Self Storage Tips | Tips for Storing Your Belongings

If you do not have enough money to hire a professional mover to help you transport your belongings to your new place, you should consider doing it yourself. DIY moving is ideal if you only have a few boxes of belongings to move and if you have a spacious vehicle like a moving van or pickup truck. This is also ok if you are only moving to a nearby town or city.

When planning to move your belongings yourself, it’s important to have the right moving equipment and supplies. Here's a checklist to help you prepare for your DIY move:

Moving or Pickup Truck

You’ll need a large truck to fit your belongings. If your vehicle isn’t big enough, you might have to make several trips between your old and new places. Budget for fuel expenses and ensure that the total cost is cheaper than hiring a moving company. If you don’t own a spacious vehicle, consider asking a friend who does it for a favor.

Carts or Dollies

For heavy items like your queen-sized bed or refrigerator, a dolly or cart will be essential. Heavy-duty dollies have four wheels for moving large objects, while two-wheeled dollies are great for stacks of boxes and lighter furniture. You can rent these from local moving companies or truck rental agencies.

Blankets or Pads 

To prevent damage to your floors and furniture, wrap heavy objects in blankets or moving pads. This protects both the flooring and your belongings from dents or scratches. Instead of buying, you could use old blankets or comforters for this purpose.

Straps and Ropes 

Use straps and ropes to secure boxes and larger items. For instance, tying the doors of your armoire or fridge shut can prevent them from swinging open during transport. You’ll also want to secure larger items in your vehicle, and if you’re using roof storage, a rope will help keep everything from falling off.

Shrink Wrap and Bubble Wrap

Shrink wrap is excellent for keeping dust off furniture and decor, while bubble wrap protects fragile items from breaking. You might also use crumpled newspaper as a substitute for bubble wrap to shield breakables.

Boxes and Other Packing Ideas

Reuse original boxes from your appliances if you have them, or ask local grocery stores or friends for spare boxes. For clothes and linens, large bags or luggage work well. When loading the truck, fill in gaps with non-breakable items to maximize space.

Packing Tape and Labels

Secure your boxes wrap them with packing tape, and label each box with post-it notes to easily identify their contents. 

With the right preparation and tools, a DIY move can be manageable and cost-effective!

Creating an inventory list when moving, whether for a small studio or a large house, is a crucial step that can streamline the entire process. Although it may seem daunting at first, the task can be managed in less time than you might expect. 

Benefits of an Inventory List

One main advantage of having an inventory list during your move is the insurance aspect. In case any boxes go missing, you can accurately assess their value. Knowing exactly what was inside allows you to file claims more easily and efficiently—getting your belongings replaced quicker. If you need to use a storage unit temporarily, an inventory helps you identify losses if theft, fire, or flooding occurs.

Another benefit is for unpacking. Having a detailed list allows you to locate specific items quickly, which can save time and reduce stress during what is often a hectic moving period.

How to Create Your Inventory List

• Code Your Boxes by Room: You can use colored stickers, tape, or even symbols to signify different rooms.
• Label Each Box: Start with Box #1. Write down the contents as you pack and take photos to document their condition.
• Seal and Code: Attach the appropriate label to the box once it's sealed.
• Continue Numbering: Repeat the process for all boxes until everything is packed.

You can use traditional pen and paper or digital tools like Word, Excel, or dedicated online inventory apps, depending on your preference.

For larger items that can't be boxed, such as appliances, note these separately along with their serial numbers.

It's essential to include the purchase price or estimated value of your items to evaluate insurance needs adequately, especially if you've acquired new possessions since your last policy update.

Working with Movers

If you're using a moving company, creating an inventory can be slightly more complex since movers often work quickly. Utilizing a collaborative platform like Google Drive could be helpful, allowing multiple users to update the inventory in real-time. Communicate clearly about your progress and ensure the movers accommodate your needs for documenting the items.

Remember that it's wise to estimate the value of your belongings and determine insurance coverage beforehand. Once you reach your new home, check off items as they are unloaded. This helps you confirm that everything arrived as it should, and you can address any issues with the movers before they leave. Placing boxes in their final locations as they are unloaded can also prevent unnecessary rearranging later on.

Moving to a new place can be quite an expense, especially for students. Whether transferring to a new dormitory or apartment or moving out of their parent's house, students often face financial challenges during the moving process. Luckily, there are several strategies to save money on your move. Here are some helpful tips:

Ask for Friends' Help 

If you’re a college student, you likely have friends who are willing to help you move for free. Reach out to old roommates, classmates, fraternity brothers, sorority sisters, and anyone with a van or large vehicle. This way, you can avoid hiring professional movers. You could also consider hiring helpers for manual labor if needed.

