Frequent moves and deployments are a standard experience for military families. However, no matter how frequent they are, most military families dread the inconvenience of relocating. For deployments or a temporary duty assignment (TDY), you often need to find long-term storage solutions to keep your items safe while deployed. For permanent changes of stations (PCSs), you have to pack all of your belongings to move across far distances, even if that involves living out of boxes in the meantime. 

In addition to all these challenges, the Army Sustainment Command stopped funding storage requests for deployed soldiers in October 2023. As a result, military members and their families have to pay out of pocket for storage solutions, which can quickly cost a pretty penny. 

However, the more informed you are before a transition like a PCS, a TDY, or a deployment, the easier the change will be. In this guide, we’ll walk you through ways to save you and your family time, stress, and costs when relocating. With it, you can focus less on the logistics of moving and focus on more important matters.

Decluttering Before a Military Move

Before opening a box, save time for yourself by decluttering first. Instead of packing and storing items you don’t need or use before you move, you can simply donate or sell them. This means fewer boxes and less space to store these items, which can help reallocate costs later when shopping for storage and relocation expenses. 

Decluttering also helps you settle into a new home faster. Instead of unpacking items you rarely use like impulse purchases, you can focus on setting up the essentials. Plus, donating or selling unwanted items before a move can provide extra cash or help another military family in need.

Be more strict during this process if you frequently move. This way, you will have fewer items to move, making frequent moves easier. 

What To Sell vs. What To Donate

When decluttering, you’ll need to categorize all of the items in your house into categories of what to store, what to sell, and what to donate. 

Donations are an excellent option for clothing, home goods, and everyday essentials that are still in good condition but no longer needed. If you keep a receipt, you can also use the donated items as a tax deduction. Military-friendly donation programs like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and base thrift shops often help streamline the donation process and ensure other military families receive the items they need at affordable prices.

Selling, however, can help you offset relocation costs while decluttering. If you have furniture, electronics, and outdoor gear you’re not interested in using in the future, you can list them on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and local military exchange groups. 

You’ll need to store anything you don’t sell or donate, such as vehicles, sentimental or high-value items, seasonal clothing and decorations, and military gear. 

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Choosing the Right Storage Solution

When finding the right storage solution, you have several options. The type you choose depends on your budget, how long you need to store items, and whether you’ll need access to them during the transition. 

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage Options

You can categorize your storage options into short-term and long-term. Your choice between the two will depend on your relocation. If you’re on a temporary deployment or TDY, look into short-term storage, such as:

• Month-to-Month storage units: Many companies offer month-to-month leases to accommodate unpredictable military timelines.
• Portable storage: If you prefer to pack at your own pace, portable storage, such as those offered by PODS, U-Pack, or U-Haul U-Box, can be kept at your home or a secure facility until you’re ready to move.
• On-Base storage facilities: Some military installations offer low-cost or temporary storage options for short-term needs.

If you are going on an extended deployment, opt for long-term storage, as you’ll need to store the items you can’t bring in a safe environment. For PCS, use portable storage to help haul items you’ll need at your new home.

Either option may also be ideal if you’re facing a delay when moving to a new duty location. For example, if you’re staying at a hotel, many storage units can hold your large items until you find a larger space. 

On-Base vs. Off-Base Storage Options

In the military, you can choose between on-base storage facilities and off-base commercial storage units. Your choice will depend on your preferences for cost, convenience, security, and accessibility. For example, on-base storage facilities are cheaper and located near barracks or housing areas, making them more accessible. They also feature restricted public access and include higher security standards, making them secure. However, selection is often more competitive due to limited availability.

On the other hand, commercial storage facilities are more available and feature more amenities such as climate-controlled environments or space for vehicles. Many companies also offer military discounts and month-to-month leases to lessen costs. While all off-base storage units will provide security through gated access and individual locks for storage units, you can ensure extra security by looking for facilities that provide: 

• 24/7 surveillance
• Onsite management
• Digital access codes
• Security cameras

In addition, your choice between on-base and off-base storage options may depend on your circumstances. For example, on-base storage can be more convenient if you go through a short-term move or a temporary assignment. On the other hand, use an off-base storage unit if you are going through a PCS move or a long-term deployment.

