Moving to a new place requires making lots of decisions.  You need to choose whether you’re moving yourself or hiring a professional moving company, which business to choose for movers or moving truck rental, which items to pack which ones to let go, and many more.  One of those choices is going to be which self storage or mini storage company to use if you need a place to store items that won’t fit easily in your new home.

That means that you’ll need to know what to look for in your storage unit facility.  Here are some of the biggest factors to use in your self storage decision-making:

·         Location:  The old joke in real estate about the top 3 factors in selecting a home being “location, location and location” often holds true in storage unit facilities as well.  You’re going to look for a facility that is close to your new place and is easily accessible from major roads to make things convenient for you.  The crime rate of the neighborhood should also be a major factor.

·         Unit size: You want to have a storage unit that is large enough to hold all your surplus possessions, plus room to be able to get in around those possessions, plus possibly some room for “growth” in case you need to add more items after your move (a common occurrence).  The reason for allowing these “pluses” is that you don’t want to have to break your lease or rent a second unit with additional fees simply because you weren’t planning ahead when you made your original choice. The smallest size units are usually 5′ by 5′, which will hold a small number of boxes or small bedroom furniture.  The largest units are typically 10′ by 40′, which is large enough to hold most of the contents of a 4-bedroom house.

·         Climate control:  More and more storage facilities have begun offering climate control for their units, meaning they are typically inside a larger building.  The primary advantages of climate control are that they preserve delicate items from heat, cold and humidity much better than non- climate controlled units, and are much more comfortable work in around in inclement weather.  These units typically charge a significant premium.

·         24-hour direct access: This is typically a factor of pure convenience, and while nice to have, probably shouldn’t be your primary criterion unless you envision needing to access your unit in off-hours or on holidays.  Also, if you plan on keeping your items in storage for a longer period of time and not needing to access them often, you’re less likely to need this feature.

·         Monitored security cameras: This additional security feature is especially nice if some of the items you are storing are very valuable (as a general note, I don’t recommend storing valuables in a storage unit).  Please note that the cameras don’t do nearly as much good if they aren’t monitored, so verify that they are.

·         Security guards on premise: Similar to the monitored security cameras mentioned above, it’s an extra bonus to have security guards on premise if they actually spend their time patrolling the areas around all the units.  However, if you pick the right facility, this will be hopefully unnecessary!

·         Sprinkler system: A fire raging through a series of storage units is certainly a nightmare you want to avoid.  Sprinkler systems are great if this unlikely occurrence does happen; however, you’ll want to encase your belongings in case they go off.  Water damage often causes as much if not more damage to property than fire.

·         Insurance available: It’s always a good idea to make certain that you have adequate insurance coverage for all your belongings, including those in your storage unit.  And having insurance available from your storage facility is certainly very convenient.  However, all insurance is not created equal, and you’ll want to be sure you fully understand exactly what is covered, whether the coverage is for replacement value or another amount, and whether your existing homeowner’s coverage applies to your storage unit items.

·         Payment methods accepted:  If you’re going to have your storage unit for any length of time, you’ll want to find out what types of payment are accepted for monthly billing, and whether those options meet your needs.

·         Pricing: This is the most obvious consideration, but I left it as the last one on the list for a specific reason.  The cheapest price may not be associated with your best storage facility.  If you end up unable to sleep at night because of the poor quality of your storage facility, you haven’t achieved much of a bargain, so please look carefully.

And there you have the top considerations for selecting the right storage facility.  

For more free moving tips on movers, relocation, self storage, moving truck rental and more, please visit us at http://www.Movers-Edge.com.  One of our most popular articles is our Address Change Guide, which offers a wise variety of tips and tricks on how to file your change of address.

Good luck with your move! 

Fortunately, there are some relatively easy steps you can take during packing for a move that can make this process much easier.

What are Open Me First Boxes (OMFB’s)?

One of the best tips you can follow is to create “Open Me First Boxes,” or OMFB’s.  An OMFB is simply a box that is designed to be opened immediately after moving in.  That’s because there are certain items that hold more importance to daily life than others. 

Why make Open Me Fist Boxes?

The ability to find those critical items in OMFB’S quickly and easily accomplishes a few goals:

* Saves hours of time.  Searching through several boxes can consume a surprising amount of time.
* Reduces frustration.  Anyone who has ever searched in vain for the coffee maker or bathroom tissue the day after a move knows just how frustrating that can be.
* Simplifies unpacking.  By unpacking the critical items in the OMFB’s first, the rest of the unpacking I’d made much easier and can be done on a schedule that works best for you.

How do I make Open Me First Boxes?

There are really two different kinds of OMFB’s, and making both of them is easy:

* Traditional boxes. These are just like any other kind of moving boxes, but are labeled on all 4 sides and the top with a name or code for the room and a great big letter “O” so you can find them easily.

* Suitcases.  For each member of the family, pick out one suitcase for their personal items, just as you were packing for a 2-night vacation in a hotel.  Wrap several strands of red ribbon around the handles to identify them quickly.

How many Open Me First Boxes should I have?

Generally you should have a maximum of two per room, and only one wherever possible.  Otherwise you end up with too many and you lose the advantages of the system.

You should also limit the number of boxes based on the rooms of the house.  For example, a storage room or basement may or may not need an OMFB based on how much time your ordinarily spend there.  The same holds true for certain closets or storage areas.

