Moving in Lubbock?
A Storage Checklist for Every Stage of the Move
A storage unit is most useful at three points in a move: before you list or pack, during the gap between homes, and after you arrive while you settle in. Use it at the right time and you'll have a cleaner house to show, a smoother moving day, and a lot less stress.
Whether you're moving across town, heading to Lubbock for a new job, or packing up after graduation, this checklist walks you through each stage. Here at Storage in Lubbock, we help neighbors move every week, and the folks who plan their storage early always have the easiest time.
Why Storage Makes a Lubbock Move Easier
Moves rarely line up perfectly. Closing dates shift, leases overlap, and a new place isn't always ready on the day the old one ends. A short-term storage unit gives you a buffer so you aren't forced to rush.
Bridge the gap between homes. If your move-out and move-in dates don't match, your belongings have a safe place to wait.
Stage your home to sell. Fewer things in each room makes a house look bigger in listing photos.
Pack on your own schedule. Move boxes out a little at a time instead of cramming it all into one weekend.
Skip the long contract. Month-to-month rentals let you store as long as you need and move out when you're done.
6 to 8 Weeks Before the Move
This is the planning stage. The earlier you start, the cheaper and calmer your move will be.
- Set your moving date and note any gap between move-out and move-in
- Walk through each room and decide what's moving, what's going to storage, and what's going away
- Sell, donate, or toss anything you don't want to pay to move
- Measure large furniture so you know what will fit in the new place
- Pick your storage unit size (see our 10x10 vs 10x15 vs 10x20 guide)
- Reserve your unit early, especially for May and August moves, when Texas Tech students are moving too
- Gather packing supplies: boxes, tape, markers, bubble wrap, and moving blankets
Storage tip: Start with the things you won't need for a while, like seasonal clothes, holiday decorations, and extra furniture. Getting them out early makes the rest of the packing feel a lot more manageable.
4 Weeks Before the Move
Now it's time to clear out and start packing in earnest.
- Move out-of-season items and extra furniture into your storage unit
- Declutter closets, the garage, and the attic
- If you're selling, stage each room with just the essentials
- Book movers or reserve a truck or trailer
- Start packing rooms you use least, like guest rooms and formal dining
- Label every box with the room it belongs in and a short list of what's inside
- Take photos of electronics before unplugging them so setup is easier later
Storage tip: Pack your unit with the things you'll need first near the door and the long-term items in the back. Leave a small walkway if you plan to visit often
2 Weeks Before the Move
The finish line is in sight. Focus on the details.
- Update your address with the post office, your bank, and any subscriptions
- Schedule utility shutoff at your old place and setup at your new one
- Confirm your movers, truck, or trailer reservation
- Pack everything except daily essentials
- Set aside important papers, medications, jewelry, and valuables to move yourself (these are better kept with you, not in storage)
- Drain fuel from mowers and small engines if they're going into storage
- Check our list of what not to store before you load anything else
Storage tip: Pack your unit with the things you'll need first near the door and the long-term items in the back. Leave a small walkway if you plan to visit often
Moving Week
Keep things simple and stick to the plan.
- Pack a first-night box: sheets, towels, toiletries, chargers, a few dishes, and snacks
- Defrost the freezer and clean out the fridge
- Take apart bed frames and tables, and bag the screws with each piece
- Do a final walk-through of every closet and cabinet
- Load the truck heaviest items first, then boxes, then fragile pieces last
Lubbock tip: Check the forecast before moving day. High winds and dust can blow in fast on the South Plains, so cover furniture and mattresses while they're out in the open, and plan for the cooler morning hours in summer.
Moving Day
- Drop off anything headed to storage first, while the truck is still organized
- Back right up to your drive-up unit door to load quickly
- Lock your unit with a quality disc lock before you leave
- Take a quick photo of how your unit is packed so you remember where things are
Storage tip: Drive-up access saves a lot of time on moving day. You can unload straight from the truck to your door instead of using carts and hallways.
After the Move
You made it! Now settle in at your own pace.
- Unpack the essentials first: kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- Bring items home from storage a room at a time as you're ready for them
- Decide whether to keep your unit for seasonal gear, hobbies, or overflow
- Downsize to a smaller unit if you only need room for a few things
- Move out when you're done, with no long-term contract holding you back
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I keep a storage unit after I move?
As long as you need. Our month-to-month rentals let you keep your unit for a few weeks or a few months, then move out whenever you're ready.
What size storage unit do I need for a move?
A 10x10 usually fits a one-bedroom apartment, a 10x15 handles a two-bedroom, and a 10x20 can hold a three- or four-bedroom home. Our size guide breaks it down in more detail.
Can I store my things for just a week or two?
Yes. Short-term storage is one of the most common reasons people rent with us, especially during closings and lease gaps.
When should I reserve a storage unit for my move?
Two to four weeks ahead is ideal. If you're moving in May or August, reserve earlier, since that's when Texas Tech students are moving in and out of town.
Can I visit my unit early in the morning or late at night?
Yes. Our gate is open 6:00am to 12:00am daily, so you can load before work or after dinner.
Make Your Lubbock Move Easier With Storage in Lubbock
Moving is a lot of work, but your storage doesn't have to be. Storage in Lubbock offers discounted drive-up units with gated access, steel roll-up doors, and month-to-month rentals, so you get the best price in Lubbock without a long-term contract. We're locally owned in southwest Lubbock, an easy drive from Wolfforth, Shallowater, and the rest of the South Plains.
Ready to reserve your unit? Rent online in minutes, call us at (806) 866-4540, or stop by 7314 82nd St, Lubbock, TX 79424. A real neighbor will help you find the right fit for your move.