Flexible Storage for Uncertain Timelines

More than anything, it’s essential to find flexible storage. When you’re waiting for housing or dealing with a last-minute PCS, having a storage option that adapts to your schedule can reduce stress and save money. 

One way storage facilities achieve this is through month-to-month rental agreements. With this type of contract, you can avoid unnecessarily long year-long contracts that can be more expensive. On the other hand, month-to-month contracts can allow you to move your stored items if your relocation date changes. You can also prorate the contract, so you’re only paying for the exact days you use the facility if you ever need to move.

In addition, many facilities will offer flexible contracts that allow you to terminate contracts without fees or don’t include minimum rental periods. These facilities will often work the best for you — no matter how chaotic your schedule is. 

Packing and Organizing for Easy Transitions

If you’re facing yet another move, throwing everything in boxes without a second glance may be tempting. However, packing with intention can help save you time and frustration later. One way you can do this is by labeling your boxes. Not only should you detail what’s in the box, but you should also detail where the box belongs. For example, if you’re packing dishes, you would write, “Kitchen – Dishes.” This helps you easily place your boxes throughout the house with little confusion. 

You can also color-code your bins so that each color is assigned to a specific room or a category of items. For example, use blue bins for kitchen items, green for bedroom essentials, and red for fragile items. 

You can also use digital inventories to scan barcodes, upload photos of your items, and detail what’s in the box. This helps you figure out where everything is and can also be helpful if you need to make an insurance claim later for lost items. 

You should also consider what to pack first before opening any boxes. Typically, you want to pack items you won’t need immediately, such as seasonal decorations, furniture, decor, etc. Instead, start with items you don’t need regularly. Pack the items you use regularly last, such as  additional clothes, cookware, etc., and label them “open first.” Keep essential items like clothes and bedding in an easy-to-ask bin or bag. 

Protecting Valuables and Sentimental Items

When packing, you’ll inevitably encounter valuables and sentimental items, such as military awards and family heirlooms. It’s essential to pack and store these items carefully. 

• Military awards and medals: Store awards and medals in protective display cases or padded boxes to prevent scratches and tarnishing. For long-term storage, wrap medals in acid-free tissue paper and store them in airtight containers to protect against moisture and dust.
• Heirlooms and fragile items: Wrap fragile heirlooms like glassware, ceramics, and photo frames in bubble wrap or foam padding. Store these items in sturdy, clearly labeled boxes, and avoid stacking heavy items on top of them.

If you need to store any of these items long-term, utilize climate-controlled storage, which can protect items from extreme temperatures and humidity, which could damage your items. This is ideal for military uniforms, photographs, electronics, musical instruments, and wooden furniture. 

You can also consider insuring your valuables through your storage unit, home insurance or renter’s insurance provider, or the Full Replacement Value (FRV) Protection Program, which provides limited coverage for military families using government-contracted movers. 

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What To Do With Seasonal and Bulky Equipment

Seasonal and bulky equipment are some of the most frustrating items to store when moving. Many seasonal items, like winter clothing, holiday decorations, and sports gear, can take up a lot of space — space you may or may not have in a storage facility. However, if you use these tips, it’ll be easy to trim down your allotted space and can make it easy to access your items when you need them:

• Winter clothing: Use vacuum-sealed storage bags to compress bulky coats, sweaters, and blankets, saving space and protecting them from moisture and pests. Label each bag or bin with its contents, and store items in a cool, dry place.
• Holiday decorations: Pack fragile decorations in sturdy plastic bins with dividers to prevent breakage. Label each bin by holiday (e.g., “Christmas – Lights” or “Halloween – Outdoor Decor”) for easy identification. Store artificial trees in dedicated storage bags to protect them from dust and damage.
• Sports equipment: Clean and dry all sports gear before storing it to prevent odors and mildew. Use wall-mounted racks or shelves to keep items like bikes, skis, hunting, and camping gear organized and off the floor. Consider renting a storage unit with outdoor access for bulkier equipment like kayaks or paddleboards for more effortless loading and unloading.

