Want to buy Moving
or Self Storage ?
Read the top guide
on Moving & Self
Storage and FIND
WHAT YOU'RE
LOOKING FOR!
There are many Self Storage and
Moving companies that can help you
with your self storage and moving
needs. Self Storage and Moving
companies can assist you if you are
moving to a different state or moving
locally and need storage temporarily
or you simply just need extra space to
safely and securely store your prized
possessions. Be sure to Read the top
rated guide on Moving and Self
Storage and FIND WHAT YOU'RE
LOOKING FOR!
Choosing a Self Storage Company
Part 1 of 2. (The top rated moving
guide is on the right hand side of this
page).
When selecting a self storage facility,
there are certain things you can look
for to help assure that your household
possessions can be stored safely and
securely. Temporarily storing your
possessions may be necessary for a
variety of reasons, and moving, is
commonly one of those reasons. Want
to buy Moving & Self Storage?
Comparing Self Storage Companies
For most people who need to put their
possessions in storage, the primary
considerations are:
· How much storage space do I
need?
· Is a climate-controlled space
necessary for what I'm storing?
· How secure will my possessions
be while they're in storage?
· When and how often am I most
likely to need access to my household
goods in storage?
· How much will it cost and what
are the contract terms? Want to buy
Moving & Self Storage?
Determine Your Correct Storage
Space Size
It can be difficult to estimate how much
storage space you'll need. Most
people rent more storage space than
they actually need. If you don't plan to
access your stored property
frequently, it's best to stack it and use
shelving to conserve space. You'll
want to make the best use you can of
the entire storage space.. While many
people want to create an aisle in a
small storage space, according to
Steckler, “If you want an aisle, you
need to get a bigger space”. Still, with
proper placement of your household
goods in storage you should be able to
access your items when you need to.
Want to buy Moving & Self
Storage?
If you can sell or otherwise dispose of
any unwanted items before you put
them in storage, you'll need less room.
It also helps to find a self storage
facility that offers several different unit
sizes so you don’t have to pay for
more space than you need. Most
storage facilities will help you
determine the size unit you'll need, and
some even have online calculators you
can use to determine the amount of
space needed for what's being stored.
Assess What Type of Storage You'll
Need
The key factor in determining the type
of storage you'll need is what you're
planning to store. If you're going to
store documents or other materials
that are subject to damage in extreme
climate conditions (freezing, melting or
mold resulting from high humidity)
you'll want climate-controlled storage,
so the availability of this type of space
will be a factor in selecting a self
storage facility, and you should expect
to pay a premium for it. Want to buy
Moving & Self Storage?
Are you storing large and bulky items?
If so, you're more likely to want an
outside accessible storage unit - one
where you can pull up directly to the
door - instead of an inside unit, where
you'll need to enter a door and walk
through a corridor. The width of the
driving aisles between storage
buildings will also be a factor if you
need to maneuver a large vehicle for
loading and unloading. Want to buy
Moving & Self Storage?
Security Concerns
Are you storing valuable items, and/or
are your location options restricted to
bad neighborhoods? If so, good self
storage security will be even more
important to you. When looking at a
storage facility's security safeguards,
consider:
· The neighborhood, and its
reputation for crime. What's around
the facility? Are there businesses open
all night or is it a residential area? Is
there traffic regularly going by the
facility during off hours?
· How good is the lighting around
the self storage facility? If you can,
drive by at night and check. You may
see plenty of light posts during the
day, but you won't know if the bulbs
are out unless you can stop by at
night. This will give you an idea of the
storage facility's concern for
maintenance, too. If they don't care
enough or have the budget for upkeep
of their own property, they're not likely
to care about or have the budget for
securing your property either.
· How are the storage units
accessed? Are they protected by
locked gates? Do they have gates that
seem to be open to anyone at any
time?
· Does the storage facility have
one or more people on site around-the-
clock, or is it generally deserted during
off hours?
· Does the self storage facility
have any type of alarm system that's
used during times when access is
prohibited? Want to buy Moving & Self
Storage?
In addition to the facility's responsibility
for security, you need to also take an
active role in protecting your
possessions. Consider if it's really
necessary to store valuable items or if
they could be kept in a safer place.
You can also store your more valuable
items at the rear of the storage unit - in
most cases, thieves are looking to get
in and get out quickly. If they have to
crawl all through your unit to get to
valuable items, you're making it harder
for them. Don't "advertise" the
valuables in storage - for example,
don't mark your storage box, "Original
Rembrandt Painting". Want to buy
Moving & Self Storage?
