Where will I put my things?

Looks like I'm moving in with Mom and Dad.

Now that I'm selling my home, I need to figure out a few things.

What is my address?

Ok, so I'm not technically homeless. Virginia is still my home. And I will be back once we start seeing clients in person again. In the meantime, my parents have graciously agreed to share their Virginia address with me. They also invited me to stay with them when I come back until I find a place to rent. So that's good news - I have a permanent mailing address AND a place to stay, complete with home-cooked meals!

If you're looking to embark on the same kind of adventure, be sure to check out legal residency rules for your state to avoid any surprise tax implications.

Where will I store my belongings?

I am packing one suitcase to take with me and putting everything else in storage.

I contemplated selling most of my stuff, but I really don't want the headache of shopping for new furniture when I return later this year. Plus, I bought most of my furniture just two years ago when I bought my house, so everything is still in good shape and matches.

I started calling moving companies and quickly realized full-service moving and storage companies are the way to go. I am packing everything myself. (Well, not really. My mom and sister will be here in a couple weeks for a Packing Party, so let's be honest ... they will do most of the packing!) The movers will come to my house and pack everything into wooden crates (7' x 5' x 5'). They will store the crates in their own climate controlled storage units for as long as I need it. When I return, they will bring the crates to my new home and unload everything for me.

Here's a picture of where my belongings will live for the next several months:

Self-Storage vs Full-Service Storage

This turned out to be much better than self-storage, where I would pay movers to pack the truck, then pack the storage unit, then later this year unpack the storage unit, and move everything into my house. With full-storage movers, they put things into the crates once, and take things out once, so it is less labor. Storage costs are roughly the same for self-storage and full-service storage.

Climate-Controlled vs Temperature-Controlled Storage

One thing to know: what is the difference between temperature controlled and climate controlled storage? Temperature controls temperature only. Climate controls both temperature AND humidity. And since I'll be gone during the hot humid months, climate controlled storage is essential.