If your garage has turned into a jumble of holiday decor, sports gear, and scattered tools, it might be time to tackle the garage clutter head-on. An organized garage isn’t just visually satisfying. It’s practical and can help you get the most out of every square inch of real estate. As you prepare your space, it’s a good idea to follow a broader seasonal cleaning strategy—this spring cleaning checklist can help you stay on track before diving into garage-specific projects. You can also build momentum by incorporating everyday organization habits that make it easier to maintain a clutter-free space year-round.

From overhead storage ideas to organizational solutions, let’s explore creative ways to transform your garage with DIY projects. We start with the core idea, gather materials, and show you the simple step-by-step process to make it happen!

The Ultimate DIY Garage Storage Strategy

Remember, a little preparation goes a long way. Before grabbing the nearest screwdriver, take a moment to plan to make sure your garage storage solutions work for you. Here’s how to streamline the process:

• Sort and Declutter: Pull everything out, group like with like, and ditch unused items.
• Measure Your Space: Measure all walls, nooks, and crannies so you know what areas you can use effectively.
• Map Out a Layout: Think about where things make sense. Tools might be best near the workbench, while seasonal items could fill in vertical space like the garage wall.

Once you’ve got a plan, you’re ready to get to the fun part of your garage organization project – building!

1. DIY Garage Storage Shelves: Simple Shelving for Big Impact

DIY garage shelves are some of the easiest and most impactful upgrades you can make in your garage. With a few sturdy boards and some brackets, you’ll have storage that can hold bins of items without cluttering the floor.

Materials:

• 2×4 wooden boards
• Shelf brackets
• Screws
• Drill

Step-by-Step:

1. Install the Brackets: Choose a wall, then use a stud finder to locate and mark the studs. This will give your shelves the strength they need to hold heavy loads.

2. Cut and Attach Shelves: Depending on the size you need, cut your boards to fit. Attach the boards securely to the brackets. Be sure to cut deep shelves for those large items.

3. Organize: Place plastic bins, boxes, or loose items on the shelves to clear up that floor space!

This easy garage storage solution not only adds tons of storage but keeps everything in plain sight and easy to access. Clear plastic bins are ideal for protecting your items from pests and moisture, keeping everything neatly contained, and allowing you to easily see what’s inside without rummaging through each box.

2. Go Vertical with Overhead Garage Ceiling Storage DIY Racks

If you’re pressed for space on the ground, think vertically! Overhead storage is fantastic for bulky items you don’t need every day, like camping gear, winter sports equipment, or your beloved seasonal decorations.

Materials:

• Heavy-duty metal racks
• Screws
• Drill

Step-by-Step:

1. Install Overhead Racks: These metal racks come in kits and can be easily installed into ceiling joists. Make sure they are level and secured tightly.

2. Organize Your Items: Use large bins or baskets that fit on the racks, clearly label each container, and you’re good to go.  Adding overhead storage racks for long-term storage is a great way to make use of overhead space and free up wall space and your entire garage floor, creating room for more day-to-day storage where you need it most.

3. Floating Shelves for a Clean Look

If you love the idea of an uncluttered look, DIY floating shelving garage projects add storage without visible brackets. These wall-mounted shelves are sleek and simple, creating the extra storage you need with the modern look you want.

Materials:

• Sturdy wooden planks (like plywood)
• Wall anchors
• Screws
• Drill

Step-by-Step:

1. Mount the Supports: After measuring and marking, attach anchors to the wall.

2. Secure the Shelves: Slide the wood planks over the anchors and ensure they’re level.

3. Organize Items: Use the floating shelves for lighter items like gardening tools, lightweight boxes of holiday decorations (think string lights), or cleaning supplies. They’re not built for heavy-duty storage, but they look great and add functionality.

Floating shelves can also be customized with a fresh coat of paint or stain to match your style. Who says you can’t have a beautiful garage?

4. Garage Organization DIY With Peg boards

Looking for a way to organize tools and small items in your garage workspace? Peg boards are an inexpensive and easy way to get organized. You can customize peg board layouts to store everything from screwdrivers and wrenches to garden shears.

