Moving Scams- How to protect yourself!

Imagine moving to a house and you're waiting for the moving van to arrive, it is a couple hours late. Beginning to worry finally you get a call on your cell phone from the moving company's cell phone:

Trying to hide the panic in you voice you answer,  "Hey how's it going?  Did you guys get lost?" 

"There's been a couple of complications with moving.  We can't bring your stuff without an additional $2500 fee," a voice you don't recognizes answer. 

Everything you own from personal photographs to furniture is more or less held hostage.  Depending on the type of person you are you may answer in confusion, anger or hang up and call the police.  Either way you are one of the many unfortunate who have become a victim to moving companies.  

Every year there are over 9,000 complaints to the Better Business Bureau about moving companies.  Whether they damage something, steal your belongings or try to hold them hostage, the prospects are frightening.  Moving is enough of a pain that the realities of these types of horrible things happening is overwhelming.  

You as the consumer need to protect yourself.  Go here to avoid moving scams, they will give you great advice on how to avoid telling a bad moving story later.  It will take a lot of work.  I have some pointers as well.  Choosing a moving company is one of my least favorite aspects of moving.  It takes a lot of investigating and time just because there are some bad seeds out there. 

The First Step is Prevention

Investigate potential moving companies, find the right moving company will take time, but a lot less time then if you have to deal with a bigger problems later. 

Reference- Try to get a referal from friends, family, neighbors, real estate agent.  If you have a real estate agent- this is one of the best people you can ask about which moving company to use.  Real estate agents are constantly dealing with people who are moving and probably are in the know to which companies are the best ones in the area.  

Online reviews- If you don't know anyone check out online reviews, google the company as they say.  A good site to check is movingscam.com.  If the company you are thinking about renting from shows up on this site, you will want to make a different choice. 

Call each company and ask about:

Prices – Charges for time and mileage. Also, inquire about special or additional rates for certain objects such as appliances or pianos.

Insurance or protection policies – Are they offered by the company? Is there a deductible? Are there certain conditions that the company would not compensate if your compensated belongings are damaged?  

Staff qualifications – How many years experience do the movers have? Do they have criminal background and drug checks before employees are hired?  Do they use equipment to use heavy objects or depend on their strength?

These are some questions that will start your investigation into the moving company you are considering.  If they are rude about answering these questions, imagine how rude they will be when you are upset if something goes wrong.  

Moving Company References

After you think you've chosen the right moving company, you should ask them for five professional references.  Call at least one or two of the references and ask how their experience was with the moving company.

You wouldn't hire someone to work for you permanently without checking their references, you shouldn't start not checking when they are only going to work temporarily for you.

Know Your Rights

Don't sign anything without reading it.  Seriously, I know contracts can be dauntingly long.  Just go home and take your time reading every single line.  The fine print is always what will get you in trouble. 

It is up to you, the consumer, to protect yourself from disasters when you have chosen a moving company.   You are hiring the company so if something goes wrong you will have to take them to court.  This process can be lengthy, expensive and sometimes inconclusive.  

When you pay do not pay everything up front.

Some companies will make you make a down payment when moving your stuff.  This percentage usually doesn't surpass 25% of your total costs.  If it is a reputable company it will not ask for more than that.  

Reward Good Moving Experiences

If the moving company does a great job- doesn't hold your stuff hostage, break anything or lose anything reward them!  It can be simple as writing an online review, volunteering to be a reference or recommending them to your friends.   

Unpack the Rat: Junk Removal Teams, Grandma Pirates and Yard Sales

As a child my grandma's attic was a magical place to play in.  The attic had all sort of ancient treasures from the 1970's. When I grew up the realization came that the three broken toasters weren't beds for my dolls, but stuff that needed to be disposed of.  So when it came time for my grandma to move out of her six bedroom house into a smaller apartment, we needed to rent a dumpster to start disposing of stuff.

My family spent one week miserably emptying my grandmother's house.  All four of us worked eight hours a day, hauling junk down from the attic into the dumpster 3 stories down.  It was miserable.  I began to resent the clutter, especially the broken toaster.  I really really wished that we would have just hired a junk removal team, see inside the link for some tips on what to look for in a junk removing team.

Instead we did all the work ourselves and even acquired some of her 'junk' or what seemed at the time to be a treasure.  My grandmother was one of the first people I knew who illegally pirated movies.  Over twenty years she managed to record movies and shows filling over 3,000 VHS tapes.  Each tape could hold about 4 movies or shows... so doing the math that is a lot of stolen footage she got courtesy of pay channels.  It was awesome! When I would visit her to go through her list and choose a movie- the possibilities seemed endless.

The possibilities seemed to be a lot more intriguing when DVD players and instant streaming became available technology.

So we took on all 3,000 plus VHS tapes and stored them on bookshelves in our basement.  Then we moved all 3,000 tapes three times before our basement was flooded. The tapes were ruined.  We hadn't watched the movies for a long time when the basement flooded.  VHS tapes at this point are an ancient artifact, a fossil of the past.

We couldn't part ourselves with the movies before they were ruined.   They were my grandmother's legacy in a way.  She put so much work into them.  Labeling them with a type writer, sitting through all the movies and removing the commercials.  It is sometimes hard to get rid of stuff.  It took an act of god, a flood, to get us to get rid of them.