Access Considerations
Storage facilities rarely keep keys to
individual storage units. In fact, in most
cases, you'll be buying a padlock to
secure your own storage unit. For self
storage facilities that do have locking
doors, if you lose your keys gaining
access may be your responsibility, and
you may have to hire a hiring a
locksmith. Only those whose name
appears on the rental agreement will
have access, so if you intend to share
space be sure to designate access for
all parties by putting their name(s) on
the agreement. Want to buy Moving &
Self Storage?
If the self storage facility has gates you
need to drive through, how will you get
through the gate? Will you need a
security code or pass card? In some
self-storage facilities you can create
your own numeric code when you first
lease the unit. This is helpful, since
only you and those you want to access
your unit will know the code. Is there a
fee for a lost card or key, or for re-
programming your access code? What
does the management do to prevent
access gained through stolen keys or
cards or by former renters? Do they
routinely erase or reset access codes
when a lease is up? Want to buy
Moving & Self Storage?
Finally, is there a fee for access at
certain times? Are those the times
you're most likely to want to access
your unit?
Comparing Prices and Contracts
Storage space prices vary and the self
storage business is competitive. Costs
will depend upon supply and demand
for storage in the local area, local land
values (single largest expense), and
the type of storage available. Here are
three types of storage that are
available:
1. Type A Storage - features the
latest in amenities, which may include
security cameras, electrical security
gates, secure locking systems,
concrete storage units, and/or brick
walls.
2. Type B Storage - usually
consists of a mix of metal and concrete
storage units surrounded by a fence.
This type may or may not have
security cameras.
3. Type C Storage offers low-
budget, no frills storage units for
moving and storage on a shoestring.
This type of storage unit typically
provides little or no security. Property
stored in this type of facility is
generally of low value. Want to buy
Moving & Self Storage?
Storage units are usually rented on a
month-to-month basis. This means you
can cancel at anytime, but it also
means rates can rise at anytime. If
your storage space rental is on-a-
month to month basis, ask about the
company’s “rent increase policy”. Most
large chain storage companies will not
increase your rent for at least the first
six months of your lease. Want to buy
Moving & Self Storage?
Before you sign a contract, read it
carefully. Be sure to ask what happens
if you cancel your lease prematurely -
will you get a refund for the unused
portion of your pre-paid rent, or will
you have to pay for the rest of the
term?
How much notice are your required to
give the storage facility operator when
you plan to vacate your unit?
Cancellation terms vary, and should be
an important consideration if you're not
really sure how long you'll need to
keep your possessions in storage.
Want to buy Moving & Self Storage?
Shop around. Don't sign a contract
with the first self storage facility you
visit just because it's cheap or close
by. Check with friends and neighbors
to see if they can give you any
recommendations. If you do your
homework, you'll be happier in the long
run because you'll know your prized
possessions are in a good place at a
price that makes their storage
reasonably affordable.
Self Storage tips
Storage space is needed for a variety
of reasons, such as when moving to a
smaller home, when your house is not
yet ready or when there are just too
many things to unpack and not enough
time. And, simply having too much stuff
is growingly becoming accepted as a
perfectly good reason to rent storage
space.
People also rely on storage space for
more traditional reasons, such as
getting divorced, being evicted from an
apartment, deciding to move in with a
significant other, remodeling a home or
having a home damaged by fire or
other casualty.
Basic storage options for household
goods are to either store your
possessions in a moving company's
warehouse, or lease a storage unit at
a self storage facility. The
circumstances for storing your
property will be the primary factor
determining which type of storage
you'll use. Want to buy Moving & Self
Storage?
Most of the tips in this Storage Guide
pertain to self storage facilities, where
you have a greater degree of control
over moving your possessions in and
out of storage. Typically, in a moving
company's warehouse, your
possessions will be stored either inside
the moving van for a very short period
of time or within a moving company
container. Because restrictions and
security, costs and access all vary by
moving company, it's best to check
with your mover on the details that
apply to that type of storage. Want to
buy Moving & Self Storage?
Types of Self Storage Facilities
Here are three types of self storage
companies that are available:
1. Type A Self Storage - features
the latest in amenities, which may
include security cameras, electrical
security gates, secure locking systems,
concrete storage units, and/or brick
walls.
2. Type B Self Storage - usually
consists of a mix of metal and concrete
storage units surrounded by a fence.
This type may or may not have
security cameras.
3. Type C Self Storage offers low-
budget, no frills storage units for
moving and storage on a shoestring.
This type of storage unit typically
provides little or no security. Property
stored in this type of facility is
generally of low value. Want to buy
Moving & Self Storage?