Materials:

• Peg board
• Hooks and pegs
• Screws

Step-by-Step:

1. Mount the Pegboard: Drill the peg board into the wall at your desired height.

2. Customize with Hooks: Arrange hooks for various tools, and hang them up.

3. Add Small Bins: For nails, screws, and other bits, small bins can be clipped onto the peg board.

This is an ideal DIY project for organizing small items that you want to keep in reach.

5. Rolling Storage Carts

Need a mobile storage solution? This is one of our favorite garage storage ideas. A rolling storage cart is an easy garage storage solution that lets you keep all your tools and materials in one place, and is great for small garages where space is tight.

Materials:

• Wooden planks
• Heavy-duty caster wheels
• Screws
• Drill

Step-by-Step:

1. Build the Base: Assemble a sturdy base with a few planks and attach the caster wheels.

2. Add Shelves or Bins: Depending on what you need to store, you can add small shelves or bins to the cart.

3. Organize and Roll: Load up your tools or materials and easily roll the cart to wherever you’re working.

A rolling cart is a fun, flexible storage solution that adds mobility to your organization efforts. You can also purchase small rolling carts, like IKEA’s RÅSKOG cart, that can be tucked into corners or beneath workbenches for easy access to small tools and supplies.

6. DIY Bike Storage Solutions: Wall Racks or Ceiling Hooks

Bike storage can be tricky, but there are a few DIY options for keeping bikes out of the way. Wall-mounted racks or ceiling hooks allow you to store bikes vertically, freeing up floor space.

Materials:

• Wall-mounted bike racks or heavy-duty hooks
• Screws
• Drill

Step-by-Step:

1. Choose a Spot: Find a wall or ceiling area with enough room to store bikes vertically or horizontally.

2. Install the Racks or Hooks: Follow the instructions for wall mounting or use ceiling hooks for an overhead storage option.

3. Hang the Bikes: Make sure each bike is securely stored and easy to reach.

Both options utilize vertical storage to keep bikes out of the way while making them easily accessible when it’s time to ride.

7. Create a DIY Workbench With Built-In Storage

Adding a workbench to your garage is a game-changer, especially one with valuable garage storage underneath. It’s the perfect solution if you’re a DIY enthusiast who needs a dedicated space for projects.

Materials:

• 2×4 wood for the frame
• Plywood for the surface
• Storage bins, drawers, or carts
• Screws
• Drill

Step-by-Step:

1. Build the Frame: Use 2x4s to build a solid base for the workbench.

2. Add the Surface: Attach a plywood sheet on top to create a sturdy work surface.

3. Install Storage Underneath: Add bins, drawers, shelves or rolling carts for easy access to tools and materials.

A workbench with storage underneath is both functional and space-saving, making it a go-to for any DIY lover.

8. Wall-Mounted Cubbies for Kids’ Gear and Sports Equipment

For families, wall-mounted cubbies can streamline organization. It’s an easy garage storage project that helps keep everyone’s things separate and orderly.

Materials:

• Wooden crates or cubbies
• Screws
• Drill

Step-by-Step:

1. Mount the Cubbies: Attach them securely to a wall where they’re accessible. If you want children to be able to access them easily, make sure you hang them at a suitable height or provide a sturdy stepladder.

2. Label Each Cubby: Give each family member their own space. This is perfect for storing sports gear, bike helmets, or bags.

3. Decorate and Personalize: Use fun paint colors or add name tags for a family-friendly touch.

This project keeps things organized and easy to find, and it’s simple enough to do in an afternoon. It gets the kids involved in keeping the garage clean!

9. Cabinet-Style Storage for Bulkier Items

If you want to take your garage organization up a notch, consider building DIY garage cabinets. They offer tons of closed storage and can hide items you don’t want on display.

Materials:

• Plywood or particle board
• Hinges
• Screws
• Drill

Step-by-Step:

1. Build the Cabinet Frames: Measure and cut the wood to the desired size and assemble the frames.

2. Install Doors: Attach doors with hinges, creating an enclosed space to hide clutter.

3. Organize and Close Up: Store tools, paint cans, or other items inside and then close the doors to keep it all under wraps. This gives any garage an instant cosmetic boost.

