Have a Successful Move

If you entertaining the idea of searching for a new home, here are a few things to keep in mind to assure that your move goes as smooth as possible. The first, and probably the most important thing you should consider, is investing in storage. Despite what most people think, storage facilities are not just for people who have run out of room at home and need a permanent location to house their excess baggage. They are also an incredibly convenient way to move if you haven’t settled down yet. Temporary storage can be used to house a lifetime’s worth of belongings just long enough for you to conduct a thorough search for a new home.

How to find the right unit

The majority of self-storage facilities allow you to rent month to month, eliminating the need to rush or to find a contract that fits your short-term needs. Here are a few tips on finding the right storage company for you.

• If you have an idea of the general area or neighborhood that you want to live in, find a local storage facility to make your move less of a hassle.
• Weigh your options of cost versus convenience. The cheapest self-storage facility might not be located anywhere near where you intend to live, so you could end up paying more per month for convenience. But if moving out of your rental space will require more than one trip, consider paying more for a closer facility.
• Urban dwellers may also feel more confident about storage facilities with high-tech security, as well as gated and alarm-activated storage units.
• Pack your unit carefully. Put non-essential items like furniture in the back, and leave items such as clothing where they can be easily reached. You might be living out of your temporary storage space for a while and you’ll want to be able to get to certain things easily.

Pack the right way

Once you’ve done the legwork of locating a convenient storage area for your belongings, give yourself peace of mind by taking the time to properly pack your belongings ahead and consider a few important packing tips:

• Investigate the storage size. Sometimes people get a different perspective of how big or small an area really is by only reading the measurements off the website. Envision your belongings not as they are in your home right now, but as they will be once they’re disassembled and stacked in boxes (always dismantle bulky items as this will help with storage organization and any space issues you might encounter).
• Buy top quality packing supplies designed specifically for moving. Check and see if your storage facility sells packing supplies, or purchase through general retailers or the local postal service. Select quality boxes that are, for the most part, all the same size. This will help with stacking and organization.
• Make sure everything is clean and in good condition before placing it in storage. For example, garden tools should be clean and dry so that when spring rolls around you’ll be able to use your equipment with no problems.
• Think about temperature. Even climate-controlled units may not provide the temperature control you need. In colder climates, cotton or wool blankets might provide the extra insulation needed.
• Finally, have another look at the types of services you’ll have access to. Will handcarts be available? Is there truck availability? Will you have 24-hour access to your belongings once they’re stored?

Get the most from your unit

So you’ve seen the possibilities that arise when you use self-storage to clear the clutter from your life. Now, you’re eager to begin your own storage adventure. To help you on your journey, we’ve compiled a list of five tips to help you get the most from your storage unit.

• Find the right movers. Whether you’re renting a truck or hiring some muscle to move your heavier belongings, finding a capable and trustworthy moving company is crucial to protecting your belongings and preserving your piece of mind.
• Pay for what you need. If you’re storing old sports junk and other non-essentials, you don’t want to pay an extra twenty bucks a month for climate control. Plan out your expenses as best you can to avoid unwanted surprise damage to your stuff, and make a list of essential self-storage supplies for a smooth move.
• Keep it organized. It’s tempting to haphazardly throw everything into your unit for the sake of getting it over with. But if you’re in it for the long haul, a little organization can go a long way. Since you should know the size and shape of your unit beforehand, take a little time to plan your move-in process. Think about which of your belongings you’ll want to access more often (tools, office supplies) and position them at the front of your unit, saving dust-gatherers (extra furniture, vinyl collection) for the rear. Be sure to label all your boxes, and keep a log of everything you put in storage to prevent headaches down the road.
• Know your manager. Your on-site manager is there to help, and so are all the employees at your self-storage facility. Building up a relationship with your facility staff will create a more personal and enjoyable storage experience, and it will allow you to stay in the loop about rate changes, security updates and special promotions and events.
• Know your insurance plan. Insuring your stored belongings is crucial, especially if you’re in it for the long-term. Many storage users give little consideration to their insurance plan when they sign a storage contract, and are consequently at risk of penalties from misinterpreted or unheeded fine print. Are you insured with your preferred company, or are you signing a policy offered by your storage facility? In any case, only sign a policy you can clearly read and understand.

Renting from one of these facilities can seriously reduce the chaos that can be associated with the relocating process. Use these tips to make sure that your next move is as hassle free as possible.