It can be really hard to part with your junk, but it is junk.   I understand not wanting to get rid of stuff.  So I want to help you.  Here are some tips on how to get rid yourself of excessive stuff.

Charities- People Need Your Junk 

Recently I needed to dispose of a bed set.  I nearly threw it out when I decided to research for charities that might take a used mattress, I stumbled upon donationtown.org.  This site leads to charities in your area that need everything from your used mattress to old clothes.  Best of all, the charities will come get your unwanted items and haul them away- for free!

Instead of sending the bed to the dump, it was given to the Salvation Army.  I hope they find a good use for it and it gives someone to rest.  No need to throw out stuff when people in need can use it.

Selling Junk- Making Some Dollars of Your Unused Items

Craigslist and Pennysaver are great online resources to help sell your excessive stuff.  You can post ads (that are free) to try to sell or give away your items

I recommend taking a picture of your items- that will increase the amount of inquiries.  It is best to have separate ads for all the items you want to sell.   I have found that this method works best with larger items like appliances, furniture and electronics.

You can also have an old fashion yard sale.  I prefer this method, that way I don't have to share with too many strangers where I live and when I am available.  Yards sales are a good way to get rid of a bulk of things at once.  You can advertise your yard sale online, in newspapers or with old fashioned fliers.  Try to have your yard sale on a nice day when people are more likely to want to leave the comfort of their cars to browse.

Hire a Junk Removal Team

If the idea of removing all the junk you've gathered over the years seems daunting, a good way to deal with it is has someone else do it for you.  There are lots of useful tips on hiring a junk removal team at this site.

First thing you'll want to do is choose someone to hire.  There are lots of junk removal teams. Some are just guys with a pick up truck trying to earn a little extra money.  While others are businesses that specialize in junk removal.  It is up to you who you choose.  Make sure you are comfortable with your choice- these people will be in your home hauling away your old stuff.

Save 5% off portable storage units by using a Pack Rat promo code.

Finding a Pods Promotional Code that Really Works

Pods Storage is one of the top names in the moving and storing industry. The company offers extreme flexibility, ease of use, and great value. Over the years, it has developed an excellent name among customers because the storage units, which are made of steel, can be stored almost anywhere. It can be stored in your house, the office building, or be transported on a truck. Pods Storage also allows you to move the storage unit (or pods) into their facility for as long as you need. The need for expensive ground storage is eliminated.

Whether you need short-term or long-term storage, Pods has something for you. It is also possible to secure Pods promotional codes. The company regularly offers these out to bargain-seekers and loyal customers so they can get even more value for their money. If you have any questions about the Pods promotional code or the company’s service in general, you can easily get in touch with their customer support staff.

Once you’ve made the decision to take advantage of the Pods promotional code, the following steps below is the usual procedure offered by the company. You can ask for customized service depending on your needs.

•    Call the company – just let Pods Storage know where to deliver the container. They can send it to residential, commercial, or even industrial locations.

•    Delivery of the pods – the storage units will be delivered to the specified address in as early as 24 hours. It can take a bit longer based on your location. Either way, you can expect the pods to arrive when it is promised.

•    Pack at your own time – once the pods arrive at your doorstep, you can now reap the benefits of the Pods storage solution. The rental unit can be loaded at your own time and leisure. The company allows you to keep this for as long as you need.

•    Advice the company about your move – after you’ve packed up everything, you can now call the company to ask them to transport the pods. Remember to pack everything property to avoid problems. The company will pick up the unit and send it to your new address. The service cannot be more efficient.

On the other hand, if you need the items to be stored in a safe and secure area, Pods Storage offers this service as well. The unit can be stored in their climate-controlled facility. You can be certain that it will remain safe there. Just call Pods at their toll-free number once you’re ready to have the pods transported to your area.

As you can see, Pods Storage offers an excellent service at an affordable price. There are many promotional codes available online but it is important to pick a code that truly works. This can only be done if you choose a reputable website to get the code from. So what are you waiting for, it’s time to get an unbeatable deal using a Pods promotional code today.

Finding a 1-800-Packrat Promotional Code that Really Works

I decided to reserve a portable storage unit to clear out my living room while it gets remodeled early next year. After comparing Pods and 1-8oo-Packrat and a couple of other companies, I decided to go with Packrat. Why? They are cheaper and have a guaranteed delivery time. They also seem to have better customer reviews, even though I don't know if you can trust any reviews you read online. Anyway, I started looking for a 1-800-packrat promotional code, but am having a hard time finding a code really works. I went to lots of coupon code sites, but they either didn't have a code or it didn't reduce the quote I received from the 1-800-packrat website. But I finally found a 1-800 pack rat promo code that really works, so I thought I'd share it with others.

Dumpster Diving- Thinking Inside The Box

Pre-moving my family could often be spotted behind local grocery stores and restaurants digging through the trash. For you people who are fortunate enough not to know what dumpster diving is here is a definition: Dumpster Diving- the act of picking through garbage to find hidden treasure. In the case of my family the treasure was cardboard boxes for moving. I can picture the child version of myself sorting through trash- trying to find the boxes that aren't damp from food, mildew, mold and other atrocities. Oh nostalgia!

