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You just sold your house, the papers are signed, and the money's on the way. Nice, right? Except your new place won't be ready for a few weeks, and now you're stuck in that weird in-between phase where you're thinking about a short-term rental, a hotel, or maybe just crashing on your mom's couch for a while.
Let's say you have a place to stay. Does your staff also have a place to stay? What about your furniture, winter coats, boxes of dishes, tools, towels… All that stuff that doesn't fit in the back of your car? See, that's the part nobody warns you about, and the reality is that real estate timelines rarely line up perfectly. When they don't, your stuff becomes a problem nobody wants to deal with, including you.
So, where does the stuff go? How do you make sure it's safe?
How People Manage Their Belongings
When you’re in between homes, you have a lot of stuff to deal with, both literally and figuratively. There are many ways people handle situations like this one, depending on their timeline, budget, and the level of access they require.
Storing Items at a Friend or Family Member's Place
Usually, this is the first thing people think of, and it makes perfect sense. It's either cheap or free, and it feels more personal than simply dropping off your belongings at a storage facility. However, despite its ease, there are some drawbacks to consider.
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It's convenient, sure, but you're at the mercy of their space, their schedule, and their comfort level. There's no climate control (unless you're fortunate), no insurance, and no easy way to retrieve your belongings if you need them at 3 AM. Plus, depending on how much you store, you can unintentionally turn their space into a mess.
Renting a Self-Storage Unit
This is a popular choice because it's secure, there's climate control, and you can count on professional handling. Most facilities offer units of different sizes, video surveillance, and controlled access, ensuring your belongings are in a safe location.
The downside? Access and logistics. You'll need to haul everything to the storage unit and then retrieve it when you move into your new place. If you need something right away, such as documents or a winter coat, you'll have to dig through piles of stuff in a dark hallway on a Sunday afternoon.
Using Portable Storage Solutions
For a lot of people, portable self storage buildings are a secure, flexible way to hold infrequently used items such as tools, seasonal clothing, electronics, important documents, bulky items such as musical instruments, furniture, sports equipment, kitchenware, etc.
These units can be delivered directly to your previous home, your driveway, or even a temporary place you're staying. No trips to the storage facility, no awkwardness with accessing what you need. They can handle all types of weather, protect your belongings, and stay locked until you're ready to unload them.
Some providers even offer free transport. This option is handy if you want your belongings nearby but not in your face or if you're unsure about the move-in date.
Keeping Everything in a Moving Truck
If your stuff has to be stored for only a few days, you can keep everything in a rented moving truck. It sounds simple – pack once, leave it all inside, then unload at the new place. In theory, this works great, but in practice, it's pretty limited. Most trucks aren't climate-controlled, which means your things are exposed to heat, cold, or humidity. That's far from ideal for furniture, electronics, or any other items that can warp or mold.
There are also rental fees to consider, and they can accumulate quickly if you keep the truck for more than a day or two. And unless you're parked in a secure garage or driveway, there's also theft to consider.
Ready to find your dream home in Colorado?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents. Find out what your home is worth in today's market.
How to Manage the Gap Without Stress
People often say things like, "Moving can be stressful," and we beg to differ. We'd rather go with go with, "moving IS stressful” – because it is. Find one person who said that moving was a breeze or a delight. Regardless, it doesn't have to be chaos.
To stay somewhat calm, plan. Start about 2-3 weeks before you move out and decide what you need for the gap. This is also the best time to reserve a storage solution you plan to use, as you may not be able to get one at the last minute.
A week before the move, start to pack strategically. Everything you'll need to access quickly should be separated and labeled. Also, make a list of what's in each box so you don't have to guess. Once you're in the gap period, keep a digital checklist of where items are stored. If you're using portable storage, confirm your delivery and pickup dates to avoid any surprises.
A little prep goes a long way!
Conclusion
It's not fun to be in between homes, but here we are. But if you're willing to plan, you have plenty of options to choose from to make this period as comfortable as possible.
Just keep in mind that your goal isn't just for you to survive; your belongings also need to make it to the other side.
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