What should I put in them?

The short answer is that you should only put in them what you’ll need the first few days after moving.  You want to focus on things that are absolutely necessary to meet the basic needs of civilized life.  Here are some suggestions, organized by room (please feel free to adjust these based on your family’s needs and lifestyle:

The Kitchen

   1.      Aluminum foil or plastic wrap
   2.      Break-proof or disposable flatware, cups, and plates
   3.      Coffee maker and coffee (don’t forget the filters!)
   4.      Dish detergent
   5.      Frying pan and spatula
   6.      Pet food and bowels
   7.      Scissors
   8.      Tea kettle

Main Bathroom

   1.      Bath mat
   2.      Bath towels
   3.      First-aid kit (aspirin, band-aids, hydrogen peroxide)
   4.      Shampoo
   5.      Shower curtain and rings
   6.      Soap
   7.      Toilet paper
   8.      Toothbrushes and toothpaste
   9.      Feminine hygiene needs

Tool Room or Drawer

   1.      Duct tape
   2.      Flashlight
   3.      Flat-head screwdriver
   4.      Hammer
   5.      Level
   6.      Phillips-head screwdriver
   7.      Picture hangers
   8.      Tape measure
   9.      Utility knife

Follow these general guidelines on Open Me First Boxes and you should be in good shape with your packing.  Good luck with your move!

For more great moving tips on movers, relocation, self storage and more, please click this link to be taken to Movers-Edge.com.  One of our most popular articles is our FREE Change of Address Guide.  Please visit us today!

Moving involves a lot of work.  There are utilities to disconnect at your old place and set up at your new one, changes of address to send, forms to complete and file, and packing.

Packing usually involves the most work and takes the most time in the entire moving process.  This article describes how to hold a packing party to help get more packing done.

Background: What is a packing party?

A packing party is a social event where friends come together to wish someone well in their new home while helping with some of the basic packing chores.

The Steps

Here are the basic steps for holding a successful packing party:

1. Create the guest list.

2. Set the date.

3. Arrange for the food.

4. Send the invitations.

5. Plan the packing.

6. Prepare for the guests.

7. Manage the party

The Details

Packing Party Step 1: Create the guest list.

There are a few criteria you’ll want to use in putting together your guest list:

·         Your potential guests should know you well enough to care about your move.

·         You need to be able to trust your potential guests with helping you pack.

·         You should invite people you can rely on to actually show up.

·         Don’t invite anyone who is going to be resentful about packing or who can’t enjoy the party.

Okay, now assuming there’s anyone left on your list, move onto Step 2!

Packing Party Step 2: Set the date.

You want to schedule your packing party about 2 weeks prior to your moving day.  That should give you enough time to prepare for the event while leaving enough time remaining to make up for any packing that doesn’t get done.

Packing Party Step 3: Arrange for the food.

While I don’t completely understand it, there is no denying the fact that food has miraculous powers to attract and motivate people.  And now is one of those times to reward those who come to help you.  If you’re a great cook, break out your signature dishes.  If you can’t cook, try recruiting a friend who can help make the meal.  If both of those fail, pizza and beer are usually good alternatives.

Remember, those coming to help deserve the good stuff!

Packing Party Step 4: Send the invitations.

I usually recommend a three wave system:

·         Start with an email letting people know that written invitations are coming, but asking them to reserve the date. Be sure to mention the food and request a reply.

·         The written invitation comes next.  Yes, it’s more trouble than email, but it makes a much bigger impression and serves a mark of respect for your guests.

·         Lastly, follow up with a phone call.

Packing Party Step 5: Plan the packing.

There are a few guidelines for planning how guests can best help pack:

·         To start, pick areas of your home you use less often, such as the garage or storage room.

·         Bookshelves are examples of easy packing tasks to delegate.

·         Pick which rooms you do NOT want packed, and make sure you have signs for those doors.

·         If you want boxes labeled a certain way, have a sample box created for each room where guests will be packing.

·         Don’t plan to have the actual packing last longer than an hour so that guests get to enjoy the party aspect of the event.

Packing Party Step 6: Prepare for the guests.

Here are some ideas for getting ready for your guests’ arrival:

·         Be certain to have plenty of packing supplies on hand: boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, wide-tipped markers, scissors, and packing paper (blank newsprint).

·         Have “stations” of food and drinks ready.

·         Try to arrange for a music player for each packing room.

·         Have assignments ready to go as guests enter.

Packing Party Step 7: Manage the party

Your most important tasks are to welcome guests, answer questions, and create as much fun as possible around the event.  Make sure you’re doing a little packing as well. Take plenty of pictures to send after the event.

Follow these steps and you should be off to a Farewell Packing Party success!

For more great, FREE moving articles, tips and advice, please visit our website, http://www.Movers-Edge.com.  Three of our most popular articles are:

·         Moving checklist: The Ultimate Moving Checklist

·         Moving tips: 101 Best Moving Tips

·         Getting Organized for Moving

·         Finding Great Movers and Moving Companies

Good luck with your move!

Moving is stressful.  In fact, the Employee Relations Council ranked moving as life’s third most-stressful event (death and divorce were numbers one and two).  So why is moving so stressful, and what’s the best way to cope?

