Home Organization, Personal Storage, Storage for Moving, Storage Tips, Student Storage

Summer Move or Summer Storage: What’s Right for You?

By Nicolas Rincon

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When the temperatures rise and the days get longer, summer becomes one of the most popular times of the year to move. Whether you’re relocating across town, preparing for a new school semester, or downsizing your home, the summer season often brings a flurry of transitions. But moving isn’t the only option—self-storage can play a valuable role in simplifying the process. If you’re deciding between a summer move or utilizing self-storage, this guide will help you weigh the pros and cons of each and understand how storage can make your summer transitions smoother, more organized, and less stressful.

Why Summer Is a Prime Time to Move

Summer is the busiest season in the moving industry, and for good reason:

  • Weather: There’s less chance of rain, ice, or snow interfering with moving day.
  • School schedules: Families prefer to move while kids are out of school.
  • College students: Many move in or out of dorms and apartments during this time.
  • Real estate trends: The housing market is typically most active in the summer.

If you’re moving this summer, preparation is key. The heat and high demand for moving services can lead to challenges if you’re not organized. Booking movers early, packing in advance, and planning for hydration and rest breaks are all smart strategies.

When Self-Storage Makes More Sense Than a Full Move

Not all transitions require a complete relocation. In fact, there are many situations where a short- or long-term storage unit can give you the flexibility you need, without the pressure of packing up your entire life.

Consider self-storage if:

  • You’re between leases: Maybe you sold your home but your new place isn’t ready. Storage gives you breathing room.
  • You’re studying abroad or going home for the summer: Instead of hauling everything with you, leave your belongings in a secure storage unit.
  • You’re renovating or remodeling: Temporarily store furniture and valuables out of the way to protect them during construction.
  • You’re decluttering to sell your home: Storage helps you stage your space while keeping your personal items safe.
  • You’re a college student: Storage units near campus make move-in and move-out easier. Learn more about our student storage options.

How Self-Storage Supports Your Summer Move

Even if you are relocating this season, self-storage can still be part of your plan. Think of it as a way to simplify your move by reducing what needs to be transported in a single trip. Here’s how:

  • Stagger your move: Store non-essential items first and move in phases.
  • Reduce moving stress: Free up space in your new home and unpack at your own pace.
  • Protect valuables: Use climate-controlled units to safeguard electronics, documents, and furniture from summer heat and humidity.

Explore our climate-controlled storage options designed to keep your items in excellent condition, no matter how hot it gets.

Storage Tips for Summer Moves

Whether you’re using self-storage for the short or long haul, a little planning goes a long way:

  • Label everything clearly so you can find what you need quickly.
  • Use breathable containers and avoid sealed plastic in humid climates.
  • Stack strategically: Heaviest items go on the bottom. Leave aisles to access what you need.
  • Store temperature-sensitive items in climate-controlled units to prevent warping or melting.
  • Rotate seasonal gear: Move winter items into storage and make room for summer essentials.
winter items stored during summer at a MyPlace self storage location.

What to Store in Summer

Not sure what to move to storage? Here are some of the most common summer storage candidates:

  • Winter coats, boots, and snow gear
  • Holiday decorations
  • Ski and snowboarding equipment
  • Dorm supplies and furniture
  • Off-season clothing
  • Extra furniture while staging a home
  • Lawn equipment or patio sets not currently in use

If you’re using storage for a short period, keep frequently needed items near the front of the unit.

Choosing the Right Unit Size

Not all storage needs are the same. Use our storage unit size guide to choose the right fit. Whether you need a small unit for boxes or a large one for furniture and appliances, having the right space can save you time and money.

Benefits of Using MyPlace Self Storage This Summer

At MyPlace, we’re more than just extra space. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Flexible lease terms: Only pay for the time you need.
  • Online rentals and account management: Reserve, pay, and access your account on your schedule.
  • Modern security features: Including 24/7 video surveillance and gated facility access.
  • Convenient locations: Find a MyPlace facility near you.
  • Friendly, knowledgeable staff: Here to help with any questions during your move or transition.

Is It Better to Move or Store?

The answer depends on your specific needs. If you’re making a permanent move or relocating for work, a full move might be necessary. But if you’re between places, decluttering, or facing a temporary change, storage gives you flexibility and peace of mind.

Storage is especially valuable during times of uncertainty. When timelines shift or plans change, having a secure space for your belongings ensures you’re never caught off guard.