If you have formal uniforms, store them in breathable garment bags that you can hang, preventing dust, moisture, and wrinkles. You can also store uniforms in labeled bins every day. Any tactical gear you have should be in plastic bins with tight-fitting lids. You should also clean all these items to prevent odors and mold from building up during storage. 

Any outdoor equipment, like patio furniture, can also occupy a lot of space. While you may be tempted to keep it outside while you’re gone, too much exposure to the elements can lead to weather damage. Instead, find a storage facility where you can keep it safe. 

You can also store any motorcycles, cars, RVs, and other vehicles, which can be essential when it doesn’t make sense to haul your vehicle over. Many facilities offer a place to store vehicles with covered parking to protect against sun and weather damage. You’ll also have added security for protection. This way, you won’t have to worry about expensive items when you’re gone. 

Storage Tips for Families During Deployments

Just like with packing, storing your items before deployment requires strategy. With these tips, however, you can make the transition easier:

Prepare a Storage Plan Before Deployment

The last thing you want to do is commit to a storage unit that’s too small, unnecessarily large, or doesn’t suit your needs. Instead, creating a plan when packing and storing your items is better. When going through the process, use this checklist:

• Assess what needs to be stored: Identify items that need long-term storage, including furniture, seasonal gear, vehicles, and valuables. On the other hand, take items you and your family will need during deployment, sentimental items, and high-value items. 
• Choose a secure storage facility: For added flexibility, choose a facility that offers climate control, 24/7 security, military discounts, and month-to-month leases.
• Sort your belongings: Create a detailed list of all items in storage, including photos, descriptions, and estimated values. 
• Label and pack items for long-term storage: Use durable, weather-resistant containers and label each box clearly. For valuable or fragile items, use bubble wrap and protective padding. Avoid using cardboard boxes for long-term storage, as they can degrade over time.
• Prepare vehicles for storage: Clean and service vehicles before storage. Fill the gas tank, add a fuel stabilizer, and disconnect the battery. 

Lastly, identify a trusted individual who can access your storage unit during emergencies. When identifying them, ask for permission beforehand and provide essential information about the unit, such as the facility’s address, unit number, gate codes, and where to find the keys.

Keep Documents and Records Safe

You’ll also want to store any legal documents, records, and military information safely stored, organized, and easily accessible. The best way to ensure that is through the following methods.

• Use fireproof and waterproof safes: Store original documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, passports, Social Security cards, and military orders in a fireproof and waterproof safe. This protects against natural disasters and household accidents.
• Organize documents in labeled folders: Use labeled folders or binders to separate categories like medical records, financial documents, legal paperwork, and military service records.
• Keep documents accessible: Store frequently needed documents, such as military IDs and deployment orders, in an easily accessible location while storing less-used items securely.
• Use archival-quality storage materials: Use acid-free folders and sleeves to prevent paper degradation for long-term storage. Avoid storing documents in areas with high humidity or temperature fluctuations.

It’s also best to use a mixed approach when deciding what to store digitally and physically. For example, you can digitally store military IDs, health insurance cards, etc., on a USB or cloud service. This way, you can easily access them wherever you are—even if the physical copy is thousands of miles away.

However, some documents need to be stored physically to be effective. For example, passports, wills, legal documents, power of attorney forms, birth certificates, and property deeds are only deemed legally enforceable as physical documents. Digital copies are too easy to forge, so many courts, systems, and other institutions won’t recognize a digitally stored copy. You can store these documents in a fireproof safe or with a trusted family member or attorney to keep them safe. 