Consider Insurance for Your Items in
Self Storage
Renters are responsible for insuring
their stored goods. Some storage
facilities offer limited insurance
coverage with prices based upon the
estimated value of the goods being
stored.
Most Homeowner's insurance policies
provide limited coverage when your
property is stored off-premises.
However, some Renter's policies
provide full coverage for your property
regardless of where it's being stored.
The perils insured against, the amount
of coverage for special items, and
other restrictions, limitations and
exclusions can vary from policy to
policy. Don't assume your goods in
storage will be covered by your other
insurance policies. Want to buy Moving
& Self Storage?
Basic Self Storage Tips
Here are a few basic self storage tips
for storing your household items in a
storage facility:
· Using pallets, tarps or plastic
sheets on the floor of the storage unit
is a good idea, especially when you
storage unit is on the ground floor or
accessible from outside. These items
will help prevent water and moisture
from getting in and damaging your
stored items. Want to buy Moving &
Self Storage?
· Allow for ventilation and help
prevent mold and mildew problems,
especially in climates where high
humidity levels are common by not
packing items directly against the wall.
Leave an inch or so of space wherever
possible to promote air flow.
· Leave enough room at the front
of your storage unit so you can get to
your things without too much trouble.
Keep frequently accessed items easily
accessible, near the front.
· Consider using shelving to
increase the space available for
storage within your unit.
· Leverage the cubic volume
(height) of your space by stacking
boxes. Don't stack higher than you can
reach, place heavier boxes at the
bottom of the stack and don't overpack
or underpack your boxes. Overpacked
boxes lead to bulging and
underpacked boxes can lead to
crushing. Either condition will greatly
affect your ability to stack your boxes
safely.
· Store valuable items toward the
back of the storage unit in unmarked
containers. Thieves will typically not
take the time to go through your entire
storage unit to find you valuables. In
fact, consider not putting your
valuables in storage in the first place.
· Clean out any refrigerators or
freezers and let them dry before
putting them into storage. Additionally,
leave the doors ajar for air flow and
take advantage of the space inside to
store additional items.
· Store upholstered furniture, like
sofas (but not sleep sofas), on end if
possible, to maximize your space.
Cover with cotton sheets for dust
protection.
· Cover mattresses and box
springs, with cotton sheets, and stand
securely on their edge. Remember,
cardboard absorbs moisture and
plastic traps condensation, both of
which can promote mold and mildew.
· Treat any garden tools and other
metal items, like bicycles, with a rust
inhibitor, such as machine oil, before
storing them. Clean before storing
them.
· Drain gas and oil from lawn
mowers, trimmers, weed blowers, and
other items with engines.
· Use the tops of dressers as a
base for stacking boxes. You can
place a variety of items inside the
dresser drawers, such as linens, small
boxes or delicate items.
· Wrap table and chair legs to
avoid scratching. Want to buy
Moving & Self Storage?
Want to buy Moving
or Self Storage ?
Read the top guide
on Moving & FIND
WHAT YOU'RE
LOOKING FOR!
There are many Self Storage and
Moving companies that can help
you with your self storage and
moving needs. Self Storage and
Moving companies can assist you
if you are moving to a different
state or moving locally and need
storage temporarily or you simply
just need extra space to safely and
securely store your prized
possessions. Be sure to Read the
top rated guide on Moving and
Self Storage and FIND WHAT
YOU'RE LOOKING FOR!
Part 2 – The top rated
Moving Guide (part 1 The top
rated Self Storage guide is on the
left hand side of this page).
Local Moving and Interstate
Moving
· A local move, means a
shipment of goods where the
origin and destination are within
the same state and less than 100
miles apart.
· Moves that are still within the
same state but are more than 99
miles from origin to destination are
considered intrastate moves or
state to state moves.
· Moves where goods travel
across state lines - regardless of
the distance - are referred to as
interstate moves. Want to buy
Moving & Self Storage?
What can you do to keep costs
down during your move? If you're
using professional movers, you
should discuss your budget during
your initial call with a mover
representative. Similar to airlines
or hotels, most moving companies
have variety of prices that are
related to supply and demand on a
particular day. Generally, the
summer months are the busiest.
Saturdays and the beginning and
end of each month are busy year-
round. Monday through Thursday,
in the middle weeks of the month,
tend to be less busy and therefore
less expensive. Flexibility with you
move date or an overlap between
when you need to be out of your
old home and are able to get into
your new home can both allow you
to get the best value. Additionally,
your Moving Consultant can
provide advice on other cost-
saving measures, including
efficient preparation in advance of
move day. Want to buy Moving &
Self Storage?