 Later after we had packed our valuables in the dumpster boxes and are in the process of schlepping our junk one place to another, I can picture my face turning red and blood pressure rising as the bottom of the box breaks. Books, cd's, screw drivers and all sorts of junk scatters everywhere. I curse, or at least a child's form of swearing, the manufacturers of wonder bread shipping boxes for not making a sturdier product. Now I toss all the junk back in the box wishing I had given it all away or simply trashed it. Who would have thought that boxes that are designed to ship food weren't meant to endure moving and months of storage? Anyone with common sense, now that I reflect on it.

Although the frugal half of my brain winces at the thought of purchasing boxes for moving, I have found it to be the most reliable way to transport all manner of objects. If you think about it, putting your stuff in boxes that have been in a dumpster and lord knows where else is sort of gross, unsanitary and "trashy". This site can give you invaluable tips on why, how and what to box- which you will need!

What Size Boxes- it is the size of the box that counts

One of the greatest benefits of purchasing boxes vs. dumpster diving is being able to choose the size of boxes. Trying to fit all your dishes into an over-sized boxes will result in a bunch of shattered dishes. That money you saved on not buying boxes, will now go to a new set of dishes. Also, nothing is more frustrating then filling up a huge box halfway with books and leaving the rest empty. If you filled up that monster of a box with all your Dean Koontz and Stephen King books it would weigh as much as a grand piano. Warning: shoving a Stephen King collection in one box can result in mental and physical injury.

 Filler 

While some people still get newspapers and magazines delivered to their homes in paper form, the more green (and notably cheaper) way to get subscriptions these days is through the internet. So you may not have a years supply of The New York Times sitting around, ready to put the Style section into good use by using it as protection for your dishes and other breakables. You may need to invest in filler. There are a variety of choices of filler to purchase. Some of the options include cardboard, recycled paper and bubble wrap. Warning: bubble wrap is not recommended if you have children. They will pop it, a bunch! For a very long time. And moving is enough head ache without your child making alarming popping noises in the background instead of helping moving the boxes in.

Um, so what exactly is in the box labeled 'junk drawer box' again?

Invest in some permanent markers, it is labeling time! The importance of this may seem obvious- but your life will be made dramatically easier if you label what is in your boxes and where your boxes should go. Nothing is worse then having to unbox something and sort through the box to try to figure out where it should go or how any of the box's contents are related. (Here is a riddle: what does a screw driver, spatulas, books and barbie dolls have in common?) Prematurely having to unbox something is especially annoying after you have moved this box out of your old house, into storage, out of storage and into your new home. You an this box may have built an intimate relationship in your travels from place to place, you may even build some sentimental feelings toward this box. But abstinence from opening the box before necessary I have found is less time consuming.

Besides marking boxes can be fun! It is the best way to tell your significant other that the various wires and cables that he has been saving "just in case", you consider to be "my husband's trash he insists on moving with us everywhere we go".

How to Find the Right Self-Storage Facility

As property sizes become smaller, people who rent, lease, or own their homes are finding it difficult to manage their personal and business lives effectively. The items you accumulate over years and even decades can turn to clutter. For some people, the situation can become extremely stressful. If your home and office is disorganized, it might be a good idea to consider self-storage. It is flexible and cost-effective solution for people who just want a bit more breathing space.

Self-storage facilities are usually associated with people who are moving or who have just moved into town. This might be true in the past but the increasing demand for space has meant that even local residents can now benefit greatly from this service. Depending on your needs, the self-storage facility can be used to store everything from small boats to the inventory of a small business.

There are literally thousands of self-storage facilities that opened up in just a couple of years throughout the country. However, the choices that are available to you obviously depend on your location. In some areas, the competition is tough so you have myriads of choices. In other cases, there are only one or two self-storage facilities around. So that forces you to adapt according to what the facility offers. This article focuses on the former. We’ll outline some tips on how to find the best company for your needs:

Services packages
In an effort to meet the personal demands of clients, many self-storage facilities now offer flexible solutions. They can rent out spaces the size of a closet to those that can store the entire contents of a house. There are still some companies though, that can only offer standard units. If you have varying requirements (like in the case of business inventory storage), it might be a challenge. On the other hand, if you have a relatively accurate idea about how much storage you need over an extended period, standard units might be ideal.

24/7 access
Previously, a number of people preferred storage facilities that have an in-house staff. It provides a “personalized” feel of using the service. Traditional facilities come with several downsides though. For example, you can only access the unit during business hours. Self-storage facilities operates on a 24/7 basis. There is no hassle, no additional cost, and no time wasted. Basically, you can retrieve items or replace it whenever you want.

Pricing options
Self-storage contracts can be terminated at short notice. Unlike traditional storage facilities, it doesn’t levy a fee if you don’t provide notice within a certain period. There are options to help you save money though. If you intend to use the self-storage facility for several months or even several years, it’s better to sign a contract early on. This can give you massive savings.

There is no doubt that self-storage facilities have greatly evolved to meet the growing demands of today’s clients. They have a wider range of services, larger areas, and have even started to offer additional services such as administrative support, office space, moving services, and meeting rooms among others.