Sources of Moving Stress

While there are many reasons for moving stress, here are some of the biggest:

·         Fear of the unknown

·         Loss of control

·         Loss of community

·         Overwhelm

·         Time pressures

The remainder of this article focuses on specific steps you can take to address these issues and reduce your overall stress level.

Moving Stress Source 1: Fear of the unknown.

You need to learn a lot about your new place, your new neighbors, your new schedule, etc.  You may also be facing a change in jobs or family situations.  All of these factors mean that many comfortable routines you were able to follow without thinking now involve lots of questions.  Primitive centers of the brain respond to unknowns with fears.

Stress Buster 1

First, realize that this fear of the unknown is normal, and that most everyone goes through some version of it. 

Second, there are several steps you can take to minimize the unknowns:

·         Ask lots of questions of your realtor, apartment manager, moving company and everyone else associated with your transition.

·         Take detailed notes from your conversations regarding your move and record them in a single notebook to keep information organized and easy to access.

·         Plan time to explore your new neighborhood.

Moving Stress Source 2: Loss of control

Let’s face it: seeing all your possessions go into boxes or furniture pads can be pretty upsetting.  It requires you to turn over a lot of control, or perceived control, over to others.

Stress Buster 2

Unfortunately, part of the stress reduction process for loss of control is acceptance.  Trying to “control” every last detail of a move is a recipe for stress overload.  Instead, try to focus on a few basics that will have the biggest impact on your move’s success:

·         Verify your mover’s credentials with the Better Business Bureau, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Protect Your Move” website, MovingScam and Epinions.

·         Focus on making sure all your boxes are fully cushioned, labeled and inventoried.

·         Recruit only reliable people to help out.

Moving Stress Source 3: Loss of community

Moving can mean saying goodbye, at least temporarily, to neighbors, friends and family.  It can feel quite lonely at times, and that can add to your anxiety.

Stress Buster 3

There are a few tricks for taking some of the loss of community out our move:

·         Plan a “Farewell Packing Party” in which offer great food, reminiscing and lots of picture taking in exchange for help with a few boxes.

·         Create and follow a plan for keeping in contact, including dates by which you’ll make phone calls or send email updates.

·         Make sure you leave everyone with plenty of ways to contact you, including street address, phone numbers and email addresses.

·         Take lots of pictures before the big day.

·         When practical, schedule an “Open House” at your new place before you leave, including sending invitations and directions.

Moving Stress Source 4: Overwhelm

One of the most common sources of stress during moving is just general sense of being overwhelmed.  This has more to do with the number of tasks you need to accomplish than the nature of the tasks themselves.  It’s marked by feelings of not knowing where to begin or jumping from task to task without completing any of them.

Stress Buster 4

Here is the best plan I know for defeating the sense of overwhelm:

·         Start with a complete moving checklist (there are several good ones available for free download).

·         Break the project down into smaller and smaller chunks until you have tasks assigned for each day from now until the move.

·         Focus on the tasks for each day instead of stressing over the entire list.

·         Place a big, red check mark next to each task accomplished, and give yourself credit for everything you’ve accomplished so far.

Moving Stress Source 5: Time pressures

Once you’re moving day is set, there is some understandable time pressure involved with your move.  And you don’t want to feel rushed at the very end of the process.

Stress Buster 5

First, it’s important to realize that some of the stress you’re feeling is legitimate, and perhaps a little motivating to be ready on moving day.  To keep yourself on track, I recommend this plan:

·         Read and follow the steps in Stress Buster 4 above regarding “Overwhelm.”  This should put you in good shape for knowing what tasks need to be accomplished and how to lay them out day-by-day.

·         Cram in the beginning, not the end- if you are laying out your tasks on a calendar, schedule large blocks of time in the beginning to get the biggest “pains” out of the way well in advance.

·         Keep one or two “emergency” blocks of time in your schedule toward the end for handling the unexpected.

·         Delegate some of your tasks to family members or willing friends so you don’t have to do it all yourself.

·         Do something every day on your task list.

While some level of moving stress is to be expected, these guidelines should eliminate a great deal of it.

Please visit our website for more, FREE moving tips, moving advice and articles on your upcoming relocation.  Two of our most popular articles are:

·         Moving checklist: The Ultimate Moving Checklist, filled with a carefully planned, 4-week guide on all the details you need to take care of for your move.

·         Moving tips: 101 Best Moving Tips, gathered and ranked from scores of moving handbooks, websites and articles.

You may also want to visit our blogroll of top moving blogs:

·         Movers-Edge Blog on Xanga

·         How to Move HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Movers-Edge Blog on WordPress

·         Move To Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Advice HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Checklist HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Tip of the Day Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Tips HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving To HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Relocating HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Relocation HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Tips Blog on Multiply

·         Movers-Edge Blog on Blogger

·         Moving Advice HQ Blog on Blogger

·         Moving Checklist HQ Blog on Blogger

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One of the great things about moving is that so many other people have been through it before you.  In fact, the U.S. Census reports that about 1 in every 9 households moved in 2008, and that was the lowest rate ever recorded.

Many of those “moving survivors” are more than happy to share their stories.  Unfortunately, that can lead to a number of “old wives’ tales” about moving that simply aren’t accurate.  This article attempts to set the record straight on 5  of those moving myths.

The 5 Biggest Moving Myths

1.    “I don’t have to pay the movers until after my belongings are unpacked.”

