One of the biggest hassles when you move is packing up your stuff, but the better job you do while packing, the easier it will be to move in to your new place. This is especially true if you will be storing some or all of your belongs in a storage unit prior to your move-in date. Here are some packing tips that might make the process easier.
It's never a good idea to leave tasks to the last minute, and that is especially true of packing. This is a process that can begin almost immediately after you are certain that you are moving. Head onto to Craigslist or another similar site and see if you can score any free boxes or go purchase some and get going. Pack non-essential items first such as all the stuff collecting dust in the back of your closets or attic. Pack up frames, decorative items, books, CDs, holiday decorations and anything you don't need daily or weekly.
Another tip is to think about packing as an opportunity for purging some of your belongings. Everything you pack has to be moved, but you could also set aside a bunch of stuff to give away and contact a charity truck to come and pick up these gently used items. They aren't needed by you, but someone else might benefit from these belongings. Even better, once they're gone, you don't have to move them into storage or into your new home. This is the easiest and best time to really take stock of what you have and what you really need.
It's a good idea to try to buy boxes in uniform sizes, particularly if you are going to be placing items in a storage unit. Boxes that are too large or too heavy will be difficult to move, so keep this in mind when you are purchasing boxes. Be sure to wrap up breakable items in newspaper or packing paper. It is also very important to write the contents on the box itself, and you can also write down the room where they box should be placed. Write this information on the top and sides of the box. If you want to get really organized, you can even color code boxes and rooms in your new house to make moving in a snap.
If you are moving items into a self-storage unit, proper organization of this rental space is important. Stack boxes carefully, putting heavy boxes at the bottom of a pile and leave rows in between boxes and furnishings to make it easier to find specific items and easier to move items in and out of the storage unit. Wipe down metal items, such as a power washer, snow blower or lawn mower with an oily cloth or spray it with rust protector to keep it from rusting. It's also wise to store some items, such as books, comics and paper items in plastic containers.
Most towns have several different storage companies, so it is important to find one that offers a variety of storage sizes and plenty of security. The facility needs to fenced and fully lit. A computerized gate also is a plus, and you should check and ensure that security cameras are placed around the facility. Sometimes you only need storage for a matter of months, so look for a facility that charges each month rather than asking for a six-month or yearlong contract. If you are active military, a college student or a senior, some places will even give you a discounted rate, so be sure to ask.
It's never a good idea to leave tasks to the last minute, and that is especially true of packing. This is a process that can begin almost immediately after you are certain that you are moving. Head onto to Craigslist or another similar site and see if you can score any free boxes or go purchase some and get going. Pack non-essential items first such as all the stuff collecting dust in the back of your closets or attic. Pack up frames, decorative items, books, CDs, holiday decorations and anything you don't need daily or weekly.
Another tip is to think about packing as an opportunity for purging some of your belongings. Everything you pack has to be moved, but you could also set aside a bunch of stuff to give away and contact a charity truck to come and pick up these gently used items. They aren't needed by you, but someone else might benefit from these belongings. Even better, once they're gone, you don't have to move them into storage or into your new home. This is the easiest and best time to really take stock of what you have and what you really need.
It's a good idea to try to buy boxes in uniform sizes, particularly if you are going to be placing items in a storage unit. Boxes that are too large or too heavy will be difficult to move, so keep this in mind when you are purchasing boxes. Be sure to wrap up breakable items in newspaper or packing paper. It is also very important to write the contents on the box itself, and you can also write down the room where they box should be placed. Write this information on the top and sides of the box. If you want to get really organized, you can even color code boxes and rooms in your new house to make moving in a snap.
If you are moving items into a self-storage unit, proper organization of this rental space is important. Stack boxes carefully, putting heavy boxes at the bottom of a pile and leave rows in between boxes and furnishings to make it easier to find specific items and easier to move items in and out of the storage unit. Wipe down metal items, such as a power washer, snow blower or lawn mower with an oily cloth or spray it with rust protector to keep it from rusting. It's also wise to store some items, such as books, comics and paper items in plastic containers.
Most towns have several different storage companies, so it is important to find one that offers a variety of storage sizes and plenty of security. The facility needs to fenced and fully lit. A computerized gate also is a plus, and you should check and ensure that security cameras are placed around the facility. Sometimes you only need storage for a matter of months, so look for a facility that charges each month rather than asking for a six-month or yearlong contract. If you are active military, a college student or a senior, some places will even give you a discounted rate, so be sure to ask.
About the Author:
Joyce McIntosh loves helping people with storage options. For more information about a storage facility DeWitt or to discover a mini storage West Lansing facility, please visit the StateMiniStorage site now.
Whenever I pack my stuff up to move I tell myself that I'm going to get rid of stuff and I never do. Next time I have to move I'm going to remind myself of what you have said and try to get rid of what I don't need anymore.
ReplyDeleteClaudia Rosenburg | http://www.accessministorage.ca/storage.html