Moving Without Worries: Using Self Storage for Your Relocation

Erin Stuckey • June 11, 2024

Moving can be pretty overwhelming at times, often bringing about feelings of stress and anxiety. However, there are ways to ensure your next move goes off without a hitch. By properly planning, exercising smart judgment throughout, and investing in a reliable self storage space, you can set yourself up for success.

The experts at Apple Self Storage are here to help you every step of the way. This blog will provide tips on how self storage can help the moving process, making your relocation journey smooth and worry-free.

Evaluate Your Home Situation

Before the moving process begins, it’s important that you take a step back and evaluate your situation. Start by sorting your belongings into categories like: keep, toss, sell, and store. This will help you weed out things you don’t need and separate things that can be stored away temporarily. Decluttering as you go not only lightens your load but can also make your home more appealing to buyers if you’re trying to sell it.

Next, go room to room and assess what you use daily versus what you can live without for a short period. Items such as seasonal decorations, extra furniture, and seldom-used kitchen appliances can be set aside for storage, while you should plan to keep things like clothes and electronics near the front.

Planning Your Move

Not every move is the same. How far you travel and the duration, if any, between housing arrangements can impact your timetable and overall plans. For in-town moves, self storage can act as a staging area where you can gradually move your belongings to reduce the chaos of moving day. You’ll instead be able to take your time to ensure that everything is packed and transported safely, a perfect example of how to simplify your move with self storage.

For long-distance relocations, self storage provides a temporary home for your items, allowing you to settle into your new place without the pressure of unpacking everything at once. This is especially useful if there are delays in your moving schedule or if you’re hiring movers to unload your stuff in a new city. Additionally, having a storage unit can be a lifesaver if your new home is smaller than your previous one, as it lets you slowly decide what to keep and what to let go.

How To Properly Pack for Storage

Proper packing is crucial for protecting your belongings during the move and while they are in storage. It’s not as simple as cramming everything into your car or moving truck—you may need to put on your thinking cap and use your best judgment. Here are some tips:

  • Use high-quality materials. Invest in moving supplies like sturdy boxes, packing paper, and strong tape to protect your items from damage. Avoid using old or flimsy boxes that might collapse under weight. If you’re on a budget, liquor stores or supermarkets may give you boxes for free if you ask nicely!
  • Label everything. Clearly label each box with its contents and the room to which it belongs. This will make unpacking more manageable and help you locate items while they’re in storage. Consider color-coding labels for different rooms to simplify the process even further.
  • Disassemble large items. Take apart furniture and other large items to save space. Just make sure to keep screws and small parts in labeled bags and tape them to their corresponding item so you don’t lose them.
  • Protect fragile items. Wrap fragile items individually with Bubble Wrap or newspaper and place them in boxes with ample cushioning to prevent movement. Use blankets or towels for extra padding around delicate items like glassware and electronics.
  • Avoid over-packing boxes. Over-packed boxes can become heavy and difficult to move, increasing the risk of injury or damage. Distribute the weight evenly and ensure your boxes are light enough to lift safely.

Organizing Your Storage Unit

Investing in a well-organized storage unit can save you time and frustration. Before moving your items into it, use our unit size guide to visualize how you’ll set up your space. Place frequently accessed items near the front and less-needed ones at the back, as this will prevent you from having to move things around later.

Ways To Maximize Accessibility

After you plan where to pack your things in your storage unit, it’s time to move in. Here are some ideas to keep in mind on how to simplify your move with self storage:

  • Use shelving units. Install free-standing shelving units to maximize vertical space and keep your items organized. Shelves can help prevent items from being damaged and make it easier to access your belongings.
  • Leave aisles. Create pathways within your storage unit so you can reach all your items without moving multiple boxes. This is particularly important if you plan to access your unit regularly.
  • Stack strategically. Place heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top, and use uniform-sized boxes for easier stacking. Avoid creating tall, unstable stacks that could topple over.
  • Keep an inventory. Keep a detailed inventory list of all items in your storage unit. This will help you keep track of what you have and where it’s located. Consider creating a map of your storage unit and noting the location of specific items.

