Even if you’re just moving down the street, the prospect of packing up your entire household can be daunting. It’s so stressful that many people put it off until the last possible minute, which is a recipe for disaster. Instead of letting anxiety and dread take over, make this move the best one yet by taking an organized approach to your packing. While not an easy task, it’s much more bearable when you break it down into three stages.
Stage 1: The Seldom-Used Stuff
Whether you’re packing up over a period of hours or weeks, this category includes everything that you won’t need any time soon—and probably haven’t used in months. In fact, some of it may still be in boxes from your last move! This includes off-season clothing, seasonal decorations, old photo albums, financial records from the past decade, that fondue set that’s been sitting there since your wedding…you get the picture. Anything that you haven’t touched in at least two months—and that you won’t need within the next couple of weeks—makes it into this category.
Stage 2: The Need-It-Soon Stuff
You can pack these things a day or two in advance to make moving day easier and less chaotic. Need-it-soon stuff includes all of the items that you generally need on a daily basis but can live without for a day or two. For example: your clothes. Pack everything up except one or two changes of clothes. Kitchen items tend to fall into this category as well. When you’re in the midst of organizing yourself for a move, you probably won’t be doing much cooking—delivery, please!—so pack up your pots and pans, silverwear, plates, glasses, etc. For the day or two when you’re in between houses, use paper plates and disposable utensils.
Stage 3: The Need-It-Now Stuff
You shouldn’t pack items in this category until the day of your move.
Some need-it-now may stuff may include hygiene items, pet supplies, a change of clothes, daily prescription medication—and don’t forget to leave a roll of toilet paper. It’s always a necessity. Also, remember to leave a vacuum and other cleaning supplies so you can do a once-over before turning your house over to its next occupants.
Your boxes should be loaded into your moving van in the above order as well, with seldom-used stuff in back and need-it-now stuff in front. This way, you won’t have to dig around for immediate necessities in a hot (or cold) moving van.
More tips for a stress-free move:
• If you have time—and you should, unless your boss told you to report for duty in another state tomorrow—weed out your possessions either before or as you pack. In addition to the moving boxes you’ve got set up, make two additional piles: toss and donate. Haven’t used that camping gear in…well…ever? Donate that and any other usable items to a charitable organization. Some stuff is beyond redemption, however, and there’s no use dragging it to your next house. Just dump it.
• Not having enough boxes on hand leads to delays and promotes frustration. Double whatever number of boxes you think you’ll need, and about a week before your move (or earlier if you can motivate yourself to get started), designate one room to store boxes and other packing material.
• You can buy boxes, of course, but if you want to save a few bucks, hit up area grocery stores and ask if you can have their empty boxes. They may be flattened already, but that actually makes them easier to transport. And it takes just seconds to reassemble them at home.
• In a pinch, you can use kitchen linens to cushion breakables. Place pot holders between layers of glasses and wrap fragile items in hand towels and cloth napkins. Bonus: you won’t have to wash newsprint off of everything when you reach your destination.
• Mark every box carefully—on top and on at least two sides—using a two-step approach. First, identify the room or area where the box should be delivered (“kitchen,” for example). Then, indicate what the box actually contains (“pots and pans”). This way it’s easy for the movers to quickly determine where to dump the box, but it also lets you know whether you need to open it right away or sometime next week.
• Make a concerted effort to either eat or toss the majority of items in your fridge and freezer. Depending on how far you’ll be moving, it can be tough to keep cold things cold on a moving truck.
Denver Self Storage
Seattle Self Storage
Houston Self Storage
Las Vegas Self Storage
New York Self Storage
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Moving overseas? Tips for a successful move abroad
Whether you’re moving overseas permanently or for a temporary period of time one of the biggest headaches is organizing your belongings. Naturally, you would like the furniture or personal effects you own to arrive at your destination in one piece. There are a few simple rules you can follow that can help to do this.
Step One: What’s being moved and what is being left behind
Whether you’re moving overseas permanently or short-term, the first step you need to take is to go through everything you own and decide what to keep and what to get rid of. It is important that you do this before you arrange for the moving company to come in and make a quote. If there are items you will use up to the last minute but will not take with you, mark them clearly, so your moving consultant knows not to include them in the space requirements or quotation.
The next stage depends on whether you are moving permanently or on a temporary basis. Temporary moves may mean that you can leave items behind in self storage facilities. However, it is always important to consider what items are time-relevant i.e. if you’re storing your children’s toys and they will be three years older when you return, it’s not really worth the expense of storing these items.
Permanent moves will require a good hard look at what you own, love and don’t really need anymore. You can save yourself hundreds if not thousands of dollars by taking a realistic approach when sorting through your belongings. After a few overseas moves and quite some domestic I take the approach that if it’s not sentimental and I haven’t used it for more than two years – it’s time to say goodbye.
When deciding on what to take with you, you will need to get a good idea of the type of accommodation that will be available to you in your destination country. You may be leaving a house with good square footage to move into a much smaller apartment. In Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and parts of the Middle East accommodation rates are at a premium and you may not have the budget to acquire the same space you have now.
If you need to leave some of your furniture and belongings behind, or want to store your belongings while you work out the logistics in your new country – try self storage units and facilities. Your moving company may have this service available or you may find a reasonably priced local self storage company who can help you with your requirements.
