Whether you needed a place to store your stuff during a move, while remodeling your home, or for any other reason, you may have rented a storage unit at some point and now you may no longer need it. In such a case, you may be wondering what the right steps are to vacate your unit.
The process of moving out of a storage unit is fairly simple. Yet, there are some requirements you need to comply with in order to avoid extra fees and charges – and some preparations you can make to facilitate things on move-out day.
Here is everything you need to know when moving out of your storage space in order to make the process as smooth as possible.
How much notice is required to move out of a storage unit?
Most storage companies require advance notification prior to vacating a storage unit. The notice to vacate storage space must be given in writing and must contain the name of the customer, the unit number, and the move-out date.
Since most rental contracts are on a month-to-month basis, a storage unit move-out notice may be required anywhere from 5 to 30 days before the planned move-out date. You need to check out your lease agreement to find out how far in advance you need to notify the company and how you can deliver your move-out notice. (A written notice to vacate storage unit can be given in person or sent by post or email.)
To avoid misunderstandings and additional fees when vacating your storage space, be sure to let the company know in the required time period and by using the method they state.
Good to know:
1) Even if a 30-day notice to vacate is not required, it is usually considered best to give your move-out notice before the start of the last month you’ll be using the storage space – prior to paying that month’s rent. For example, if you want to move out of your storage unit at the end of April, you’re advised to notify the company by the last day of March.
Even if your plans change and it turns out that you need the storage space for another month (or more), you will be able to continue using the storage unit (you’re not required to vacate the storage space on the date you gave notice for – you just need to notify the company that you want to continue renting your unit).
2) When planning to vacate a storage unit, you need to choose your move-out day carefully, so you don’t end up paying for time you’re not using – many companies only pro-rate rent upon move-in and not upon vacating, so they will charge you for a full month even if you move out at the beginning of that month. (See also: How much does it cost to rent a storage unit)
3) Some storage companies don’t require advance notice to vacate – you can move out whenever you want and inform the company after you have left (keep in mind, though, that the rent is not prorated).
Must-read: How to choose a self-storage facility
How to prepare to move out of a storage unit
It is usually quite easy to vacate a storage space (as all the things in the unit (or, at least, most of them) are already packed and ready for moving), but you still have some preparations to make before move-out day:
Inventory the items in the storage unit
Visit your storage space a couple of weeks (or more) before your planned move-out day and make an inventory of everything in the unit. It is a good idea to take pictures, too.
Go through the inventory and the photos and decide what to keep and what to get rid of when you vacate the storage unit.
Make sure there is enough room for the items you want to keep at their new destination (whether that is your renovated home, your new home, the home of a family member or friend, or another storage unit).
Related: How to make a moving inventory
Decide what to do with unwanted items
If you no longer want some of the items you’ve stored, you need to find a way to get rid of them when moving out of your storage space – you can’t just leave them in the unit. You’re required to remove all your stuff from the storage space at the time of vacating – if anything is left in the unit, your account will not be closed and you will be charged a clean-out fee.
Consider giving away some of your unneeded belongings to family or friends, donating items in good condition to local charities, and recycling things that cannot be used anymore and can be recycled.
If you’re not sure how to get rid of unwanted goods, discuss the issue with the storage facility manager in advance – they may know local places that take donations or may be able to recommend companies that clean out storage units and remove unwanted items for a fee.
Related: How to get rid of unwanted items when moving
Organize the move
Depending on the number and type of items in your storage unit and the distance to their new destination, you may be able to move them in your car or you may need to rent a truck – or you may decide to use professional moving services:
1) If you’re not moving any large furniture pieces or other bulky household items that don’t fit into a standard car, you may be able to transport everything in your vehicle – even if your goods don’t fit in your car at once, you can make several trips between the storage unit and the new location and move your items in the course of several days (be sure to start the process early enough so you can vacate the unit by the date you gave notice for and avoid having to pay rent for another month).
If you’re moving your items long distance, however, it may not be possible to make multiple trips to the final destination – in such a case, you will need to rent a truck, so you can move all your items in one trip.
2) If you have some large items in your storage unit that won’t fit into your car, you’ll need to rent a larger vehicle (moving truck, cargo van, pickup truck, etc.) to relocate your belongings, regardless of whether you’re moving short distance or long distance.
In addition to the transportation of your stored goods, you need to think about how you’re going to load them onto the vehicle, as well. If you’re moving heavy items or if you have a lot of things to relocate, you’re going to need help, so you need to ensure there is someone to assist you on move-out day (ask friends to give you a hand or hire moving labor, if necessary).
Good to know: When you can’t move your stored items in your car, instead of renting a moving truck and wondering how to ensure moving help, you can hire a professional moving company to take care of your belongings – this is your best option as the pros will not only transport your goods, but will also do the loading and unloading for you, saving you a lot of time and effort and ensuring your peace of mind. You won’t need to lift a finger and will have nothing to worry about – the experts have the specialized equipment, the professional know-how, and the rich experience to handle the job in the safest and most efficient way possible, so your move is guaranteed to go smoothly and successfully. (See also: Benefits of using professional moving services)
Ensure all your items are safely packed for the trip
Most of the items in your storage unit will probably already be safely packed in sturdy boxes (or wrapped in adequate protective materials), but you’re strongly advised to check and make sure that nothing moves inside the boxes, all packing containers are in good condition, tightly sealed, and properly labeled, all wrapping materials are intact and secured in place, etc.
Needless to say, if there are any items in the unit that are not properly packed – or that are not packed at all – you need to provide them with proper protection before the move.
See also: Packing tips
How to move out of a storage unit
On move-out day, be sure to arrive at the storage facility early enough so you have ample time to take care of everything without hustle and stress. Consider bringing a dolly and/or moving straps to make your work faster and easier. Be careful when loading your items and make sure they’re well secured in the moving vehicle. (See also: How to load a moving truck)
If you’re using professional moving services, the movers will do all the work for you.
When the storage unit is empty, you will need to take care of a couple more things before you can leave:
Clean the storage unit
Most storage companies require that customers leave their storage units in the same condition they were upon move-in.
So, to ensure the good condition of your unit and avoid cleaning fees, you need to clean out the space prior to leaving – remove dust, dirt, and debris, clean up spills and marks, sweep the floor, and take out the trash.
When ready, be sure to take several dated photos of your empty and clean unit.
Remove your lock
Usually, customers use their own locks to secure their storage spaces. If that is the case with you as well, you need to remove your lock when moving out of your storage unit – you’re the only person who has the keys (or knows the lock combination), so if you leave your lock on, the storage facility staff won’t be able to access the unit.
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. If the property manager has to cut open the lock, you may be charged a lock-cut fee.
Inform the facility that you have vacated your storage unit
The last thing you need to do when moving out of a storage unit is to inform the company that you have vacated your storage space. You may be able to do this online (you will have to upload pictures of your clean and empty unit) or you may be required to stop by the office and fill out a vacate form (the property manager may need to inspect the unit to confirm that it is empty and clean).
Be sure to save all the paperwork, just in case.
Bonus tip: If your address has changed since you moved into your unit, don’t forget to provide the storage company with your new address, so they can mail your security deposit to you.
Related: Is self-storage a bad investment
