Self Storage in 5 Easy Steps

Moving is always a time of transition.  This is especially true when that transition involves moving to a place with less storage space.  It might be a place with fewer bedrooms, the loss of a basement or attic, or more people living without more room.  Whatever the cause, you might be faced with self storage requirements.

Save yourself time, stress and money on your self storage/ mini storage needs with the tips in this article.

Self Storage: The Basic Steps

1.  Identify the size of the self storage unit you’ll need and how long you’ll need it.

2.  Make a “Self Storage Feature List” of the features you’ll need (climate control, security, location, 24 hour access)

3.  Develop a list of potential self storage locations. Check your list against _______.

4.  Visit top self storage locations and compare them against

5.  Make your final choice and sign the contract.

 

Self Storage Step 1: Identify the size of the self storage unit you’ll need and how long you’ll need it.

Just to point out the obvious, you’ll save money and time by putting fewer, smaller items into self storage.  That means you’re better off doing one or more of the following with excess items:

·         Sell them at a moving sale.

·         Donate them to charities such as Goodwill, The Salvation Army or The Purple Heart.

·         Give them away to people who can use them now and value them.

·         Store them with family or friends IF it’s for a very brief time and they’re willing.

Once you’ve eliminated what you can, it’s time to figure out how much space you’ll need.  Self storage units vary from one location to another, but here are some basic sizes and guidelines, adapted from “The Storage Place Inc” website:

·         5′ x 5′: holds a small number of boxes or small bedroom furniture.

·         5′ x 10′: holds a few pieces of furniture, including a couch.

·         10′ x 10′: holds the contents of a small, one-bedroom apartment.

·         10′ x 15′: holds the contents of a small, two-bedroom apartment.

·         10′ x 20′: holds the contents of a small, two-bedroom house or a small car.

·         10′ x 25′: holds the contents of a larger, two-bedroom house or a larger car.

·         10′ x 30′: holds the contents of a three-bedroom house, or the contents of a 36-foot moving van.

·         10′ x 40′: holds the contents of a four-bedroom house.

Use this list to narrow down the size of space you’ll use.

 

Self Storage Step 2: Make a “Self Storage Feature List.”

After deciding on the size of self storage unit you’ll need, to identify what features you want to go with it.  Think of it as a “shopping list” for comparing self storage units. 

It’s a good idea to break down the features into 3 categories based on how important they are to you:

* A – Absolute musts.  If a self-storage unit does not have this feature, you won’t consider it.

* B – Better to have than not.  These are features that would be plusses, but not required.

* C – Couldn’t care less.  As the name would imply, these features may exist, but don’t really matter to your decision.  

Here is our list to help you get started:

·         convenient location

·         climate control

·         24-hour direct access

·         monitored security cameras

·         security guards on premise

·         sprinkler system

·         alarm system

·         insurance available

·         payment methods accepted

 

Self Storage Step 3: Develop a list of potential self storage facilities.

Now that you know what you’re loking for, it’s time to begin the search process.  You can kick off the process by investigating five of the most popular self storage companies:

·         Public Storage

·         U-Haul (yes, the same company that offers truck rentals)

·         ExtraSpace Storage

·         United Stor-All

·         U-Store-It

Check your self storage candidates against the Self Storage Feature List that you created earlier.  Any facilities that are missing “A – Absolute must” features should be crossed off.

 

Self Storage Step 4: Visit top self storage locations and compare them against one another.

Yes, I realize that actually taking the time to visit each of your top choices isn’t convenient.  However, there are things you will discover by visiting that you wouldn’t otherwise.  How does the location look?  Does the neighborhood seem stable?  Is the facility as easy to reach as you imagined?  What’s the condition of the existing storage units?  Does the place seem well-maintained?

Take notes at each facility and clearly mark which property you’re visiting.  Eliminate from your list any of the locations that seem sketchy.

 

Self Storage Step 5: Make your final choice and sign the contract.

