Moving to Girard, Ohio? Your Self Storage & Moving Checklist

Moving to a new home can be exciting, but between packing boxes, organizing furniture, coordinating transportation, and keeping track of important dates, there’s a lot to manage.

Whether you're moving across Girard, relocating to the Youngstown area, or settling into a new home in Trumbull County, planning ahead can make moving day much easier.

Self storage can also give you some much-needed flexibility during the process. Instead of trying to move everything at once, you can temporarily store furniture, boxes, seasonal items, and other belongings until you're ready for them.

Use this moving and storage checklist to help stay organized before, during, and after your move.

1. Start Planning Your Move Early

Whenever possible, begin planning several weeks before moving day.

Start by creating a timeline of important dates, including:

• Your current move-out date
• Your new move-in date
• Utility transfer dates
• Moving truck reservations
• Packing deadlines
• Storage rental dates
• Address changes

Having everything written down in one place can help prevent important tasks from getting lost in the shuffle.

If your move-out and move-in dates don't line up perfectly, renting a storage unit can provide a temporary home for your belongings between locations.

2. Declutter Before You Start Packing

Moving is a great opportunity to decide what you actually want to bring to your new home.

Go through your belongings room by room and separate them into categories such as keep, donate, sell, discard, and store.

Items you don't regularly use but aren't ready to part with can be placed into storage. This may include holiday decorations, seasonal clothing, extra furniture, sporting equipment, tools, and keepsakes.

Decluttering before you move means fewer boxes to transport and less clutter waiting for you at your new home.

3. Gather Your Packing Supplies

Running out of boxes halfway through packing can quickly slow down your progress.

Before you begin, gather supplies such as:

• Moving boxes
• Packing tape
• Permanent markers
• Bubble wrap or packing paper
• Furniture covers
• Moving blankets
• Storage totes
• Labels

Use smaller boxes for heavy belongings such as books and larger boxes for lightweight items such as bedding and pillows.

Avoid making boxes so heavy that they're difficult or unsafe to move.

4. Label Every Box

Labeling may add a few seconds to packing each box, but it can save a lot of time later.

Write both the contents and destination room on the outside.

For example:

“KITCHEN – POTS & PANS”

is much more useful than simply writing:

“KITCHEN.”

If some boxes are going into storage rather than directly to your new home, label those separately.

You can even number your storage boxes and keep a list on your phone showing what's inside each one.

5. Decide What Should Go Into Storage

Not everything needs to arrive at your new home on moving day.

A self storage unit can provide extra space for belongings you don't immediately need.

Consider storing:

• Extra furniture
• Seasonal decorations
• Sporting equipment
• Tools
• Patio furniture
• Boxes of keepsakes
• Extra household goods
• Business supplies
• Items for a future renovation

Moving some belongings into storage first can also make unpacking easier because you won't have to find a permanent spot for everything immediately.

6. Choose the Right Storage Unit Size

The amount of storage space you need depends on what you're planning to store.

A smaller unit can work well for boxes, seasonal belongings, and smaller household items. Medium-sized units provide additional room for furniture and belongings from several rooms.

For larger moves, renovations, business inventory, or substantial amounts of furniture and equipment, a larger unit may be more appropriate.

Before renting, make a quick inventory of what you're storing and measure particularly large pieces of furniture.

It's also helpful to consider whether you'll be adding more belongings later. A little extra space can make your unit easier to organize and navigate.

7. Take Advantage of Drive-Up Storage

Moving heavy furniture and dozens of boxes can be tiring enough without carrying everything long distances.

Drive-up storage can simplify the process by allowing you to bring your vehicle closer to your storage space.

This can be particularly convenient for:

• Furniture
• Appliances
• Heavy boxes
• Tools
• Business equipment
• Large quantities of household belongings

Summit Storage Center offers EZ Drive In access and roll-up storage doors, helping make loading and unloading more convenient during your move.

8. Pack Your Storage Unit Strategically

Don't simply place everything inside your unit in the order it comes off the moving truck.

Start with larger furniture and belongings you won't need frequently.

Keep items you're likely to retrieve sooner toward the front.

Place heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on top. If possible, leave a walkway through the unit so you can reach belongings in the back without unloading everything in front of them.

You can also use shelving to take advantage of vertical space and keep smaller boxes organized.

9. Keep Important Items With You

Some belongings shouldn't disappear into a moving truck or storage unit.

Keep important items with you during the move, including:

• Identification
• Financial documents
• Moving paperwork
• Keys
• Chargers
• Medications
• Important personal records
• Essential toiletries
• A few changes of clothes

Pack these items in a clearly marked bag or box that stays with you throughout moving day.

10. Prepare a First-Night Box

After a long day of moving, you probably won't want to search through dozens of boxes just to find your toothbrush or phone charger.

Prepare a first-night box containing essentials such as toiletries, towels, bedding, chargers, basic kitchen supplies, paper towels, cleaning products, and anything else you'll need during your first evening.

If you're moving with children or pets, remember to pack their essentials separately as well.

11. Update Your Address and Utilities

Before your move is complete, make sure important accounts have your new address.

Consider updating your information with:

• USPS
• Banks and credit cards
• Insurance providers
• Employers
• Subscription services
• Utility companies
• Internet providers
• Government agencies

Schedule utilities at your new home ahead of time whenever possible so electricity, water, gas, and internet service are ready when you arrive.

12. Give Yourself Time to Get Organized

You don't have to unpack your entire home during the first weekend.

Focus first on essential spaces such as your bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.

Then work through the remaining rooms at a comfortable pace.

If you have a storage unit, you can gradually retrieve belongings as you determine where everything belongs. This can help prevent your new garage, closets, and spare rooms from immediately filling with boxes.

Find Convenient Self Storage in Girard, OH

A successful move comes down to preparation, organization, and having enough space to work with.

Summit Storage Center provides convenient self storage at 1711 North State Street in Girard, OH, with storage options for moves both large and small.

Facility features include:

• EZ Drive In access
• Roll-up storage doors
• Gated entry
• 24-hour security cameras
• Bright LED lighting
• On-site management
• Truck rental
• Commercial storage
• Online storage rentals
• Contactless rental options
• Free lock at move-in
• Storage protection plans available

With a variety of storage unit sizes available, you can find extra space for boxes, furniture, household belongings, business items, and more.

Whether you're moving within Girard or relocating to the surrounding Youngstown area, Summit Storage Center can help give you the additional space you need during your transition.

Explore available storage units and rent online today to make your next move a little easier.