2.    “Any boxes will work just as well as ‘moving boxes.’”

3.    “The standard moving insurance will pay to replace any items that are lost or damaged in the move.”

4.    “Labeling and inventorying boxes is a waste of time.”

5.    “Packing for a move is a great opportunity for reminiscing.”

Myths vs. Realities

Moving Myth 1: “I don’t have to pay the movers until after my belongings are unpacked.”

Moving Reality 1: Moving companies require payment in full before they unload a single box from the truck. 

Moving companies work differently than most other businesses.  Because their “product” is primarily the labor and service they provide in loading and unloading furniture and boxes, they are at great risk of not being paid once everything is unloaded.  Therefore, they usually insist on payment in full as soon as they arrive onsite for delivery.  Always check days in advance with your moving company so you don’t get stuck.

Moving Myth 2: “Any boxes will work just as well as ‘moving boxes.’”

Moving Reality 2:  Moving boxes are specifically designed to carry more weight and resist more crushing and tearing than regular boxes.  

There are still some good free moving box options, however.  Rather than just going to the grocery store to pick up lower quality boxes, try these alternatives:

·         local office buildings for copy paper boxes

·         liquor stores for heavy duty boxes used to transport bottles

·         loading docks of libraries and bookstores for book boxes

Moving Myth 3:  “The standard moving insurance will pay to replace any items that are lost or damaged in the move.”

Moving Reality 3: Most movers provide coverage only amounting to 30 cents per $100 of goods for local moves and 60 cents per $100 of goods for interstate moves.

Also be certain to find out if additional insurance reimburses you for declared value, replacement value or some other amount.  And keep in mind that most moving insurance does not cover any items that were not packed by professional movers.

Moving Myth 4:  “Labeling and inventorying boxes is a waste of time.”

Moving Reality 4: While skipping labeling and inventorying will save money in the immediate term, it will cost you much more time when you try to unpack and settle in.

It is almost always worthwhile to mark each box with the room it is to be moved to and a brief description of the contents. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate system, so long as it is clear and consistent.

Moving Myth 5:  “Packing for a move is a great opportunity for reminiscing.”

Moving Reality 5: Moving is a terrible time to sit down with cherished items and “walk down memory lane.”

Because moving is so time-pressured, and because  reminiscing should be a relaxed and enjoyable experience, combining the two is rarely successful.  One good alternative is to create 1-3 memory boxes and mark them with a big “M.” That way you can savor time with those items when you have a little more time at your new place.

And there you have our list of 5 major moving myths and their realities.

Please visit our website for more, FREE moving tips, moving advice and articles on your upcoming relocation.  Two of our most popular articles are:

·         Moving checklist: The Ultimate Moving Checklist, filled with a carefully planned, 4-week guide on all the details you need to take care of for your move.

·         Moving tips: 101 Best Moving Tips, gathered and ranked from scores of moving handbooks, websites and articles.

You may also want to visit our blogroll of top moving blogs:

·         Moving Tips Blog on Multiply

·         Movers-Edge Blog on Blogger

·         Moving Advice HQ Blog on Blogger

·         Moving Checklist HQ Blog on Blogger

·         Move To HQ Blog on Blogger

·         How To Move Blog on Blogger

·         Moving HQ Blog on Blogger

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Moving can be a very stressful process.  There are dozens of tasks to accomplish in a short period of time, as well as many important decisions to make.  This leads to a high potential for making mistakes. 

Most moving mistakes turn out to be minor, but there are a few that can have long-term implications.  This article can help guide you past the 7 worst moving mistakes.

The 7 Worst Moving Mistakes

1.  Moving without a plan or a moving checklist.

2.  Allowing too little time for packing.

3.  Hiring the wrong movers.

4.  Not recruiting the right kind of help.

5.  Not labeling and itemizing boxes and their contents.

6.  Not packing items safely.

7.  Insuring incorrectly.

The Details

Major Moving Mistake 1:  Moving without a plan or a moving checklist.

Mistake Description: Many people facing a move simply jump right into the process without fully planning ahead.  Similarly, they try to manage through tasks without having a detailed moving checklist.

Why It’s A Mistake: There have been endless productivity studies demonstrating that having a written plan boosts productivity, and similar logic implies that a moving checklist helps you manage the details of a move.

Mistake Impacts: The biggest impacts are loss of time, added stress, and the chance of forgetting critical tasks.

How to Avoid the Mistake: Use one of the many free, excellent download able checklists as your preliminary moving plan

Major Moving Mistake 2:  Allowing too little time for packing.

Mistake Description: People tend to drastically underestimate the amount of time required to pack a home, meaning they have too little time to complete their packing.

Why It’s A Mistake: This causes a mad rush just before moving day to get everything accomplished in time for the truck.

Mistake Impacts: This is a recipe for stress and for sloppy packing, potentially resulting in damaged goods at your final destination.

How to Avoid the Mistake: Allow at least 5 hours per room, and pack the 3 most cluttered rooms first.  If they are completed faster than that, you can scale back your schedule.  If not, you’ll have enough time to complete all your packing.

Major Moving Mistake 3:  Hiring the wrong movers.

Mistake Description: Many first-time movers hire the wrong moving company, usually looking for the cheapest quote they can find.

