Moving Out of a Storage Unit: Special Considerations
Whether your belongings have been in storage for three months or three years, moving them out is a different experience from a standard home move. Storage units come with access restrictions, variable conditions, and the perennial challenge of boxes that were packed in a hurry and never labeled. Planning ahead makes a significant difference in how long — and how much — the move costs.
Before the Movers Arrive: Prepare the Unit
If you have access to your storage unit before moving day, spend an hour organizing and inventorying. Pull smaller boxes to the front, identify items that will go to different destinations (some to your new home, some to donation, some to trash), and check that the unit's access path is clear. The more organized the unit is when the movers arrive, the faster the load goes.
Also check the facility's access hours. Many climate-controlled storage facilities in Atlanta close their gates by 9 or 10 PM, and some restrict large vehicle access to specific entry points. Confirm that a moving truck can access your unit — some facilities have low overhead clearances or narrow drive lanes that limit truck size. A 26-foot moving truck may not fit where a cargo van would.
Call the facility ahead of time to confirm truck access and gate hours. · Ask about elevator requirements if your unit is on an upper floor of a multi-story facility. · Pre-sort items in the unit if you have access before moving day. · Have your access code, gate card, and unit key ready — don't search for them on moving day.
· Remove your lock before the crew arrives if possible to streamline entry.
Handling Items That Have Been in Storage a While
Long-term storage takes a toll on some items. Inspect furniture for moisture damage, mold, or pest evidence before loading it onto the truck. Check cardboard boxes — they can weaken significantly over time and may need to be reboxed on-site before they can be safely moved. If you stored items without climate control, wooden furniture may have warped and upholstered pieces may have absorbed odors.
Let your moving crew know if any items are fragile or suspected to be in poor condition. Bears Moving Co. crews are experienced with storage unit moves and can flag concerns as they load, but they work faster and more safely when clients communicate known issues upfront.
Call us: (404) 514-4814 · Mon–Sat, 8am–6pm · Licensed GA HHG #9320 · BBB A+
Frequently asked questions
Can movers access my storage unit without me being there?
Some clients grant movers access to their storage unit independently, but it requires advance setup — providing the gate code, access card, and unit key. Most storage facilities also have policies about who can access a unit, and some require the account holder to be present. Confirm the facility's policy before your move date and communicate the access details clearly to your moving company in writing.
What if some items in my storage unit need to go to multiple locations?
This is common and very manageable with good communication. Tell your moving company before moving day that you have multiple destination addresses. The crew will load everything together, then you or your moving coordinator directs them to each stop. Be aware that multi-stop moves typically take longer and may affect your total cost — confirm how your mover handles multiple destinations when booking.
How do I dispose of items I don't want to move from the storage unit?
Plan for disposal before moving day so the crew isn't waiting while you sort. Options include scheduling a junk removal service to arrive after the movers finish, donating to local Atlanta charities (many offer free pickup for furniture), or renting a small dumpster to place near the facility. Check with the storage facility about their policy on dumpsters and disposal on their property.
Is there anything I should not put back into storage if I'm moving to a temporary location?
Items prone to moisture damage — electronics, documents, leather furniture, clothing — are better kept in a climate-controlled space or your new location rather than a non-climate-controlled unit. Also avoid storing items that are already showing signs of mold or pest activity, as those problems will worsen in storage and can spread to other belongings.
Explore
JavaScript is disabled. Enable JavaScript for the full booking experience, or call (404) 514-4814 for your free moving quote.