Lastly, take the time to research the customs website of your destination country. Some may have restrictions or warnings about the types of goods that will require inspection (adding costs) and possibly fumigation. For example, if you are taking plastic containers overseas and also have a large amount of wooden furnishings you may be subject to fumigation at the receiving port. Plastic absorbs the chemicals from the fumigation and will not be suitable to hold any future food products.
Step Two: Logistics of your move overseas
You will need to engage a moving company; your best option is to work with one that can also arrange for customs clearance and delivery at your destination. Many companies have overseas affiliates or subsidiaries making the transition of your belongings less impeded.
Work with a company who has experience with your destination country, each country has their own customs regulations and you need someone who can advise you from experience. Also ask if they can arrange the insurance for your belongings.
The next stage will be to have an agent from the moving company come in and assess the space you will require i.e. part of, full use of either a 20ft or 40ft container. For smaller loads, usually the moving company can arrange for your goods to share a container with someone else who has space – saving you money.
For both insurance and documentary purposes you will need to prepare a full inventory of all the belongings you are moving. This comes down to counting how many CD’s, DVD’s, books etc you own. Along with the quantities you will also need to assess the value of each of these items so that you can ensure the insurance will cover the worst case scenario.
Note that fridges and freezes are not recommended to be moved overseas. Electrical items may not be insured, especially the more fragile items such as TV’s and stereo systems. Check with your insurer and your moving company.
During your inventory process, it is a good time to decide whether you need to airfreight any items for immediate use, pack certain more valuable and fragile items in your suitcases or take another serious look at just how much stuff you’re keeping. Remember also that you can use the option to use a self storage unit or keep belongings with family and friends (who don’t mind looking after them).
Step Three: Moving day
Warning never take logic for granted! You will not be able to move food overseas so ensure that you have already removed all of these types of items before the packers arrive. Secondly, check your house and ensure that all teapots, coffeepots, jugs, plant pots etc are all empty of their contents. It has been known for packers to pack these items complete with liquid and contents inside.
Mark clearly any items that you do not want to be packed or even better move them all to one room, garage or location with a sign saying that they are not to be packed.
If you are allowed to pack your belongings you will need to ensure that the packing meets shipping standards. A handy tip is to mark the boxes with the type of destination room you want them to go in, i.e. study, “tommys room”, storage etc. When you’re ready to receive your belongings at the other end post signs on the doors of the receiving rooms i.e. study, “tommy’s room”, storage.
Items such as towels, blankets and sheets make great padding and protection for more fragile belongings. If you are doing the packing you can follow a simple rule – heaviest items on the bottom, most fragile on the top with a good thickness of padding between the sides, bottom and top of the boxes. Lastly, remember that a person at some stage is going to carry the boxes – 40kg of books in one box is not advisable!
With some planning, logical and preparation your move overseas can be made a lot simpler. There will be so many logistical items you will be working on to make the move, so it’s important you contract a moving company that can remove as many headaches as possible.
Denver Self Storage
Los Angeles Self Storage
San Francisco Self Storage
Seattle Self Storage
Houston Self Storage
Phoenix Self Storage
Las Vegas Self Storage
Chicago Self Storage
New York Self Storage
Step One: What’s being moved and what is being left behind
Whether you’re moving overseas permanently or short-term, the first step you need to take is to go through everything you own and decide what to keep and what to get rid of. It is important that you do this before you arrange for the moving company to come in and make a quote. If there are items you will use up to the last minute but will not take with you, mark them clearly, so your moving consultant knows not to include them in the space requirements or quotation.
The next stage depends on whether you are moving permanently or on a temporary basis. Temporary moves may mean that you can leave items behind in self storage facilities. However, it is always important to consider what items are time-relevant i.e. if you’re storing your children’s toys and they will be three years older when you return, it’s not really worth the expense of storing these items.
Permanent moves will require a good hard look at what you own, love and don’t really need anymore. You can save yourself hundreds if not thousands of dollars by taking a realistic approach when sorting through your belongings. After a few overseas moves and quite some domestic I take the approach that if it’s not sentimental and I haven’t used it for more than two years – it’s time to say goodbye.
When deciding on what to take with you, you will need to get a good idea of the type of accommodation that will be available to you in your destination country. You may be leaving a house with good square footage to move into a much smaller apartment. In Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and parts of the Middle East accommodation rates are at a premium and you may not have the budget to acquire the same space you have now.
If you need to leave some of your furniture and belongings behind, or want to store your belongings while you work out the logistics in your new country – try self storage units and facilities. Your moving company may have this service available or you may find a reasonably priced local self storage company who can help you with your requirements.
Lastly, take the time to research the customs website of your destination country. Some may have restrictions or warnings about the types of goods that will require inspection (adding costs) and possibly fumigation. For example, if you are taking plastic containers overseas and also have a large amount of wooden furnishings you may be subject to fumigation at the receiving port. Plastic absorbs the chemicals from the fumigation and will not be suitable to hold any future food products.
Step Two: Logistics of your move overseas
You will need to engage a moving company; your best option is to work with one that can also arrange for customs clearance and delivery at your destination. Many companies have overseas affiliates or subsidiaries making the transition of your belongings less impeded.
Work with a company who has experience with your destination country, each country has their own customs regulations and you need someone who can advise you from experience. Also ask if they can arrange the insurance for your belongings.
The next stage will be to have an agent from the moving company come in and assess the space you will require i.e. part of, full use of either a 20ft or 40ft container. For smaller loads, usually the moving company can arrange for your goods to share a container with someone else who has space – saving you money.
