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How to Load a Portable Storage Container for Moving Long Distance
2018-03-07
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If you’re getting ready for a significant long-distance move, it’s essential you understand how best to load up your belongings to ensure they make the trip safely. After all, it does you no good to arrive at your destination with destroyed belongings. Luckily, though, with some patience and a few tips, packing your portable storage container will be a smooth process that helps keep everything safe, no matter how many miles you need to roam.

Trace the Edges

One of the most challenging parts of loading a storage container is knowing what to pack first. A good beginning helps you to find that extra space you need as the box begins to fill up. The key is to work your way from the outside edge of the container to the middle. Many people are prone to putting all the more substantial, bulkier items in first, and this is the right idea. However, since they put them in first, they tend to put all these items toward the front of the container.

Instead, pro movers suggest making a single layer of these items all around the outside edge of the container, so you can then utilize the empty spaces in these large items, such as drawers, shelves, and desktops, to load smaller things that need a little extra protection. If you have several layers of bulky items in the front, you’ll inevitably end up with wasted space as there will be openings on some of these items you can’t reach. If you have more bulky items that can’t fit in one layer around the outside edge, then make sure to fill up the empty spaces in the first layer before moving in a second layer.

Stack it Up

It’s highly unlikely that each of the bulky items you’ve already loaded is going to be exactly as tall as the storage container. That means that to get the most out of the extra space, you’re going to need to stack items on top of the things that are already in there. During this process, it’s important to try multiple spaces for items as you’re loading them to ensure you find the best fit.

This part is like a game of Tetris, where you’re trying to build complete rows to advance in the game. If you simply stick a smaller item in the first spot you find that it fits in, you may end up not having the space you need for a larger item that gets loaded later, when that first item could have easily fit in a smaller space. This method will take extra time, but when space is at a premium, it is worth the extra effort involved.

Fill it In

Once you’ve got nice, even rows around the edges of your container, it’s time to fill in the middle. Compared to the other steps to loading your container, in which you’ve been trying to create even rows that didn’t necessarily interlock, you want to try and criss-cross items in the middle to provide a durable stabilizer for the rows around the edges.

Fill in this area with any small or medium-sized boxes and other standalone items, working to utilize every square inch efficiently. For flexible items such as rugs, blankets, and clothing, you can save space by stuffing these items between other things that you don’t want banging into each other during the move. This step ensures you efficiently utilize every last cubic inch of your container, so you can save money by renting the smallest-sized unit possible.

One Last Check

Once you’ve gotten everything loaded, it’s essential to do a good “bump test” on everything in your container to ensure it’s stable. Your belongings will be experiencing a lot of bumps along the way, and you don’t want those bumps to result in items toppling over and potentially breaking. If you notice any weak spots, then either change the arrangement of belongings or use rope or bungee cords to ensure they’re strapped in tightly. Then it’s time to shut the door, call in the moving truck, and get ready for your exciting long-distance move.

Moving & Storage Company Tips on Unpacking Your New House
2017-08-23
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Moving can be a stressful process. Successful relocation is about the organization. Each step has importance: finding the right company, creating an inventory, packing, unpacking and then organizing. Once you have moved in, it can be a lengthy chore to unpack everything. However, if you use some of these unpacking and organizing tips, the process should run smoothly.

1. Plan In Advance

Before you move, make sure that you have everything as organized as possible before you arrive at your new residence. Pack all of the items together that will be going in a particular room. Label all of your boxes, and make sure that you have a home inventory list of objects in every box that can help you quickly remember where things are going.

2. Focus On Need

When you are packing, try to place the essential items together. Label the boxes so that you know which ones contain necessary belongings. After that, unpack the secondary things that you will have to use within a few days. The last part of unpacking should be saved for items that are not important at the moment. Make sure that you check any recently delivered boxes and compare them against your moving inventory to make sure that everything is there and nothing has been forgotten. If you find out that something is missing, contact the appropriate people and file a moving claim immediately, so that those missing items can be recovered.

3. Space Is Key

If you have a good idea of which boxes are heading to a particular room, that will make things go smoothly. You can create space by combining all the unopened boxes. Put away the boxes as soon as you empty them to create more space. Empty boxes create unnecessary clutter. Once you have emptied a box, break it down and toss it in the trash (or preferably the recycling!). By getting rid of the empty boxes, you can have the necessary space to unpack.

4. What Rooms To Unpack First

Kitchen

Having access to the kitchen should be a high priority during the unpacking process. While unpacking kitchen items and making it effective can take a few days, you can immediately start unpacking and open the essentials. That should give you a good start to begin organizing the kitchen. Start with the major appliances such as the refrigerator and oven, and once they are running, then you can set up the smaller appliances such as a coffee maker or a microwave.

Bathroom

The bathroom should be fairly easy to unpack. Simply stack some towels and hang up the shower curtains, and you are done with this task.

Bedroom

If there isn’t a bed already in the home, assemble the one that you have moved. Getting your bedroom together should be one of your main priorities.

The Mover Guide – How to Pack Quickly for a Last Minute Apartment Move
2017-07-07
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In a perfect world, you could take plenty of time to plan for a move, slowly sorting through your belongings and packing them into boxes. However, this isn’t a perfect world, and you don’t have that kind of time! Whether you just found out that a move is imminent or you’ve put off packing until the 11th hour, it’s time to pack up and move out–soon! These tricks to packing quickly will help you prepare.

