Whether you’re in between apartments or closing on your new home, many circumstances may leave you needing to store items temporarily. From downsizing to storing heirlooms, a storage unit can be an ideal hassle-free solution for you and your belongings.
It’s important to take proper precautions when packing and storing your items. Here are some tips to help make your move and storage experience as easy and stress-free as possible:
Identify Your Needs
When preparing for your move, it is important to figure out what you will need to keep. This will make the entire process much more organized and less stressful, as you won’t have to worry about forgetting something important. Start by making a moving checklist and decide what items will stay with you and what will be placed in storage.
Putting off-season clothes, winter coats, books, and other rarely used items into storage before your move can save you space and time. You can also reduce the number of things you need to pack and move by downsizing.
Many interstate movers offer storage in transit, where they will load up your stuff and store it before delivering it to your new home. It can be more expensive than just renting a storage unit, but it is one option to consider. Likewise, if you have friends or family with extra storage space, this can be another option.
Research Storage Facilities
Many moving and storage companies have their own facilities that offer a variety of sizes of self-storage units like the storage Northwest Edmonton. These are a popular choice for people looking for the convenience of having their belongings stored near their homes or businesses. This option can also be very cost-effective, since price discounts are sometimes offered for a yearly commitment.
Choosing the right facility is essential, since there are many reasons that people need to use a rental storage unit. For example, a house renovation might mean that you have to temporarily move out while work is being done. Alternatively, you may need to put some items into storage while selling or donating them. There are also times when a college student doesn’t want to lug their dorm room furniture back home on summer break, or a military service member is deployed overseas. Using a rental storage unit can be a convenient solution for all of these situations. The facility should be safe and secure, with 24-hour access to all units, including on Sundays and holidays.
Pack and Label Items for Storage systematically
Whether you’re moving to a new home or need storage solutions for a temporary situation like downsizing it can help you declutter your current space, cut down on transportation costs, and give you a place to store items that won’t fit in your new home until you have time to unpack them.
Organizing your items for storage is vital to ensure that they come out in the same condition when you retrieve them. This will save you time and money in the long run. Invest in sturdy boxes and containers that are made for storage and keep similar items together. Ensure you properly label boxes for keeping track of what’s inside. It’s best to color code or number them, which can make it easier for whoever is unpacking your boxes to know where they belong in your new home. It’s also recommended by Auckland movers as often movers are the ones to retrieve the items from storage and deliver them to the home, so you want to ensure the labelling is done so it will be ready to be picked up out of storage when the moment of need for it arrives.
You can also use padded blankets instead of sturdier boxes for delicate items, but be sure to seal them tightly. Flimsy plastic bags can trap moisture and cause damage or mildew.
Take Inventory of Items Stored
Taking inventory of your items in storage will ensure you know what you have and can access it when needed. It is a good idea to use digital documentation or photos for reference and organize your items into different categories so you can easily find what you need.
For those who require long-term storage, the most important thing is to make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the facility. It is best to read over the rental agreement carefully and be aware of any potential fees or charges. You should also consider the type of insurance coverage available, as this is an additional service that may protect your belongings.
Moving companies that offer storage services are a great option for those who need to store their items between house sales. They will pick up your belongings, transport them to their storage facility and keep them safe until you need them again. This service is ideal for people who are downsizing, renovating their home or just need some extra space in the meantime.