Use Existing Packing Supplies

Instead of purchasing boxes and packing materials, utilize what you already have. Use old boxes or ask friends if they have any spare boxes. School bags and suitcases are also effective for packing. Old newspapers or clothes can serve as packing material to protect fragile items.

Buy Secondhand Furniture 

If you’re moving out for the first time or need to replace old furniture, consider shopping at thrift stores and yard sales. You can often find furniture and appliances in good condition for a fraction of the price. Just ensure that any necessary repairs won't exceed the cost of buying something new.

Sell Unwanted Items

Rather than bringing everything with you, sell items you no longer need. Old clothes, books, and furniture can be sold through yard sales or online listings. This not only helps declutter your move but can also provide you with additional cash for your moving expenses. Consider donating items that you can't sell.

Plan Your Move Carefully

Effective planning can help you save on expenses. Packing everything ahead of time allows for a more efficient move, reducing trips and gas costs. Schedule your moving day when your friends are available to assist you, making the process smoother and more enjoyable.

With a little planning and resourcefulness, moving can be a manageable and less costly endeavor.

Renters Insurance Coverage Options

Renters insurance is an optional yet highly recommended type of coverage designed to protect renters in various ways. From liability protection to coverage for personal property and other areas, having a renters insurance policy can provide numerous benefits. However, a common question arises: does renters insurance also cover moving? Will relocating be addressed by this insurance policy?

Since the landlord’s insurance typically does not include coverage for tenants' personal belongings, renters insurance becomes essential for their protection. Policies can vary significantly by state and insurance provider. As a smart renter, it's crucial to ask the right questions and understand what to check to determine if your renter's insurance will cover any damages incurred during a move.

Conduct a Thorough Checking

Before purchasing renters insurance, it's recommended to ask your agent whether the policy will specifically cover moving. Some policies may require the submission of paperwork within a certain timeframe before the move, while others may include language that automatically extends coverage to your new residence.

Generally, renters insurance is structured to ensure you are fully covered, particularly concerning personal belongings, regardless of your location.

Moving Insurance Coverage

Many renters mistakenly believe that their moving company includes insurance for damages or replacement of personal property during the moving process. Similarly, not all renters insurance policies cover damages that occur to belongings once they leave the rental property, old or new.

While some policies do provide coverage for damages during the move, others may not cover possessions between residences. Nonetheless, most agents offer low-cost add-ons to standard renters insurance policies that can specifically cover moving-related expenses.

Coverage Type Verification

Even if your renter's insurance policy states that items damaged during the move are covered, there’s a chance the coverage might not meet your expectations. The policy could provide coverage based on the item's actual cash value or its replacement cost, and these are not equivalent.

For example, a decade-old sofa may be valued considerably less than the cost of purchasing a new one. Therefore, it is vital to carefully review your policy and ascertain what percentage of the value will be covered, whether it's a mere 10% or up to 100%.

For many years, movers had only two real options when it came to a big move: they could rent a U-Haul and do it all themselves, or they could pay for a moving company to do all the work for them. U-Hauls were cheaper, but the moving labor involved could make moving incredibly stressful. A professional moving company had to be vetted carefully, but sometimes a truck still went missing along with a family's entire possessions. Moving was more stressful than it needed to be, for many different reasons.

With options like U-Pack and PODS, you have many different moving options that can make moving simpler and easier for everyone.

1. You Don't Have To Deal With The Truck

U-Haul trucks can break down part-way through a move, leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere. Finding another truck can be a challenge, and trying to deal with the company to get repairs can be time-consuming and frustrating. By contrast, U-Pack and POD type companies do the driving for you. The container gets packed, and then you get to your destination however you choose. Road trips are much more fun when you don't have to drag everything you own along with you.

2. No Wear And Tear On Your Car

   If you rent a U-Haul trailer, you need to pay for higher fuel costs for your car during your trip. You can expect to have significant wear on your brake pads, and can find that your transmission and suspension are damaged during the trip. With a storage container moving service, however, you have a professional driver taking care of all of this for you. Your car gets to stay in great shape; you can have that shipped as well, or take the kind of road trip that's much more enjoyable.

3. No Unexpected Costs

   When you get an initial quote on a U-Haul, all that's quoted to you is the price of the truck itself. Mileage overages, fuel costs, insurance, and so forth are all extra. If you're paying cash, you'll need to put down a deposit on the truck. With PODS and U-Pack services, all of those details are included in the quote. You know what you're paying before you confirm your dates.

4. Only Pay For The Space You Use

   With U-Haul trucks, you have to pay for the size truck that will hold all your stuff. Unfortunately, this sometimes means that you need to rent a bigger truck than you really need; the smaller truck won't hold everything, so the bigger truck—and the higher fee—is your only choice. With U-Pack and PODs, you only pay for the space on the truck that you use. Your items are loaded into a storage container, and then multiple containers are loaded onto a truck. If you only need one, you'll only pay for one. If you need more storage space, arranging that is simple. Plus, many of the storage containers are the size of a regular parking space, making it easier to put them close to your front door without blocking traffic.

