One to two weeks ahead is enough most of the year. For a summer move or the last days of a month, reserve two to four weeks out. Free reservations make booking early a low-risk move.
Demand for storage follows moving season. Movers are busiest in summer. About 37% of moves happened between May and August, with the end of the month and holiday weekends the most crowded times.
When everyone is moving, the popular sizes go first. The 10x10 and 10x20 drive-up units near you are the ones most likely to be gone if you wait.
Booking early costs little. Many facilities let you reserve online for free with no obligation, so you can hold a price and cancel if plans change.
A simple plan:
- Two to four weeks out, find two or three facilities within 5 miles using the finder.
- Reserve the best option for your move-in date.
- A few days before, call to confirm your unit size is set aside.
- Book your truck or movers around the same date.
If you are short on time, many places can rent you a unit the same day. See same-day storage.