For both insurance and documentary purposes you will need to prepare a full inventory of all the belongings you are moving. This comes down to counting how many CD’s, DVD’s, books etc you own. Along with the quantities you will also need to assess the value of each of these items so that you can ensure the insurance will cover the worst case scenario.
Note that fridges and freezes are not recommended to be moved overseas. Electrical items may not be insured, especially the more fragile items such as TV’s and stereo systems. Check with your insurer and your moving company.
During your inventory process, it is a good time to decide whether you need to airfreight any items for immediate use, pack certain more valuable and fragile items in your suitcases or take another serious look at just how much stuff you’re keeping. Remember also that you can use the option to use a self storage unit or keep belongings with family and friends (who don’t mind looking after them).
Step Three: Moving day
Warning never take logic for granted! You will not be able to move food overseas so ensure that you have already removed all of these types of items before the packers arrive. Secondly, check your house and ensure that all teapots, coffeepots, jugs, plant pots etc are all empty of their contents. It has been known for packers to pack these items complete with liquid and contents inside.
Mark clearly any items that you do not want to be packed or even better move them all to one room, garage or location with a sign saying that they are not to be packed.
If you are allowed to pack your belongings you will need to ensure that the packing meets shipping standards. A handy tip is to mark the boxes with the type of destination room you want them to go in, i.e. study, “tommys room”, storage etc. When you’re ready to receive your belongings at the other end post signs on the doors of the receiving rooms i.e. study, “tommy’s room”, storage.
Items such as towels, blankets and sheets make great padding and protection for more fragile belongings. If you are doing the packing you can follow a simple rule – heaviest items on the bottom, most fragile on the top with a good thickness of padding between the sides, bottom and top of the boxes. Lastly, remember that a person at some stage is going to carry the boxes – 40kg of books in one box is not advisable!
With some planning, logical and preparation your move overseas can be made a lot simpler. There will be so many logistical items you will be working on to make the move, so it’s important you contract a moving company that can remove as many headaches as possible.
Denver Self Storage
Los Angeles Self Storage
San Francisco Self Storage
Seattle Self Storage
Houston Self Storage
Phoenix Self Storage
Las Vegas Self Storage
Chicago Self Storage
New York Self Storage
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Choosing the Best Moving Company
Moving a home or office requires a lot of planning and the most integral role throughout the process is that of the moving company. Getting a good bargain on the moving company can make your whole move easier without burning a hole in your pocket. You can talk to your friends and relatives who might have hired a moving company to find a reliable one, or read the following for some useful advice on how to find a good moving company.
The cost of a moving company can be calculated and estimated on a number of factors which includes the size of the vehicle and the distance it will cover. Nationwide companies may charge a little more than your local moving company, which might have lower rates and suit you better. All you need to do is to keep the factors of reliability and safety of your goods in mind. Whether you are planning to do a local move, interstate or even international move – the moving companies’ reputation, reliability, prompt delivery and safety of goods is what’s important. To find a good moving company you may refer to local directories and even browse online sites that detail moving companies. With a variety of services offered by moving companies, you can get a full service moving company, a pack-only moving company, a drive-only moving company, or even a trailer rental for you to pack and drive your own belongings. A lot will depend on whether you are doing the whole move yourself or require the help of moving professionals. The costs of moving trucks and professionals come at different rates depending on what you require.
There is different pricing for each moving company depending upon the nature of goods being moved, the distance covered by the truck and the size of the haul. So it’s best to do a bit of research first, get quotes from different companies on the cost and insurance, and then decide which company is the best for your move.
Tip: Once you have the above information, do some searching with the moving companies’ name online and see if you can find any customer service reviews. Knowing your goods are being safely handled or that the moving truck will be reliable is extremely important during a move. Remember the cheapest moving company may not always be more economical over the longer term if your goods are damaged or lost. Lastly, make sure you have reliable cell phone numbers of key people in the moving company should anything go wrong on the moving day.
Comparing the price quotes will give you a good idea on the actual cost, but make sure the prices quoted include insurance of your goods. Insurance is necessary in the event of accidents and loss of goods. If the moving company does not offer insurance, be sure to obtain your own insurance though another company.
The cost of a moving company depends upon whether it is making a one way trip or round trip, and whether you are booking it for a weekend or a weekday. Weekdays are comparatively cheaper as compared to weekends and similarly summers are more expensive than winters. You may also be required to make a deposit at the time of obtaining a moving company, depending on the moving company terms and conditions.
To make your move easy, remember to:
• Keep the Bill of lading that is given to you by the moving company as it is a legally binding note of contract between you and them.
• Read the quote which is on your contract as well as the agreed upon rates. Also be sure to read the moving company’s liability of your goods, delivery date and insurance claim clauses.
• If you are packing your goods, pack them properly to eliminate damage and breakages. With better moving boxes and wooden crates easily available, it is best to pack delicate glassware and other items in Styrofoam.
Finding a good moving company gives you peace of mind and allows for an easier relocation whether it is an office or home furniture and household items.
Choose the best moving company for you at EasyStorageSearch.com, where you can also find self storage units to assist with your move.
The cost of a moving company can be calculated and estimated on a number of factors which includes the size of the vehicle and the distance it will cover. Nationwide companies may charge a little more than your local moving company, which might have lower rates and suit you better. All you need to do is to keep the factors of reliability and safety of your goods in mind. Whether you are planning to do a local move, interstate or even international move – the moving companies’ reputation, reliability, prompt delivery and safety of goods is what’s important. To find a good moving company you may refer to local directories and even browse online sites that detail moving companies. With a variety of services offered by moving companies, you can get a full service moving company, a pack-only moving company, a drive-only moving company, or even a trailer rental for you to pack and drive your own belongings. A lot will depend on whether you are doing the whole move yourself or require the help of moving professionals. The costs of moving trucks and professionals come at different rates depending on what you require.
