If you live in Los Angeles long enough, you eventually run into the same problem almost everyone here has: too much stuff, not enough space, and not enough time.
Maybe you’re moving from a 3-bedroom house in Woodland Hills into a 1-bedroom in North Hollywood, or you are between leases and crashing with family for a month. Whatever the story, the moment you start packing, one thought hits hard: “Where am I going to put all of this?”
That’s where storage comes in. In LA, with the rents, traffic, and constant moving, the way you plan your storage can literally make or break your relocation.
I move people in and around LA every week with United Prime Van Lines, and storage is one of the topics we discuss the most. Let me walk you through your options—in plain English.
Los Angeles isn’t a “throw everything in the garage” kind of city. Garages are gyms, offices, or packed with holiday decor. Plus, move-in and move-out dates rarely align perfectly.
The Reality: Storage is your buffer—your safety net. The people who suffer the most stress on moving day are usually the ones who tried to pretend they didn’t need storage, only to end up staring at a living room full of boxes with no place to go at 6 PM.
When clients ask, "What are my options?", I split it into four categories:
You move out on the 28th, but the new lease starts on the 3rd. Short-term storage bridges that gap.
You are leaving LA for a year or downsizing from a house to a condo.
Selling a house in Woodland Hills? Your agent wants you to declutter. Remodeling a kitchen? You don't want your sofa absorbing drywall dust. Storage becomes part of your project planning.
Pianos and oil paintings cannot sit in a hot metal locker. These require Climate-Controlled environments and professional crating.
It comes down to three main ways to store your stuff:
OptionBest ForProsConsFull-Service (Movers)Gap moves, renovations, hands-off clients.One team, no double-handling, professional inventory.No 24/7 access (usually by appointment).Self-Storage UnitsLong-term storage where you need frequent access.Flexible access, good for partial storage.You pay movers twice (in and out), you manage organization.Portable ContainersDriveways, DIY loading.Load at your own pace.LA Problem: Many streets/HOAs ban them. You do the heavy lifting.
My Take: For most people mid-move within Los Angeles, Full-Service is the least stressful. You want your life back, not a side project managing a storage locker.
Most people underestimate this.
If you aren't sure, we can do a quick virtual walkthrough to prevent you from paying for air or running out of room.
LA isn't humid Florida, but the Valley gets hot.
Get Climate Control for: Solid wood furniture, musical instruments, artwork, vinyl records, and leather.
Skip it for: Garage items, plastic bins, patio furniture (short-term).
"Packing for storage is not the same as packing for a same-day move."
1. Stronger Boxes: Don't use weak grocery store boxes. They crush under stack weight over time.
2. Breathable Wrap: Leather and wood need to breathe. We use pads, not just plastic shrink wrap, to prevent moisture trapping.
3. "Do Not Store" List: Keep passports, meds, and laptops with you. Do not bury them in a vault.
Don't assume "storage is storage." Ask these three things:
The "Fast Close": A family sold their home but the new one wasn't ready. We moved them into storage for 6 weeks. They stayed in an Airbnb. One move out, one move in. Seamless.
The "Renovate First": A client rented an older apartment but wanted new floors. We stored their furniture for 3 weeks during construction so nothing got ruined.
If you are moving in or around Los Angeles and storage is on your mind, let's talk before you start taping boxes. We’ll help you build a plan that fits your timing and budget.