Tips for Moving Into Your New Home

When the time comes to transition into your new home, self storage can help keep the moving process organized. You should pack an essentials box near the front of your unit with things you need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries and clothes. From there, unpack things one room at a time, starting with important areas like the kitchen and bedrooms.

As you continue to unpack, don’t rush yourself. One of the most important self storage tips for relocating is that your unit can be used gradually, as non-essential items can be kept in storage until you have time to bring them all over. While settling into your new space, continue decluttering as you go, as it will help you maintain an organized and clutter-free home.

Rent Storage For Your Move With Apple Self Storage

Choosing the right storage provider is key to any successful move. Apple Self Storage offers a range of unit sizes to accommodate any need, whether you’re storing a few boxes or the contents of an entire multifamily home. Apple Self Storage provides peace of mind and convenience with secure, temperature-controlled units* and flexible rental terms.

Are you ready to get started? Find the closest Apple Self Storage facility to you today! For additional information, browse our list of frequently asked questions .

*at select locations

By Erik Sherman July 21, 2026
We’re making storage a unique, friendly and easy experience at Apple Self Storage on Highway 27 in Woodbridge . This facility is designed with one goal in mind: to be genuinely pleasant for the people who use it. You'll find it at 7845 Highway 27, in a spot that's simple to reach whether you're coming from Vaughan, Kleinburg, or anywhere across the Woodbridge area. With Highway 27 right there, swinging by to drop something off or grab what you need fits neatly into your day instead of eating up your afternoon. Climate Controlled Storage, Top to Bottom This facility offers a huge range of climate controlled units, which means your belongings stay in a steady, comfortable environment no matter what the weather is doing outside. That matters more than people realize. Ontario weather runs the full gauntlet, from humid summers to frigid winters, and that constant back and forth is rough on a lot of the things we store. Wood furniture, electronics, photos, paperwork, instruments, and seasonal clothing all hold up far better when they're kept in a stable space. You can store the things you actually care about and trust they'll be in great shape whenever you come back for them. A Size for Every Need One of the best parts about a facility this size is the sheer range of unit options. Spaces start small, around a tidy 5x5 that's perfect for a few boxes, seasonal gear, or the clutter that's been crowding a closet at home. From there they climb steadily upward through dozens of sizes, all the way to large units like a roomy 30x15 that can handle the contents of an entire house. That range means just about anyone can find the right fit. A growing family clearing out the basement, a homeowner mid-renovation, a small business storing inventory or records, someone downsizing, or a household between moves all have a spot that works. And because there are so many sizes in between, you're not stuck paying for room you don't need or squeezing into something too tight. You get the space that actually matches your situation. One feature that sets our facility apart: a dedicated loading bay. Instead of wrestling boxes across a parking lot in the rain or balancing furniture on a curb, you can pull in, unload in a sheltered, purpose-built space, and move your things inside comfortably. And if you realize halfway through that you're short on boxes, tape, or wrapping, you don't have to run across town. Moving supplies are available right on site, so you can grab what you need and keep the momentum going. Little conveniences like that are what make a modern facility feel like it's genuinely on your side. Security That's Personal Peace of mind is a big part of why people choose storage in the first place, and this facility takes it seriously. Every tenant gets a unique pin code for access, so entry is controlled and tied to you specifically. That personal layer of access control means you can leave your belongings here and get on with your life, confident that the only people coming and going are the ones who are supposed to. Access That Works Around Your Schedule Access hours run daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, which gives you a wide, flexible window to come and go. Early birds can swing by before work, and night owls can stop in after dinner. Either way, getting to your unit fits your routine. If you'd like a hand from the team, the office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The office is closed on Sundays and holidays, but with access hours that generous, reaching your things is never a hassle. A Fresh Start for Storage in Woodbridge What makes this new facility special is how it all comes together. Wall-to-wall climate controlled units, a sheltered loading bay, on-site moving supplies, personal pin code access, and a huge spread of unit sizes add up to a storage experience that feels modern, secure, and refreshingly easy. If you've been waiting for storage in Woodbridge that's actually built around you, the team at Apple Self Storage on Highway 27 is ready to welcome you in.
