Military Storage Solutions for Families: Keeping Your Home Organized During Relocations

Frequent moves and deployments are a standard experience for military families. However, no matter how frequent they are, most military families dread the inconvenience of relocating. For deployments or a temporary duty assignment (TDY), you often need to find long-term storage solutions to keep your items safe while deployed. For permanent changes of stations (PCSs), you have to pack all of your belongings to move across far distances, even if that involves living out of boxes in the meantime. 

In addition to all these challenges, the Army Sustainment Command stopped funding storage requests for deployed soldiers in October 2023. As a result, military members and their families have to pay out of pocket for storage solutions, which can quickly cost a pretty penny. 

However, the more informed you are before a transition like a PCS, a TDY, or a deployment, the easier the change will be. In this guide, we’ll walk you through ways to save you and your family time, stress, and costs when relocating. With it, you can focus less on the logistics of moving and focus on more important matters.

Decluttering Before a Military Move

Before opening a box, save time for yourself by decluttering first. Instead of packing and storing items you don’t need or use before you move, you can simply donate or sell them. This means fewer boxes and less space to store these items, which can help reallocate costs later when shopping for storage and relocation expenses. 

Decluttering also helps you settle into a new home faster. Instead of unpacking items you rarely use like impulse purchases, you can focus on setting up the essentials. Plus, donating or selling unwanted items before a move can provide extra cash or help another military family in need.

Be more strict during this process if you frequently move. This way, you will have fewer items to move, making frequent moves easier. 

What To Sell vs. What To Donate

When decluttering, you’ll need to categorize all of the items in your house into categories of what to store, what to sell, and what to donate. 

Donations are an excellent option for clothing, home goods, and everyday essentials that are still in good condition but no longer needed. If you keep a receipt, you can also use the donated items as a tax deduction. Military-friendly donation programs like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and base thrift shops often help streamline the donation process and ensure other military families receive the items they need at affordable prices.

Selling, however, can help you offset relocation costs while decluttering. If you have furniture, electronics, and outdoor gear you’re not interested in using in the future, you can list them on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and local military exchange groups. 

You’ll need to store anything you don’t sell or donate, such as vehicles, sentimental or high-value items, seasonal clothing and decorations, and military gear. 

Image Source: Pexels

Choosing the Right Storage Solution

When finding the right storage solution, you have several options. The type you choose depends on your budget, how long you need to store items, and whether you’ll need access to them during the transition. 

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage Options

You can categorize your storage options into short-term and long-term. Your choice between the two will depend on your relocation. If you’re on a temporary deployment or TDY, look into short-term storage, such as:

• Month-to-Month storage units: Many companies offer month-to-month leases to accommodate unpredictable military timelines.
• Portable storage: If you prefer to pack at your own pace, portable storage, such as those offered by PODS, U-Pack, or U-Haul U-Box, can be kept at your home or a secure facility until you’re ready to move.
• On-Base storage facilities: Some military installations offer low-cost or temporary storage options for short-term needs.

If you are going on an extended deployment, opt for long-term storage, as you’ll need to store the items you can’t bring in a safe environment. For PCS, use portable storage to help haul items you’ll need at your new home.

Either option may also be ideal if you’re facing a delay when moving to a new duty location. For example, if you’re staying at a hotel, many storage units can hold your large items until you find a larger space. 

On-Base vs. Off-Base Storage Options

In the military, you can choose between on-base storage facilities and off-base commercial storage units. Your choice will depend on your preferences for cost, convenience, security, and accessibility. For example, on-base storage facilities are cheaper and located near barracks or housing areas, making them more accessible. They also feature restricted public access and include higher security standards, making them secure. However, selection is often more competitive due to limited availability.

On the other hand, commercial storage facilities are more available and feature more amenities such as climate-controlled environments or space for vehicles. Many companies also offer military discounts and month-to-month leases to lessen costs. While all off-base storage units will provide security through gated access and individual locks for storage units, you can ensure extra security by looking for facilities that provide: 

• 24/7 surveillance
• Onsite management
• Digital access codes
• Security cameras

In addition, your choice between on-base and off-base storage options may depend on your circumstances. For example, on-base storage can be more convenient if you go through a short-term move or a temporary assignment. On the other hand, use an off-base storage unit if you are going through a PCS move or a long-term deployment.

Flexible Storage for Uncertain Timelines

More than anything, it’s essential to find flexible storage. When you’re waiting for housing or dealing with a last-minute PCS, having a storage option that adapts to your schedule can reduce stress and save money. 