5. Storage Is Simple

   Most storage container moving services offer door-to-door service, but what if you're planning on taking a month-long vacation or taking a scenic route to your destination and don’t want your stuff to arrive right away? Or perhaps you’re moving into a smaller apartment while you find a home. Since your items are already packed in a storage container, storing them is simple. If you’re using a U-Haul to make your move, you'd need to unload your truck into storage—then rent another truck and reload it when you're ready to complete your move. That's a lot of work and expense which can easily be avoided.

6. Full Service Options

   Some container shipping companies offer full-service options where they will either pack all of your belongings, or they will load your packed items for you. In other situations, you could hire local movers to do this for you and still benefit from the lower cost of the container shipping rather than the square feet on a big truck. With a U-Haul, you can often hire movers at both ends of your trip, but you still have to do the driving in the middle, find places to stay every night, and generally have all the lousy parts of a road trip without any of the fun.

If you're just moving a few things from one side of town to another, a U-Haul may still be the right way to get everything where it needs to go. But for longer moves, services like U-Pack and PODS are often the right choice.

Moving can indeed be a stressful experience, filled with numerous tasks that seem overwhelming at times. It involves coordinating various activities like enrolling your child in a new school, packing your belongings, and managing the logistics of hiring movers. However, with the right strategies in place, you can navigate this process smoothly.

One effective way to stay organized is by creating a checklist of essential tasks. Aim to develop this list a month before moving day. Listing important tasks on a visible spot, like your fridge, ensures that everyone in the family is aware of what's needed and can contribute. As tasks are completed, crossing them off provides a sense of accomplishment. You might even consider transitioning your checklist into a calendar format, dedicating each day to specific tasks as moving day approaches.

It’s also wise to have a professional inspect your new home. Hiring a general contractor or home inspector can help you understand any potential issues with fundamental systems like plumbing or electrical work, giving you peace of mind before you move in.

Before you pack, don’t forget to declutter. Moving offers a great opportunity to sort through your belongings and determine what to keep, donate, or throw away. This not only reduces the amount you have to move but can also save you on packing supplies.

Getting organized involves managing paperwork and possibly hiring movers. Weigh the pros and cons of handling the move yourself versus hiring professionals. If you opt for a DIY move, factor in the costs of truck rental and packing supplies.

Speaking of supplies, gathering boxes and packing materials is essential. You can often find free boxes at local stores, which can significantly cut down on moving costs.

As you start packing, begin with the least used rooms and tackle non-essential items first. This method prevents last-minute chaos and makes unpacking easier.

When it comes to children, preparing them for the move can help ease their anxiety. Discuss the move openly and keep the conversation going to help them adjust better.

Before the big day, update your mailing address with USPS and other service providers to avoid missing important communications. Safeguarding sensitive documents during the move is also crucial. Keep these items separate and secure, possibly even moving them with you in your personal vehicle.

Timing your move for lower rates can further ease the financial burden. Off-peak days and times typically yield better pricing and availability. Once moving day arrives, remember that despite the hustle and bustle, it’s also a time to celebrate new beginnings. 

A moving checklist will be your best friend throughout this hectic time, helping maintain order and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. With thoughtful planning and organization, you can transform what might feel like an impossible task into an achievable goal.

Call a Specialist to Inspect Your New House

Hire a general contractor or home inspector to thoroughly examine all key house systems, such as the foundation, sewage, plumbing, electrical, and heating systems. Depending on the area and size of your house, it will probably take three to five hours and cost you around $300. Join the inspector throughout the inspection to learn about upkeep and preservation of the home, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of which issues are major and which are more minor.

Start Decluttering

One advantage of moving is decluttering. You likely have an attic or basement that needs to be cleaned out. Reducing your moving expenses by decluttering before you move can provide you with a fresh start in your new location. This can help limit the number of items to pack and can ease unpacking since there will be less stuff to organize.

Get Organized

As you check off items on your moving checklist, it’s essential to keep track of moving-related expenses and documentation in an organized manner. Once the moving date comes closer, ensure that you prioritize packing your things.

 Should You Hire Movers or Take the DIY Route?

Consider how far your new home is, if you can move large items, and whether friends or family can help. If opting for DIY, set aside money for packing and possibly a rental moving car. If you prefer assistance, you can hire a company for either the packing, moving, or both.

 Get Moving Quotes

Selecting the right moving company is critical. Research companies, read reviews, and request quotes at least two months before your move. Be cautious of potential moving frauds—often the cheapest option is not the most reliable. Provide detailed information during the quoting process to receive accurate estimates.