Tip: Save 5% off a Pods portable storage unit rental by using a Pods promotional code.

Traveling Fish and Airborne Matresses- Do I Need a Rental Truck?

As the mattress takes flight across I-95 from the back of my ex-uncle in-law's pick-up truck , my parents foresee an accident that may or may not kill someone, and even worse an accident that will cause hours of traffic behind us.

Luckily, no one dies, and there is no traffic back up, and we rescue the mattress quickly from the side of the highway, feeling like bandits that will be arrested any at moment for attempted man-slaughter. My dad shows Mike, the ex-uncle in-law, that you need to bungee-cord objects down, to ensure they do not become inanimate death birds. Later it occurs to me that Mike is a moron- it'll take his wife a couple more years to figure that out.

Now that I recollect this mattress incident, I think fondly of every time we've rented a moving truck instead of resorting to using our own vehicles. Yes, I am related to those people who shamelessly use up fossil fuels to have the utility of a pick up truck. These trucks do come in handy (sometimes annoyingly so) when our family, friends and friends of friends want to move. Sometimes one budget doesn't allow for a moving van or one rather spend it for post moving "thank god we got through that relocation" celebrations. However, once we're on what feels like the one hundredth trip, transporting my mom's house plants to their new home- it seems between everyone's time, costs of incidental damage to furniture and gas money it would have been a lot easier to spring for a moving truck.

There are a lot of things to consider when you choose a rental company to move- this site will tell you everything you need to know about that and more.

U-Haul trucks have cowboys, fish and other fancy stuff painted on their vans- but are they the best price and value?

One of the first actions you should take is comparing prices and quality of moving truck rental companies. Some popular ones are Budget Truck Rental, U-Haul and Ryder. While I do enjoy the decorations of the U-Haul trucks- I have found Budget Truck Rental to have the best value. They are open 24 hours for a day and you can get a quote and reservation online. This is nice for those of us who do not like dealing with customer service representative who span from surly to chipper to incompetent.

Where are you moving?

Hopefully by the time you are renting a moving truck you know where you are moving to at this point. Whether you are moving in-state, out of state or cross country will help you determine what type of rental you should get.

If you are traveling far I recommend a one way truck rental- this means you pick up your rental truck at one location then drop it off at another location. When doing this make sure there is a location near to where you are moving so you don't end up having to travel far after you've gotten through the misery that is moving.

If you are moving to a different state, you should get an out of state rental. You can get a portable storage container, pack it and then have a professional drive your belongings to your new home.

If you are moving across town, across the street or relatively close to your old abode you should get a local truck rental- that means you pick up the truck and drop of the truck at the same location.

Sentimental Stuff You Don't Want to Put in your Van

While I assure you that most of your stuff will probably be safe in a moving van, you may not want to put a couple things in. So you may not want to pack grandma's wedding dress, your children or other valuable in your van. Pack up this stuff and put it aside. If you are getting help or hiring movers- make sure that you make it apparent that this stuff is not to be packed in the van. When I was a wee one I had a tank of pet fish that traveled under my feet in a bucket from Colorado to Virginia. They remarkably survived, the 25 cents fish we'd gotten from our Petsmart made it cross country! They lived to make offspring that they may or may not consumed half of.

When packing the van you should keep in mind things can get damaged! The best way to avoid this is backing things in tightly as possible. Bigger objects towards the back while smaller objects are best suited for the front. The best way to pack is to make sure there is little wiggle room as possible. While this is a tedious process it will be better than having to replace damaged furniture, mirrors, etc. Also, as my ex-uncle in law Mike learned too late, bungee cords are awesome for securing things.

Which van will my stuff fit in?

If you can't figure it out which van to rent I would recommend talking to the people at the Truck Rental Service. My father wasn't one to bother asking the experts, and preferred to figure out things himself. Because of this we ended up making two trips for a single move in a small van from northern Virginia to North Carolina, a six hour drive. The worst feeling is seeing a moving van gradually get filled up and get that sinking feeling that not everything is going to fit. Then what is even worse is when, after packing in mostly everything, having to take stuff out and rearrange it all more efficiently, only to realize even still not everything is going to fit. So we ended up making the trip again for the sake of some 10 odd boxes, very unfortunately- wasting time and money.

So, if you are moving locally, a smaller truck with multiple trips will probably be cheaper than renting a large van to make one trip. The drive from your old house to your new home provides a nice break between the labors of loading and unloading. A labor that we all could do without, but unfortunately is necessary.

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How Self Storage Auctions Work

Self storage auctions are increasingly common in these times of economic recession. Their existence depends on renters falling too far behind on their payments and breaching the terms of their contract. Once this happens, the self storage company has the legal right to sell the contents of the lot at an auction.

Contrary to popular opinion, self storage companies usually try exceedingly hard to avoid the self storage auction which they deem to be a last resort. They will contact the owner and hold off for as long as is prudent. However, they will eventually need to free the lot and it makes no economic sense to allow a lot to remain tied up with no rent being paid. Their reluctance to hold the auction is demonstrated by the fact that they allow the owner of the property to show up and pay the rent on the day of the auction. There are three types of self storage auction:

    Sealed bid
    Live auction
    Blind auction

Sealed Bid
There is an element of mystery about sealed bid self storage auctions. You turn up and are allowed to see inside the lot. However, you are not allowed enter the lot and look around so it’s difficult to see exactly how much the property is worth. This could prove problematic because all bidders are then required to enter the amount they wish to pay in a sealed envelope. If you have the highest bid, the contents are yours. Bear in mind that the second highest bid wins if the winning bidder fails to pay within 48 hours.