One way storage facilities achieve this is through month-to-month rental agreements. With this type of contract, you can avoid unnecessarily long year-long contracts that can be more expensive. On the other hand, month-to-month contracts can allow you to move your stored items if your relocation date changes. You can also prorate the contract, so you’re only paying for the exact days you use the facility if you ever need to move.

In addition, many facilities will offer flexible contracts that allow you to terminate contracts without fees or don’t include minimum rental periods. These facilities will often work the best for you — no matter how chaotic your schedule is. 

Packing and Organizing for Easy Transitions

If you’re facing yet another move, throwing everything in boxes without a second glance may be tempting. However, packing with intention can help save you time and frustration later. One way you can do this is by labeling your boxes. Not only should you detail what’s in the box, but you should also detail where the box belongs. For example, if you’re packing dishes, you would write, “Kitchen – Dishes.” This helps you easily place your boxes throughout the house with little confusion. 

You can also color-code your bins so that each color is assigned to a specific room or a category of items. For example, use blue bins for kitchen items, green for bedroom essentials, and red for fragile items. 

You can also use digital inventories to scan barcodes, upload photos of your items, and detail what’s in the box. This helps you figure out where everything is and can also be helpful if you need to make an insurance claim later for lost items. 

You should also consider what to pack first before opening any boxes. Typically, you want to pack items you won’t need immediately, such as seasonal decorations, furniture, decor, etc. Instead, start with items you don’t need regularly. Pack the items you use regularly last, such as  additional clothes, cookware, etc., and label them “open first.” Keep essential items like clothes and bedding in an easy-to-ask bin or bag. 

Protecting Valuables and Sentimental Items

When packing, you’ll inevitably encounter valuables and sentimental items, such as military awards and family heirlooms. It’s essential to pack and store these items carefully. 

• Military awards and medals: Store awards and medals in protective display cases or padded boxes to prevent scratches and tarnishing. For long-term storage, wrap medals in acid-free tissue paper and store them in airtight containers to protect against moisture and dust.
• Heirlooms and fragile items: Wrap fragile heirlooms like glassware, ceramics, and photo frames in bubble wrap or foam padding. Store these items in sturdy, clearly labeled boxes, and avoid stacking heavy items on top of them.

If you need to store any of these items long-term, utilize climate-controlled storage, which can protect items from extreme temperatures and humidity, which could damage your items. This is ideal for military uniforms, photographs, electronics, musical instruments, and wooden furniture. 

You can also consider insuring your valuables through your storage unit, home insurance or renter’s insurance provider, or the Full Replacement Value (FRV) Protection Program, which provides limited coverage for military families using government-contracted movers. 

Image Source: Pexels

What To Do With Seasonal and Bulky Equipment

Seasonal and bulky equipment are some of the most frustrating items to store when moving. Many seasonal items, like winter clothing, holiday decorations, and sports gear, can take up a lot of space — space you may or may not have in a storage facility. However, if you use these tips, it’ll be easy to trim down your allotted space and can make it easy to access your items when you need them:

• Winter clothing: Use vacuum-sealed storage bags to compress bulky coats, sweaters, and blankets, saving space and protecting them from moisture and pests. Label each bag or bin with its contents, and store items in a cool, dry place.
• Holiday decorations: Pack fragile decorations in sturdy plastic bins with dividers to prevent breakage. Label each bin by holiday (e.g., “Christmas – Lights” or “Halloween – Outdoor Decor”) for easy identification. Store artificial trees in dedicated storage bags to protect them from dust and damage.
• Sports equipment: Clean and dry all sports gear before storing it to prevent odors and mildew. Use wall-mounted racks or shelves to keep items like bikes, skis, hunting, and camping gear organized and off the floor. Consider renting a storage unit with outdoor access for bulkier equipment like kayaks or paddleboards for more effortless loading and unloading.

If you have formal uniforms, store them in breathable garment bags that you can hang, preventing dust, moisture, and wrinkles. You can also store uniforms in labeled bins every day. Any tactical gear you have should be in plastic bins with tight-fitting lids. You should also clean all these items to prevent odors and mold from building up during storage. 

Any outdoor equipment, like patio furniture, can also occupy a lot of space. While you may be tempted to keep it outside while you’re gone, too much exposure to the elements can lead to weather damage. Instead, find a storage facility where you can keep it safe. 