Make Summer Easier with MyPlace

Whether you’re making a move or just making room, self-storage can be your best tool for a smoother summer. Store with confidence in a clean, climate-controlled facility backed by a team that’s here to help.

Visit your nearest MyPlace Self-Storage location or browse available units online to get started today.

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Size Guide

Small Storage Units
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Locker

Equivalent to a standard walk-in closet.

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5' x 5'

Equivalent to a standard walk-in closet.

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5' x 10'

Equivalent to a large shed.

Medium Storage Units
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10' x 10'

Equivalent to half of a standard garage and good for a one-bedroom apartment.

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10' x 15

Equivalent to a large bedroom and good for a small house.

Large Storage Units
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10' x 20'

Equivalent to a small garage and good for a mid-size house.

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10' x 30'

Equivalent to a large garage and good for a large house.

Vehicle Storage Units
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Covered Parking

Varying vehicle storage sizes can accommodate cars, boats, and RVs.

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Uncovered Parking

Varying vehicle storage sizes can accommodate cars, boats, and RVs.

Locker

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A compact, secure storage solution perfect for freeing up closet space at home or safely storing essential business documents. It is an ideal choice for safely tucking away items you do not need every day, like seasonal gear or small project tools, while keeping them easily accessible.

What Fits Inside:
  • Archival boxes and tax records
  • Seasonal clothing and holiday decorations
  • Small hand tools and craft supplies
  • A few pieces of standard luggage

5' x 5'

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About the size of a standard walk-in closet, this unit is ideal for personal home decluttering, seasonal storage, or holding extra inventory for your small business. It provides just the right amount of extra room for organization without overwhelming your budget.

What Fits Inside:
  • Several medium moving boxes
  • Small furniture (like an accent chair or end table)
  • Seasonal home decor
  • Office supplies and business records

5' x 10'

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Similar to a large walk-in closet or a small shed, the 5x10 is a highly versatile choice. It is perfect for apartment renters looking to declutter, homeowners needing a staging area during a small remodel, or local businesses storing promotional materials.

What Fits Inside:
  • A mattress set and a dresser
  • A standard living room sofa
  • Multiple medium-to-large moving boxes
  • Commercial inventory and marketing supplies

10' x 10'

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Offering about half the space of a standard one-car garage, this is the perfect middle-ground for moving a one-bedroom apartment or storing furniture and equipment during a home renovation. It is also a favorite for businesses needing to archive years of paperwork or store excess retail fixtures.

What Fits Inside:
  • Living room furniture sets
  • Large appliances
  • Dining room sets and mattress sets
  • Office workstations or retail fixtures

10' x 15'

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Comparable to a large master bedroom, this spacious unit is excellent for families relocating from a two-bedroom home. It also serves perfectly as a mini-warehouse for expanding e-commerce businesses or contractors needing to securely store project materials.

What Fits Inside:
  • Multiple bedroom sets
  • Large, bulky furniture pieces
  • Major appliances like washers and dryers
  • Extensive commercial inventory

10' x 20'

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The size of a standard one-car garage, this unit is a go-to solution for whole-home moves, staging a house for sale, or managing large-scale business operations. It provides ample room to organize contents clearly, making it easy to access ongoing project supplies.

What Fits Inside:
  • Furnishings from a three-bedroom house
  • Sectional sofas and large dining tables
  • Multiple major appliances
  • Large project materials and bulk business supplies

10' x 30'

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As our largest traditional unit, this space provides the equivalent of a two-car garage. It is designed for major life transitions, multi-bedroom home moves, or acting as a central, secure hub for commercial equipment and large-scale inventory management.

What Fits Inside:
  • The contents of a 4-to-5 bedroom home
  • Oversized furniture and large patio sets
  • Commercial shelving and trade show displays
  • Bulk business supplies and palletized goods

Covered Parking for RVs & Boats

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Give your recreational vehicles premium protection from the sun, rain, and elements when you aren't out on the road or the water. Covered parking extends the life of your investment while keeping your home driveway clear and organized.

What Fits Inside:
  • Class A, B, and C RVs
  • Campers and pop-ups
  • Boats on trailers
  • Large travel trailers

Uncovered Parking for RVs & Boats

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A simple, cost-effective way to reclaim your driveway and stay compliant with neighborhood rules. Our secure, designated parking spaces keep your recreational vehicles ready and waiting for your next big adventure.

What Fits Inside:
  • RVs and motorhomes
  • Boats and watercraft on trailers
  • Travel trailers and fifth wheels
  • Oversized commercial vehicles
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