Live Auction
This is by far the best type of self storage auction to attend but these are not as common as sealed bid auctions. Again, you can view the contents from outside the lot but this time, the bids are out in the open. A representative of the self storage company will act as auctioneer and allow the bids to be heard. Outbid the rest to claim your goods. Again, payment within 48 hours is mandatory.

Blind Auction
These are not the most popular form of self storage auction but they do happen. When you attend a blind auction, you have no idea what is inside the lot before you bid. There could be worthless rubbish in there or a hidden treasure trove. You bid blindly and the highest bidder is the only one who is allowed see the contents. This is a risky process and is not something that should be attempted by those with an aversion to risk.

With the economic outlook far from positive and so many self storage units being used in the United States, it’s likely that there will be no let up in the vast number of self storage auctions held in America over the next few years. If you’re attending a self storage auction, have a set budget in mind and do not deviate from it. You should also remember that the winning bidder is expected to empty the contents of the lot and clean it within a certain time limit imposed by the self storage company. You receive no help so have the requisite cleaning and moving equipment on standby if you’re bidding.

Options For Shipping Your Car Cross Country

One would imagine that the simplest method of transporting a vehicle is to simply drive it yourself. However, what if this journey involved driving from New York to San Francisco for example? The United States is a continent-sized country and driving across it will take days. It is a journey that will be physically and mentally taxing. An alternative is to have the vehicle professionally shipped. Below are a few methods of safely transporting your vehicle cross country.

Open-Air Trailer
Car shipping companies transport vehicles across the country in open-air trailers that look similar to those used to transport new cars. The majority of car shippers will take between one and three weeks to get the car to its final location. If you decide on this form of transportation, be sure to ask specific questions about how the vehicle is being transported. It’s not unusual for these companies to unload the cars in several points across the country and place them on larger trailers as they travel as a means of improving efficiency.

Closed Trailer
The various states of America have very different climates. If you don’t like the idea of your car being exposed to weather extremes on the journey, you can place it on a closed truck. This is significantly more expensive (more than 50% above the cost of an open-air trailer) but if you’re transporting the car in winter or if it is an expensive model, this will be money well spent. A closed truck will provide a greater level of security but make sure that the carrier has the requisite insurance.

Use A Driver
There are organizations that can provide you with a professional driver if you don’t fancy making the long cross country trip yourself. Most of these drivers have decades of experience and know the shortest and safest routes to take. This is probably a better option for comparatively short distances. You can even place personal goods in the vehicle which will be guaranteed by the company. The main downside is the obvious mileage that will be added to your car.

Professional drivers can be expensive so if you’re in a bind, you may ask someone you know and trust to perform the honors for you. This is a viable option if you know students who are safe and responsible drivers as they will be willing to make the road trip for less. They will see it as a great way to see the country during a break in their studies. Make sure that you have insurance which covers accidents that occur when someone else is driving your car.

Over The Water
A final option is to use a cargo container though this is really only the best option if you have to transport the vehicle over water. Indeed, a cargo container is the only solution in this instance. Most containers are of a standard 20 feet by 40 feet size but special containers can be used when requested.

Although it can be a lot of hassle, transporting a vehicle across the country is worth it if it is a treasured and valuable automobile. People often become attached to their cars and leaving them is not seen as an option. This is why cross country transport solutions are sought out.

Find and compare car storage facilities across the US.

Insuring Your Items in Storage

“Out of sight, out of mind” – this is something that self storage facilities want to provide their clients. But for people who are looking for a self storage facility, it is important to remember that nothing is foolproof. Even if you made the right choice, anything can happen when your belongings are stored in a remote location. The risks, inevitably, are high. It might be a good idea to insure your items.

While some self storage facility offers coverage, not all of them do. Their insurance policy mainly covers the damage to the storage building itself and this does not extend to your belongings. Additional self storage insurance is usually available at a low monthly fee. Ask the self storage facility manager if you can combine this fee with your rental free. Insuring your items in storage has notable benefits including the following:

•    Low Cost/Low Deductible – the cost of insurance is quite low. For example, if you’re renting a facility for $2,000, the cost of insuring your items can go as low as $8 a month or even less. The insurance covers theft, water damage, fire, and other accidental circumstances. The deductible is also low.
•    Separate Deductible – claims are filed through the facility’s insurance firm, instead of your own insurance firm. As a result, claims would not affect your homeowner’s insurance premium or cause your personal or business insurance to be cancelled.
•    In-Transit Coverage – in-transit insurance are not offered through homeowner’s insurance policies. But most insurance policies offered by storage facilities cover items that are in transit, up to a 50-mile radius. That means your risks are significantly minimized. Take note that a lot of damage to belongings occurs when the items are being transported.
•    Supplemental Coverage – business owners typically already have insurance that covers equipment and related items that are stored in self storage facilities. However, it may still be a good idea to invest in the insurance offered by the facility. It offers supplemental coverage of the stored items.

