Move In Day Checklist for Storage

Before you arrive at the site

Before move-in day, be clear on how your items are getting to the storage facility. 

If you are bringing items yourself, check that your vehicle is suitable for unloading at your chosen Henfield Storage location. Many customers hire a van, so allow enough time to load, travel, unload, and return it.

If you are using Henfield Storage’s free collection service, make sure your collection is booked and confirmed in advance, and that you understand what is included. Free collection helps get your items to the site, but you will still complete move-in and secure your unit at the facility.

Having this organised in advance helps avoid delays and keeps the rest of the move-in day straightforward.

What to do once you arrive at the Henfield Storage facility

When you arrive at the facility, check in at reception before unloading anything. The team will confirm where your unit is and how to access it. If you unload your goods before you know where you are going, it often means moving everything twice.

Once you know where to unload, take a quick look inside the unit before loading. If something does not look right, mention it to our on-site Henfield team straight away. Issues are much easier to resolve before anything goes into the space.

This includes:

• The unit not being empty
• The space not matching what you expected
• The door, latch, or locking point not opening or closing smoothly

Once everything looks right, you’re officially ready to store your things.

Storing items in your self storage unit

This is the part most people focus on, but it is also where small decisions can make storage easier or harder later on. Before you start loading everything in, take a moment to think about how the unit will be used, not just how quickly it can be filled.

Packing and placing items properly helps protect your belongings and makes future access much simpler. A few small adjustments on move-in day can save time, damage, and unnecessary repacking later.

When storing items in your unit:

• Place heavier boxes and items on the floor, with lighter boxes stacked on top
• Use boxes of similar size where possible so they stack more securely
• Avoid overfilling boxes, as this can cause them to collapse
• Take apart furniture where practical and keep fixings in clearly labelled bags
• Fill gaps in boxes with packing material to prevent items shifting
• Cover mattresses, sofas, and electronics for protection
• Keep items you may need again near the front of the unit
• Leave a small amount of space for air circulation

Do not store food, liquids, or hazardous items in your unit. If you are unsure whether something can be stored, check with the team before loading. 

Once you are finished, lock the unit and double-check that it is properly secured before leaving the site.

A final check before you leave

Before heading off, take a moment to ensure your unit is locked properly and that the door is fully secure. If you have just fitted a new padlock, give it a quick check before you leave.

Also take note of your unit number and the opening hours for your branch, so you have them handy for future visits. If you are unsure about how access works day to day, we cover the basics here. If you need someone else to access the unit later, arrange this with the team.

If anything was unclear during your move-in, or if you have questions about access, insurance, or your unit, speak to the Henfield Storage team before you leave. If you want to check what insurance covers, start with self storage insurance cover, then summary of insurance. It is always easier to sort things out on the day.

Once these checks are done, your move-in is complete and your storage is ready to use.