Planning a Successful Move

Roughly four out of 1000 American adults get divorced in any given year, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control). If you are going through a divorce, you of course want the legal process to go smoothly—but you want the division of property to be as easy as possible. If you follow the steps below, self storage can help you with both of the above goals.

Consider the Legal Ramifications of Divorce 

Before laying claim to the items you want, discuss it with your spouse and come to an agreement on who gets what. Make an itemized list of marital possessions, and if a conflict arises, hire a mediator to resolve the dispute before it makes it to a judge. If you have possessions in self storage, keep in mind that the person whose name is on the rental contract is the only one who can pick up the possessions in the event of a dispute.

Consider going through your local family court to get an injunction forbidding either spouse from taking anything out of the storage unit until the case is decided. If either you or your spouse defies such an order, you may find yourself in contempt of court.

Move the Process Along

Where divorce is concerned, people have different ways of dividing up marital possessions. Some couples separate, with the person who moves out taking his or her possessions immediately. Others separate, and the departing spouse leaves most of their possessions in the marital home. There's a significant emotional component to the division of marital property, and separating belongings is a way for spouses to establish independence from one another. If you're reluctant to divide things up right away, a self storage unit can be a good way to keep things until you're ready to make a decision.

Don't Act on Impulse

During a divorce, spouses experience a full spectrum of emotions, and anger plays a significant part. Angry spouses may feel the urge to destroy the other spouse's prized possessions, or to get rid of things that remind them of the past. However, the anger will pass eventually, and you may regret throwing things away. If you're still sad and angry over a divorce, use a self storage unit to hold your items until you can think more clearly

Get Used to the Idea of Downsizing

It's common for people to go through financial troubles when divorcing. A divorce can cost anywhere from $3000 to as much as $100,000, depending on the assets acquired during the marriage. Legal fees can really take a toll, as former spouses must learn how to live on one paycheck. If you're forced to move into a smaller home, there may not be enough room for all of your belongings. Renting a self storage unit can give you the space you need until you can afford to move into a larger place.