If you’ve followed all the previous steps in this article, this final step should be relatively easy.  Try to order each of your final candidates by how well they did in each category.  If you’re finding it difficult to choose your top pick, try eliminating your least favorite option first, then repeat the process until you have your final pick.

Please note that the price of the monthly rate is a very important factor, but it isn’t the only factor.  There’s something to be said about paying for peace of mind- if you lay awake at night worrying about the safety of your belongings, you’ve made the wrong choice.

Speaking of rental rates, be sure to ask your self storage facility manager if they provide any of the following discounts, programs or bonuses that might apply to you:

·         First or last month free

·         Rental discounts for seniors, students, or military personnel

·         Discounts on related items or services such as moving boxes and supplies, rental trucks or moving companies

When signing the final contract, you may be offered insurance coverage.  Make sure that you aren’t already covered by your homeowner’s insurance, and be very clear about exactly what is covered, whether damaged or stolen items are reimbursed at replacement cost levels, and what any deductibles may be.  Ideally you wouldn’t be storing anything of value in an unattended storage unit, but if you are, you want to make certain you aren’t paying for insurance coverage that doesn’t fully protect you.

These steps should allow you to have a successful self storage rental experience.

For more, FREE moving tips and advice, please visit our BlogRoll of 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

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Moving: 12 Places to Find Near Your New Home

When settling into a new place after a move, there are several local shops, services and facilities you might want to locate.  Here are a dozen of those locations for you to put on your post-move checklist:

 

 

·         Shopping center/ mall.  This one is fairly obvious.  You’ll want to find a place that allows you to combine several errands at once, saving time, money, stress and energy consumption. 

 

·         Hospital/ emergency care center:  This is one that most of us would prefer not to think about.  However, it’s also one that you don’t want to scramble for in a crisis.  Note that in recent years a number of emergency care centers have opened.  These centers aren’t usually part of a hospital, but can handle many emergency situations and send you to a hospital if the situation requires that.

 

·         School:  If you have school-age children and aren’t home schooling, make sure you know where the school is, where the closest bus stop is, and what type of safe routes exist between your new place and the school.  Try to arrange a tour for your kids.

 

·         Day care center:  If your kids will be in day care, now is a good time to investigate local centers.  Be sure to find out what the hours and late policies are, and determine what driving times will be like from both your home and work.

 

·         Library:  Take advantage of both central libraries and branches close by.  Not only can you save on the cost of books and magazines, you may also be able to borrow movies and music, get free internet access, make photocopies, pick up local postings, find community groups to join and more.

 

·         Post office:  If you haven’t filed your change of address with the post office, now would be a good time for that.  You may also want to choose to have a post office box for certain categories of mail.  Check out their hours as well as finding your closest mailbox and its pick-up times.

 

·         Grocery store:  Unless you’re in a rural area, you may find you have several options for purchasing your local groceries.  As you visit a few, sign up for any discount card programs they have.  Also make a note of their prices, coupon policies (double coupons, for example), selection, specialties that may interest you (bakery, pharmacy, flower shop, coffee bar, etc.), how busy they are, and their days and hours of operation.

 

·         Pharmacy: Finding your closest pharmacy is obviously important, but you may also want to check into factors such as where the closest 24 hour pharmacy (especially important if you have small   children or chronic medical conditions), cheap programs for generics (such as the WalMart $4 promotion), and pharmacies as part of other stores where you’ll be shopping regularly (like the grocery).

 

·         Convenience store:  For most people, the selection of a convenience store will be based on location alone.  Whenever you run out of a staple, like milk, it’s good to know what’s nearby until you can make it until the grocery store next.

 

·         Hardware store:  Whether you’re moving into a studio apartment or a mansion on the hill, there always seems to be a need for a hardware store.  Lowes and Home Depot are the two most common “big box” retailers of hardware (check online for coupons or stop by the customer service desk and ask for one), but you might want to check for neighborhood retailers.  If that doesn’t work, keep in mind that many large retailers such as Wal-Mart and Sears carry most of the basics.

