When to get a storage unit

Yesterday afternoon, I was working a consultation for a REALTOR on a 3500 sq foot house that was filled to the brim with stuff.  During the course of the conversations, the husband stated, "I better run out tonight and get a storage unit..."

Immediately, I stopped him.  "Don't run out now.  That should be done towards the end. Do you have space in your garage [three car garage by the way]?"  He sure did.

Here's the recommendations I gave on why he should wait:

1. We had no idea how many boxes they would fill - thus, no idea what size storage space to rent
2. In my experience, two smaller units are more expensive than one larger unit.
3. Many businesses will let you use their truck and equipment for free with rental
4. Using their truck may only take one trip - using your vehicle will likely take several trips/days
5. Rent it now, and you are paying for empty space

The owners were left convinced to wait several more days.  They will be able to tell what size space they need by trying to put every thing in a one-car section of their garage.  They can then use the free rental truck to load up in one trip, and unload in the right sized unit.  And the Coup de Gras: the moving can be completed after the pictures are taken for the MLS - who wants pictures of their garage?  Focus on the inside!  Worry about the boxes later.

Pretty simple, if you stop and think about it.  And that's one of the lessons I try to get across to all of my owners: Let's stop for a minute and think about this...

Hope y'all are having a good week!