Moving in coastal New Jersey is different for many locals than it is for their inland cousins. Shore moves, summer rental arrangements, renovation timelines, closing time lags, and seasonal moves can create difficult furniture storage problems. A family might need to move out before moving in. A shore house may need to be vacated for the off-season. A room may have to be cleared before a remodel.
Space gaps can be tricky. Items may be too large for a garage, too precious for a humid basement, or too much to cart back and forth to family members' houses. For example, self storage units for moving can address the space issue, but the type of unit to rent will vary according to the reasons for the need, the duration of the gap and the type of items being stored.
For many homeowners in the shore area, the imperative is a storage unit between homes. Closing dates are not always synced up, particularly when buyers and sellers, mortgage lenders, home inspectors and moving companies all have their own schedules. A short gap can be extended due to paperwork issues or repairs. Also, in beach cities, the busy summer season can complicate moving.
That's where self storage for moving can offer a temporary home for furniture, boxes, appliances and other items. It's important to select the appropriate size unit based on furniture volume, rather than estimate on moving day.
A 10x10 unit can store the contents of a one-bedroom apartment, with furniture. This could be a bed, couch, wardrobe, dining room table and chairs, boxes and smaller items. It's ideal for an individual or couple, or a move with little furniture. A 10x20 unit is more suitable for a family. It can accommodate several sets of bedroom furniture, living room furniture, dining room furniture, boxes and bulky items from a home.
A storage unit size guide can prevent residents from selecting a unit that is too small. A smaller unit may result in hurried stacking and furniture damage, or require an additional unit. Overestimating may create unused space. Measure big furniture pieces before the move for better accuracy.
Seasonal storage setup items are common at shore properties. Chairs, umbrellas, coolers, fishing gear, paddleboards, patio furniture, bikes, gardening tools, outdoor rugs, decorations, and whatever else is needed for the season can quickly clutter up the garage and closets. In the off-season, these items may not need to be kept in the home, particularly if it is being rented, closed up or scheduled for repairs.
Year-round storage solutions can help keep the home organized. Seasonal items can be organized by grouping, labeling, and putting away until the next season returns. This helps keep the house clean and can prevent clutter from invading the bedrooms, shed, and entryways.
Organization matters. Beach items should be washed and thoroughly dried. Textile items need to be stored in air-tight containers to prevent moisture and odors. Cushions should not be stored wet. Be mindful of salt for metal items, particularly if they are used close to the ocean. Moisture, salt, and sand can reduce the lifespan of items if they are stored without some preliminary cleaning.
Month-to-month storage can also facilitate unpredictable shore schedules. A family may plan storage until Memorial Day, but then decide to extend it due to a delayed move, extended rental lease or additional renovations. Timing is flexible when shore seasons are not tied to the calendar.
Storage is also common when shore homes are being renovated. Coastal houses can be older and need renovation before being moved into by a family or used for seasonal stays. New flooring, painting, kitchen and bathroom renovations, roofing repairs and storm-proofing can all necessitate empty rooms.
Leaving furnishings in place can result in dust, damage and scratching. Contractors need room to work. Boxes in the way slow down construction. Storing items can help keep them safe and keep the project tidy.
Residents can plan to store items that will not be needed during the work. Essentials should remain easily accessible. Bulk furniture, additional décor, books, seasonal items and other unused items can be stored. Organizing boxes by room can help with the rearrangement once the renovation is over.
Humidity-sensitive items can be stored in a climate controlled storage. Humidity and temperature fluctuations can affect wood furniture, documents, electronics, photos and other sensitive items. Sea air can cause problems, particularly when the humidity is high or when there is a long wait for renovations.
A storage unit should be planned in advance. Heavier items on the floor. Separate boxes with fragile items. Wrap furniture in protective covers. Take tables, bed frames and shelves apart. Store screws and parts in labeled bags hanging from the item.
Front for easy access to items. Winter storage can be stored at the back. If the storage unit will be accessed during the season, create a walkway. A packed unit may hold more, but it's not easy to reach a box at the back.
Time is everything for New Jersey's coastal residents. A move may involve closing a gap. A beach house may require storage after the summer. A remodel may need to clear out rooms to move in. Each situation calls for a different plan.
The unit must be large enough to hold items, secure enough to keep valuables safe, and accessible enough for the expected time frame. The right size, packing, and labeling can make storage an aid rather than a burden in the moving process.
