For many, a move isn't a single-day process where you pack and load your belongings, transport them to your new home, and unload it all within 24 hours. Sometimes it’s easier to put your items into short- or long-term storage for a variety of different reasons – maybe your new house is not ready to move into or you want to move into your new home in stages. No matter the reason, it is important that your items are packed correctly and that you are leveraging the right storage method for your needs. Regardless of whether it is a local or long-distance move, you should have peace of mind that your items are safely packed, stored, and secure. Consider the following tips when packing your items for an extended stay in storage.
Know the Storage Restrictions
Before your move, be sure to research the restrictions on what you can store for a long-term stay. If you have items such as vehicles or tires, medical equipment, hazardous or flammable materials, such as gasoline or propane tanks, you should ask your provider specific questions on how to store these. Asking these questions can avoid a potential issue of scrambling to find an alternative storage method the day of your move.
Pick the Size of Your Storage Needs
Figuring out how much space you will need to store your stuff is key to successful long-term storage. If you are planning on storing furniture, large electronics, etc., consider utilizing a large-sized container. Conversely, use a smaller container when storing small boxes or items. You will always want to be sure you have enough space for everything you need, however, be sure to not lose money by procuring a bigger container than you need. Take advantage of our space calculator before making your final decision on a container or space size.
Organize Your Move
Haphazard moves can come back to get you in the future. As you are packing, be sure to label each box you place items into. You might know as a whole what is in storage, but if your boxes are unmarked, it will lead to a not-so-fun box opening party for just one item you might need. Avoid the hassle by organizing your packing before you begin the moving process, and clearly marking your boxes for the contents inside.
Climate-Controlled Spaces
Nothing is worse than leaving valuables in an outdoor storage space, only to come back and find your belongings warped from heat, damaged by mildew buildup, or broken from extreme cold. Climate-controlled storage facilities safeguard your items from these natural threats, ensuring your items are in the same condition as when you initially stored them when they are delivered back to you.
Safe & Secure Storage Locations
Ensuring the safety and security of your items is paramount. Consider a site or company that specializes in providing warehouses that store your items with 24/7 video surveillance, automated sprinklers in the event of a fire, and secure warehouse doors with no shared hallways, unloading docks, ramps or elevators. You will also want a place that provides easy, yet safe, on-site access where you can reliably access your items when you need to.
Know Your Options
When it comes to choosing where to store your belongings for both short- and long-term storage, there are two viable options to choose from: storage facilities and portable storage containers. When it comes to convenience, nothing beats using a container for your storage needs. With a container, you only need to load and unload once, and you don’t have to make multiple trips to a storage facility. Learn more about out how 1-800-PACK-RAT compares to storage facilities and makes your move simple and stress-free.
Consider 1-800-PACK-RAT for both your portable storage and moving needs. Our containers are delivered right to your door, where you can pack them at your leisure and have them delivered to your destination or store your container in one of our safe and secure nationwide storage facilities. Check us out online or give us a call today so we can help plan your local or long distance move!