Preparing for deployment involves more than just completing military paperwork and making travel arrangements. One important consideration for soldiers and military families is what to do with furniture, personal belongings, and household items while they are away. Self-storage is a great solution for this concern. It can provide peace of mind for soldiers and military families during deployment. Keep reading as we share some of our top tips for soldiers and military families storing personal belongings during deployment.
Why Storage Is Helpful During Deployment
Putting your belongings in storage during deployment is a great way to protect them while serving away from home. It reduces stress not only for the soldiers going away, but also for their spouses and family members. As many soldiers and military families move regularly, using self-storage can also be helpful if housing or living arrangements change. You’ll enjoy peace of mind, knowing you don’t have to worry about the safety of your personal or sentimental belongings, while also avoiding cluttering a family member’s home or garage with your stored items for an extended period.
What Items Should You Store?
One of the best things about using a self-storage unit while you are away on deployment is the flexibility in what you can store. These are some of the most common items and personal belongings we see soldiers and military families put in storage units.
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- Furniture and Household Goods – Beds, couches, tables, appliances, and seasonal decorations can all go in self-storage units. Ensure you choose a unit large enough to accommodate these furniture items and protect them from damage during extended storage.
- Personal Belongings – Many soldiers store their electronics, collectibles, sports equipment, and hobby items for security reasons during deployment.
- Important Documents – Military records, tax documents, family paperwork, and other irreplaceable items that you need to keep safe are best put in storage while you are away, so you don’t have to worry about them getting lost or damaged.
Packing Tips Before Deployment
As you start packing before deployment, we recommend using sturdy boxes and protective packing materials to provide an extra layer of protection for your items. Label boxes clearly by room or category. From there, you can create a simple inventory list. This list will make it much easier to find anything you urgently need when you first come back home. Place frequently needed items near the front of the unit, and put items you won’t need until you are back home.
Consider Climate-Controlled Storage
One consideration that we always recommend to anyone investing in a self-storage unit is upgrading to a climate-controlled storage unit. These are ideal for electronics, photographs, documents, and wooden furniture, all of which are more likely to get damaged in regular storage units that may become hot and stuffy. Climate-controlled storage helps protect your belongings from Central Texas heat and humidity, which is especially important in the summer months. It can help reduce the risk of warping, mold, and moisture damage and save you money in the long run on potential repairs or replacements.
Security Features to Look For
When you are away on deployment, the last thing you want to do is worry about any of the items you’ve put away in storage. Look for a self-storage facility with excellent security features, such as gated access, video surveillance, and well-lit facilities. Controlled access points should be installed throughout the facility, and we recommend investing in secure locks for your unit. If you have any security concerns, address them during your initial tour of the facility to ensure your peace of mind later on.
Choosing the Right Storage Unit Size
Selecting the right size for your storage unit depends on the number of items and the types of belongings you are storing. Small units are ideal for personal items and boxes, and are a good starting point if you just need to store a smaller selection of belongings. From there, you can upgrade to medium units for apartment-sized belongings and larger units for full household storage during long deployments. Our team can advise you on the recommended unit size for your needs.
Storage Facility Options Near Fort Cavazos / Fort Hood
For soldiers and military families stationed in Fort Cavazos / Fort Hood, you’ll find that there are many nearby storage facilities close to Killeen, Harker Heights, Temple, or Belton. They offer convenient access to your belongings before deployment and after returning home. Ask about month-to-month rental options, which provide additional flexibility for military families unsure about committing to a specific rental term if you don’t have set plans at the time of the initial deployment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long can I rent a storage unit during deployment? We offer flexible storage options that roll over monthly. Our team understands that deployment can be extended or changed at short notice and offers a range of rental solutions to fit everyone’s needs.
- Should I choose climate-controlled storage? We recommend climate-controlled storage units for anyone storing electronics, photographs, documents, and wooden furniture. They offer an additional layer of protection from the Texas heat and humidity.
- What size storage unit do I need? The size of the storage unit you need depends on the number of boxes and belongings you plan to store. Our team can guide you through the process of choosing a storage unit, and we offer a range of sizes, from small to large.
- Can family members access my unit? If your spouse or a family member wants to access the unit, we recommend taking out a joint contract. Our team can discuss the options available to you during your initial tour.
Deployment already comes with enough challenges, and the last thing you need to worry about is your personal belongings while you are away. A secure storage unit can help protect your belongings and simplify life for your family. Contact Amy’s Attic Self Storage for more information about our storage facilities or to discuss the military storage or PCS Move options and discounts available to soldiers and military families.
