Packing Tips for Moving Day

Packing can be a pain to everyone. No matter how organized you are, it’s always time consuming and it requires a certain amount of strength. That’s why it’s important to start with a plan.

In the long run, it pays to purchase the right packing materials. Sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts can be purchased at moving companies and truck-rental firms. If you don’t have these, or can’t purchase them, be sure to use plenty of crumpled paper, blankets and pillows; even clothing can serve as a buffer between breakable objects. Then, pack with a plan.

Pack one room at a time, labeling each box with a description of its contents and its destination (e.g., kitchen, bathroom). Be as specific as you can; it will make unpacking that much easier.

Keep the weight of your boxes reasonable. If possible, put heavy items in small boxes to make them easier to carry.

Don’t apply tape directly to polished or painted wood finishes. Removing the tape could ruin the surface.

Double-box fragile items and add plenty of cushioning.

These tips may not make packing any more fun, but it will make the process more efficient so you settle into your new home or apartment sooner.

Avoiding Some Common Moving Blunders

Not Doing Your Homework on the Moving Company You Choose

Are your movers licensed by your state’s Department of Transportation? Have you checked into their record with the Better Business Bureau? Make sure that you do a quick check on your chosen company before committing to a contract.

Not Taking Advantage of Free Resources

Boxes and newspaper are easy to come by, and often free of charge. A little extra searching can save you money on packaging.

Packing Heavy Items in Large Boxes

Remember, the heaviest items should always go in the smallest boxes!

Not Measuring the Clearance Space in Your New Home

Don’t arrive at your new home to find that your furniture won’t fit in the front door!

Packing Flammable, Explosive, or Corrosive Materials

Misplacing the Bill of Lading

This is the contract between you and your movers and it will be essential should any problems arise along the way.

Not Labeling all Boxes

Label boxes as completely as possible, including handling instructions, and the final room destination within your new house.

Not Knowing the Rules for Tax Deductions

There are very specific guidelines as to which items are tax-deductible and which are not. Make sure to check out the IRS website in advance of your move, and retain all relevant receipts.

Failing to Take Care of Your Movers

Whether they are professionals or not, make sure to introduce yourself to everyone and have refreshments on hand. Making a good impression could protect your belongings over the long haul.

Forgetting to Notify the US Postal Service of Your New Address

Take a few moments on our site to check out the Free Address Changer before your move.

Those are the most common blunders, but don’t fail to take into account the psychological side of moving as well. Prepare all members of your household well in advance of the move. And, on the other end, give yourself some time to adjust to your new surroundings.

MiniStorage has over three decades of experience in the industry with more than 30 locations spread throughout Southern California. We have a vast array of solutions for all your storage needs, and there is no doubt we are the storage solution for you.

Our Storage Consultants are trained to provide you with the utmost in professionalism and customer service. We pride ourselves on keeping clean, safe, and convenient facilities to serve all your needs. Whether you need storage for your household items or your business, you can be sure we have the solution.

Visit: www.MiniStorage.net for more details.

Packing Electronics

You should take extra care when packing your most valuable possessions and that includes your prized electronics. Here are a few tips for how to pack them to ensure they arrive to your new home in tact!

1. A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words – Use a digital or cell phone camera to take pictures of how complicated wiring (computer cords, speaker wires) is hooked up.  Be sure to use plenty of light and careful focus so the pictures will be clear. Print each picture and put it in the top of the box holding the item.  This will make hooking up the items in your new place much easier.
2. Original is Best – Always use the original packaging when available.
3. Double Boxing – For especially fragile electronics, pack them first in a box with an excessive amount of biodegradable packing peanuts.  Then pack that box in a larger box filled with biodegradable packing peanuts.  This two-box system seems like a pain but seems to do a better job isolating items from jarring impacts.
4. No Loose Ends – Wrap each cord carefully with cable organizers, heavy twist ties or heavy rubber bands.  Never throw unwrapped cords into boxes- they get tangled and caught on other items.
5. Cord Labels – Consider getting a label maker and labeling the end of each.  Then you’ll know exactly which cord you’re seeing and where each end connects when you put things back together.
6. The Two-Inch Rule – Use at least 2″ of biodegradable packing peanuts around each side of fragile items.

MiniStorage has over three decades of experience in the industry with more than 30 locations spread throughout Southern California. We have a vast array of solutions for all your storage needs, and there is no doubt we are the storage solution for you.

Our Storage Consultants are trained to provide you with the utmost in professionalism and customer service. We pride ourselves on keeping clean, safe, and convenient facilities to serve all your needs. Whether you need storage for your household items or your business, you can be sure we have the solution.

Visit www.MiniStorage.net for more details.

Moving: The Basics

If you’re moving and don’t want to spend money on hiring movers, do the job yourself. While doing all your own moving can have certain drawbacks, those drawbacks are significantly reduced if you plan out the move and follow these tips.

First, pack systematically. Pack one room at a time and be sure to label every single one of your packed boxes. This saves a ton of time and energy when unpacking and you’ll be happy you did it. Usually, you should start packing about a month before the move, giving you plenty of time to have everything ready by moving day, while also giving you plenty of time to separate what you can’t live without from what you can.

Next, be sure to reserve your moving truck early. Truck rental companies are busy, especially in larger urban cities. Though you may get through a few days before your moving day, there’s nothing wrong with reserving a truck a few weeks in advance. Also, be sure to check on your reservation a day or two before the big day. You want to make sure things are still in order and there won’t be a problem when you show up to pick it up.

Finally, and possibly most importantly, give yourself extra time. Though we would all like to get it over as soon as possible, things can go wrong and your entire moving experience can be ruined if you don’t take enough time to plan ahead. The farther away you move, the more time you may need. Take a couple of days off work if possible. You may not need the extra time, but you’ll certainly appreciate it when you’re not rushing to unpack and you’re able to rest up.

MiniStorage has over three decades of experience in the industry with more than 30 locations spread throughout Southern California. We have a vast array of solutions for all your storage needs, and there is no doubt we are the storage solution for you.

Our Storage Consultants are trained to provide you with the utmost in professionalism and customer service. We pride ourselves on keeping clean, safe, and convenient facilities to serve all your needs. Whether you need storage for your household items or your business, you can be sure we have the solution.

Visit www.MiniStorage.net for more details.