Majority of items that are stored can be covered by the self storage insurance policy. But there is an exception: vehicles. These firms would require your vehicle to be covered by an auto insurance policy. They will ask for the paperwork when you sign up for the lease. If you plan to get coverage for your items, estimate how much the items are worth. This calculation will give you the approximate amount you should pay for insurance.

Ask the self storage facility about the insurance and make sure to read everything including the fine print before signing the contract. Overall, getting an insurance policy for your items in storage is a good investment. The amount required for coverage is relatively low while the rewards are high.

Saving Money When Moving

Moving is expensive. If you’ve been transferred by your company and they’re picking up the relocation tab, then you don’t have a problem. But for most home owners, it is essential to budget and save money where they can. This article will provide hints and tips on how to save money when moving:

Saving on Supplies
Boxes, tape dispensers, bubble wraps: all these may seem cheap by itself. When you add them all together, however, they cost a significant amount. Save money by borrowing items that can be borrowed and buying second-hand supplies from a friend or acquaintance that just recently moved.

Being creative will also help. For example, instead of using bubble wraps, you can use crumpled newspaper to protect breakables. Also, it may be a good idea to use blankets or linens for padding instead of renting padded blanket from the moving company. Keep in mind that you will need to launder these upon arriving at your destination. For items that you can’t source elsewhere, just look for the cheapest deals in town.

Saving on Labor
Consider packing all your belongings yourself; this will help you save on moving labor cost. The moving company will only arrive at your location to load, move, and unload your items. Call several companies to compare their offers. Make sure to read the fine print before signing any contract with the company.

There are also some moving companies that can provide cost reduction if they can consolidate your items with another customer’s belongings. The option is only recommended for individuals who can live without their stuff for awhile. If you have friends or relatives nearly, call them to see if they can give you a hand. If they pitch up to help, it is customary to provide the “volunteers” with food and drinks. Some people even give small cash gifts.

Saving on Travel
Where will you sleep the night before you leave? Most people overlook this question until the last minute so they end up staying in a hotel. But you can save some money if you plan beforehand. Ask a friend or relative if you can stay at their place the night before you move. If this is not possible, you may want to “rough it” on your own living room floor with a sleeping pad.

For people who need to go long distances, it is important to balance your comfort needs with your budget. Try to have one nutritious, sit-down meal each day. Purchase breakfast from a convenience store and eat it on the go. It may be a good idea to have a proper meal during lunchtime because restaurants often have a cheaper menu at this time compared to their dinner menu.

Simple decisions to save can go a long way. As you can see from the article, there are many ways to save on your everyday choices. You will get maximum value for every dollar you spend if you follow the recommendations above.

When to Use Climate Controlled Self Storage

If you haven't had to purchase additional storage before, then you might be wondering when to use climate controlled self storage. In most cases, this option is more expensive than a regular storage unit and in some cases, you don't really need it. On the other hand, it could be exactly what you need to keep your items safe and secure. If money is not an issue, then choosing climate controlled self storage would always be preferential because these units tend to be better maintained. If you are still on the fence and don't know which option is right for you, then understanding when to use climate controlled self storage is essential. Here is a closer look at some of the variables that you need to consider before making your final decision.

1. What Are You Storing
The first thing that you need to consider is what you will actually be storing. In most cases, climate controlled storage units are particularly helpful if you are storing items that do not enjoy extreme temperature changes or varying levels of moisture/humidity. For example, if you are storing a couch, then you don't want it getting moist in a regular storage unit because it may never dry out. This not only leads to a wet couch, but is also a breeding ground for mold. On the other hand, if you are only storing plastic kids toys and lawn equipment, controlling the climate is probably much less important. If you only have a handful of items that need to be in a climate controlled storage unit, consider getting two small units (one with climate control and one without) to save money.

2. How Are You Storing It
Along with thinking about what you are storing, you also need to think about how it is being stored. If everything is being stored in air-tight plastic containers, then they will make sure that moisture is not a problem. In this case, a climate controlled self storage unit may not be necessary. However, if you are storing everything in cardboard boxes or boxes without lids, then the risk of damage from moisture or temperature changes is much more likely. There is nothing worse than getting ready to clean out your storage unit, only to find out the bottom of your cardboard boxes have become brittle from the moisture.

3. Overall Value
Another thing to consider is the overall value of what you are storing. If your storage unit is a simple catch-all, then you may not have anything of great value in it. On the other hand, if it has furniture, antiques, or more valuable items, then the additional expense of getting a climate controlled self storage unit would normally be considered a wise investment. Not only will this keep them safer in general, but self storage companies tend to carry higher insurance to cover any problems that would arise if their equipment malfunctioned and stopped controlling the climate, even for a very short amount of time.

In the end, deciding when to use climate controlled self storage is all about assessing risk. If you are storing items that are at little risk of damage, regardless of the temperature or moisture level, then a climate controlled unit is much less important. On the other hand, if your items can be easily damaged then shelling out a few extra bucks for climate control is a very smart investment.