Why It’s A Mistake: Moving scams are all too frequent, and many times the movers offering an abnormally low quote will hold your goods hostage on their moving truck until you come up with much more money than your original quote indicated.

Mistake Impacts:  You can be in for quite a mess of fees and legal issues in these circumstances, and often the moving company will dissolve before you get to court, leaving you with no recourse.

How to Avoid the Mistake: Check out the federal government’s website titled “Protect Your Move” along with websites by MovingScam, the Better Business Bureau and Epinions.  Only ask for quotes from movers who come out positively reviewed on each resource.  That way you’ll eliminate disreputable moving companies from the very beginning.

Major Moving Mistake 4:  Not recruiting the right kind of help.

Mistake Description: You decide to move yourself along with friends and relatives, but either recruit the wrong type of help or assign them to the wrong types of tasks.

Why It’s A Mistake: The wrong type of help can actually make moving go slower instead of making things easier.

Mistake Impacts: You can end up enormously frustrated and wind up doing a great deal of the work yourself.

How to Avoid the Mistake: Only recruit people who meet the profile of a good volunteer.  That profile has three characteristics:

·         They have a talent or ability (packing, watching kids or pets, lifting heavy furniture)

·         Their talent or ability matches a need you have for your move

·         They are willing to apply that talent or ability to your need in a way that helps you.

Major Moving Mistake 5:  Not labeling and itemizing boxes and their contents.

Mistake Description: In an effort to save time or work, people tend to skip the process of properly labeling and cataloging their boxes and contents.

Why It’s A Mistake: The time saved by not labeling boxes and cataloging their contents is almost always erased by the amount of time lost looking for things at their new place.

Mistake Impacts: There are few things that waste more time or cause more frustration than the inability to find a needed item in a sea of moving boxes.  That causes you enormous upset when trying to settle in.

How to Avoid the Mistake: Mark at least 2 sides and the top of every box with an abbreviation for the room, a box number (start a new set of numbers for every room you pack), and the general contents (e.g., “Juan’s shoes”).  It doesn’t have to be incredibly detailed, but it should be sufficient to narrow any search down to, at most, two boxes.

Major Moving Mistake 6.  Not packing items safely.

Mistake Description: In a hurry to get everything done, some people end up in a mad dash to get everything packed, and don’t sufficiently protect fragile items.

Why It’s A Mistake: Moving involves a lot of stacking and jumbling, even when done by caring professionals.  Packing correctly takes more time but drastically reduces the number of items that will get ruined.

Mistake Impacts: Not packing things carefully can result in damaged or destroyed items.

How to Avoid the Mistake: Here are a few guidelines on safe packing:

·         Use heavy duty moving boxes for fragile items.

·         Limit boxes to no more than 50 pounds each.

·         Try to get each box to be exactly filled to the top to avoid either box crushing or damage.

·         Fragile items should be wrapped in at least 1″ of bubble wrap.

·         Double box (meaning box the item and then put that first box in a second box, both with cushioning materials) sensitive equipment like computers and other electronics.

·         Use biodegradable packing peanuts, towels, rags or other old cloths to fill in gaps around items in boxes.

·         Mark “FRAGILE” on boxes with delicate contents.

Major Moving Mistake 7.  Insuring incorrectly.

Mistake Description: Many people facing a move either over-insure or under-insure their furniture and other items.

Why It’s A Mistake: Standard moving coverage provides only $0.60 per pound of declared value, and more expensive insurance may not provide replacement value.  Further, most moving insurance EXCLUDES items in boxes you packed yourself.

Mistake Impacts: Insuring incorrectly can result in serious disappoint and financial woes.

How to Avoid the Mistake:

·         Check with your current insurance company to see if your homeowner’s policy will cover your move or if they have another full replacement value coverage policy or rider.  This is often your least expensive coverage option.

·         Verify in detail exactly what is covered and what is not. 

·         Look for “full replacement value” for any items you would need replaced if damaged or destroyed.

·         Document the contents of each box while you’re packing, including specifics such as manufacturer names and serial items where they apply.

And there you have the 7 biggest moving mistakes and how to avoid them.  Please visit our website for more, FREE moving tips, moving advice and articles on your upcoming relocation.  Two of our most popular articles are:

·         Moving checklist: The Ultimate Moving Checklist, filled with a carefully planned, 4-week guide on all the details you need to take care of for your move.

·         Moving tips: 101 Best Moving Tips, gathered and ranked from scores of moving handbooks, websites and articles.

You may also want to visit our blogroll of top moving blogs:

·         Movers-Edge Blog on Xanga

·         How to Move HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Movers-Edge Blog on WordPress

·         Move To Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Advice HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Checklist HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Tip of the Day Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Tips HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving To HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Relocating HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Relocation HQ Blog on WordPress

·         aaaa

Moving used to provide to present two major options: either you used professional movers and moving companies or you moved yourself.  However, times have changed.  Now there’s a third, and increasingly popular moving option: moving with the use of portable moving and storage containers, sometimes known as pods. 

This article explains the pros and cons of all three options, and helps you decide which one best fits your needs.  Here is a guide on how to determine what solution is right for you:

The Basic Steps

1.  Identify your moving needs.

2.  Prioritize your moving needs.

3.  Identify your moving resources.

4.  Learn the pros and cons of each moving method.

5.  Evaluate each moving method.

6.  Choose the moving method that’s right for you.

7.  Sign your moving contract.

Choosing Your Moving Method Step 1: Identify Your Moving Needs

At first it might seem silly to have to physically “write down” your moving needs.  I know that I like to believe I can keep track of everything in my head.  However, the physical act of writing down your objectives can help a lot.  Some sample needs would include:

* Prioritizing and organizing your move.