There is different pricing for each moving company depending upon the nature of goods being moved, the distance covered by the truck and the size of the haul. So it’s best to do a bit of research first, get quotes from different companies on the cost and insurance, and then decide which company is the best for your move.
Tip: Once you have the above information, do some searching with the moving companies’ name online and see if you can find any customer service reviews. Knowing your goods are being safely handled or that the moving truck will be reliable is extremely important during a move. Remember the cheapest moving company may not always be more economical over the longer term if your goods are damaged or lost. Lastly, make sure you have reliable cell phone numbers of key people in the moving company should anything go wrong on the moving day.
Comparing the price quotes will give you a good idea on the actual cost, but make sure the prices quoted include insurance of your goods. Insurance is necessary in the event of accidents and loss of goods. If the moving company does not offer insurance, be sure to obtain your own insurance though another company.
The cost of a moving company depends upon whether it is making a one way trip or round trip, and whether you are booking it for a weekend or a weekday. Weekdays are comparatively cheaper as compared to weekends and similarly summers are more expensive than winters. You may also be required to make a deposit at the time of obtaining a moving company, depending on the moving company terms and conditions.
To make your move easy, remember to:
• Keep the Bill of lading that is given to you by the moving company as it is a legally binding note of contract between you and them.
• Read the quote which is on your contract as well as the agreed upon rates. Also be sure to read the moving company’s liability of your goods, delivery date and insurance claim clauses.
• If you are packing your goods, pack them properly to eliminate damage and breakages. With better moving boxes and wooden crates easily available, it is best to pack delicate glassware and other items in Styrofoam.
Finding a good moving company gives you peace of mind and allows for an easier relocation whether it is an office or home furniture and household items.
Choose the best moving company for you at EasyStorageSearch.com, where you can also find self storage units to assist with your move.
Using the Right Moving Boxes Makes Moving Easier
Whether you are moving to a new city or just across the town, moving and packing becomes a chore. The main requirements that come up are finding good moving boxes, truck rentals and careful packaging that will keep your delicate items and other goods safe while being transferred. Packing is not fun but an essential component of your move and good quality moving boxes are important. Professional moving boxes are heavy-duty cardboard boxes with corrugated patterns in different sizes, which is used to facilitate and ease a safe moving process.
Box type. Super strong packing boxes with protective bubble wrap or cellulose keep your delicate items such as glassware and dishes safe. But if you are looking for the best boxes, professional moving boxes become your best bet. For non fragile items, the single walled corrugated cardboard boxes are best to pack your electronic goods, television, clothes etc. while for fragile items its best to use the double lined, bubble wrap moving boxes with extra fillings of Styrofoam, to keep glass, dishes and art pieces safe.
Box strength. Usually the moving boxes are tested for strength and durability by a test known as Edge Crush test and the ECT of the box is printed on the side of the box flap, which you can check and buy accordingly. Professional movers use boxes tested for at least 200 lb or 32 ECT but there are cheaper versions also available for casual moving. You can also use huge cartons and office file boxes to keep goods that may not break or if you are shifting locally. But, long distance moving may require professional moving boxes tested for strength so that accidental opening or breakages do not happen.
Box size. Moving boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can pick according to your requirements, so check out the professional moving boxes sizes:
• Small Kits-- best to pack records and books or other heavy weight items.
• Medium --18”x14”x12” are best to pack your kitchen ware goods.
• Large--20”x20”x15” can be used to pack linen and bulky items.
• Extra large--23”x23”x16” packs TVs, toys, tall lamps and other bigger items.
• Dish pack or Kitchen boxes-- 18”x18”x20” are used to pack your kitchen items and dish boxes with a lot of packing paper to keep fragile items safe.
• Wardrobe large box--24”x24”x40” are double lined and extra wide with hanging bars for keeping your clothes pressed.
• Frame box--41” x 6”x 26” are strong enough for shipping, packing large picture frames, delicate mirrors and any other flat thin items.
• File boxes-- 16” x 12.5” x 10” are good to pack your office/ home office supplies.
For safe transit, its best to use boxes that are suited for manual handling, so choose the size to match the goods being packed inside it. Also, if you are packing yourself, ensure that each moving box is a safe lifting weight for whoever is going to move your goods.
The best aspect of moving boxes is that these are recyclable and eco friendly, being made out of cardboard so you don’t have to worry about adding to the waste, after the move. If you are on the look out for buying strong moving boxes, you can either look up your local Yellow pages or directories but now even browsing online will help you as there are many companies listed which sell moving box kits that saves you a considerable amount of money.
Tip: When you are moving household goods or furnishings long-distance, always check the insurance terms and conditions on whether your belongings need to be packed by professional movers in order to be insured. This usually relates to overseas moves where packaging has to meet shipping standards in order to meet insurance conditions.
Find the lowest price moving boxes on EasyStorageSearch.com.
Box type. Super strong packing boxes with protective bubble wrap or cellulose keep your delicate items such as glassware and dishes safe. But if you are looking for the best boxes, professional moving boxes become your best bet. For non fragile items, the single walled corrugated cardboard boxes are best to pack your electronic goods, television, clothes etc. while for fragile items its best to use the double lined, bubble wrap moving boxes with extra fillings of Styrofoam, to keep glass, dishes and art pieces safe.