 

·         Dry cleaner:  You may or may not have regular dry cleaning needs; however, many local dry cleaners offer other valuable services such as alterations, shoe repair, and cleaning and storage of bulky items like comforters.  Finding out what’s available is usually worth the trip.

 

·         Car repair center:   One thing you want to avoid at your new place is being stranded without a car if that’s your primary means of transportation.  You’ll probably want to have locations for two different kinds of repair shops: one dealership for your make of vehicle to take care of the complex repairs, and a general repair shop for the day-to-day tasks.  This combination should take care of the most likely car issues.

 

And there you have it: one dozen places to locate near your new home.  For more, free moving tips and advice, please check out the following resources:

 

·         Moving checklist: The Ultimate Moving Checklist

·         Tips for moving: 101 Best Moving Tips

 

Good luck on your upcoming move!

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Why are moving boxes so expensive?

Moving Box Question:

Why are moving boxes so expensive?

Moving Box Answer:

Moving boxes can cost more than other boxes for any or several of the following reasons:

·         Materials and construction.  Moving boxes are made to be more rugged, often using what’s called "double wall" construction.  The materials and methods used to accomplish this are more expensive, making the boxes more expensive.

·         Convenience.  Under the stress and urgency of a move, many people are more interested in getting their boxes quickly and easily than doing a lot of comparison shopping.  That means retailers of self storage units, moving truck rentals and similar moving services don’t have much incentive to compete on price.  That keeps those prices higher.

For more FREE moving resources, please visit one of the following blogs:

·         Relocating Blog on Blogger

·         Relocation Blog on Blogger

·         Moving Tips on Blogger

·         Moving Tips on LiveJournal

·         Movers Edge Blog on Xanga

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How to File a Change of Address With The U.S. Post Office

Moving can be a stressful time.  There are dozens of tasks to track and accomplish, and there never seems to be enough time to get it all done.  In the midst of all this, you don’t want to neglect telling the right people about your new address and phone number.  This article will describes the steps involved in filing a change of address with the U.S. Post Office, which types of change of address are available, and how to choose which type to file.

The actual filing of a change of address form with the post office is what many people think of when it comes to the topic of “change of address.”  Filing that change of address accomplishes two main goals:

·         It directs the U.S. Post Office to forward mail sent to you old address to your new address.

·         It allows companies that subscribe to the National Change of Address Service (or NCOA) to be notified of your new address.

Change of Address Types: Permanent vs. Temporary

There are two types of address change you can file: a permanent change of address and a temporary one.  Now, a good question might be, “Why would I file a temporary change of address instead of a permanent one?  It comes down to controlling your privacy. 

The information in a permanent change of address is made available to all those companies who subscribe to the National Change of Address service while information filed through a temporary change of address usually isn’t.  So, if you file a temporary change of address with the post office and notify each person or organization who sends you mail individually, you’re in charge of who knows that you’ve moved.  It also means that it’s more difficult for “junk mailers” to find you.

Keep in mind that you face a trade-off.  If you file the permanent change of address, you have a “safety net” in case you’ve forgotten anyone, but you risk the chance that more junk mail may find you.  If you file the temporary change of address, you can potentially cut down on junk mail, but you could end up missing out on notifying everyone before the temporary change of address ends, and you will also miss the large number of coupons and discounts forwarded only to those who have filed a permanent change of address.

Change of Address Methods

The post office offers both a traditional, paper-based form (free) for address changes and an online filing option ($1 fee to discourage fraud).  You’ll need to specify when your move is taking place, as well as whether the move is for just one person or the entire household.

It’s a good idea to file 4-6 weeks in advance, although many post offices can begin forwarding mail after just a few days.  You’ll definitely want to have your mail taken care of so that none of it is arriving on Moving Day itself.

IMPORTANT NOTE: A post office change of address DOES NOT take care of everything.  There are a few notable shortcomings to the process:

·         Limited mail types.  The post office will be forwarding first class mail and most periodicals.  It does not forward "standard mail" (formerly known as bulk permit mail or just "bulk mail.")

