How to move out of a storage unit

Well, the time has come to move your things out of your storage unit. Whether you were using Roomia to store furniture while you completed home renovations or you finally got the keys to the new house, the time has come for you to say goodbye. We get it! While we hate to see you go, we’d like to help you out by providing some useful tips for moving out of a storage unit. 

If the time has come for you to move out of your storage unit or move to a smaller unit, follow this easy moving-out guide:

How to move out of a storage unit

If this is your first time moving out of a storage unit, you may have some questions like “How much notice does my facility need?” or “Am I responsible for cleaning my storage unit?”. Rest assured, the moving out process is easy. To answer those questions and more, here are some helpful tips you need to know. 

1. Provide notice of intent to vacate

Generally, you will have to let your storage facility know a month in advance that you are planning on moving out. This can be done by either calling them or writing a formal written notice. Since most storage facilities rent units on a month-to-month basis, it’s often flexible and easy to move out when you want. However, if you want to move out of your unit prior to your agreed-upon move-out date, simply get in touch with our friendly team to arrange your cancellation and set a move-out date. We ask that you notify us that you need to move out 14 days notice prior to your next billing date to avoid paying more than you need. 

2. Make a plan for your belongings

Before you start hauling everything out of your unit, take some time to plan where you’re going to put all your belongings. A good tip is to visit your storage unit a couple of weeks prior to moving out and take inventory of all your items by taking a picture of your belongings to review later. Once home, go through the pictures and make a plan for what to do with each item. If you no longer want or need an item, you can arrange to either sell it, donate it or take it to a refuse yard. Feel free to talk to the storage facility manager in advance, as they may have a list of recommended companies that clean out storage units and remove unwanted items for a fee. 

3. Organise a van or trailer

Depending on the amount of items you have stored, you may need to organise renting a moving van or enlisting the help of a few friends to assist you in moving out. Don’t forget, Roomia can provide access to trolleys and an on-site forklift to make moving, sorting, stacking and retrieving your stored items as easy as possible. If you need a removalist, contact our office for our list of recommended removalists. 

4. Empty your storage unit

It’s moving-out day! Once you’ve gathered all your helpers and have the moving van or trailer in tow, simply drive up to your storage unit or make use of the facility’s onsite parking. Start by tackling one small area at a time to make the job easier. Feel free to put on some music and take small breaks to avoid overwhelm, particularly if there are a lot of items to be moved out. If you’re using a removalist, the movers will do all the work for you. 

5. Tidy up your unit

Most storage facilities require that customers clean out their storage unit prior to leaving. This is just a common courtesy for the next customer and helps to keep the unit in good condition. Plus, you don’t want to risk incurring a cleaning fee! At Roomia, we simply ask that you get rid of any boxes and rubbish, clean up any spills that may have taken place, and sweep up any excess dirt. 

6. Remove your lock

Don’t forget to remove your lock from your unit door and take it with you when you go, so you can use it again for future storage needs or with any other items you want to keep secure. Your location cannot close your storage account if your lock is still on the door. If the lock remains on the door, the unit will still be considered occupied by you, even if it is empty, and you may be charged for another month of rent.

7. Inform the facility that you have left

After you’ve moved everything out of your storage unit and have tidied up and removed your lock, it’s time to confirm your exit with the storage facility’s office. At Roomia, you can do this in person during office hours or online via email. 

We’d love to see you again!

That’s it! Thank you for using Roomia Self Storage to store your belongings. We appreciate your trust in us and we’re glad to have been able to provide a secure and convenient space for your storage needs. Remember, you can visit us again anytime for your future storage needs.

When you’re ready to rent a storage unit again, visit Roomia Self Storage to find the storage facility nearest you. You can also see more self-storage tips by visiting our storage tips page.