Box strength. Usually the moving boxes are tested for strength and durability by a test known as Edge Crush test and the ECT of the box is printed on the side of the box flap, which you can check and buy accordingly. Professional movers use boxes tested for at least 200 lb or 32 ECT but there are cheaper versions also available for casual moving. You can also use huge cartons and office file boxes to keep goods that may not break or if you are shifting locally. But, long distance moving may require professional moving boxes tested for strength so that accidental opening or breakages do not happen.
Box size. Moving boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can pick according to your requirements, so check out the professional moving boxes sizes:
• Small Kits-- best to pack records and books or other heavy weight items.
• Medium --18”x14”x12” are best to pack your kitchen ware goods.
• Large--20”x20”x15” can be used to pack linen and bulky items.
• Extra large--23”x23”x16” packs TVs, toys, tall lamps and other bigger items.
• Dish pack or Kitchen boxes-- 18”x18”x20” are used to pack your kitchen items and dish boxes with a lot of packing paper to keep fragile items safe.
• Wardrobe large box--24”x24”x40” are double lined and extra wide with hanging bars for keeping your clothes pressed.
• Frame box--41” x 6”x 26” are strong enough for shipping, packing large picture frames, delicate mirrors and any other flat thin items.
• File boxes-- 16” x 12.5” x 10” are good to pack your office/ home office supplies.
For safe transit, its best to use boxes that are suited for manual handling, so choose the size to match the goods being packed inside it. Also, if you are packing yourself, ensure that each moving box is a safe lifting weight for whoever is going to move your goods.
The best aspect of moving boxes is that these are recyclable and eco friendly, being made out of cardboard so you don’t have to worry about adding to the waste, after the move. If you are on the look out for buying strong moving boxes, you can either look up your local Yellow pages or directories but now even browsing online will help you as there are many companies listed which sell moving box kits that saves you a considerable amount of money.
Tip: When you are moving household goods or furnishings long-distance, always check the insurance terms and conditions on whether your belongings need to be packed by professional movers in order to be insured. This usually relates to overseas moves where packaging has to meet shipping standards in order to meet insurance conditions.
Find the lowest price moving boxes on EasyStorageSearch.com.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
How to choose the size of a self storage unit?
Choosing a self storage unit can be a daunting task and needs to be looked into minutely as your household goods and precious items need a proper storage space. There are many reasons why people need a self storage facility but moving, relocation, death in the family and inheritance can lead to a requirement of a safe, secure unit where you can just stack the extra items while you also have the freedom to access it anytime you want to.
There are a variety of self storage units available and most people tend to over estimate and get bigger units that they actually need. There are a few points that should be kept in mind, before signing the lease of a storage unit such as:
- Do you actually require a climate controlled unit for the things that you are planning to store?
- What is the actual size of a storage unit that you need?
- Is the place secure?
- Have you looked up the conditions and agreement before you lease?
You need to be sure of the size the size of the self storage facility that should be rented. As there are a variety of self storage units in different sizes available to suit each personal and commercial requirement, knowing about each one is essential for you to plan in advance. We recommend that you go room to room or in any case write up an inventory of the items you want to store. For large items you want to put into a self storage unit, measure the height and width for accuracy. If you are storing a large amount of items such as furniture, drawing up a floor plan with measurements will help you to decide on exactly the right size of self storage unit for your needs.
The following is a guide to the sizes of self storage units and how much each type of unit can usually store:
1. The smallest is the 5x5 unit which is about the size of small bathroom and can hold about 30 file size boxes on shelves. It can also accommodate a few chairs and miscellaneous items.
2. The next is the 5x10 which is about the size of a large closet. The size is perfect to contain 1 room’s furniture or 84 file boxes without shelves.
3. The 5x15 self storage units is about the size of a walk in closet and is able to hold about three rooms of furniture but if you intend using only boxes then it will have about 130 file size storage boxes without shelves.
4. The 10x10 storage units are the size of a middle sized bedroom and are able to hold furniture of nearly 4 rooms along with miscellaneous items. You can either store 108 files on shelves or 168 boxes without shelves.
5. The 10x15 is a small garage sized storage unit has the capacity to hold 5 room’s of furniture or 295 file size boxes without shelves.
6. One of the bigger units is the 10x20 which is about the size of a car garage. It can hold the furniture of a 2 bedroom house without the small appliances or other items. You can also store about 379 file boxes without shelves.
7. The 10 x25 storage unit is perfect for storing the goods of a 2-3 bedroom home or 504 file size boxes without aisles.
8. The 10 x 30 units is a huge space about the size of a 1.5 garage which can easily accommodate the contents of a 3 bedroom home along with all the miscellaneous items.
If after reading the above guide, you are still unsure of what your self storage unit size should be – take your inventory with you and ask for the assistance of the personnel at your chosen storage company.
Houston Self Storage
Phoenix Self Storage
Las Vegas Self Storage
Chicago Self Storage
Orlando Self Storage
There are a variety of self storage units available and most people tend to over estimate and get bigger units that they actually need. There are a few points that should be kept in mind, before signing the lease of a storage unit such as:
- Do you actually require a climate controlled unit for the things that you are planning to store?
- What is the actual size of a storage unit that you need?
- Is the place secure?