Total Moving Cost
Most moving companies base their
estimates for local moves on an
hourly rate, which includes drive
time on each leg of the move: from
the moving company to your
original home, then to your
destination, and back again to the
moving company's home base.
Some customers are surprised by
the extent of the drive time costs,
which result from the fact that
moving trucks can not travel as
fast as passenger cars on the
highway, and are often excluded
from non-truck routes, resulting in
longer trip mileage and travel time.
Want to buy Moving & Self
Storage?
Interstate Moving Costs
Pricing for an interstate move is
handled one of two ways. Once an
assessment of your inventory of
furniture and other belongings is
done and appropriate timeframe
for delivery is determined, you may
be given an exact cost or binding
price for your move. With a binding
price you have the security of
knowing the exact cost of your
move, up front. On the other
hand, you may choose a non-
binding or weight-based estimate
of your move. Using this method,
your moving company will assess
your goods, estimate their total
weight, and provide you with an
estimated price based on that
weight. On move day, your
shipment is weighed once it is
loaded on the truck and your final
charges based on the actual
weight, which might be slightly
lower or slightly higher than the
estimate. Please discuss which
pricing method is a better fit for
your move. Want to buy Moving &
Self Storage?
Moving Supply Costs: Packing,
Boxes etc
Labor represents the majority of
the moving expense. However,
you should also budget for
packing supplies, such as boxes
and tape, and for additional
valuation as needed. These costs
can represent as much as 20% of
the cost of labor. Take special
precautions with fragile or
oversized pieces, such as plasma
televisions and chandeliers. This
type of item is typically custom-
crated, which will incur an
additional fee. Your Moving
Company can advise you on these
and additional questions you may
have regarding the total moving
supply costs associated with your
move. Want to buy Moving & Self
Storage?
Purchasing valuation and Moving
Insurance
We recommend first checking with
your homeowner's policy. If your
insurance provider does not cover
items while in transit or in
someone else's vehicle, or if they
only cover against major disasters
versus minor damage to individual
items, you should consider
purchasing valuation coverage
from your moving company. Your
Move Coordinator can help you
make a decision about the
appropriate type of coverage for
your move. Want to buy Moving &
Self Storage?
PETS
There is no safe place in the
moving truck for pets to ride. They
cannot be transported in the cab
for liability reasons and the box of
the truck is inappropriate due to
lack of climate control and the
danger posed by potential shifting
of heavy objects. Move day is
traumatic for most pets. The best
way to ensure their physical and
emotional safety during the move
is to secure them at a neighbor or
friend's home, or in a professional
kennel if necessary. Want to buy
Moving & Self Storage?
Customer Transportation
Unfortunately, most professional
moving companies cannot
transport customers for liability
reasons. You may wish to arrange
a ride with a friend or a cab service
on move day. Want to buy Moving
& Self Storage?
Closing on your home and timing
your move.
Because a complicated process
such as a home closure or
completion of construction is often
delayed due to unforeseen
variables, we don't recommend
scheduling your move for the
same day. Save yourself the stress
and schedule your move date for
several days after your closing
date. Consider booking your move
5-7 days after the estimated time
your new home should be
available. Want to buy Moving &
Self Storage?
Prep work and preparing to move
Focus on packing, not moving.
You'll be amazed how quickly many
helping hands - either
professional movers or your
friends - can carry all of your
boxes. Don't spend time trying to
move these items yourself. Rather,
focus on packing boxes, so when
the help arrives, you're ready. You
should prioritize your preparation
into three areas:
1. Sorting and disposing of
unneeded items through garage
sales, donations to
charitable organizations, or give-
aways to friends and family. While
it may be time-consuming, getting
rid of items prior to your move is
time well spent. Keep in mind that
it isn't worth paying the movers to
move items that you're only going
to throw away later.
2. Pack non-breakables and
areas that you don't use often,
such as basements, garages and
attics.
3. If you have time remaining
to move some items yourself,
focus on plants, pictures,
collectibles, and highly-
sentimental items. Want to buy
Moving & Self Storage?
Moving on a budget
You'll want the movers to carry
heavier, larger items such as
bureaus, desks, and sofas. Also,
should any items need to be
hoisted into or out of your home, it
is essential to leave that to trained
movers versus risking serious
injury to yourself. We also
recommend that you have the
movers pack fragile items such as
china and artwork. Want to buy
Moving & Self Storage?