Even if frequent relocations and deployments are a part of military life, they don’t have to be a pain. You can make these transitions a breeze with the right storage solutions, packing strategies, and decluttering! This way, you can focus less on the journey and enjoy your new adventure. 

Resources for Military Families Over Break

Military Moving Assistance Programs

• Military OneSource: A key resource for active-duty service members and their families, Military OneSource offers personalized relocation counseling, moving checklists, and connections to essential programs.
• The Defense Personal Property Program (DP3): Managed by the Department of Defense, DP3 helps coordinate household goods shipments for military families during Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves.
• Armed Services YMCA: Provides financial and logistical support to military families facing relocation challenges.

Affordable and Flexible Storage Options

• SelfStorage: SelfStorage is a storage comparison shopping site that provides you with storage recommendations based on your location, your desired size of storage unit, and what you want to store.
• SpareFoot: SpareFoot is a storage unit marketplace that helps consumers, including military members, find reliable storage options.
• U-Haul Military Move Program: Offers discounted prices and more service options for storage solutions.
• CubeSmart Military Storage: Offers a 5% discount and flexible leasing options for military families shopping for storage units. 

Financial Assistance and Budgeting for Moves

• American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA) – 8 Things to Consider When Budgeting for a PCS Move: This article provides tips for budgeting before making a PCS move.
• Army Emergency Relief (AER), Air Force Aid Society (AFAS), and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS): These organizations offer grants and zero-interest loans for moving-related expenses.
• Dislocation Allowance (DLA): The military reimburses certain relocation costs, including per diem allowances, temporary lodging expenses, and the shipment of household goods.

There’s no shortage of prospective renters seeking their dream apartment. But even if you find it, renting apartment properties or duplex/condo rental units is a significant life decision requiring careful consideration. 

When a property owner or management company shows you various places to live, it’s easy to get excited about finding the perfect location and potentially rush into committing to a lease term. But it’s important to take your time and be methodical before signing a lease agreement.

Before you commit to an apartment rental term with your new potential landlord, there are several important things to consider. 

This helpful guide covers the essential steps to take before signing an apartment lease and embarking on the lease signing process. We’ll also reveal how SelfStorage.com can help avoid the pressure to sign and ease your transition into your new apartment home.

Inspect the Property for Damages

Not only is it crucial to inspect the property for damages before signing an apartment lease, but you should also note any property damage and broken appliances.

While major damage may deter you from wanting to live on the property, even minor damages should be recorded. 

Walk through the apartment with the prospective landlord or property manager and take pictures or videos of any damage you see. Make sure the landlord or property manager acknowledges the damage and documents it in writing. 

Inspecting the property for damages can help you avoid being held responsible for any pre-existing damage when you move out, and may even score you some rent deductions for damages.

Ask What’s Included in Your Rental Agreement

Find out exactly what your monthly rent payments include before committing to your rental lease. Ask for an itemized breakdown of your monthly rent before signing the rental agreement, so you have it all in writing. 

For example, does your rent include extra charges for the cost of utilities, parking, or any amenities like a gym or pool? Are there any additional fees you’ll be responsible for, such as monthly pet rent or parking fees? 

Do all the monthly rent prices include renters’ insurance? And if not, will the apartment complex have any renters’ insurance requirements, meaning you’ll have to get renters’ insurance on your own?

Ensure you understand what you’re paying for in your rental payments, so you can take advantage of the amenities, decide if their worth the price you’re paying, and avoid any surprises later on.

Understand All the Lease Terms

Whether you’re signing a sublet, a short-term lease, or a longer, 12-month lease, know all the active lease terms you’re agreeing to before you sign anything. 

Lease agreements can be complex, so it’s important to read and understand the lease provisions, including renewal options and acceptable payment methods, before signing. We’d hate for you to organize your entire apartment exactly how you like it and then have to relocate three months later. 