These cabinets help your garage look clean and polished while giving you ample storage space for holiday decorations, seasonal items, camping gear, gardening supplies, and more.

Final Tips for DIY Garage Storage Success

Once your DIY garage storage projects are in place, here are a few extra tips to keep things organized long-term:

• Label Everything: Labels cut down on rummaging time, making it easier to find the things you need, when you need them!
• Use Clear Bins: Clear storage bins also reduce rummaging by allowing you to see what’s inside beforehand.
• Keep Frequently Used Items Handy: Store things you use often at eye level and within easy reach.
• Maintain Your Organization: Set a routine to tidy up the garage regularly, so you can control the clutter!
• Seek Inspiration: Vintage how-to manuals, such as The Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual from Reader’s Digest, offer a wealth of ideas and plans for building shelving and other projects. Look for vintage DIY books at your nearest thrift store.

With these simple and straightforward DIY projects and our favorite garage organization ideas, you’ll transform your garage into a clean, functional space that serves your needs. Grab your tools, gather your materials, and get that garage organized!

If your organizational energy extends beyond the garage, be sure to check out our guide to DIY basement organization for even more practical tips to transform overlooked spaces in your home.

If you’ve got valuables that don’t fare well in fluctuating garage temperatures, or you’re simply running out of space in your newly organized garage, consider renting a secure climate-controlled storage unit. At Storage.com, we make it easy to find the perfect storage solution near you. Start protecting your seasonal treasures today—find a storage unit now!

For northern Michigan resident Joel Vernier, Labor Day weekend is the ideal time to put a boat into storage for the winter. “The weather gets colder, leaves begin to change, and no one wants to go for a ride once the peak colors are gone,” he said. “You trade in the sunscreen and cooler for a winter coat, hat and gloves, and a thermos full of hot coffee.”

Vernier stores his boat at a local marina. The staff does basic winter tasks for his boat. They change the fluids and add stabilizer to the gas tank. Then, they wrap the boat in heavy plastic. Finally, they raise it into its winter storage spot.

No matter if they live in the cold Great Lakes region or the warm southern states, most boat owners agree. Choosing how to store their prized boat is an important decision.

Storage unit options for boats vary, but two of the most popular types are indoor self-storage for boats, and marina storage. Both choices have their own benefits and downsides. Knowing these can help you make the best decision for your boat. 

This article will explore indoor boat storage and marina storage. It will discuss the pros and cons of each. We will also look at different storage options and their costs.

Why you need boat storage

When it comes to boat ownership, storage isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. Quality storage can significantly extend the life of your boat, preserving its value and useful life. Without proper storage, heat, cold, wind, rain, and snow can damage boats over time. 

Sun exposure, moisture, and pests can harm your boat. These factors can lead to problems like rust, mildew, and early damage. Boats left unsecured in driveways are at risk of theft or vandalism.

Choosing between an indoor storage unit and marina storage depends on a few factors. Consider how often you use your boat. Think about your budget for storage costs. 

Also, consider how much protection you need for your boat. Below, we’ll discuss what each option entails and the pros and cons of each.

Indoor boat storage overview

Indoor boat storage occurs at enclosed facilities that provide maximum protection from the elements. There are many self-storage options for boats. These include standard enclosed spaces and climate-controlled units made just for boats. These units typically sit within secure facilities that feature gates and monitoring systems.

Types of indoor boat storage

1. Standard enclosed units: These are private storage units for boats that keep them safe from rain, snow, sun, and wind.
2. Climate-controlled units: For boat owners who live in areas with extreme temperatures, climate-controlled storage provides a stable environment that protects against temperature fluctuations and humidity. This helps to reduce the risk of mold, mildew, and rust.

Benefits of indoor boat storage

• Convenience: Many indoor boat storage units allow renters to drive right up to a garage-style door. Backing the boat into a safe spot during the off-season makes drive-up storage a popular choice for many owners. 
• Protection from weather: Indoor self-storage for boats provides full protection against weather-related damage. Boats kept indoors are protected from strong UV rays that can cause fading. They are also safe from rain, wind, and other elements that lead to wear and tear.
• Security: Most indoor storage facilities have high-level security measures. These can include gated access, surveillance cameras, and sometimes even on-site staff. This added security layer ensures that your boat is safe from theft and vandalism.