* Packing and/or unpacking

* Carrying heavy pieces of furniture.

* Transporting goods across long distances

Choosing Your Moving Method, Step 2: Prioritize your moving needs.

The next phase of choosing what you need is assigning a priority to each of the needs you outlined in Step 1.  There’s no need for anything fancy here.  If you already know that everything you listed is critical, you can consider this step completed.  If not, write down a “C” next to the critical needs and an “S” next to the secondary ones.

Choosing Your Moving Method Step 3: Identify your moving resources.

Moving resources are the assets you have available to assist in your relocation.  The basic idea is to list things you can use to meet some of your moving needs from Step 1.  Examples might include:

* A relocation budget from your new employer.

* A large group of friends or relatives who might be willing to help.

* Access to a large truck.

You’ll use these to identify which critical needs you still have that aren’t being met.

Choosing Your Moving Method Step 4:  Learn the pros and cons of each moving method.

As I mentioned previously, there are 3 primary moving methods you could choose:

·         “Full service moving”

-      Description: This option uses moving professionals to handle all the loading, transportation, delivery and unloading for your move.

-      Pros: This option gives you the highest level of service up to and including packing and unpacking.

-      Cons: Service can be expensive.  A local move of a studio apartment starts around $800, while a 4 bedroom home moved cross country can easily top $25,000.

-      The right answer for: those who have financial means to cover the expense and needs for a full-service solution.

·         “You Pack Moving”

-      Description: Essentially, this form of moving provides you with a storage container at your present location, which you load with all your furniture and boxes.  Then depending on your contract, they will pick up the container and drive it to your new location, where you unload all your possessions.

-      Pros: You can save a fair amount on your move because you provide all the labor (although many firms can recommend where you can obtain additional help if you need it).  It also provides the convenience of arranging for the transportation for you.

-      Cons: This option still requires much of the labor of Do It Yourself Moving, and has many of the expenses of full-service moves.

-      The right answer for: those who have the ability to much of the packing, loading and uploading, but don’t want to deal with the hassles of driving a moving rental truck to the new location.

·         “Do It Yourself Moving”

-      Description: The full DIY process requires you to rent a moving truck, pack and load the truck, drive to the new location, unload and unpack.

-      Pros: This is by far the cheapest option for local moves; however, it can quickly grow in expense when mileage charges are taken into account.  Be very careful to calculate what the final total will be for long distance moves.

-      Cons: Moving is a great deal of work, and this option puts all of the responsibility, as well as the labor, in your hands.  Many people underestimate how much work is involved, especially if they have accumulated a large number of possessions over time.

-      The right answer for: those who have a small number of light furniture pieces and only a limited number of boxes to move.  It also requires that those moving either be in good physical shape or have a large number of volunteers who are (smile here).

Choosing Your Moving Method Step 5:  Making the choice and moving forward.

Now is the time to pull it all together.  The first objective is to go back to your list of critical moving needs and figuring out which ones can’t be met by your moving resources.  Those remaining needs should drive most of your decision.  To maximize your savings, use the moving method that meets the most of your critical needs at the lowest cost.

Once you’ve made your decision, it’s time to select your provider, sign the contract, and set up your moving day.  Good luck on your move!

Please visit our home page for advice on moving, movers and relocation.

There are certain steps that everyone who’s moving needs to follow just after getting set up for the process.  This article walks you through the details of the next phase, which forms the bulk of the move up through settling in.  Here are some of our best recommendations:

The Steps

1.  Start packing!

2.  File your change of address.

3.  Eliminate items from your move.

4.  Manage your moving day.

5.  Start settling in.

The Details

How to Move Step 1: Start packing!

Packing always seems to be most laborious and time-consuming part of a move.  We all seem to have many more possessions than we first estimate, and the time involved with packing them seems to constantly grow.  Here are some basic packing tips:

·         Start packing as soon as you can- it always seems to take longer than you’d  expect.

·         Eliminate as many items as you can by donating to charity and holding a moving sale- it will save you a lot of time in the long run.

·         Pack a suitcase for each family member as if you were going on a 3-day trip, and keep the suitcases with you instead of on the moving truck.

·         Create one or two “Open Me First” boxes for each room, containing the items you’ll need immediately on arrival at your new home.  This will save you a lot of time and stress.

·         Label each box and all 4 sides and the top with an abbreviation for the room and a box number for that room.  You’ll avoid lots of frustration constantly answering the question of, “Where do you want this box?”

·         Focus on just one room at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed.

·         Hold a “packing party” with friends, family, and anyone else you can recruit.  Have lots of free food and music to entice the party-goers.

·         Keep all boxes to under 30 pounds where possible and always less than 50 pounds.  Having a bathroom scale by your side when packing makes this much easier.

These packing tips should get you off to a great start.

How to Move Step 2: File your change of address.

It’s important to let everyone know when and where you’re moving.  Follow these basic guidelines to ease the process:

·         Confirm you new address.

·         Create a contact list by collecting names and addresses of people you want to notify.

