What is Single Handling and Double Handling?

Single vs double handling might sound technical, but when you’re moving, it shows up as one thing: unnecessary work. You’re lifting the same boxes again and again, things pile up, and suddenly the whole process feels harder than it should. 

If you’re wondering what these terms actually mean and how to avoid the repeat effort, this guide gives you the clear answers you need.

What is single handling?

Single handling means your items are only packed and loaded once. No extra moving, shifting, or re-loading.

In practice, it looks like this:

• Items go straight into self-storage in one smooth step.
• When you need them again, they’re unloaded directly to their final spot.
• No temporary holding areas, no double-handling, no extra trips.

Why it matters:

• Less risk of damage or breakage.
• Fewer chances for things to be dropped, bumped or scratched.
• Less wear and tear on your belongings overall.

If you’ve ever broken something during a move, this is usually why — too many touches. Single handling stops that by keeping everything simple and controlled.

What does double (or triple) handling mean?

Double handling is when your belongings are shifted more than once before they reach their final spot. In self-storage, it often plays out like this:

• You load everything into the van
• Then unload it into the storage unit

That’s already two touches – hence double handling.

When you need your things again, the process repeats:

• You reload everything from storage into the van
• Then drop it off and unpack at your new place

At this point, you’ve touched the same items three or four times, depending on how many steps you’ve had to take.

Each extra touch means extra time, extra effort and a greater chance of something getting knocked, scratched or broken.

Quick Look: Single Handling vs Double Handling

Here’s a simple snapshot of how single and double handling compare, making it easy to spot the hidden costs, risks and extra effort involved.

In short, single handling is almost always the smarter, cheaper and safer option. Fewer touches mean less time wasted, fewer breakages and a much calmer moving experience. Double handling only creeps in when planning, space or access gets in the way and it’s usually worth avoiding wherever you can.

Tips to Avoid Double Handling

Avoiding double handling is all about keeping things simple and reducing the number of times your belongings are moved. Here are practical tips to help you cut the extra lifting, stress and risk.

1. Consider mobile storage

Mobile self-storage removes the extra transport step completely.
Here’s why it works:

• The storage module is delivered to your home
• You pack your items directly inside it
• It’s collected and taken straight to the storage facility
• Your belongings stay in that same module until you need them

No loading into a van, unloading into a unit, then reloading again later – just one clean process with far fewer chances for damage.

2. Plan your layout before you start

Think about the order you’ll load things and where they’ll end up. Good planning stops unnecessary shifting later on.

3. Pack with purpose

Group items by room or category, not just by convenience. This reduces the need to reshuffle boxes mid-move.

4. Keep clear pathways

Blocked hallways and clutter force you to move items around multiple times. A clear path means a smoother, direct flow from house to van/module.

5. Use proper moving equipment

Trolleys, dollies, furniture sliders and ramps help you move items in one continuous motion, not in stops and starts.

6. Don’t overload boxes

Heavy, overstuffed boxes split or collapse – which means repacking (classic double handling). Stick to manageable weights.

7. Label everything clearly

Clear labels stop you from opening or moving boxes unnecessarily just to check what’s inside.

8. Load items in the right order

Put long-term storage items at the back and essentials at the front. This avoids future reshuffling when you only need quick access.

9. Avoid temporary “holding zones”

Dumping items in the hallway or garage to “sort later” always leads to double handling. Go straight from A → B whenever possible.

Take the hassle out of moving with Super Easy Storage

If you’re ready to avoid double handling and make your move genuinely easier, Super Easy Storage brings the storage unit straight to your door so you only load once. 

No vans to hire, no repeat lifting, no hassle. Your items stay safely stored in a monitored, weatherproof module, with flexible, no lock-in options to suit any move, renovation or downsizing project.

Ready to make your move easier? Get door-to-you mobile storage with Super Easy Storage, starting from just $3.25 per day