The Pros and Cons of Using a Moving Company

If you are about to move, there are more options available today than ever before. You can do it yourself, use a moving company, use a moving/storage container, and much more. With so many different options available, hiring a traditional moving company is still the most common option, however it may not fit every situation. Here is a closer look at the pros and cons of using a moving company.

Pros of Using a Moving Company

Time
A moving company can get everything loaded and unloaded much faster than you can. Not only do you get several people to help you move, but they move items all of the time, which makes them extremely efficient. This will not only make it easier to move in a single day, but can also save money by limiting how long you have to rent a moving truck.

Coverage
Another benefit of using a moving company is that your items are covered in the event that they are damaged. Professional moving services will replace or fix any damage that they cause. The only exception is that if they tell you that an item is not packaged properly. They will then give you the option to repackage it or have them move it anyways.

Stress
If there is one thing that moving does for everyone, it raises the stress level. Hiring a moving company is a great way to eliminate one of the largest stressors of the entire relocation process. Depending on what level of service you purchase, you can even have them pack and unpack all of your items for you.

Cons of Using a Moving Company

Personal Space
Some people simply don't like other people touching their stuff. If you fall into this category, then there is a chance that hiring a moving company will actually cause more stress than doing it yourself.

Risk
One potential drawback is that there is always some risk that you will hire a moving company that isn't professional. Fortunately, there are hundreds of online reviews that will let you know how they treated other people. While this doesn't eliminate the risk entirely, does minimize it greatly.

Schedule
Another potential drawback is scheduling. If you move things yourself or use a pods-like storage container, you can set your own schedule and move whenever it is convenient for you. With a moving company, you need to find a single block of time, normally 3+ hours, in which the moving company can take care of everything.

Cost
The biggest reason that people don't consider hiring a moving company is cost. In most cases, it will be several hundred dollars for the basic package, with even more added on if extra time is needed.

Once you take a closer look at the pros and cons of using a moving company and compare that to all of your other options, it should be pretty clear which choice is right for you. Most people could benefit from using a moving company, but it is not a one size fits all solution.

Should You Use a PODS Unit to Move?

There is little doubt that moving can be one of the most stressful events of all time which may leave you wondering if you should go the traditional route or use a PODS unit to move. Each way will represent a cost, so why should you even consider PODS versus the time tested way?

Think about what the traditional move means. First you have to reserve a moving truck way ahead of time so that you know you will be getting it on the particular weekend that you need it for. Then you have to hope that the company didn’t overbook reservations leaving you with a truck that is more or less that you needed. Next you must bribe several of your friends to give up their weekends in order to move all your things, rush to load and unload the moving truck, and rush to get the moving truck back before the company closes, making sure it is filled with the right amount of fuel and has been swept out. Sounds appealing, doesn’t it?

If all that sounds like it is just too much, then consider a PODS unit. To start with you can call PODS toll free and talk with a customer service representative about how much stuff you have. They will be able to help you determine exactly how big of a PODS unit you need in order to adequately move all your things in one shot. If you have ever rented a moving truck thinking it was big enough, only to have to make several trips because your estimation was off, then you know the frustration it brings. This just doesn’t happen with PODS units as the customer service rep will know just how big a unit you will need eliminating any and all guesswork.

When you use a PODS unit to move, you also make the decision to move at your own pace. That’s because your PODS unit will be delivered to your driveway whenever you want and you can then load it up at your convenience. Take a day to do so or a week, it doesn’t matter. Because you pay for the time you have the unit, it is all up to you.

Once your PODS unit is packed full the company will come out and pick it up then deliver it to your new driveway, wherever that may be. Once there you can again take your time in unloading all your possessions. Once your PODS unit is totally empty you then only have to call the company one last time and they will take away the empty PODS unit.

When you take advantage of a PODS unit to move, you eliminate a lot of the headaches that traditionally come with moving. No moving truck to rent, no friends to bribe, no worry over driving the moving truck or doing anything else to it for that matter. Best of all, you can pack up and unpack your things during the week, a little bit at a time, and leave your weekend wide open.

Save 5% off PODS rentals by using a Pods promotional code.

Review of Packrat Portable Storage

Do you have a hard time finding extra storage space to store valuable items and keepsakes? If you are like a majority of people, sometimes you may not be ready to throw everything away or give it to charity. This is where Packrat Portable Storage provides a viable solution to your problem. Imagine the convenience of being able to keep many of your items near your home and in a weatherproof self storage unit. Learn more about Packrat Portable Storage, as well as the benefits and pitfalls this shed provides.

The problem with many of the pay per month storage sheds is that they usually require a costly monthly fee. Most places charge at least $50 a month, in order for you to keep your storage shed. That is a total of $600 per year, which can add up to some hefty pocket change throughout the years. Another downside to storage sheds is that you have to drive to the location to deliver the goods.

Pros of Packrat Portable Storage

The great thing about Packrat Portable Storage is that you can take it anywhere you wish. You don’t have to worry about leaving your belongings behind or finding another way to tow belongings because this storage shed is ready to go wherever you go.

Another benefit the Packrat Portable Storage provides is that it is weatherproof. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about rain, sleet, snow or humidity. Since it is made of heavy-duty weatherproof steel, it withstands the many elements of nature. You can be rest assured that when bad weather strikes, your belongings will be safe, secure, and in one piece.

