When you're in the military, you might have to leave home for a while. During deployment, you need a safe place for your belongings. Military storage can be a great option if you have limited space or nowhere to keep your things secure. 

Military self-storage is a great option for service members who want to keep their belongings—whether clothing or a car — safe and secure while serving their country. Keep reading to learn more about storing your stuff during deployment. 

Long-Term Storage Options for Military Deployment
What Should You Store In a Military Storage Unit?
What to Consider When Choosing a Military Storage Facility
Tips for Packing & Organizing Your Military Storage
Protect Your Belongings During Deployment

Long-Term Storage Options for Military Deployment 

When you're going away for a military deployment, there are many options for storing your stuff. Some people ask friends or family to keep their things safe for them. This can work, but it's not always the best choice. 

Military storage units are often a better option. Here's why: 

• Space: Your friends and family might not have enough room for all your stuff. 
• Safety: Military storage is made to keep your belongings safe. Your friend or family member's house probably doesn't provide the same level of security. 
• Privacy: With a storage unit, your items are locked away just for you. 

Military self-storage gives you your own space. You can visit it when you need to, which can be a great option if you live alone and don't have anyone to leave your belongings with.

Remember, military storage is made for people just like you. It's a secure and easy way to keep your things safe while you serve. 

What Should You Store In a Military Storage Unit? 

When you use military storage, you can keep almost anything you want. It's up to you what to store. 

Here are some common items service members put in military storage units: 

• Furniture: This includes beds, sofas, tables, and chairs. Storing furniture while you're away keeps it safe from damage. 
• Home decor: Home decor items like pictures, lamps, and rugs can be easily stored. 
• Clothing: Clothing that you don't need during deployment can be packed away in military storage units. 
• Electronics: Electronics and devices like TVs, computers, and game systems are frequently stored to keep them safe. 
• Books: If you have any books you don't want to leave in your home, you can store them. These items can take up a lot of space, so many people choose to store their book collections. 
• Photos: Photos and family albums are precious items often placed in military self-storage. 
• Important documents: Important papers should be kept safe in a special box within your storage unit. 
• Car: You can keep your vehicle safe using car storage for military deployment, which gives you more peace of mind than leaving it elsewhere. 

Remember, military self-storage is flexible. You can store large or small items. Some people even store their entire house in a large unit. 

This is also an excellent time to think about what you need when storing your stuff. Before you pack things up for storage, ask yourself if you use the item, if you need it when you come back, and whether or not you can give it away to someone who needs it more. 

Getting rid of stuff you don't use can save you money on storage. Having less stuff to worry about while you're away on deployment can reduce stress. It also makes it easier to come home and move items back into your living space since there will be less to unpack.

What to Consider When Choosing a Military Storage Facility

When duty calls and you're facing a military deployment, finding a safe place for your belongings becomes a top priority. Military storage units offer a secure solution for service members who need to store their possessions while away. Here's what to consider when choosing a storage facility: 

• Security: Look for strong locks, cameras, and staff who keep watch. Good storage unit security gives you peace of mind while you're away. Military storage facilities should have multiple layers of protection, including gated access, security cameras, and on-site staff. 
• Price: Compare costs between different military storage units. Many facilities offer special deals for service members, so always ask about military discounts. Prices can vary based on unit size, location, and features. Some facilities might offer the first month free or reduced rates for longer periods. 
• Climate control: Climate-controlled storage units protect your belongings from heat, cold, and moisture. They're suitable for storing electronics, photos, and other items that changes in humidity and temperature can damage. 
• Size: Military storage units come in many sizes. But how big of a storage unit do you need? Consider how much you need to store and choose a unit that fits everything without wasting space. Units can range from closet-sized spaces to ones big enough for a garage full of furniture.  
• Amenities: These are extra features that make storage easier and more convenient. Look for wide doors, carts to move boxes, and easy access to your unit. These extras can make your storage experience much smoother.  
• Location: Consider how close the storage unit is to your home or duty station. A nearby facility makes it easier to access your items if needed and is also handy when you return home from deployment.  
• Lease terms: Look at how flexible the rental agreement is. Can you rent month-to-month? Is there a minimum term? This matters if you're not sure how long you'll be deployed. 
• Pest control: Good facilities have measures to keep out bugs and rodents. Ask about their pest control practices to keep your stuff safe.

Tips for Packing & Organizing Your Military Storage 

When preparing for deployment, packing your military storage unit well can save you time and stress. Good organization keeps your things safe and makes them easy to find later. Here are some helpful tips for packing and organizing your military self-storage unit: 

• Make a list: Write down everything you're putting in storage. This inventory helps you remember what you have and where it is. It's also useful for insurance purposes if anything gets damaged or lost.
• Use sturdy boxes: Invest in strong, uniform boxes for your military storage. These boxes protect your belongings and stack easily.
• Label clearly: Use a thick marker so the labels are easy to read. This makes finding specific items much easier if you need to retrieve something during your deployment.
• Stack carefully: Place heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top. Leave a walkway to access items at the back of your unit. This organized approach maximizes your military self-storage space and keeps your belongings accessible.
• Protect clothes: Use wardrobe boxes or garment bags for hanging clothes. Use plastic bins or vacuum-sealed bags to keep folded items clean and dry. This method helps prevent musty odors and keeps your clothes ready to wear.
• Disassemble furniture: If possible, take apart beds, tables, and other large items. Keep all hardware in labeled bags taped to the furniture pieces. This will save space in your military storage unit and make reassembly easier when you return.
• Cover furniture: It's important to know how to pack a mattress for storage. Always wrap and protect furniture going into storage. Use plastic covers to protect your items from dust and scratches. This is especially important for wood or leather pieces. 
• Prioritize placement: Store items you might need to access during your deployment near the front of the unit. Keep less-needed items towards the back. This organization makes it easier to retrieve something quickly during your leave.
• Avoid perishables: Never store food, plants, or other perishable items in your military storage unit. These can attract pests or mold, potentially damaging your other belongings. Stick to non-perishable items only.
• Vacuum-seal bulky items: Use vacuum storage bags for bedding, winter coats, and other bulky fabric items. These bags can reduce the volume of these items, saving valuable space in your military storage unit.

Protect Your Belongings During Deployment

When you're serving your country, the last thing you want to worry about is the safety of your belongings. Military storage units offer a secure and convenient solution for service members facing deployment. Choosing the right facility and following smart packing tips ensures your possessions remain safe and well-organized until you return.

Key Storage understands the unique challenges of military life. We offer a range of unit sizes, competitive prices, and amenities designed with service members in mind. Our secure facilities and flexible lease terms make us an ideal choice for military personnel seeking reliable storage options. Browse now to find storage unit prices near you and discover how Key Storage can provide you with peace of mind.