Moving to a new duty station can be exciting, but a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move also comes with a long list of details to manage. For military families relocating to or from Northern Virginia, temporary storage can make the transition much easier—especially when your household goods arrive before you're ready for them, you're waiting to move into a new home, or you're preparing for deployment.
This Military PCS Storage Checklist for Northern Virginia will help you organize your belongings, choose the right storage unit, and avoid common storage mistakes during your move.
A PCS move doesn't always happen on a perfectly coordinated schedule.
You may need temporary storage if:
Having a storage unit nearby can give you flexibility while you work through the transition.
Use this checklist before, during, and after your move.
As soon as you receive PCS orders, begin thinking about what you will need to store.
Make three categories:
Take with you
Items you'll need immediately after arriving at your new duty station.
Store
Items you want to keep but don't need immediately.
Donate or sell
Items you no longer need or don't want to move.
Starting early can reduce the amount of furniture and household goods you ultimately have to transport and store.
Choosing the right unit size can save you money.
Common storage sizes include:
| Storage Unit | Typical Uses |
|---|---|
| 5×5 | Boxes, seasonal items, small furniture |
| 5×10 | Contents of a small bedroom or apartment |
| 10×10 | Furniture and belongings from a 1–2 bedroom home |
| 10×15 | Larger apartment or smaller home |
| 10×20 | Contents of a larger home |
| 10×30 | Large household, business, or extensive storage needs |
These are general guidelines. The amount of storage you need depends on the amount and type of furniture and belongings you have.
If you're unsure, ask the storage facility about available unit sizes and what typically fits in each one.
Northern Virginia experiences hot, humid summers as well as cold winter temperatures. Climate-controlled storage can be particularly useful for belongings that may be sensitive to temperature and humidity changes.
Consider climate-controlled storage for items such as:
For household goods that will be stored for several months, climate control may provide additional protection.
Not every PCS storage situation is the same.
If you're going to need your belongings frequently, consider a facility that makes access convenient.
Ask:
For military families whose schedules can change quickly, convenient access can be especially valuable.
Northern Virginia is a large and busy area, so location matters.
If you're being assigned to or relocating near Fort Belvoir, choosing storage in the Lorton area can be convenient for accessing your belongings during a PCS transition.
When comparing facilities, consider the distance from:
A storage facility that's slightly closer can save significant time when you're making multiple trips.
Before putting household goods into storage:
Dirt and food residue can attract pests and cause problems during long-term storage.
Never store damp clothing, furniture, boxes, or other belongings.
Taking apart beds, tables, shelves, and other large pieces can save valuable space.
Use appropriate furniture covers and padding.
Avoid overloading boxes. Heavy boxes are difficult to move and can damage their contents.
Clearly label each box on multiple sides.
For example:
KITCHEN — POTS & PANS
MASTER BEDROOM — WINTER CLOTHES
GARAGE — TOOLS
An inventory can save you a tremendous amount of time later.
Create a simple list containing:
For example:
| Box | Contents | Room |
|---|---|---|
| 001 | Kitchen appliances | Kitchen |
| 002 | Winter clothing | Bedroom |
| 003 | Children's books | Kids' room |
| 004 | Holiday decorations | Garage |
You can also take photographs or video of valuable belongings before storing them.
Keep a copy of your inventory somewhere outside the storage unit.
A storage unit shouldn't become your only source of important documents.
Keep items such as:
with you or in another secure location.
One of the easiest ways to make a PCS transition less stressful is to create a box specifically for your first few days.
Consider including:
Label it:
OPEN FIRST
Put it somewhere easily accessible in your move rather than burying it behind dozens of other boxes.
PCS moves sometimes involve more than household goods.
If you need to temporarily store a:
look for a facility that specifically offers appropriate outdoor vehicle storage.
Before renting, confirm the facility's requirements, availability, access rules, and vehicle-storage policies.
Before choosing a storage facility, ask about security features.
Examples include:
Also ask whether your homeowners or renters insurance covers belongings stored away from your residence. You may need additional storage insurance depending on your policy and circumstances.
Before signing, make sure you understand:
Pay particular attention to promotional pricing.
A first-month promotion can be helpful, but make sure you understand the regular monthly rate afterward.
Storage facilities have restrictions on what can be stored.
Generally, you should not place hazardous, illegal, flammable, or otherwise prohibited materials in a storage unit.
Ask the facility for its complete list of prohibited items before moving your belongings in.
PCS moves can involve several changes of address.
Make sure your storage facility has your current:
If you're moving out of the area, make sure you can still access your account and receive important billing or facility notifications.
Don't wait until the last week to empty your unit.
As soon as you know your new home is ready:
Save this checklist for your next move:
☐ Review PCS orders
☐ Determine what to take, store, donate, or sell
☐ Estimate storage size
☐ Compare storage facilities
☐ Decide whether climate control is needed
☐ Check access hours
☐ Check security features
☐ Ask about military/PCS promotions
☐ Reserve your storage unit
☐ Clean belongings
☐ Dry everything completely
☐ Disassemble large furniture
☐ Protect furniture
☐ Pack boxes securely
☐ Label every box
☐ Photograph valuable items
☐ Create an inventory
☐ Keep important documents with you
☐ Prepare an "Open First" box
☐ Confirm insurance coverage
☐ Review prohibited-item policies
☐ Keep your contact information updated
☐ Organize the unit with aisles
☐ Keep frequently needed items accessible
☐ Keep your inventory updated
☐ Check the unit periodically
☐ Plan your eventual move-out
If your PCS is taking you to or from Fort Belvoir or the surrounding Northern Virginia area, choosing a conveniently located storage facility can make the transition easier.
Telegraph Storage in Lorton offers a range of storage options, including climate-controlled units, drive-up access, and outdoor storage options. The facility also offers online rentals and payments, 365-day access, and security features designed to make accessing your belongings convenient.
Telegraph Storage is locally owned and operated and has served the Lorton community since 2002.
For military families, the combination of convenient Lorton access, flexible storage options, and proximity to Fort Belvoir can make Telegraph Storage an option worth considering during a PCS transition.
Before renting, check current unit availability, pricing, promotions, access hours, and storage policies.
A PCS move doesn't have to mean moving everything at once.
The right storage unit can give your family the flexibility to move on your schedule, keep important belongings organized, and make the transition to your new Northern Virginia home easier.
If you're looking for military PCS storage near Fort Belvoir or Lorton, Virginia, compare your storage needs, choose the right unit size, and reserve your space before your moving date.
Telegraph Storage
8935 Telegraph Road
Lorton, VA