·         File your change of address with the post office.

·         Set up your phone number for your new place.

·         Decide if you want to block “junk mail” and telemarketers, and file with the correct agencies to protect your contact information.

·         Start notifying your contact list.

·         Notify anyone whose mail arrives at your new address with a yellow address correction sticker.

This should get your change of address process running quickly and smoothly.

How to Move Step 3: Eliminate items from your move.

We recommend that people moving eliminate as many items as possible from their move.  In fact, we recommend that you have eliminating 1/3 of your possessions as a goal. Have a charity donation truck (such as Disabled American Veterans, The Purple Heart or The Salvation Army) come and take away any items that you no longer need.

Better still, have the truck come pick up items immediately after you hold a moving sale.  A moving sale is a great way to eliminate unwanted items and pick up some spare cash in the process.  Here are some of the basic steps for holding a successful moving sale:

·         Pack separate boxes in each room for your “moving sale” items as you pack up everything else. 

·         Stuck on how to price things? Start by dividing the original price by 5 and then discounting for any damage. 

·         It’s easier to make categories of items all the same price, such as “all clothing $4 each.”  It also saves hours of time creating tiny price tags! 

·         Make arrangements in advance to have a charity donation truck arrive at the closing time of your moving sale to take away anything that wasn’t sold.  The charity gets donations, and you clear out of any items that didn’t sell by the end.

·         Price everything to be easily divisible by 2.  This allows you to hold a “1/2 price clearance” during the last hour of the sale, and clear out lots of remaining items and pocket cash you might have missed otherwise.

·         Have lots of spare change (bills and coins) on hand on your person (not in a box that can be stolen at the sale).

·         Start advertising at least 2 weeks prior to the sale. 

·         Recruit as much help as you can stand for the big day. You can use assistance for watching tables, helping customers move items and answering question.

Following these simple guidelines should help make your moving day a successful one!

How to Move Step 4: Manage moving day.

·         Make sure your cell phone is fully charged.  One thing you definitely don’t want to be on your Moving Day is “unreachable.” 

·         Start your day early. You’ll want to make sure that one of the things you don’t pack ahead of time is your alarm clock. 

·         Recruit as much help as you can stand.  

·         Use sitters- Kids and pets are your treasures, and they deserve to have full attention, but on moving day you’ll have other priorities.

·         Food is your friend- Whether you have professional movers or friends and family, having coffee, orange juice, and bagels or donuts available will make it easier for everyone to get started on Moving Day. 

·         Keep cell phone numbers ready and programmed into your phone. Be certain you have the cell phone number of the driver of the truck entered into your cell phone, and that the driver has yours.

·         Have correct payment ready and waiting. If you’re using professional movers, on Moving Day keep in mind that almost all of them will expect and demand payment in full and in cash before they will unload a single box from the moving truck. 

·         Directions- You need to have directions and a map ready for anyone will be driving between your old place and your new place. 

·         Label the rooms at your new place.  

Following these steps should make your actual moving day easier to manage.

How to Move Step 5: Start settling in.

Once you’ve completed your move it’s time to begin the settling in process.  One of the best ways to feel more settled is knowing where key locations in your new neighborhood are.  Here’s a list of 12 key places to locate near your new home:

·         Shopping center/ mall

·         Hospital/ emergency care center

·         School

·         Day care center

·         Library

·         Post office

·         Grocery store

·         Pharmacy

·         Convenience store

·         Hardware store

·         Dry cleaner

·         Car repair center

Once you know where each of these locations is, you’ll start to feel much more settled and less “up in the air” after landing at your new place.

And there you have the 5 basic steps for how to move after you get set up.

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Moving just seems to come naturally for certain people.  They seem to have every detail perfectly planned, memorize the exact contents of every box with ease, and have all their belongings unpacked within hours.  This article isn’t really for those people.

Instead, this article is designed to offer the basic steps of moving to those who are feeling a bit overwhelmed by the moving process.

This first article focuses on the important steps for getting set up for your move so you’re prepared for the hard work ahead!

The Steps

1.  Plan your move using a moving checklist.

2.  Decide whether you will be moving yourself or hiring professional movers.

3.  Select your moving day.

4.  Reserve your moving truck or moving company.

5.  Get your packing materials.

The Details

How to Move Step 1: Plan your move using a moving checklist.

Moving is an exercise in managing a large number of details in a short period of time.  You need a powerful tool to help you in that process.  Fortunately there are several free moving checklists available to fill that role.  Be sure to download one and use it to manage those details effectively.

How to Move Step 2: Decide whether you will be moving yourself or hiring professional movers.

Professional movers offer an enormous amount of convenience.  However, they are often fairly expensive.  Here are some factors to consider:

·         If money isn’t a consideration, reputable, professional movers are the way to go. 

·         If you have a smaller place currently, such as a studio apartment, you’re much less likely to need professional movers.

·         Many heavy pieces of furniture should point you toward using a moving company.

·         Having lots of friends and family willing to help limits your need for professional movers.

·         If you’ve lived in your current location for more than 3 years, you’re more likely to have accumulated more boxes that might require movers.

·         If you have a medical condition such as a bad back or heart condition, moving is NOT the time to test your recovery- let the professionals handle it.

How to Move Step 3: Select your moving day.