By Erik Sherman July 21, 2026
Anyone who has rushed to move out of an apartment or scrambled to clear room before a renovation knows how stressful that can be, and how much it matters when a business has your back. At Apple Self Storage on Stevenson Street in Guelph , the help is the whole point. We put our customers’ needs first. But don’t take our word for it. This is what our real customers are saying: A Welcome That Sets the Tone Walk into a lot of storage facilities and you'll get a clipboard and a shrug. That's not how it goes here. The team, especially Ross, has a habit of treating new renters like guests in a welcoming home. "I had a welcoming experience here. Ross was friendly, answered all my questions, and made the process as seamless as possible. Also, big ups for the student discount. Highly recommend! " — Esther O. Renting a unit usually comes with a dozen small questions: How does access work? What size do I actually need? What happens if my plans change? Getting real answers up front is what turns a nerve-wracking errand into a quick, easy stop. Esther isn't the only one who noticed. Another review from the name “Hot Business” put it simply after working with two of the team members: " Ross and Henry were truly amazing, super friendly and quick ." First Time Storing? You're in Good Hands If you've never rented a storage unit before, the unknowns can pile up fast. The Apple team is patient with first-timers, walking through every step instead of assuming you already know the drill. "First time using a storage service and it was a very positive experience. Communication was excellent before my visit and I was greeted warmly by Michael and Ross when I arrived. The building is very clean and well lit. Ross took the time to explain every part of the process, including how to use the lock. The rates are great! I feel very confident in accessing my unit independently." — Janine C. That last line is the goal. We want you to feel confident in your rental. You shouldn't need to call the office every time you want to grab something out of your unit. When someone takes a few extra minutes to show you how the lock works and how to get in and out on your own, you walk away confident, not confused. Clean, Modern, and Built for Easy Loading A welcoming staff matters, but so does the building. The Guelph facility is a modern, well-kept space, and the details show up the moment you start moving boxes. "Clean and modern self storage. Lots of parking, two big loading bays that allow you to pull in and load and unload in comfort. Even a hydraulic lift plate! Kind and friendly staff that keep the place spotless. Any issues are dealt with promptly. Probably the best self-storage in Guelph, in a super-convenient location. Top marks!" — Brad C. Two covered loading bays, plenty of parking, and a lift plate for heavy items are the kind of features you don't think about until you're carrying a couch in the rain. Add climate and humidity control throughout the building and free dollies to borrow, and the actual work of moving in gets a lot less painful. Brad calls it the best in Guelph, and the convenient Stevenson Street location, close to downtown and the University of Guelph, doesn't hurt. Students Get a Real Break Guelph is a university town, and summer brings the annual scramble to figure out what to do with a year's worth of stuff. Apple makes that easier with a student discount and supplies to pack it all up. "Phenomenal service. I cannot recommend Apple Self Storage enough. Ross and Henry were extremely helpful and guided me through the whole process step by step. I'm renting for the summer, and they made everything easy by offering me the student discount and providing boxes and supplies to help with packing. I don't usually write reviews, but if you're in Guelph and looking for storage, save yourself the trouble of sorting through all the options online and book with Apple Self Storage. You won't regret it." — Dania S. Summer storage is one of those problems that feels bigger than it is. You're juggling exams, a move, and a deadline to be out of your place. A student discount, boxes ready on-site, and a team that walks you through it turns a headache into a one-stop solution. If you're a student heading home for the break, this is the easy button. It Adds Up Look across these reviews and a pattern shows up. People mention the helpful employees that truly care by name. They talk about feeling welcomed, getting straight answers, and leaving confident. They notice the spotless bays and the lift plate. They appreciate a fair rate and a discount when they qualify for one. None of that happens by accident. It happens because the people running the Guelph facility care, truly care, about our tenants. That's the difference. Stop By or Reserve Your Unit If you need storage in Guelph, come see why customers keep recommending the team by name. Apple Self Storage – Guelph 110 Stevenson St S, Guelph, ON N1E 5N4 Phone: (226) 794-5298 Email: store1061@applestorage.com Access Hours: Daily, 6:00 am – 10:00 pm Office Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sat 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sun & Holidays closed Ask about the student discount, and let Ross and the team make your next move a simple one.