Make sure you understand the amount of time the entire lease covers, the rent price, and any late rent fees or penalties that may be charged as consequences of lease violations. 

You’ll also want to confirm the rent due date before starting the lease signing process. Some apartment lease agreements give you until the 3rd or the 5th to pay rent, while other lease agreement types consider anything after the 1st a late payment.

If there is anything you don’t understand, ask the landlord or property manager for clarification. It’s their job to help you work through this!

Make a Checklist of Considerations Before Signing An Apartment Lease

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding a new apartment. But as a general rule of thumb, we suggest making an apartment moving checklist of considerations before signing an apartment lease and paying months of rent. 

This is especially true for a first-time renter who hasn’t been through the lease signing process and is unsure of acceptable conditions. 

These considerations include:

• Approximate rent you’re willing to pay
• Location/criminal activity
• Commuting distance and transportation
• Local amenities
• Parking availability
• If you need to be allowed to host overnight guests
• School districts
• Access to washer/dryer via shared laundry room or individual unit laundry machines
• Upstairs or ground level

Make sure you prioritize what’s important to you and use your checklist to evaluate each apartment you visit. Sticking to your checklist can help guide the way.

Check the Entire Property for Common Red Flags

There are several red flags to watch out for before signing a binding document like an apartment lease. 

For example, if the landlord, property owner, or property manager is unwilling to document existing damage or is hesitant to answer questions about the lease agreement, it may be a sign of future problems. 

Additionally, if the apartment is in disrepair, has a lot of noise or smells, or the building itself is in dangerous conditions, these may be signs that it’s not a good fit for you.

Check the appliance filters and the filters on any air conditioning units to see if they’ve been cleaned or changed. This is a good indicator of whether the apartment complex’s management keeps up with routine maintenance. 

Also, don’t be afraid to talk to the other people living in the complex. Have a quick chat with them as you tour the entire property, and ask them if they like living there. If there are any major red flags, the current tenants would know them better than anyone.

What Do You Need to Bring to the Lease Signing Process?

When you find an apartment and a current lease that work for you, the time finally comes to sign. Make sure you have all the necessary legal documents and payment of rent for the first and sometimes last months of your lease. 

In some cases, the last months rent qualifies as your security deposit. In others, you may need additional deposits.  

Here’s a quick list of what you should bring to the rental property for the lease signing process:

• Driver’s License, Photo ID
• Proof of Employment/Proof of Renter’s Monthly Income
• Pet Deposit (If Applicable)
• Apartment Security Deposit
• Credit history/Credit Report (If Required)

Check with the landlord or property manager to make sure you have everything you need before the lease signing.

How SelfStorage.com Can Help You Transition to Your New Home

When signing an apartment lease, it’s important to take your time and carefully evaluate your options. You likely have to give your current landlord advance notice within a minimum notice period of 30-60 days before lease end. 

Once you give them that reasonable notice and let them know you’re moving out, you may feel pressure to sign the first lease that comes along. But you don’t want that pressure to result in binding yourself to legal requirements you can’t meet. 

So, how do you leave your old place behind without needing to rush into an unfair binding contract? Don’t worry, SelfStorage.com is here to help. 

Our SelfStorage.com search tool helps you find the best deals on storage facilities in your area. You can use our website to find a storage deal, store your stuff for cheap, and stay with a friend or family member until you find an apartment that meets your standards. 

Are some your belongings sensitive to extreme temperatures? We can help you find storage units with climate control. Worried about leaving your valuables unattended? We’ll improve your search results for storage facilities with security features like cameras and coded entry gates.  

We’ve got the largest marketplace for storage out there. Our website lets you compare the most storage options nationwide. Simply insert your zip code, and we’ll compare and contrast all of your area’s most reputable storage facilities.

Our convenient listings will outline all the features and benefits, allowing you to pick the best solution for your apartment’s storage needs.

Moving is an intimidating – and costly – endeavor, but there are ways to save money on your move without sacrificing quality.