Your moving day will influence many of your other decisions.  Here are some guidelines:

• Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekends are the hardest and most expensive times to rent. You typically need to book these months in advance.
• Weekends are more difficult to book than weekdays.
• Weekdays are often better options in case you need to reach other businesses (during their business hours
• The middle weeks of the month are easier to reserve than the first and last weeks.

How to Move Step 4: Reserve your moving truck or moving company.

The best moving companies and moving truck rentals fill up quickly, so you’ll want to make sure reserve yours early. 

If you’re going to hire professional movers, you’ll want to follow these steps for finding great movers:

• Get referrals from local real estate agents and friends who have moved recently.
• Only consider movers that are licensed, bonded and insured.
• Investigate your potential movers through the U.S Department of Transportation, MovingScam.com and the Better Business Bureau.
• Evaluate a minimum of 3 movers based on in-home estimates of goods to be moved.
• Price isn’t the only factor- extremely low bids indicate a desperate mover.
• Ask for written “Binding Not-To-Exceed” estimates.
• Avoid “rogue movers”- if you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts!

If you’re going to rent a moving truck, here are the basic steps:

• Determine days you can move.
• Identify how large a truck you want.
• Select your rental agency from nationally recognized chains.
• Confirm your reservation and put down a deposit, if required.

How to Move Step 5: Get your packing materials.

You’ll need to have some basic packing supplies before you begin packing.  These include:

·         Moving boxes

·         Packing tape

·         Bubble wrap

·         Biodegradable packing “peanuts”

·         Packing paper (like newspapers, but without the damaging inks)

And there you have the 5 basic steps for getting set up for your move.  For more FREE moving tips, articles and advice, please visit http://www.Movers-Edge.com.  Two of the most popular articles there are:

·         Moving checklist: The Ultimate Moving Checklist

·         Moving tips: 101 Best Moving Tips

Good luck on your move!

Self Storage: The Rules of What NOT to Store

Remember that the owner of a self storage unit has ownership rights over every storage unit on the premises, including the one that you may be renting.  That means that most of the rights, as well as the responsibilities, of ownership still belong to that owner.  When you rent a self storage unit, you are agreeing to abide by all the rules of that self storage company.  Every storage location is different, so be certain to check the regulations at your individual storage facility.  Here are some of the basic items your storage unit company is likely to prohibit:

·         Animals (including pets):  While this would seem to be pretty obvious, you’d be shocked at what some people try to store.  Despite being outright cruel and irresponsible, keeping animals in storage units is very likely to kill them, and at minimum the animals are likely to severely damage the units.

·         Firearms and ammunition:  There are a few problems with storing firearms or ammunition in a storage unit.  The first problem is that in the event of a fire these items can be explosive, endangering the lives of rescue workers and others.  The second problem is that these items invite potential theft.  The third issue is that many state and local laws expressly prohibit these items from storage units.

·         Flammable liquids:  Again, fire is the main concern here, and therefore all kinds of flammable liquids (gasoline, kerosene, diesel, motor oil, turpentine, oil paints, etc.) are prohibited, and usually by law as well as your rental contract.

·         Perishable items:  Food is the most obvious culprit in the perishable items category, but it also includes beverages and plants.

·         Hazardous items or waste:  While I am a bit puzzled as to why someone would risk storing hazardous waste in a self storage unit, it does bear to keep in mind that anything that might be hazardous is likely to be prohibited from being stored.  A general rule of thumb is that if an item can cause harm if someone is exposed to it, it isn’t allowed to be stored in a storage unit. 

·         Illegal items:  While I would think that this would be obvious to everyone, I include this for the sake of completeness.  Illegal items such as drugs, drugs paraphernalia, stolen items, or any other property that is illegal to own may not be stored in a storage unit.  You’ll want to check with the manager of your specific storage unit for a complete list; however, if you’re in doubt, you should assume that you shouldn’t be putting it in your self storage unit.

·         Objectionable items:  The objectionable items category is a broad one, and includes anything that they produce undesired odors or sounds, especially if those odors or sounds can be detected outside of the storage unit.  The storage unit owner may expand this category to include other items.

·         Items prohibited in your contract:  As you have probably gathered by now, self storage unit owners have a wide berth in terms of determining what can’t be stored.  That’s why it’s a good idea to read the contract in detail, even though most of us just race to sign on the dotted line.  Not knowing what’s prohibited could end up causing your items to be left on the street- so please be careful!

And there you have it- the items to avoid storing in your self storage unit.  For more, FREE moving tips and articles, please visit our blogroll of top moving blogs:

·         How to Move HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Movers-Edge Blog on WordPress

·         Move To Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Advice HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Checklist HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Tip of the Day Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Tips HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving To HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Relocating HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Relocation HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Tips Blog on Multiply

·         Movers-Edge Blog on Blogger

·         Moving Advice HQ Blog on Blogger

·         Moving Checklist HQ Blog on Blogger

·         Move To HQ Blog on Blogger

·         How To Move Blog on Blogger

·         Moving HQ Blog on Blogger

·         Moving Tip of the Day Blog on Blogger

·         Moving Tips HQ Blog on Blogger

·         Moving To HQ Blog on Blogger

·         Relocating HQ Blog on Blogger

·         Relocation HQ Blog on Blogger

·         Moving Tips on Posterous

·         Moving Tips Blog on LiveJournal

Good luck on your move!