Boat storage costs for indoor units

Costs for an indoor storage unit for a boat will vary depending on the size of the boat, the location, and whether climate control is provided. This option may cost more than some marina storage types. 

However, the protection it offers can make the investment worth it. This is especially true for owners who want to extend their boat’s life.

Marina Storage Overview

Unlike indoor storage units, marina storage keeps boats close to or in the water. This is an ideal choice for boaters who frequent the water and prefer the convenience of a short commute from storage to launch. Types of marina storage include boat slips, dry boat storage (often in racks or sheds), and on-land storage spaces with or without coverage.

Types of marina storage

1. Boat slips: These are in-water storage spaces where boats remain docked throughout the season. They can be covered or uncovered, providing varying levels of protection from the elements.
2. Dry stack storage: Dry stack storage, or dry storage for boats, involves storing boats in a multi-level racking system. These are usually found in a warehouse. They offer more protection than in-water slips. However, they still allow easy access to the water when needed.
3. Outdoor boat parking: Outdoor marina storage can include on-land parking spaces for boats on trailers. Some marinas offer covered parking, providing some protection from the sun and rain, while others have open parking.

Benefits of marina storage

• Immediate water access: Marina storage, especially boat slips, allows boat owners to quickly access the water, making it convenient for frequent boaters.
• Amenities: Many marinas offer added services such as fueling stations, maintenance services, and boat cleaning.
• Flexible options: Marinas offer dry stack storage, boat slips, and outdoor parking. They meet many budgets and needs. You can find high-end dry boat storage or affordable open parking spaces.

Drawbacks of marina storage

• Exposure to elements: Certain types of marina storage, such as uncovered slips and outdoor parking, provide limited protection from weather and sun exposure.
• Variable security: While many marinas have security measures in place, the level of security can vary. Some may have gated access and surveillance, while others may offer less secure open parking areas.
• Higher boat storage costs for premium options: In-water slips and dry stack storage can be costly, especially in high-demand areas. Costs can also vary depending on whether services such as winterization or cleaning are included.

Boat storage costs for marina storage

The cost of marina storage varies depending on the type of storage. Boat slips and dry stack storage are usually more expensive. This is because they offer easy access to the water and helpful services. Outdoor parking spaces are usually more affordable, but provide less protection.

Indoor vs. Marina Storage

This comparison of indoor and marina storage will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option. It will guide you in deciding how to store your boat.

Choosing the right option for you

When deciding between an indoor storage unit for a boat and marina storage, you should consider your boating habits, budget, and storage needs.

1. Determine how often you’ll use the boat: If you’re a frequent boater, marina storage can save you time and effort. With immediate water access, dry stack storage, or even an outdoor boat parking spot near the marina, you’ll be able to get on the water quickly.
2. Consider your budget for boat storage costs:. The costs can be very different for indoor storage units and marinas. An indoor storage unit for a boat provides great protection. However, marina storage may be more convenient for frequent boaters, even if it costs more. Assessing how much you’re willing to spend can help narrow down your options.
3. Evaluate your climate and protection needs: Indoor self-storage for boats is a popular choice for those who need to store their boat during winter or live in areas with high humidity, as it provides full weather protection. Dry storage for boats in a marina, like dry stack storage, can provide some protection. However, it usually offers less protection than an indoor storage unit.
4. Consider security and maintenance needs: If security is a high priority, an indoor storage facility with gated access and surveillance may be the best choice. However, if you prefer convenience, marinas often offer services such as cleaning, fueling, and winterizing, which can simplify maintenance.

Choosing the right storage for your boat depends on how you plan to use it. It also depends on your budget for storage costs and your preferences for security and protection. By looking at the good and bad sides of each choice, you can find the best way to keep your boat safe and ready for your next adventure.  

When you’re ready to evaluate options near you, Storage.com offers a range of options and prices to find an indoor boat storage facility that works best for you.