A professional move costs from under $1,000 to $15,000 or more. The total price tag depends on how much stuff you have and how far you are going.

If you are on a budget, you will want to reduce moving costs as much as possible. Below are 10 ways to help you do just that:

10. Plan Your Move 6-8 Weeks Ahead

One of the most effective ways to save money on your move is to plan ahead. This includes researching moving companies, professional movers, truck rental companies, and packing supplies about six to eight weeks before your expected moving date. By planning ahead, and avoiding peak seasons, you can take advantage of deals and discounts and avoid last-minute expenses.

9. Declutter Items

Moving is the perfect time to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need. By selling or donating items you don’t use, you can help reduce the weight and volume of your move (since most moving companies charge based on these factors), saving you money on moving expenses. Not to mention, any money you pocketed from selling your items can also be put toward your move.

Bonus tip: Appliances are big, heavy and cost a lot to move, so it doesn’t make sense to take one that’s near the end of its expected lifespan.

8. Get Organized Before Moving Day

When it comes to packing for your move, it’s important to organize your items efficiently to minimize weight and volume. Consider having a garage sale or donating bulky or unwanted items, or transferring them to your car to keep the weight of your moving truck down.

When it comes to hourly rate movers, being organized will also make sure everything goes smoothly and the crew can work as quickly as possible. Make sure to reserve elevator access if you live in an apartment building, and reserve street parking ahead of time for the moving truck to park.

7. Shop Around For The Best Deals

Take the time to shop around and compare prices for self-storage units, moving companies, truck rentals, and packing supplies. Don’t just go with the first option you find, as there may be better deals available if you take the time to compare prices.

6. Reuse Moving Supplies

Instead of buying new packing supplies, consider reusing cardboard boxes, packing materials, and moving blankets. You can often find free boxes and packaging materials on sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.

5. Avoid the Busy Season

If possible, avoid moving during the busy season when prices for moving companies and truck rentals are higher. Consider moving during the off-season to save money and find the most affordable price for your move.

Bonus tip: If you must move during the busy season, shoot for a date in the middle of the week and middle of the month. Avoid the weekends if you can.

4. Utilize Moving Cost Calculators

Use online moving cost calculators to estimate your moving expenses and budget accordingly. This can help you avoid unexpected expenses and keep your move on budget.

3. Negotiate with Moving Companies

Don’t be afraid to negotiate with full-service moving companies or truck rental companies to get a better deal. Ask for discounts or promotions, and see if they are willing to match flat rate pricing with their competitors. This in-depth approach will ensure you find the most affordable option for your move.

Pro Tip: Many companies offer discounts for students, seniors, veterans and military personnel, AAA members, and other groups.

2. Do It Yourself

If you have a small or short-distance move, or a tight budget, consider doing it yourself with the help of friends or family. Rent a truck and handle the entire moving process by yourself to save money, but be prepared to exert yourself. Buying your pals a few pizzas to thank them for pitching in is surely a lot cheaper than hiring a full-fledged moving company! Plus, you’ll have more fun doing it with the help of your friends.

1. Downsize Your Space

Downsizing to a smaller home or apartment can help you save money on rent and utilities. If possible, consider moving into a smaller space to save money on monthly expenses. A few hundred dollars saved on rent or mortgage each month can make a huge difference. Plus, when you move into a smaller space, you won’t be compelled to spend extra cash to move all of the extraneous items from your previous home.

Get Ready to Move

Moving on a budget is more than possible with careful planning and organization. By following these tips, you can save money on your move and still ensure a smooth and successful relocation. And remember, even if your upcoming move doesn’t quite work out to be as affordable as you had hoped, there’s likely a very good reason you’re moving, and it will only be a matter of time before your expenses – and life – feel back to normal.

SelfStorage can help you save time and money on your move by helping you quickly search and reserve self storage anywhere on your route! Simply enter your destination zip code, filter for desired amenities and reserve on the spot. No credit card required.