Packrat Portable Storage kit also offers moving kits, so when the time comes and you and your family have to move, you have everything you need to ship up and ship out. You don’t have to worry about packaging supplies, because at Packrat they make everything available to you.

Cons of Packrat Portable Storage

Although Packrat Portable Storage is a nice alternative to regular run of the mill storage, you will need to keep the outside of the shed free from trash, debris and any other items. Anything in a storage shed that sits by itself for a long length of time usually begins to attracts rodents and other insects and bugs. Therefore, it is important to maintain the inside of the shed from time to time.

Being able to retrieve items later can often be quite cumbersome. This is why it is important to organize items neatly, for easy accessibility later on when certain items need to be taken out or used.

As you can see the Packrat Portable Storage unit has many benefits. Not only can it help to clear up clutter and unorganized space, but also the items are kept in a weatherproof unit right on the premise of your home. Therefore, you can keep a watchful eye on your belongings. Just as with most things, the Packrat does have a few downsides, such as upkeep of the storage unit and careful planning on how items are organized. With the right planning and upkeep, the Packrat can make a wonderful storage alternative for you and your family.

Save 5% off portable storage units by using a Pack Rat promo code.

How Portable Self Storage Units Work

At some point or another, everyone has experienced the need to use self storage and lately there has been a new phenomenon that has been gaining momentum; portable self storage units. Portable self storage units will help you to effectively store all that needs storing and eliminate the majority of headaches that are typically associated with self storage.

Normally when you consider self storage, you have to consider first what size unit you need. This will entail you going to self storage facility and taking a good deal of time to see what is available. Next, you will have to get all of your things to the storage unit and that may entail you renting a moving truck. Additionally, you will probably have to convince some of your friends or family to help you with your efforts and this may or may not be so easy.

Portable self storage units eliminate a great deal of the typical process and by doing so eliminate a great deal of the headaches as well. Here’s how portable self storage units work:

·         Figure out What Needs to Be Stored: The first step in using a portable self storage unit is to figure out what you need to have stored. Then you can look online or call a portable self storage unit company and figure out what size unit you will require.

·         Take Delivery of the Unit: Once you know what size portable self storage unit you need, the next step is to take delivery of it. This is as easy as scheduling a time for the portable self storage unit company you choose to deliver the empty unit right to your driveway.

·         Fill the Unit: Next, you fill the portable self storage unit at your convenience. This can be done in as little as a day or as much as a month. Since you will pay for the time that the unit is with you, it is entirely up to you.

·         Schedule a Pickup: Once your portable self storage unit is packed full you then need to schedule a pickup with the portable self storage unit company you are working with. With one call they will come out to your home and load the now full unit on their truck and take it away to their climate controlled storage facility.

·         Manage Your Stuff: Should you need access to your stuff once more you only need to make another phone call and your portable self storage unit will be re-delivered to you. You can then make any adjustments needed and have it taken back when you are done.

When your portable self storage unit is in actual storage, you typically only have to pay by the month. In fact, if you run into a company that wants you to sign a contract for any amount of time, don’t. There are plenty of big name portable self storage unit companies out there that will allow you to store all of your items on a month to month basis with no problem at all.

Business Self Storage

Business self storage can be an absolute life saver for your business no matter how big or small it may be. When you take advantage of business self storage you are taking steps to ensure that your office or workspace is clutter free. This in turn will ensure maximum productivity, which leads to more profits.

There a number of reasons that, as a business owner, you will want to consider business self storage including:

·         Excess Inventory: If your business revolves around a lot of inventory then you know that sometimes that inventory can build up. When certain products don’t sell as well as others then there will be times that you build up excess inventory. When this happens, you need to clear out that excess inventory for incoming products that will sell at a faster pace, but you can’t just throw away your entire excess inventory. You can solve this problem by renting a business self storage unit to stow your excess inventory until you figure out what you want to do with it. Many business self storage facilities will even allow you to put up shelving units inside the storage unit making excess inventory storage even easier and much more organized.

·         Vital Document Storage: Many companies have vital documents that need to be filed and some businesses are even required by law to file these documents for a period of no less than five years or more. If your business is one such business and your client list is growing, you will soon find that a simple file cabinet or two will not cut it. In this case a business storage unit is the perfect solution. You can start with a smaller business self storage unit and have all your vital documents packed in document boxes and stored away. If your needs grow, then you simply have to rent a business storage unit that suits your new needs and go from there.

·         Office Equipment: If you end up buying new office equipment like desks, chairs, computer, and so on, what do you do with all of the old office equipment? You can probably sell of that old office equipment and recoup some of the costs of the new office equipment, but you may not be able to do this right away. Again, business self-storage comes to the rescue. You can rent a business self storage unit for a month or more and keep all of that old office equipment safe and sound until a buyer is located.

While most people only think of self storage units as something to use in order to help keep their homes de-cluttered, business self storage units accomplish the same thing only for a business. In many ways it is more important to have an uncluttered business than it is to have an uncluttered home since your business is ultimately what is paying all the bills. Using business self storage will allow your business to thrive uncluttered, which is key, as a successful workspace is typically one that is uncluttered.