Whether you are moving 10 kilometers from where you currently live or moving to another country, or even to another continent, it will be a very stressful experience. This is especially the case if this is your first move. You will need all the help and advice you can get. What can give you big headaches is where you will store your belongings during the relocation process, as it is unlikely that you will be able to transfer all your belongings from point A to point B right away, so you need to be properly prepared. So we will give you tips and tricks to make the most of this option that is offered to you. Because if you do not know everything you should, you will surely face various problems which will further complicate the whole process.
1. Pack only what you really need
Although this advice does not apply exclusively to the storage unit, it is still very important for the whole process. Moving is the right time to throw away or donate everything you don’t need. And how will you know you don’t need something? Well, everything that you haven’t used for years, you shouldn’t take with you to a new house. This is practical, and if you follow the Feng sui approach, also on their advice the clutter creates problems. It is also very important to maximise the potential use of the storage container for hire. As we will tell you later in the text, it is very important that everything is in order there. And that will be impossible if you take everything you have in the house. Or they will incur additional costs to rent a larger unit. So before you start, throw away everything unnecessary.
2. Book on time
Although there are a lot of storage units, the demand is very big, so sometimes you can’t find one when you need it. So it would be best to book one as soon as you know the moving date. This will allow you to pack slowly, without haste and transfer item by item there. This will make the whole job much easier and reduce stress.
3. Check the unit
It is a place where all your belongings will be stored for a certain period of time and that is why it is important to check if it meets your requirements. There are several things you have to keep an eye out for – its location, its security, and its additional features.
Rent a unit that is located midway between your new and old home. But if you are moving to a large town with small flats like Crawley in Berkshire – it is best to have a unit near your home. The closer it is, the more use you can get out of your unit.
After you consider the proximity of the unit, look for 24/7 security and additional features like trolleys and elevators for your convenience. Henfield Storage is a prime example. The facility is very accessible and easy to rent.
Another thing people consider is climate control, but this is reserved for storage units in tropical areas with high humidity.
That way you will know that none of your belongings will be damaged. You will also need less time to invest in the packaging itself, as you won’t have to protect everything as if traveling to The Eastern Front. When you move, you will realize that every minute you save will be significant. And what does climate control mean? This means that there is no moisture inside, as well as no other factor that can negatively affect your belongings. This is absolutely necessary, especially for electronics and similar sensitive things.
4. Check the insurance
It is also very important that you know that they have insurance, because then even if something happens to your things, the damage will be covered. Although problems in storage units are very rare, so you should not worry, but just in case, check the insurance as protection against fire, flood and similar causes.
5. Clean everything
This includes the unit, but even more your things. The unit will most likely already be clean if the company cares about its reputation. You should definitely check once again if it is clean enough if there is any damage somewhere and so on. It is important so you can report the damage immediately, and not have to pay later for damage. And as for your things, they have to be crystal clear when you pack them and store them there. If you are packing something that is dirty, imagine the condition in which you will find it in a few weeks or months. You will probably only be able to throw it away then. So you have to clean and wash everything, from clothes to furniture. Then you will be able to move into your new home much faster.
6. Make a deal with same company
Since it is very likely that you will need a professional moving company, because you will not be able to do everything on your own, it is ideal to find one that also offers a storage unit. It will then cost you less than paying for the two services separately. They will give you a discount because you do business with them, and sometimes they even give you a few weeks for free. You will surely get a discount, and probably the service of transporting things from your old house to the storage unit, and then to the new house. All this will save you a lot of money, time and effort. Visit gpsmoving.com and there you will find more information about all these services and learn how to save.
7. Keep detailed records
Simply put, moving is transferring everything you own in just a few days. That’s why it very often happens that something gets lost or you just can’t find it when you need it. It is for this reason that you must keep a detailed record of everything that leaves your old house and take it to the storage unit. Mark each box and write down what is in each box. Otherwise, you will never be able to find something you may need urgently. The tidier your storage unit is in every way, the easier it will be for you later. During the packaging, such detailed marking and writing will take a little more time, but it is absolutely necessary.
Conclusion:
These are the most important tips and tricks you need to know. Also pay attention to what materials you will use for packaging. The unit will be climate controlled, but if, for example, you cover leather furniture with plastic, moisture can still appear. For all sensitive things like electronics, ceramics, kitchen appliances and the like it is best to use bubble wrap to make sure nothing will be damaged.