·         Limited time. Even a permanent change of address filing only lasts for 6 months (although it can be renewed for another 6 months).  Therefore, definitely register with the post office, but also use a secondary service and/ or notify important contacts individually.

For more FREE moving tips, articles and advice, please visit the following resources:

·         Movers-Edge Blog on Blogger

·         Moving Advice HQ on Blogger

·         Moving Checklist Blog on Blogger

·         Moving To Blog on Blogger

·         How to Move Blog on Blogger

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Untitled

Moving Box Question:

 

How many moving boxes will I need?

 

Moving Box Answer:

 

Every household is different, which makes every move different.  That also means that there can be a large amount of variation in the number of type of moving boxes they’ll need.  For example, if you have a large number of filled bookcases, you’re likely to need more small boxes to hold all the books (larger boxes can’t take the weight of heavy books without breaking).  If you’re a “pack-rat”, that also means you need more boxes, just as you do if you have been living in the same place for a larger number of years.

 

That being said, here is a table of recommended box quantities: 

 

·         1-2 Rooms:

 

·         7-10 Small Boxes

·         3-5 Medium Boxes

·         3-5 Large Boxes

·         2 Dish Pack Boxes

·         1-2 Wardrobe Boxes

·         1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

 

·         3-4 Rooms:

 

·         15 Small Boxes

·         8-10 Medium Boxes

·         6-8 Large Boxes

·         2-4 Dish Pack Boxes

·         1-2 Wardrobe Boxes

·         1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

 

 

·         5-6 Rooms:

 

·         20-25 Small Boxes

·         12-15 Medium Boxes

·         8-10 Large Boxes

·         3-5 Dish Pack Boxes

·         3-4 Wardrobes Boxes

·         1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

 

 

·         7-8 Rooms:

 

·         30-40 Small Boxes

·         20-25 Medium Boxes

·         12-15 Large Boxes

·         4-5 Dish Pack Boxes

·         4-5 Wardrobe Boxes

·         1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

 

 

One of ways to save money on moving boxes for your move is to purchase moving box packs or bundles.  Most online moving box websites, as well as retail locations that focus on selling moving boxes (such as self storage and moving truck rental locations), offer boxes in these packs.  They often also include things like packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and black markers.

 

You should always check to make sure that you will need all, or most, of the boxes that are included in any kit.  You should also check to be certain that returns are accepted if you don’t use all the boxes that you purchase.  It’s always better to have a few extra boxes and not need them than to run out of boxes as your deadline approaches.  By arranging to purchase your boxes from a retailer who accepts returns, you can have those few extra boxes handy without worrying about over-paying.

 

Here are the guidelines on the box sizes mentioned above.  NOTE: Box sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so if you need exact dimensions, please verify the sizes before you purchase them!

 

·         Small moving boxes: approximately 15″ x 12″ x 10″

·         Medium moving boxes: approximately 18″ x 15″ x 12″

·         Large moving boxes: approximately 18″ x 17″ x 20″

·         Dish pack boxes: approximately 18″ x 18″ x 28″

·         Wardrobe moving boxes: approximately 24″ x 24″ x 40″

·         File boxes: 15” x 12” x 10”

 

 

Two other notes:

 

For more free moving tips and advice, please visit the following moving blogs:

• http://moving-hq.blogger.com
• http://moving-tip-of-the-day.blogger.com
• http://moving-tips-hq-.blogger.com
• http://moving-to-hq.blogger.com
• http://relocating-hq.blogger.com
• http://relocation-hq.blogger.com

 

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Moving Boxes: Is there anything special about moving boxes vs. any other kind of box?

Moving Box Question:   

 

Is there anything special about moving boxes vs. any other kind of boxes?