- Have you looked up the conditions and agreement before you lease?
You need to be sure of the size the size of the self storage facility that should be rented. As there are a variety of self storage units in different sizes available to suit each personal and commercial requirement, knowing about each one is essential for you to plan in advance. We recommend that you go room to room or in any case write up an inventory of the items you want to store. For large items you want to put into a self storage unit, measure the height and width for accuracy. If you are storing a large amount of items such as furniture, drawing up a floor plan with measurements will help you to decide on exactly the right size of self storage unit for your needs.
The following is a guide to the sizes of self storage units and how much each type of unit can usually store:
1. The smallest is the 5x5 unit which is about the size of small bathroom and can hold about 30 file size boxes on shelves. It can also accommodate a few chairs and miscellaneous items.
2. The next is the 5x10 which is about the size of a large closet. The size is perfect to contain 1 room’s furniture or 84 file boxes without shelves.
3. The 5x15 self storage units is about the size of a walk in closet and is able to hold about three rooms of furniture but if you intend using only boxes then it will have about 130 file size storage boxes without shelves.
4. The 10x10 storage units are the size of a middle sized bedroom and are able to hold furniture of nearly 4 rooms along with miscellaneous items. You can either store 108 files on shelves or 168 boxes without shelves.
5. The 10x15 is a small garage sized storage unit has the capacity to hold 5 room’s of furniture or 295 file size boxes without shelves.
6. One of the bigger units is the 10x20 which is about the size of a car garage. It can hold the furniture of a 2 bedroom house without the small appliances or other items. You can also store about 379 file boxes without shelves.
7. The 10 x25 storage unit is perfect for storing the goods of a 2-3 bedroom home or 504 file size boxes without aisles.
8. The 10 x 30 units is a huge space about the size of a 1.5 garage which can easily accommodate the contents of a 3 bedroom home along with all the miscellaneous items.
If after reading the above guide, you are still unsure of what your self storage unit size should be – take your inventory with you and ask for the assistance of the personnel at your chosen storage company.
Houston Self Storage
Phoenix Self Storage
Las Vegas Self Storage
Chicago Self Storage
Orlando Self Storage
The Benefits of a Climate-Controlled Self-Storage Unit
Do I need a climate-controlled self storage unit? One of the biggest concerns regarding putting household items into a self storage unit is what kind of shape your things will be in when the time comes to pull them out. Since the 90’s, more and more self-storage units are coming equipped with a new concept, namely climate-controlled storage units. Granted, a lot of household items don’t require climate controlled self storage care, but there are many items that do.
Climate will vary from one part of the country to another, from excessive dryness to excessive humidity. These climate conditions can wreak havoc on certain items. The primary concern of storing goods, is what is referred to as “biological contaminants”. The following are the five main ones that can find their way into a storage unit and ruin personal possessions:
1. bacteria
2. dust mites
3. mildew
4. mold
5. viruses
Storing your items in a climate-controlled self storage unit will deter these from resulting, as well as other damaging aspects such as future health problems, musty odors, paper rot, and wood degradation. The extra expense of renting one of these units is always worth it down the road. Here’s a list of household items that are usually climate-sensitive and prone to damage.
Artwork, Books, Paintings, and Paper Items – Anything that is made with paper can succumb to paper rot if subjected to ongoing humidity. Pages will curl up and even stick together, as well as the print possibly “bleeding” on the page. And if the pages or a painting get covered in mildew and mold, they will all be ruined.
Clothing and Fabric – Fabric does not fare well when exposed to mildew and mold, and if exposed to dampness it can become covered in mildew and mold. Keep them in a dry, warm climate and they will love you for it and last a lot longer. On a further note, make sure whatever clothing you pack in boxes is completely dry.
Electronics – Because of the fact that electronics are very sensitive to moisture, they need a climate-controlled self storage environment. The easiest way to kill a piece of electronics equipment is to let moisture get to the inside of it. People that live in coastal areas, the deep South, and the Midwest are especially subject to very humid climates. With electronics, they need to be protected against moisture and extreme cold, so being able to keep them stored in a facility that is both dry and warm is a good idea.
Upholstered Items and Wood Furniture – Extreme deviations in climate does more damage to fabric covered items and wood furniture than you can imagine. Antiques are especially susceptible to damage from excessive dryness or moisture. They get covered with mildew, or get moldy, or the wood starts to rot. Mildew and mold have a staining effect and can ruin upholstered or wooden furniture, as well as cause serious health problems as well. If the storage is too dry, wood can crack or warp, ruining your wooden furnishings. Allergic reactions and asthma attacks are easily triggered by mildew and mold as those that target the human respiratory system.
The bottom line is that if you want any of these types of items surviving self storage, you might want to consider the long-term savings by spending extra money on a climate-controlled self storage unit.
Denver Self Storage
Los Angeles Self Storage
San Francisco Self Storage
Seattle Self Storage
Atlanta Self Storage
Climate will vary from one part of the country to another, from excessive dryness to excessive humidity. These climate conditions can wreak havoc on certain items. The primary concern of storing goods, is what is referred to as “biological contaminants”. The following are the five main ones that can find their way into a storage unit and ruin personal possessions:
1. bacteria
2. dust mites
3. mildew
4. mold
5. viruses
Storing your items in a climate-controlled self storage unit will deter these from resulting, as well as other damaging aspects such as future health problems, musty odors, paper rot, and wood degradation. The extra expense of renting one of these units is always worth it down the road. Here’s a list of household items that are usually climate-sensitive and prone to damage.
