When planning a long-distance move, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how to store your belongings safely until you’re ready to settle in. Whether your timeline involves weeks between moving out and moving in, or you simply need extra space while transitioning, the right storage options during moving can make all the difference.
From minimizing handling to protecting fragile items from extreme temperatures, there are tried-and-true ways to keep your possessions secure and intact throughout the process. At Exodus Moving & Storage, we specialize in safe, flexible storage solutions designed to give you peace of mind—no matter how far you’re going.
Understanding Your Storage Options During Moving
When selecting a storage solution for a long move, think beyond “just a place to put your stuff.” The right method can reduce risk, protect delicate items, and make moving day far smoother.
Mobile Storage Containers
These weather-resistant, portable containers are delivered right to your home or business. You load them at your own pace—taking as little or as much time as you need—before they’re sealed and taken to a secure storage facility.
- Best for: Flexible schedules, self-packing, staged moves, and people who prefer control over the packing process.
- Why this storage is safe: Once sealed, your container is not opened until it reaches your final destination, preventing unnecessary handling and the damage that can come with it.
- Example: A family relocating from Fort Collins to another state might use a portable container while their new home finishes construction, giving them a safe space for their belongings without the stress of a rushed move.
Trailer “Load Once/Unload Once” Storage
With this method, your belongings are loaded directly into a storage trailer, sealed, and stored in a secure facility until you’re ready for delivery.
- Best for: Fragile or valuable items, homeowners between closings, and short-term storage needs.
- Why this storage is safe: The “no transfer” approach minimizes handling, reducing the risk of chips, scratches, or breakage that can happen when items are moved multiple times.
- Example: A couple selling their home in Loveland but not moving into their new place in Greeley for three weeks can store their items safely without them ever being unloaded until delivery day.
Climate-Controlled Storage
Some belongings are especially vulnerable to extreme heat, cold, or humidity—especially in Colorado, where weather can swing wildly. Temperature-controlled units maintain stable conditions year-round.
- Best for: Electronics, fine art, antiques, wood furniture, musical instruments, and important documents.
- Why this storage is safe: Prevents warping, cracking, mold, and other temperature- or moisture-related damage.
- Example: A retired couple moving from Denver to Arizona might store antique furniture and oil paintings in a climate-controlled unit while they transition, ensuring their valuables arrive in perfect condition.
Vehicle Storage
If you own an RV, boat, or extra vehicle that won’t make the trip immediately, you’ll need secure vehicle storage until you’re ready to retrieve it.
- Best for: Seasonal vehicles, collectible cars, or situations where HOA rules limit parking.
- Why this storage safe: Indoor and monitored outdoor storage protects from theft, vandalism, and harsh weather.
- Example: A Fort Collins family closing on their old home in June but not getting keys to the new place until July keeps their RV and fishing boat at Exodus’s secure Johnstown facility for six weeks. They schedule an easy pickup the day before their first weekend at Horsetooth Reservoir—no HOA headaches, no exposure to the elements, and complete confidence their vehicles are ready to go when they are.
Expert Packing and Storage Tips to Protect Your Belongings
Once you’ve selected your storage options during moving, proper packing ensures that your items will look as good coming out of storage as they did going in.
1. Declutter Before You Pack
Every box costs time, space, and money to store. Use your move as a chance to donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer need.
2. Use Professional-Grade Packing Materials
Those free boxes from the grocery store might be fine for light items, but they’re not designed to hold up in long-term storage. Paired with our expert packing services, Exodus uses durable, high-quality boxes, strong packing tape, and protective wraps to keep your belongings safe and secure for the entire journey.
3. Label and Inventory Every Box
List the contents on the outside of each box and keep a master inventory. This prevents the frustration of digging through multiple boxes to find one item.
4. Protect Fragile Items with Layers
Double-wrap dishes, glassware, and electronics. Place heavy items on the bottom and lighter, more delicate items on top.
5. Prevent Moisture and Pest Damage
Use silica gel packs or moisture absorbers in boxes, especially for items in long-term storage. Avoid storing food or plants that might attract pests.
6. Keep Essentials With You
Pack a “first week” box with clothes, toiletries, chargers, and important paperwork so you’re not scrambling to access your storage mid-move.
How Moving and Storage Services Keep Items Safe
Professional moving and storage services add layers of protection you can’t get with DIY storage:
- Security Features: Gated facilities, 24/7 surveillance, and access control keep unauthorized hands away from your belongings.
- Sealed Storage: With portable containers and “Load Once/Unload Once” trailers, your belongings are never shuffled between warehouses.
- Climate Protection: For sensitive belongings, climate-controlled storage safeguards them from environmental damage.
- Expert Handling: Experienced movers know how to load trailers and containers so that nothing shifts or breaks in transit.
- Insurance & Valuation: Options are available to cover your items while in storage, adding an extra layer of peace of mind.
Choosing the Right Storage Option for Your Move
When deciding between your storage options during moving, think about:
1. Timeline
Short-term storage often works best with trailers or portable containers; long-term needs may require climate control.
2. Item Type
Delicate and valuable items should be stored in climate-controlled spaces.
3. Access Needs
If you may need to get into your storage during the move, choose a solution that allows easy arrangements.
4. Budget
Balance your budget with your need for protection—sometimes investing more upfront prevents costly damage later.
Why Trust Exodus Moving & Storage with Your Storage Needs?
At Exodus Moving & Storage, we start every storage recommendation with a personal conversation about your unique needs, timeline, and priorities. We know no two moves are alike, so our team takes the time to learn exactly what you’re storing, how long you’ll need it stored, and what kind of access or environmental conditions are most important to you.
From there, we match you with one of our specialized storage solutions:
- Mobile Storage Containers for flexible, load-at-your-own-pace moves.
- Trailer “Load Once/Unload Once” Storage for maximum protection with minimal handling.
- Temperature-Controlled Units for valuables that need stable temperature and humidity.
- Secure Vehicle Storage for cars, RVs, boats, and trailers, with both indoor and monitored outdoor options.
Our facilities feature 24/7 video surveillance, gated perimeters, sprinkler systems, and sealed storage methods that keep your belongings untouched until delivery. Whether you need short-term storage between closings or long-term solutions while you settle into your new home, we design a plan that balances security, convenience, and cost-effectiveness—so you can move forward with confidence knowing your possessions are in expert hands.
Trusted Storage and Moving Services Backed by Decades of Experience
Exodus Moving & Storage is a locally owned company with more than 28 years of service in Colorado. Over that time, we’ve built a reputation rooted in trust, transparency, and excellence. Our team has earned more than 500 five-star Google reviews and several prestigious honors, including the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics and the Wheaton Worldwide Moving Agent of the Year in 2024.
We’re not just in the business of moving boxes—we’re in the business of caring for people. That’s why we partner with nonprofit organizations, senior housing communities, real estate professionals, and veterans’ groups to ensure each move is as smooth and well-supported as possible. Our commitment extends beyond logistics to the well-being and peace of mind of every client we serve.
If you’re planning a long-distance move and want storage solutions that are secure, convenient, and tailored to your situation, our team is here to help. Call us at 970-484-1488 or click here to get your customized storage and moving plan today.