The idea of a winter move might invoke images of snowdrifts, icy roads, and a general sense of logistical dread. There’s no doubt that moving during the winter months presents some challenges that deserve careful consideration and preparation. 

But moving in winter also comes with some real benefits. Winter is far outside of peak moving season, which means lower moving costs and more rental truck and moving company availability.

Maybe you’re here because you, you know, need to find a warmer climate, but haven’t decided where to move yet. Or maybe you know exactly where you want to move and just need some winter moving tips to guide you through the home relocation process. 

Either way, you’ve come to the right place.

This guide to moving in winter starts with weighing the pros and cons. We’ll offer winter moving tips and packing techniques to ensure your moving day goes smoothly.

We’ll also reveal how to use our signature SelfStorage.com search tool to keep your items safe regardless of the weather conditions.

Is it actually cheaper to move in the winter?

Moving costs are the main consideration for most people planning a winter move. It’s an expensive process, no matter how you slice it, but the good news is that moving in the winter is one of the best hacks you can find to achieve a lower-cost move! Why? Three big reasons.

Lower moving costs

Whether you are buying or renting your new home, prices are likely to be considerably lower during the winter weather months. That’s supply and demand, baby! Demand goes down, and prices follow.

During peak moving season, moving companies are typically booked solid, so they keep prices high. In the winter months, when business is slow, they often try to drum up business by offering reduced rates.

“You’d be astonished by the discounts that general moving companies provide during this time,” said Ryan Carrigan, CEO and Founder of MoveBuddha. “Moving companies like ours give around 20-35% discounts during non-peak moving months.” Whether you’re going with a full-service moving company or the DIY rental truck route,  moving in winter means off-season discounts. Lots of online moving platforms host moving cost calculators to help you estimate the costs ahead of time. But in addition to when you’re moving, you’ll need to know how far the move distance is and what moving truck size you’ll need to get an accurate price.

Lower storage rent

Many families rent a self storage unit during the moving process, especially if there is a lapse between their move-out and move-in dates. Self-storage can also serve as a longer-term solution if you are downsizing, especially with shrinkflation housing on the rise. In the off-season winter months, self storage unit prices are often lower.

That said, climate-controlled storage becomes even more critical in the winter season to protect belongings from extreme temperatures. Climate control uses humidity and temperature management technology to maintain a room temperature and safe humidity levels year-round.

Lower housing costs

In some markets, homes actually rent and sell for less during the winter months when real estate market demands are lower. If this is the case, where you plan to live, moving in winter could help you save on more than just a lower-cost move. A winter move; the gift that keeps on giving.

A qualified real estate agent or your potential new property manager can tell you what to expect regarding winter pricing.

Let’s look at some of the other factors that come into play when considering this important decision of moving in the winter months.

Benefits of moving in winter

The challenges of a winter move are certainly worth considering, and we’ll get to them down below. But the advantages of moving in the off-peak moving season, winter, can outweigh the difficulties if you time it right. Let’s take a look at the benefits of moving in winter. 

More scheduling flexibility

If you decide to move in the summer, you’d better book months in advance. Even then, you might not get your first choice of moving company or date. 

But booking in the winter months means that the moving company will have significantly more availability. That means you’re not competing for the moving day you want, and you can make last-minute adjustments if needed. This allows you to mold the move around your schedule rather than theirs.   

Ashley Graber, owner of Cool Hand Movers, says winter is also a time when movers can be more flexible on their typical arrival windows. “Afternoon arrival windows are usually wide blocks because teams are performing another service in the morning,” she said. “If that morning slot is open, you may be able to book a more specific PM arrival time.”

Faster relocation

Moving on a summer weekend often means traffic. You might have to contend with beachgoers returning home from the lake, vacationers heading to the airport, or campers being shuttled to and fro. 

But with a winter move, you have a better chance of empty roads, meaning you could get to your new home sooner! With fewer people moving in the winter months, there’s also less congestion at loading docks. This can lead to quicker transit times and smoother home relocation experiences, which Carrigan adds can be especially beneficial for long-distance moves. 