 

 

Moving Box Answer:

 

Yes.  There are two main differences between moving boxes and many other boxes:

 

1.    Moving boxes are constructed to be much sturdier than an ordinary cardboard box.  Cardboard boxes are usually measured using two different scales: one is called the ECT, or Edge Crush Test, and the other is called the Burst Strength test.  The ECT measures the degree to which a box will hold its form and how well the boxes can be stacked one upon another.  The Burst Strength test is measured in pounds, and identifies how well a box can hold together.  Moving boxes usually carry a higher score on the ECT scale (meaning a score of 32 or higher) and the Burst Strength Test (a value of 200 pounds or higher), demonstrating that they are better alternatives for the demands of a household move.  That allows them to hold more weight (about 65 pounds) while resisting tearing or crushing. 

 

2.   Moving boxes come in specific designs to help solve specific problems associated with moving:

 

·         Wardrobe boxes.  These tall, deep boxes with built-in bars for hangers are ideal for transporting clothes from closets without causing damage or wrinkling.  They are also extremely easy to use.  In most cases, you can lift clothes straight from your closet hanger bar directly onto the hanger bar of the wardrobe box.  Tip:  You can use the bottom section of wardrobe boxes to transport shoes, which will cut down on the total number of boxes you’ll need.  Recommendation:  We recommend these boxes.

 

·         Dish packs.  Sometimes called “cell boxes,” these units separate and protect dishes and glassware with internal dividers.  They do a great job of keeping things for the kitchen organized. Tip:  Dishes should be packed on their edges, as if they were in a dish drying rack, and stemware should be packed standing up, not on its sides.  Recommendation: These boxes are very helpful, but not absolutely necessary.

 

·         File boxes.  Designed specifically for transporting papers in file folders, these boxes often come with interlocking tops.  Tip:  You might wonder why you would need file boxes if you already have your files neatly stored in your file cabinets.  The main reason is that files are incredibly heavy, and that file cabinets were never designed to be moved with files inside them.  This combination leads to moving disasters, where file cabinets break and/or spill all their contents during a move.  Even if the cabinets and files survive intact, the people who move them can end up with serious injuries.  Recommendation:  We strongly recommend file boxes.

 

·         Picture frame boxes.  Designed to protect and transport large pictures and mirrors during your move, these boxes are often quite long, wide and flat.  And other than trying to flatten other boxes and tape them together, they are one of very few options available.  Tip:   It’s tempting to try to put multiple pictures together in the same box; however, they often get scratched or damaged if your do.  Recommendation:  We recommend picture frame boxes.

 

These two differences separate moving boxes from most other boxes.  If you end up getting free or used boxes for your move, you might want to check the stamps on the box bottoms to see if they meet the standards for strength, and to keep an eye out for the specialty boxes.  This should put you in good shape for your upcoming move or relocation.

 

For more FREE moving tips, articles and advice, please visit the following resources:

 

·         http://Moving-HQ.blogspot.com

·         http://MovingAdviceHQ.wordpress.com

·         http://Moving-Tips.posterous.com

·         http://Moving-Tips.livejournal.com

·         http://Moving-HQ.tumblr.com

·         http://MoversEdge.xanga.com

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Moving Day Tips and Tricks

Moving is a lot of work.  It involves a lot of time, work and planning to be successful.  So when it comes down to your actual Moving Day, you want things to go easily.  These tips are designed to make your Moving Day easier.

1. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged.  One thing you definitely don’t want to be on your Moving Day is “unreachable.”  That goes for both you and everyone else who will be participating in your big day.
2. 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.  Set it for a wake-up time that’s well before your help set to arrive.
3. Recruit as much help as you can stand.   There are plenty of things to be done on Moving Day, even if you have professional movers showing up.  Make sure that each person has at least a general idea of which things are going and what rooms they are going to in your new place.  Have them help answer questions, run last minute errands, serve food- whatever will take the most stress off you.
4. Use sitters– Kids and pets are your treasures, and they deserve to have full attention.  On Moving Day, that full attention should be from sitters, not from you.  It will make things easier on everyone.
5. 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.  It will also help reduce burnout as the day wears on.
6. 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 in case you get separated or have a problem.  That holds true for everyone else who might be lending a hand on your move.
7. 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. Make sure you have payment ready and in a form that they will accept as soon as they arrive at your final destination.
8. Directions- You need to have directions and a map ready for anyone will be driving between your old place and your new place.  Have several copies ready just in case you need them.
9. Label the rooms at your new place.   Tape a sheet of paper on the door of each room at your new place, using the same name you used on your box labels (such as BED1 for bedroom 1, etc.).  This will cut down on a lot of unnecessary questions when unloading the truck.