Properly Label your items for a
smooth moving experience
Pick a labeling system and use it
consistently. You can either color
code your belongings based on
the rooms at your destination
(bedroom red; living room: blue,
etc.) or label the boxes with
consistent shorthand to denote
their location (DR for dining room,
MBR for master bedroom, etc.). If
possible, boxes should be labeled
on 3 sides. Want to buy Moving &
Self Storage?
Fragile items and moving
Many people feel that they should
move their breakables and
heirlooms themselves. However, if
you've chosen to hire
professionals, let them do what
they do best, including assuming
the liabilities associated with
heavy lifting, negotiating stairs,
and maneuvering fragile items.
The moving crew has experience
day in and day out packing delicate
items such as crystal and
collectibles. Also, insurance
providers to the moving industry
will only cover boxes packed by
the moving company, not the
customer. In a worst-case scenario
in which your valuables break on a
move, they will be covered as long
as you have purchased valuation
and that the movers have packed
the items in question. Want to buy
Moving & Self Storage?
Preparing Appliances before the
move to ensure a smooth moving
experience
The moving crew will wrap these
items in moving blankets to
protect them on the truck.
However, you should make certain
that your dishwasher, microwave,
and washing machine are empty.
Additionally, movers are not
electricians or plumbers - you
need to arrange for the
appropriate professional to
disconnect your washer,
chandeliers, and refrigerator from
any electric and/or water
connection. Most importantly,
movers are not licensed to
disconnect gas.
Your plants and moving
Such items can be moved if
properly packed, but professional
movers cannot ensure the safe
transport of live plants, which can
be traumatized by motion,
temperature extremes, or the time
in the moving truck. Plants cannot
be stored. If you are moving
overseas, please note that most
countries will not allow the import
of agricultural items. Want to buy
Moving & Self Storage?
Flammable and Hazardous items
and moving
Even professional movers can not
move hazardous or combustible
items such as propane tanks,
firearms, paint, and aerosols, as
the pressure in the back of the
truck could cause these items to
explode or catch on fire, risking
enormous damage to the rest of
your items. It may be better to
dispose of such dangerous items
than to try and move them to your
new home. Additionally, be certain
to empty the fuel out of any gas-
operated items (such as a
lawnmower or snow blower) prior
to moving. Want to buy Moving &
Self Storage?
Communicating what items to take
and what items to leave behind
Keeping the lines of
communication open with your
moving crew is critical during both
the packing and moving process. If
you have some items that should
stay behind at your old home and
some that go to your new home,
you must clearly mark which is
which. In order to avoid
inadvertently leaving something
behind or discarding a valuable
item, your moving crew will move
ALL items in your home, unless
instructed otherwise. It is your
responsibility to walk through your
old home and do a final check for
any overlooked items before the
moving truck departs for your new
home. Want to buy Moving & Self
Storage?
Being ready “before” moving day.
It's very common to underestimate
the volume of items that need to
be packed for a move. Frequently,
people simply overlook many of
their possessions until it is time to
dig into the far reaches of the
basement, attic, or garage. Other
times, you may anticipate having
more time available to pack or
more helping hands than is the
actuality. For the above reasons,
we strongly recommend following
an organized packing plan and
leaving significantly more time
than you think you'll need for
packing. Want to buy Moving &
Self Storage?
Can Movers arrange your furniture
in your new home or apartment?
Absolutely. However, please
remember that on local moves you
are charged by the hour, so a
significant amount of time spent
rearranging the furniture will add
to the total cost of the move.
Having a plan in mind before
arriving at your new home can
save time and money. Want to buy
Moving & Self Storage?
Your highly valued items and
moving
For your own peace of mind, you
should consider moving jewelry
and other small valuables yourself
in your personal vehicle. As for
larger valuables, point these items
out to your moving crew.
Awareness breeds care and you
should feel confident that your
movers will pay special attention
to any items you have designated
as having high monetary or
sentimental value. Most moving
companies will have some
variation of a "high value
declaration" form and will request
that you itemize all precious items
to ensure that they receive VIP
attention and that, in the event of
breakage, the crew is aware of
their value. Completing these
forms up front will also streamline
any claims you may have following
the move. Want to buy Moving &
Self Storage?
Moving and the weather
While it may be more pleasurable
to move on a warm, sunny day,
professional movers are prepared
to move during rain, sleet, or
snow. They come equipped with
supplies to keep your belongings
safe from the elements. However,
in order to keep costs down, we
recommend that you shovel or
rake or otherwise clear the access
ways in preparation for their
arrival, rather than paying your
moving crew for the time it takes
to remove such obstacles. Want
to buy Moving & Self Storage?
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