Moving is easier said than done, especially when you add putting items in storage prior to the move. Luckily, there are a few ways to make that transition to storage easier on you and your items! Read on for all the storage and moving tips you’ll need to get you through this move in one piece and settled into your new place!
Create an inventory list
>There are plenty of reasons for investing in a storage unit during a move: some folks have a gap in time between moving out of their old place and into their new one, so you might be traveling, staying with friends, or staying in short-term housing while you wait for your new place to be ready. Or, there are those who simply have a lot of stuff and they may benefit from a slower unpacking process at the new house.
Storing some items can give you the time to unpack one room at a time, slowly but surely, while your other items await you in your storage unit.
Regardless of what your reason is for needing storage space, it’s important to get started by creating an inventory list. If you’re not sure what you need in storage, and what you need to keep handy, make a list of all your belongings, and divvy things up from there. Be sure to choose your storage items carefully because storing items for lengthy periods of time can be pricey, but so is moving items that you don’t really need to your new place. It’s all about finding the balance between the two and figuring out what’s right for you!
What exactly should you store?
If you’re looking to offload some items for your move, but aren’t quite sure where to start, think seasonal. Store very cold or very hot weather clothing, holiday decorations, kitchen appliances that you don’t need right away, extra pots and pans, books, extra furniture, and more. You can also safely store family photos and mementos, as well as other fragile or sentimental items that could get damaged during a move.
Figure out how long you’ll be living without access to your storage unit, and pack almost like you’re going on vacation for that amount of time. Fill up a couple of suitcases, or a couple of boxes, with just the essentials. Everything else can be packed up and shipped to the storage unit.
Choose your storage option carefully
your storage company about size options.
An inventory list will help you and your storage company determine the size of the unit you’ll need; plus, it’s good to have a list of everything that’s in there for insurance purposes.
Ask about climate control
Most storage units will have climate control, meaning it won’t get too hot, too cold, or too humid inside the storage unit. But, make sure you ask your storage company before you drop off your items, because non-climate-controlled units may cause damage to some of your items.
Pro tip: you may be able to bring your own dehumidifier—just ask!
Clean your items before storing them away
It may seem silly, but it’s important to clean, vacuum and wipe down your items before placing them in storage. To avoid your furniture getting musty and growing mildew, make sure all upholstery is clean and properly dried before you bring it to the unit.
The same applies to clothing, appliances, furniture, and anything else that you’ll be adding to your storage unit.
Breakable items should be wrapped in paper or bubble wrap, sealed in bins, and labeled accordingly. If you’re storing appliances, make sure to wrap them and their cords in bubble wrap to prevent breakage.
Store items in bins
Instead of regular boxes, invest in clear plastic bins to store your items in; it’ll be easier to organize your storage unit with each box this way because then you’ll be able to group like items together. If you’re committed to cardboard boxes, make sure to label each box on each side with its contents.
Find a storage company that will help meet your storage needs instead of limiting your space. Many places offer a “one size fits all” unit, and sometimes you have more than that limit, or even less! With Highland Moving, we ensure that your items will be securely stored in our facility, and priced based on your needs.
When you’re ready to start utilizing a storage unit, give our team at Highland Moving a call at 604-581-2300. Click here for more info on our Vancouver BC storage serices.
