items you have tucked away in self-storage. Use this guide to plan and organize your packing as you get ready to move.

Declutter

Go through the items stored in the unit to determine if you still need everything you've stored away. For example, you may have a few boxes of hand-me-down children's clothing that was never used again, or you might have sporting goods that rarely get used. Take this opportunity to declutter your space, and create piles for donations and piles for a yard sale. Once you have decided what will be packed away, you can begin to consolidate boxes and pack up your items.

Consolidate Your Boxes

Over time, you may have removed items from the boxes in your storage unit, which means you may have some that are empty or nearly empty. Plan a day to simply consolidate your boxes. Get rid of any boxes that are too damaged to survive the moving process, and replace them with new boxes or plastic storage containers. You may even decide to replace all of your boxes with plastic storage bins, which can be reused.

Have Furniture Cleaned

If you have furniture that's been in storage for some time, consider having it professionally cleaned. This can help to get rid of musty odors and dirt, and it gets your items ready for use in your home once again. If you have wood furniture, you might want to consider having it re-finished to bring back its original beauty. Plan this project ahead of time so your furniture is ready on moving day. In some cases, you may be able to have the cleaning company come to your storage unit to perform the cleaning services.

Hire Movers

Take the hassle out of moving your items from storage by hiring a moving company. If you are moving to a new home, you can coordinate with the movers to have both your storage unit and household boxes loaded onto the same moving truck, or you can have the storage unit emptied out on a different day. If you have furniture that will be going from the storage unit to your new home, you may want to consider having the unit emptied out first so you can begin to arrange the furniture while the movers tackle the rest of your items.

Remember to check the lease for your storage unit to ensure you move out according to the terms of your lease, and ask your moving company for help with packing as an additional way to make your move go smoothly. For more information, contact a business such as East Valley Self Storage.