“One industry secret I’ll share with you is that moving in winter will also mean your belongings have a faster drop-off if moving to another state,” he said. “Since moving companies have less demand for drop-off, they’ll get your belongings there in a week, whereas it could take a month during the peak summer season.” 

Plus, more availability means you may have an easier time booking a last-minute move, given that movers typically book up in advance during the peak season months. 

Move-friendly weather

The idea of “move-friendly weather” in winter might seem contradictory. But cooler temperatures can actually aid a more comfortable moving day than sweltering summer heat.

If you’ve ever moved during the summer, you know the feeling of sweat running down your back as you struggle to move boxes up and down stairs. In the winter, cooler temperatures mean you can avoid the dreaded overheating associated with hot-weather moving days. 

Cold temperatures are not only less taxing on movers, but your items are also less susceptible to high humidity and heat-related damage. “Movers must get you unpacked and organized, as daylight is at a minimum and it’s cold,” Carrigan added. “This extra incentive can motivate everyone to work faster and more efficiently.” 

Carrigan also shared an unexpected bonus of moving during the winter. “It can give you more time to acclimate to your new neighborhood. There is less pressure to get out and about, and you can get settled before you start to socialize.” 

Downsides of moving in winter

Now that we’ve covered the pros of moving in the winter season, let’s take a look at the downsides. Winter months bring risks like harsh weather and driving conditions, fewer daylight hours, and missing out on holiday celebrations.

Risk of harsh winter weather conditions

While you won’t have to deal with sweltering heat, in many regions, winter brings the constant threats of blizzards and ice storms. A serious storm or dangerous road conditions can cause you to reschedule your entire moving day on short notice.

We suggest monitoring the weather forecasts daily leading up to your scheduled date. The state Department of Transportation websites are excellent resources for checking real-time road closures and driving advisories.

If there’s a window of mild weather conditions, we suggest packing ahead of time and staging your packed belongings in a climate-controlled storage.

If foul weather does hit on moving day, you just have to move your essentials and wait out the storm. Once it passes, you can hire professional movers or rent a moving truck to load everything from your storage unit to your new home.

Short daylight hours

Icy sidewalks aren’t the only downside to be aware of when moving in the winter months. Whether you’re hiring winter movers or doing a DIY winter move, the short daylight hours during the winter months are something you’ll have to plan for ahead of your moving day. 

Moving when it’s dark outside can pose significant risks to the moving crew, especially in a dimly lit area. Unfortunately for those who decide to move in winter, it’s usually dark before 5 pm, meaning opting for a longer day to get the move finished may be out of the question.

Winter moves require you to employ efficient packing techniques ahead of time to be sure everything is ready to go bright and early on moving day. When the day comes, maintain clear communication with your moving company to ensure all tasks are completed safely and effectively before nightfall.

Extremely low temperatures can damage belongings

Some common household items are sensitive to cold weather. These include electronics, dishware, art, and plants, all of which will need to either be moved quickly from the truck or kept warm with a heat source like a space heater. 

“If you’re in a location that experiences cold and snowfall, make sure to hire a moving team that has a strong reputation for follow-through,” Graber said. “And if you’re concerned about precipitation, opt for reusable moving bins instead of cardboard boxes. This sustainable solution offers better protection from the elements.”

Winter movers working in areas that are known for harsh winters sometimes use insulated moving trucks. A winter moving company will have a strategy for rapid loading and unloading. 

But you can help them out by avoiding common packing mistakes. When you’re packing particularly cold-sensitive and fragile items, use weatherproof materials like cold-weather tape, insulated bubble wrap, and plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes. 

You may miss out on the holidays

For more than a few of us, the winter months are synonymous with cherished holiday traditions. Planning a winter move has a tendency to disrupt these celebrations.

If your move is scheduled close to major holidays like Christmas or New Year’s, it’s important to be realistic about the sacrifices moving in winter might involve. Getting your holiday decor up or hosting a party may very well be impossible if you’re planning a winter move.

The cost savings might be tempting. But don’t discount the disruption to your holiday plans and plan your winter move well in advance.