Schedule Your Moving Truck

Moving companies’ schedules can fill up quickly, so the sooner you can book one, the better. According to local movers Las Vegas, you should have a target moving date in mind when you call to schedule a service. However, it may help to have some flexibility. You may not be able to adjust your plans, if you can, it can make it easier to find an available service especially when booking last minute.

Purchase Boxes

There are free boxes everywhere if you know where to look, but you don’t have time to scrounge them up. If you can quickly gather a large supply of free boxes, do so. Otherwise, fork over the money for the cardboard boxes sold by moving companies. Yes, it will cost you more to do it that way, but it will save you the time of driving all over to gather a few boxes here and a few there.

Stock Up on Supplies

While you’re at it, pick up all of the other packing supplies you’ll need. This includes:

  • Tape.
  • Labels.
  • Markers.
  • Bubble wrap.

If you run out in the middle of a packing session, you’ll have to interrupt the work to restock. It’s better to start the process fully prepared.

Don’t Pack It All

You simply can’t move everything that’s currently in your house. You should plan to pack only the items that you want to keep and pitch the rest or donate them to charity. Although selling your items online (through Craigslist, OfferUp or a good old-fashioned yard sale) is a nice way to bring in extra cash, you shouldn’t dedicate your limited time to that task. Instead, consider hiring a service that will list your goods online for you.

Ask for Help

Once you’ve determined what items will be going with you, friends and family can step in to help pack those items into boxes. If they offer to be of assistance, gladly welcome the help. If they don’t extend an offer, you may have to reach out to them and ask–or beg–for a helping hand.

Call the Pros

If you’re feeling the pressure, call in a professional moving service to not only haul your goods from your house to your storage unit but also to pack them up first. This isn’t the most economical plan, but it sure will save time. Moving companies are experts at relocating a household in no time flat.

Moving quickly can be stressful, but never fear. With these handy tips, you’ll be ready for your move before you know it.

Kansas City Movers Share 7 Tips for Tackling a Rainy Moving Day
2017-06-26
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The sky is darkening. The thunder is rumbling. But you still have to be out of your old house by 7 PM! If you’re confronting the possibility of a wet, rainy moving day, you need to be prepared. Thanks to our friends at Cheap Movers Kansas City, rated the #1 Kansas City moving company, here are just seven tips for getting it done despite the showers.

1. Bring Out the Trash Bags

Trash bags are your best bet for protecting your belongings from the rain. Not only can they be thrown over clothes like a quick-and-dirty version of dry cleaning covers, but they can also be ripped up and taped over your cardboard boxes as needed. You can even use them as ponchos if you’re willing to set aside your pride for a dryer moving day!

2. Reinforce Your Boxes

Speaking of boxes, they might have small holes and tears that will let water seep inside. Perform a visual inspection of your boxes before you hand them over to the movers and if you notice any places where water might get in, cover them with duct tape or plastic wrap (which should already be on your list of moving supplies). You can also bust out those handy trash bags again.

moving-on-a-rainy-day2

3. Protect Your Floor

Do you have any old tarps from college camping trips? Spread them across the floor of your entryway. You’ll be trekking lots of mud into your home as you walk to and fro, so it pays to protect your carpet. If you don’t have any tarp, make a quick trip to the local hardware store and buy some plastic sheeting.

4. Designate Indoor and Outdoor Crews

This will cut down on the number of people getting drenched. The indoor crew can pack and haul things to the front door; the outdoor crew can load everything into the moving vans. Just make sure that you switch off now and then to avoid making anyone sick.

5. Mark Your Belongings

Maybe you want to protect a box of old photographs. Perhaps you’re concerned about potential water damage to your electronics. If you want the movers to know that something should be handled with care in the rain, mark its container with a scrawl like “DO NOT GET WET.”

tackling-a-rainy-moving-day

6. Wipe Your Hands

Slick hands are ones that will fumble with fragile items. Make sure that your movers have plenty of access to towels and rags so that they can wipe down their digits before lifting your furniture. It will help if you keep them in a centrally located spot; for example, you can drape a half-dozen towels over the staircase where everyone can see them.

7. Watch the Forecast

When will the rain stop falling? You won’t know unless you check a weather website or download a storm-tracking app. If you can nail down a general time frame, you can wait to move the bulk of your belongings when the storm has mostly passed. There’s no use hauling everything at 1 PM if you know that the rain will stop around 3 PM.

These are just a few tips for moving in the rain. Of course, if you hire a full service mover, the problem is on them! The day doesn’t have to be a loss as long as you’re willing to think creatively and come up with innovative moving solutions!

Moving Supplies You Need to Properly Pack Your Items for Storage
2017-06-20
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Moving items into storage for an extended period can be a stressful situation. First, you have to decide what you can live without for a while, and then you have to figure out an efficient way to safely pack everything to ensure nothing becomes damaged in transport or while it’s sitting in a storage unit […]

5 Best Apps to Help You Create a Self Storage Inventory
2017-06-12
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Let’s face it. Most of us have more stuff than we have room for, especially if downsizing from a large home to a smaller house or apartment. Or perhaps you just moved to a new city or state. Whatever the reason, you’ll more than likely use a self-storage unit to keep all that extra stuff […]

How to Move and Store Taxidermied Animals
2017-06-09
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If you’re like most taxidermy owners, you display your trophy collection proudly in your home and treat it with care and respect. So what should you do if you need to relocate or store your taxidermy? There are many factors to take into consideration if you want to preserve your collection and keep your pieces […]