 

Following these basic tips can make a huge difference in making your Moving Day a smashing success!  For more FREE information, you might want to check out these blogs on moving tips:

·         One of our WordPress moving blogs (http://www.movinghq.wordpress.com)

·         An excellent Blogger moving blog (http://www.moving-hq.blogspot.com)

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Moving Truck Rental Guide

The moving truck rental is going to be one of the most critical tasks you’ll need to accomplish if you’re moving yourself. If you’re not careful, it can also be time-consuming, stressful, and expensive. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. With the tips in this article, you should be able to make things easier on yourself.

 

Moving Truck Rental: Step 1- Determine days you can move.

Having a larger number of potential days available for your move gives you many more options. The day you pick can determine not only whether a truck is available, but how much you’ll be charged. Here are the 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.
• The middle weeks of the month are easier to reserve than the first and last weeks.

 

 

Moving Truck Rental: Step 2- Identify how large a truck you want.

There are a few factors you should consider in determining the truck size you’ll need:

• the quantity of boxes and furniture you need to move
• the availability and prices of trucks on your moving day ·your comfort level with driving very large vehicles (don’t underestimate this one)

 

Trucks range in size from 10 feet (ideal for a 1-bedroom apartment) up to 26 feet (can handle up to a 4-bedroom house). Avoid the temptation to get a size larger than you need. Most rental agencies can help you determine the ideal size.

 

Moving Truck Rental: Step 3- Select your rental agency.

Three of the most common names for truck rentals are Budget Truck Rental, U-Haul, and Penske. Some car rental firms, such as Enterprise, offer large vans or trucks in specific locations. Make a short list of rental locations close to you. Then call and find out:

• which trucks they have available on your intended moving days
• which payment options are accepted, especially if you’re planning on using anything other than a certified check or money order (many individual locations do not accept cards like American Express or Discover, and some don’t accept credit cards at all)
• operating hours, including the time when the truck needs to be returned before being charged extra ·whether they offer “one-way” rentals, if that’s something you need
• initial deposit(s)
• base rate per day and/or hour
• charge per mile (watch out for this one- many companies offer a low daily rate but charge a fortune for the miles)
• cost for gas
• additional fees for insurance, moving pads, hand truck, twine, etc.
• any other charges (be polite, persistent and direct in making sure they have provided with ALL the costs. You might want to try a phrase such as, “So if I show up with only that exact amount, down to the penny, in my pocket, I will be able to pay the bill in full?”)

 

Now that you have all the critical information, determine which truck option most closely meets your needs and budget. Once you’ve made your decision, you need to make your reservation, and sooner rather than later. This is especially true if your desired date is over a weekend or a holiday, in that those slots fill up first.

 

Moving Truck Rental: Step 4- The Big Day

• Plan to be in line at the rental truck location at least 15 minutes before they open, in that the paperwork portion of the transaction can sometimes be lengthy, and if only a few people are in line in front of you, you could be in for quite a wait.
• It’s also a good idea to take a copy of your insurance card with you if you normally keep it in your car- you don’t want to have to fool with a fine from a traffic officer.
• Be sure to check the truck thoroughly for damage prior to signing the final contract, and mark any damage on the appropriate form.
• Finally, try out driving the truck around the parking lot before heading out to make sure you can adequately control the vehicle. If there’s an issue, you’ll want to know before getting into traffic.

 

Once these steps are done, you should be on your way to a smooth moving truck rental experience!