Artwork, Books, Paintings, and Paper Items – Anything that is made with paper can succumb to paper rot if subjected to ongoing humidity. Pages will curl up and even stick together, as well as the print possibly “bleeding” on the page. And if the pages or a painting get covered in mildew and mold, they will all be ruined.
Clothing and Fabric – Fabric does not fare well when exposed to mildew and mold, and if exposed to dampness it can become covered in mildew and mold. Keep them in a dry, warm climate and they will love you for it and last a lot longer. On a further note, make sure whatever clothing you pack in boxes is completely dry.
Electronics – Because of the fact that electronics are very sensitive to moisture, they need a climate-controlled self storage environment. The easiest way to kill a piece of electronics equipment is to let moisture get to the inside of it. People that live in coastal areas, the deep South, and the Midwest are especially subject to very humid climates. With electronics, they need to be protected against moisture and extreme cold, so being able to keep them stored in a facility that is both dry and warm is a good idea.
Upholstered Items and Wood Furniture – Extreme deviations in climate does more damage to fabric covered items and wood furniture than you can imagine. Antiques are especially susceptible to damage from excessive dryness or moisture. They get covered with mildew, or get moldy, or the wood starts to rot. Mildew and mold have a staining effect and can ruin upholstered or wooden furniture, as well as cause serious health problems as well. If the storage is too dry, wood can crack or warp, ruining your wooden furnishings. Allergic reactions and asthma attacks are easily triggered by mildew and mold as those that target the human respiratory system.
The bottom line is that if you want any of these types of items surviving self storage, you might want to consider the long-term savings by spending extra money on a climate-controlled self storage unit.
Denver Self Storage
Los Angeles Self Storage
San Francisco Self Storage
Seattle Self Storage
Atlanta Self Storage
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Moving Options
Moving is usually stressful, and even under the best of circumstances and planning, there is always a glitch. The more notice there is, the easier the planning will be and it is more likely that any potential issues can be addressed before they become emergencies.
The first step is to decide what parts of the move you will handle and if you will enlist friends, professionals, and/or other family. There are plenty of options to make certain that the move runs smoothly, with no casualties.
Packing the items you plan to take offers an excellent opportunity to repurpose items, have a garage sale, give to charity, or plain throw things out. If you haven’t used it in the past three months, then you probably don’t need it. Spend time to sort through the items and decide what to do with them, and once you complete that task you will have a better idea of what needs to be packed and moved. It is important to be accurate about what you will be taking because it will determine either what size moving truck you will need or what the movers will charge.
If you plan pack your things and move them yourself then it is best to find or purchase boxes that have not housed food or been around food, since the scent may attract bugs, insects, or rodents. If you are not in a position to purchase boxes for everything that needs to move then go to the local liquor, book, or automotive store and speak to the manager. Usually, these stores dispose of their boxes and they are happy to save the time of cutting them up by having someone else take them away. The reason for choosing these types of stores is because their merchandise is generally heavy so it will easily accommodate your household items.
It is important to spend the money on boxes for certain items. Computers, electronics, and televisions, need to be securely packaged to ensure that no damage occurs. Most local mail stores or truck rental facilities sell boxes and bubble wrap specifically made for the size and specs of most models of electronics. Another convenience is wardrobe boxes. These are also available at the local storage or truck rental facility. Wardrobe boxes are large boxes with a metal bar across the top to hang clothes on. If you have a large amount of clothing you may want to purchase an extension rod to hang in the truck or even a car hanging device that is made for the back seat of a regular car.
If this all seems overwhelming, don’t despair, there are packing services that will come in and pack each and every item in your home. Full service movers will also offer packing as a service. If you choose a packing service make sure you allow for at least one day in between either loading up the truck or the actual movers coming. The bonus with a packing service is that they will, for a fee, provide the boxes, the packing material, and the labor. The bad news is that often the packing services need to be booked well in advance and they can be pricey. It is imperative to get references, investigate if the company is insured and with whom, and look on the web to see if there are any reviews, complaints or negative press about the service. You can also inquire with the local police to make sure they have no claims of theft.
If you can handle the packing part on your own then you may be in the market for movers. There are two different types of movers. There is the full service mover which will offer everything from packing to loading your items and delivering them to your new home. Moving companies should be vested, insured, and bonded. It is important that you ask about their driving record, if they do criminal background checks before hiring, what is the contingency policy if they are late, and what they offer with the move itself. It is also important to know if they bill by the hour or by the job.
Most movers bill by the hour. The moving company should send a representative to your home to survey what you have and how long they expect the job to take. While the representative is there, it is wise to ask what happens if their estimate is severely off. Since you are paying by the hour you may want to know how they monitor their breaks and if you are charged hours plus mileage during drive time. As long as you have all the details and the facts up front, the move should prove to be virtually pain free. Of course, as with the packing services, you must check references, driving records, and with the local police department in their town of origin, the town you are in and where you are going. You have spent time and money collecting, making, earning, and buying your possessions over the years and you want to make sure the people responsible for their transport take special care with them.
The second type of moving company is mostly a driving company. There are companies that will allow you to load the truck and they will simply drive it from point A to point B. These services work well, but in order to be affordable they often combine more than one household of goods, so it is important to take a complete inventory and have the driver sign off and agree that he has loaded x number of boxes, beds, and so on.
