Storage Options During Your LA Move: Complete Guide

Many LA moves require temporary storage—whether due to closing date gaps, downsizing transitions, or staged selling. Understanding your storage options helps you choose the right solution.

When You Need Storage During a Move

Common scenarios requiring storage:

- Gap between move-out and move-in dates

- Home staging for selling

- Downsizing decisions need time

- Renovation projects at new home

Self-Storage vs. Full-Service Storage

Two main options with different benefits.

Self-storage: You transport items to a facility, load your unit, and access it whenever needed.

Pros:

- 24/7 access at most facilities

- Lower monthly cost

- Control over packing and organization

- No appointment needed

Cons:

- You handle all transportation

- Loading and unloading labor falls on you

- Requires multiple trips for large households

Full-service storage: Moving company picks up items, stores them in their warehouse, and delivers when you're ready.

Pros:

- No transportation hassle

- Professional loading/unloading

- Items stay on moving truck—no double handling

- Climate-controlled facilities standard

Cons:

- Higher monthly cost

- Limited access (appointment required)

- Less control over organization

Storage Costs in Los Angeles

What to budget for storage.

Self-storage monthly rates:

- 5x5 unit: $80-$150

- 5x10 unit: $120-$200

- 10x10 unit: $180-$300

- 10x15 unit: $250-$400

- 10x20 unit: $300-$500

Full-service storage: Typically $200-$400/month for household goods. Includes pickup and delivery labor. Climate control standard.

Climate-Controlled Considerations

When you need climate control:

- Storing longer than 3 months

- Wood furniture and antiques

- Electronics and computers

- Photographs and documents

- Musical instruments

- Wine collections

- Leather goods

LA climate factors: Coastal humidity and inland temperature extremes can damage sensitive items. Climate control maintains consistent temperature and humidity.

Storage Unit Size Guide

What fits in each size:

- 5x5 (25 sq ft): Boxes, small furniture, off-season items

- 5x10 (50 sq ft): Studio apartment or one small room

- 10x10 (100 sq ft): One-bedroom apartment

- 10x15 (150 sq ft): Two-bedroom apartment

- 10x20 (200 sq ft): Three-bedroom house

- 10x30 (300 sq ft): Four-bedroom house with garage items

Protecting Items in Storage

Best practices for storage preservation.

Packing for storage:

- Use uniform box sizes for stable stacking

- Don't pack anything damp—mold spreads quickly

- Wrap furniture in moving blankets, not plastic (plastic traps moisture)

- Stand mattresses vertically or use mattress bags

Organization tips:

- Create aisle down center for access

- Store frequently needed items near front

- Label all boxes on multiple sides

- Keep inventory list outside unit

Duration considerations:

- Short-term (under 3 months): Basic protection sufficient

- Long-term (3+ months): Climate control recommended

- Extended (1+ year): Check items quarterly

Key Takeaways

- Self-storage costs less but requires your labor

- Full-service storage handles transportation but limits access

- Climate control protects sensitive items from LA weather

- Choose unit size based on home size, not just item count

- Proper packing prevents damage regardless of storage type

Need storage with your move? Green Moving offers full-service storage solutions throughout Los Angeles and Orange County. Call (213) 829-4795 for your free quote.

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