 

Please visit us for more information on moving truck rentals at <a href="http://www.movers-edge.com/Truck-Rental-for-Moving-s/34.htm.
http://www.movers-edge.com/Truck-Rental-for-Moving-s/34.htm.<br />

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Basic Packing Tips, Part 2

Today I’m continuing the tips from my last post on basic packing for moving tips. These ideas should help make the moving process easier and more manageable. NOTE: Steps 1-5 were in my last post, and steps 6-10 are in this one. 🙂

6. Furniture with small parts.

When taking apart items to be moved, such as tables, you want to make sure that all the screws and other small parts don’t get lost or confused in the move. To prevent this problem, wrap all of the tiny parts in a freezer bag. Then securely tape the bag to the underside of the item. This keeps the parts with the item they came from, saving hours of time and worry.

7. Alternate packing materials.

Here’s a way to solve two problems with one solution. When packing fragile items, use old towels, pillows, sheets, rags and t-shirts to use as cushioning around the objects. This provides extra protection against damage in transit, and will save plenty of room in your boxes.

8. Criss-cross tape on box flaps.

Tape boxes along the seams where the flaps meet together. Then tape perpendicularly at the center of the first tape, forming a cross. This method provides extra protection against seams bursting in the move.

9. Stacking boxes.

Stack boxes by putting the heaviest on the bottom and the lightest on top to prevent crushing. Don’t stack boxes higher than shoulder height to reduce the chances of toppling. Where possible, stack them against walls, leaving plenty of open space to handle wrapping and moving furniture. Make sure there is an easy path to enter and exit the room.
10. The 30-pound rule.

Keep each box below 50 pounds absolute maximum and below 30 pounds wherever possible. Heavier boxes lead to a number of problems, including injuries; rips, tears, and burst seams; and chances of being dropped when loaded or unloaded. Keep a bathroom scale in the room you’re packing so you can keep the boxes below the weight limits.

Here are some additional FREE resources to make your move easier:

* Finding outstanding moving companies and movers at http://www.movers-edge.com/Movers-s/2.htm.

* Easy moving truck rental guide at http://www.movers-edge.com/Truck-Rental-for-Moving-s/34.htm.

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Basic Packing Tips, Part 1

Packing for a move is never a fun experience.  The good news is that taking just a few steps can lead to less stress and better results.  I’m presenting the tips in both today’s post (part 1) and the one to follow (part 2):

1.    Luggage for Everyone.

Before packing boxes and wrapping furniture, pack a suitcase or backpack the same way you would if you were going on vacation for a few days. You’ll nee top pack 3 full outfits, eyeglasses, toiletries, prescriptions (very important to include), etc. The idea is a simple one- if you have all the basics you’ll need in the suitcases and keep them nearby (kept separate from all the boxes), you can avoid a lot of scrambling and hunting through boxes when you reach your new home.

2.   “Open Me First” boxes.

This is a similar idea to the suitcase suggestion listed in Step 1. For every room in your house, there will be certain items you’ll need right away. Rather than mixing all your items together in different boxes, keep those “needed immediately” things in one or two boxes for that room. Label these special boxes with bright red markers so they’ll stand out from all the others. This will make it easy to get the basics set up right away.

3.    Focus on one room at a time.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with packing all your treasures. That can tempt you into trying to pack parts of different rooms, then ending up with a sense of chaos and little actually finished. Instead, focus on packing just one room at a time. This will do wonders to keep things focused and organized.

4.    “Clean house” before “packing house.”

One of the big reasons that packing takes so long is because of the shear volume of possessions we accumulate. Use packing as a way to clean out items for donations, a moving sale, and/or the recycling center. Aim to eliminate 1/3 of your belongings- that might be more than you can stand, but will give you a noble goal. You’ll save time and expense.

5.    Try using a card table.

Whenever possible, use a portable table (such as a card table, a completely cleared-off furniture top or counter in each room for packing boxes. Using the floor limits your mobility and can cause aches and cramps. You’ll find you get much more accomplished if you stick to the card table.

For tips on finding the right movers or moving companies, please visit http://www.movers-edge.com/Movers-s/2.htm.  And for those of us packing for ourselves, find advice on renting a moving truck at http://www.movers-edge.com/Truck-Rental-for-Moving-s/34.htm.

Tags: packing