Once you have secured transportation for your personal items you may want to think about pets and personal vehicles. If you are moving locally, you can bring the animals over after all of the items have been unloaded. If your pets have been in need of grooming or checkups you may want to drop them off on moving day to keep them secure and out of he way. In the case of a local move you can certainly drive you own car.
If you are moving a long distance or cross country you may want to keep the animals with you to ensure safe transport it my also bring a sense of security to drive your car. If you are planning to fly, there are transport services that will pick up your car and drive it to your destination. Transportation services will generally charge a flat rate and that will save you on gas and your car on mileage. It is important to write down the beginning and ending miles just to avoid any discrepancy.
There are a plethora of ideas, information, and options. Whatever route you decide to take the key to a successful move is not to procrastinate and be sure to get multiple prices before making a decision. Remember there is no place like home.
Find a truck rental.
Find certified moving companies.
Denver Self Storage
Los Angeles Self Storage
San Francisco Self Storage
Seattle Self Storage
Houston Self Storage
Phoenix Self Storage
Las Vegas Self Storage
Chicago Self Storage
New York Self Storage
The first step is to decide what parts of the move you will handle and if you will enlist friends, professionals, and/or other family. There are plenty of options to make certain that the move runs smoothly, with no casualties.
Packing the items you plan to take offers an excellent opportunity to repurpose items, have a garage sale, give to charity, or plain throw things out. If you haven’t used it in the past three months, then you probably don’t need it. Spend time to sort through the items and decide what to do with them, and once you complete that task you will have a better idea of what needs to be packed and moved. It is important to be accurate about what you will be taking because it will determine either what size moving truck you will need or what the movers will charge.
If you plan pack your things and move them yourself then it is best to find or purchase boxes that have not housed food or been around food, since the scent may attract bugs, insects, or rodents. If you are not in a position to purchase boxes for everything that needs to move then go to the local liquor, book, or automotive store and speak to the manager. Usually, these stores dispose of their boxes and they are happy to save the time of cutting them up by having someone else take them away. The reason for choosing these types of stores is because their merchandise is generally heavy so it will easily accommodate your household items.
It is important to spend the money on boxes for certain items. Computers, electronics, and televisions, need to be securely packaged to ensure that no damage occurs. Most local mail stores or truck rental facilities sell boxes and bubble wrap specifically made for the size and specs of most models of electronics. Another convenience is wardrobe boxes. These are also available at the local storage or truck rental facility. Wardrobe boxes are large boxes with a metal bar across the top to hang clothes on. If you have a large amount of clothing you may want to purchase an extension rod to hang in the truck or even a car hanging device that is made for the back seat of a regular car.
If this all seems overwhelming, don’t despair, there are packing services that will come in and pack each and every item in your home. Full service movers will also offer packing as a service. If you choose a packing service make sure you allow for at least one day in between either loading up the truck or the actual movers coming. The bonus with a packing service is that they will, for a fee, provide the boxes, the packing material, and the labor. The bad news is that often the packing services need to be booked well in advance and they can be pricey. It is imperative to get references, investigate if the company is insured and with whom, and look on the web to see if there are any reviews, complaints or negative press about the service. You can also inquire with the local police to make sure they have no claims of theft.
If you can handle the packing part on your own then you may be in the market for movers. There are two different types of movers. There is the full service mover which will offer everything from packing to loading your items and delivering them to your new home. Moving companies should be vested, insured, and bonded. It is important that you ask about their driving record, if they do criminal background checks before hiring, what is the contingency policy if they are late, and what they offer with the move itself. It is also important to know if they bill by the hour or by the job.
Most movers bill by the hour. The moving company should send a representative to your home to survey what you have and how long they expect the job to take. While the representative is there, it is wise to ask what happens if their estimate is severely off. Since you are paying by the hour you may want to know how they monitor their breaks and if you are charged hours plus mileage during drive time. As long as you have all the details and the facts up front, the move should prove to be virtually pain free. Of course, as with the packing services, you must check references, driving records, and with the local police department in their town of origin, the town you are in and where you are going. You have spent time and money collecting, making, earning, and buying your possessions over the years and you want to make sure the people responsible for their transport take special care with them.
The second type of moving company is mostly a driving company. There are companies that will allow you to load the truck and they will simply drive it from point A to point B. These services work well, but in order to be affordable they often combine more than one household of goods, so it is important to take a complete inventory and have the driver sign off and agree that he has loaded x number of boxes, beds, and so on.
Once you have secured transportation for your personal items you may want to think about pets and personal vehicles. If you are moving locally, you can bring the animals over after all of the items have been unloaded. If your pets have been in need of grooming or checkups you may want to drop them off on moving day to keep them secure and out of he way. In the case of a local move you can certainly drive you own car.
If you are moving a long distance or cross country you may want to keep the animals with you to ensure safe transport it my also bring a sense of security to drive your car. If you are planning to fly, there are transport services that will pick up your car and drive it to your destination. Transportation services will generally charge a flat rate and that will save you on gas and your car on mileage. It is important to write down the beginning and ending miles just to avoid any discrepancy.
There are a plethora of ideas, information, and options. Whatever route you decide to take the key to a successful move is not to procrastinate and be sure to get multiple prices before making a decision. Remember there is no place like home.
Find a truck rental.
Find certified moving companies.
Denver Self Storage
Los Angeles Self Storage
San Francisco Self Storage
Seattle Self Storage
Houston Self Storage
Phoenix Self Storage
Las Vegas Self Storage
Chicago Self Storage
New York Self Storage
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