Leaving behind the fierce winter chill of living in colder states and enjoying the mild weather farther south in Orlando is one of the best parts of living the snowbird lifestyle. Once the summer heat begins to pick up and it’s time to head back north, however, first-time snowbirds are often left asking themselves the same question: What do I do with everything when I leave? It’s rarely practical to pack everything up at the end of each season and take it with you as you come and go.
This is where a storage unit can come in handy. By using a storage unit to hold your non-essential items when they are not in use, you can make maintaining two lives much easier and leave the constant packing and unpacking behind. Read on for some of our favorite storage tips for those living the snowbird lifestyle.
Deciding What Stays and What Goes
Before leaving your Florida home, sort your belongings into what needs to travel back north and what can easily be left behind. For many seasonal residents, finding self storage in Orlando makes it easier to keep those in-between items all together without overloading their vehicle. If you are wondering what items would be best to keep in storage, here are some ideas to get you started:
- Seasonal clothing and extra linens
- Patio furniture and outdoor decor
- Kitchen appliances and cookware
- Bicycles, golf clubs, and recreational gear
Choosing the Right Storage Unit
Take the time to estimate how much space you need for your storage unit. A smaller unit can work if you only have a few boxes and decor. If you have furniture from an entire condo to store, a larger unit will be needed to make sure everything fits. Many people underestimate their storage needs, so be sure to measure any large furniture or decor so you can avoid stacking everything too tightly.
Also, consider the location of the unit. Do you want it closer to your Orlando home or easily accessible from the highway? If you plan to get a storage unit that is closer to home, you can keep more items in storage during your stay since it will be easier to access. If you only want to store items when you are back up north, then being closer to the highway to make a quick stop in and out is the way to go.
Maintaining Items During Long Absences
While you are away, your items will be sitting in the same place for months. This means that taking the time to properly pack away your items is essential to maintaining them when they aren’t being used. Consider choosing a climate-controlled unit and covering furniture. This can help add a layer of reassurance that your items will be properly packed away when you aren’t around to check on things.
Timing Your Storage Around Travel Plans
Traveling as a snowbird can be pretty predictable; leave the northern states during the freezing winter and head back before the southern heat takes over. However, life still likes to throw curveballs. Flights can change, seasons can shift, and other plans s can interrupt how long you’re going to stay. Opting for a flexible rental option for your storage unit can give you the room you need in your schedule for any sudden changes. By aligning your storage timing with your travel plans, you can reduce stress as you go.
Making the Return to Orlando Easier
After months away, the last thing anyone wants is chaos. A well-organized storage unit can make settling back in feel smooth instead of overwhelming. There are many simple things you can do to keep everything organized without interrupting your time in Orlando. Try labeling any boxes or bins, creating an easy access layout before you put everything into storage, and keeping any essential items within reach to keep your travel transition simple.