You can also store any motorcycles, cars, RVs, and other vehicles, which can be essential when it doesn’t make sense to haul your vehicle over. Many facilities offer a place to store vehicles with covered parking to protect against sun and weather damage. You’ll also have added security for protection. This way, you won’t have to worry about expensive items when you’re gone. 

Storage Tips for Families During Deployments

Just like with packing, storing your items before deployment requires strategy. With these tips, however, you can make the transition easier:

Prepare a Storage Plan Before Deployment

The last thing you want to do is commit to a storage unit that’s too small, unnecessarily large, or doesn’t suit your needs. Instead, creating a plan when packing and storing your items is better. When going through the process, use this checklist:

• Assess what needs to be stored: Identify items that need long-term storage, including furniture, seasonal gear, vehicles, and valuables. On the other hand, take items you and your family will need during deployment, sentimental items, and high-value items. 
• Choose a secure storage facility: For added flexibility, choose a facility that offers climate control, 24/7 security, military discounts, and month-to-month leases.
• Sort your belongings: Create a detailed list of all items in storage, including photos, descriptions, and estimated values. 
• Label and pack items for long-term storage: Use durable, weather-resistant containers and label each box clearly. For valuable or fragile items, use bubble wrap and protective padding. Avoid using cardboard boxes for long-term storage, as they can degrade over time.
• Prepare vehicles for storage: Clean and service vehicles before storage. Fill the gas tank, add a fuel stabilizer, and disconnect the battery. 

Lastly, identify a trusted individual who can access your storage unit during emergencies. When identifying them, ask for permission beforehand and provide essential information about the unit, such as the facility’s address, unit number, gate codes, and where to find the keys.

Keep Documents and Records Safe

You’ll also want to store any legal documents, records, and military information safely stored, organized, and easily accessible. The best way to ensure that is through the following methods.

• Use fireproof and waterproof safes: Store original documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, passports, Social Security cards, and military orders in a fireproof and waterproof safe. This protects against natural disasters and household accidents.
• Organize documents in labeled folders: Use labeled folders or binders to separate categories like medical records, financial documents, legal paperwork, and military service records.
• Keep documents accessible: Store frequently needed documents, such as military IDs and deployment orders, in an easily accessible location while storing less-used items securely.
• Use archival-quality storage materials: Use acid-free folders and sleeves to prevent paper degradation for long-term storage. Avoid storing documents in areas with high humidity or temperature fluctuations.

It’s also best to use a mixed approach when deciding what to store digitally and physically. For example, you can digitally store military IDs, health insurance cards, etc., on a USB or cloud service. This way, you can easily access them wherever you are—even if the physical copy is thousands of miles away.

However, some documents need to be stored physically to be effective. For example, passports, wills, legal documents, power of attorney forms, birth certificates, and property deeds are only deemed legally enforceable as physical documents. Digital copies are too easy to forge, so many courts, systems, and other institutions won’t recognize a digitally stored copy. You can store these documents in a fireproof safe or with a trusted family member or attorney to keep them safe. 

Even if frequent relocations and deployments are a part of military life, they don’t have to be a pain. You can make these transitions a breeze with the right storage solutions, packing strategies, and decluttering! This way, you can focus less on the journey and enjoy your new adventure. 

Resources for Military Families Over Break

Military Moving Assistance Programs

• Military OneSource: A key resource for active-duty service members and their families, Military OneSource offers personalized relocation counseling, moving checklists, and connections to essential programs.
• The Defense Personal Property Program (DP3): Managed by the Department of Defense, DP3 helps coordinate household goods shipments for military families during Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves.
• Armed Services YMCA: Provides financial and logistical support to military families facing relocation challenges.

Affordable and Flexible Storage Options

• SelfStorage: SelfStorage is a storage comparison shopping site that provides you with storage recommendations based on your location, your desired size of storage unit, and what you want to store.
• SpareFoot: SpareFoot is a storage unit marketplace that helps consumers, including military members, find reliable storage options.
• U-Haul Military Move Program: Offers discounted prices and more service options for storage solutions.
• CubeSmart Military Storage: Offers a 5% discount and flexible leasing options for military families shopping for storage units. 

Financial Assistance and Budgeting for Moves

• American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA) – 8 Things to Consider When Budgeting for a PCS Move: This article provides tips for budgeting before making a PCS move.
• Army Emergency Relief (AER), Air Force Aid Society (AFAS), and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS): These organizations offer grants and zero-interest loans for moving-related expenses.
• Dislocation Allowance (DLA): The military reimburses certain relocation costs, including per diem allowances, temporary lodging expenses, and the shipment of household goods.