Kids are still in school

If you’re moving with kids, and it includes your kids changing schools, a winter move could be a big downside. Not being able to finish out the school year can be very hard on kids, to an even greater extent than starting at a new school in the fall (when they won’t be the only “new kids”). 

“I’d hate to have to pull my kids out of school to move,” said Brittany Brown, a Massachusetts mom of four who has moved three times in seven years with her crew. With another move on the horizon, she’s aiming for a summer date. “I’m tempted by the lower costs and better availability during winter months,” she said. “But I would have been furious with my parents if we’d ever moved in the middle of the school year, so I’ll try to be organized and book a moving date early once our plan is set!”

Tips for Moving in Winter

Moving during the winter months comes with both challenges that require extra preparation and benefits that leave room for strategic planning. There’s no doubt that cold temperatures, unpredictable weather conditions, and short daylight hours can complicate the already stressful process of moving. But with careful planning, protection, and professional help, you can still move in winter without issues. Here are some winter moving tips to help you navigate that process.

Planning and Preparation

• Start early with your packing and organization.
• Winterize your vehicle well before moving day to avoid any surprises.
• Make sure pet transportation is arranged in advance.
• Keep track of your utility transfer status to prevent any last-minute issues.
• Systematically label and pack your items to simplify the unpacking process.
• Confirm all moving details with your moving company or helpers to prevent any misunderstandings.

Hiring Professional Movers

• Consider hiring an off-season moving company, especially for long-distance or family moves.
• Professional movers can help avoid stress from heavy lifting and harsh weather.
• When there’s ice on the ground and snow obstructing your vision, hiring professional, safe, responsible movers can be the ideal choice.

Monitoring Weather Conditions

• Begin checking the weather forecast at least a week before your scheduled move.
• Be flexible in case you need to adjust plans due to severe weather conditions, such as blizzards or heavy snow.

Protecting Your Belongings

• Ensure extra insulation for items exposed to freezing temperatures.
• Use tarps to protect furniture from wet or snowy conditions.
• Double-wrap delicate and fragile items to prevent breakage.
• Consider transporting valuable or temperature-sensitive items in your personal vehicle.
• Look into climate-controlled storage for items that might be sensitive to temperature changes.

Utility Arrangements

• Arrange for heat, water, and electricity well ahead of the move.
• Engage with landlords and utility companies to ensure smooth service transfers.
• Ensure accounts and payment methods are set up before your move.
• Reduce heating during the move-in process to save energy and limit strain on the heating system.

Moving in the Winter? Here’s How SelfStorage.com Can Help

By now, you probably have a pretty clear idea of what to expect when moving in the winter. Start by planning and preparing beforehand, and know when to hire professional help. 

You’ll need to be sure the utilities at your new place are set up well in advance so you’re moving into a place with heat and electricity, especially in areas with extreme winter conditions. 

And as always, downsizing your belongings before you move can help lighten the load and streamline the packing and moving process. 

Regardless of what you aim to keep, moving in winter requires protecting your belongings while you’re packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking. 

But moving in the winter months doesn’t have to mean moving in harsh winter weather. There are windows of lighter conditions, and there are weeks of blizzards. 

There may be some exceptionally scary weather conditions forecasted during your moving week. We suggest packing everything early and moving it into a climate-controlled storage unit ahead of time, while the weather is still clear. 

When moving day comes, bring only your essentials to the new house. Once the weather calms down, you can rent a truck and move everything from storage into the new house before the next snowstorm hits. 

That’s where self-storage comes in. 

Whether you’re storing family heirlooms until you’re settled, or keeping your belongings safe in temporary storage between moves or until it warms back up, self-storage can make a great short-term or long-term solution. 

But how do you find the ideal storage unit that’s heated and climate-controlled during winter storage and is also located conveniently between your old house and your new house for staging now and moving later? 

SelfStorage.com is here to help. Our signature self-storage search tool makes it easy to compare storage facilities in your area. Just punch in your zip code and use our amenity filters to isolate your ideal storage units by price, amenities like climate control and enhanced security features, and location.  You choose your unit and move-in date, and we take care of the rest.