 DIY Option

If you don’t have many items, moving without professional help is possible. Renting a moving truck is vital for DIY relocation, and don’t underestimate the effort involved.

Get Boxes and Packing Supplies

You’ll need quality boxes and packing materials. Movers may provide these for full-service relocations. Look for free boxes at local stores, and ensure boxes are sturdy enough to hold your belongings. Utilize various box sizes for different items.

Start Packing

Adopt a systematic approach to packing to avoid forgetting or damaging items. Begin with less-used rooms, and tackle the kitchen early since it’s often the most time-consuming. Pack non-essentials first and label boxes appropriately.

Prepare Your Children

Prepare your children for the move by discussing it in advance. This can reduce stress and help them adjust better.

 What To Move

Use the move as an opportunity to review all belongings. Decide what to keep, donate, or throw away to avoid unnecessary packing. Plan ahead to allow enough time for this process.

Update Your Address

Legally change your address with USPS, and update other service providers like utility companies. Don’t forget to change billing addresses for financial institutions to protect your identity.

Protect Your Personal Information

Keep important documents like passports and legal papers separate and secure. Make digital copies and consider transporting them personally rather than with the moving company.

Pick the Right Day To Move

Consider moving during the off-season (September through May) for potentially lower costs. Avoid busy days like the first and last of the month or weekends, if possible.

Moving Day

On moving day, remain positive and focused despite the chaos. Take breaks, know your neighborhood, and begin to turn your new house into a home. A moving checklist can facilitate this process, ensuring you address all necessary tasks smoothly.

So you've put the down payment on your new place, rented the truck, and set the date. Moving can be quite an expense, and there are some unexpected or hidden costs that might catch you off guard. A good rule of thumb is to take your estimated costs and double it to prepare for anything unexpected.

Movers: If you hire a full-service moving company, they usually have an option to pack your belongings for you. Remember that their estimate might depend on the number of packed boxes and total hours worked, so be sure to read the fine print regarding extra charges for added boxes.

Packing materials: If you plan to pack on your own, factor in the costs for tape, boxes (some grocery stores offer them for free), bubble wrap, newspaper, and any necessary fragile stickers.

Insurance: Basic liability coverage typically costs about $0.30-$0.60 per pound. This coverage may not be sufficient for higher-value items. Some companies offer full coverage insurance based on how you value your belongings.

Long carry fees: If you're moving out of state or country, check for extra costs. If movers can’t park right in front of your location, they might charge $90-$120 for every 75 feet they have to carry your items. If you’re moving to an apartment or a gated community, it could be wise to reserve parking in advance.

Hotels/meals: Set aside some funds to cover accommodations and meals for you and your family while waiting for your things to arrive.

Cancellation fees: These can apply not only to your moving company but also to your new home and possibly the place you're leaving. If a job falls through or another unforeseen delay happens, it's best to know how much this will cost.

Storage: You may need storage for items that won't fit or you don't want to move into your new home. Additionally, if there’s a gap between packing and moving, the moving company may charge you for storing your belongings.

Hoisting fees: For items that can't easily exit through the front door, like a jacuzzi or oddly shaped couches, some companies charge a hoisting fee to remove them through a window.

Service activation: Before settling in, ensure phone, cable, internet, electricity, trash, and water services are set up. Call beforehand to check if there will be any price changes. If you’re transitioning from an apartment to a house with a lawn, be prepared for increased water costs.

Gas/plane/bus tickets No matter how you plan to get to your new home, ensure you have enough funds to cover the journey.

Timing: Moving companies may charge more for weekend moves, as this is typically their busy period. If possible, schedule your move for a weekday, and avoid holidays for better rates.

Environmental fees: This fee may be charged by moving companies for disposing of leftover packing materials like boxes and tape that weren’t used.

Finally, always read the fine print before signing any contracts. If you have questions about any charges or terms, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. Understanding all the details up front can save you from unexpected costs down the line. 

Moving day and the preparation for it can give you a headache. There are so many things to remember and tasks to complete in a limited timeframe that it's essential to stay organized to ease the process. One of the best ways to achieve this is by creating a moving day checklist. This list will help itemize the tasks that need to be accomplished before the big day arrives, with many tasks manageable weeks in advance.

One significant factor that can impede your moving progress is clutter. Therefore, it's advisable to set aside items you do not wish to take with you and either sell or donate them. When packing, ensure to label all your boxes and keep any important documents accessible, rather than sealed away.

If you have kids, remember to set aside a box of their favorite things, which should be readily available upon arrival at your new home. Make sure to inform the movers that this box should be one of the first items unpacked.

As moving day approaches, it's common to realize just how much trash you have accumulated. Take the time to dispose of any debris, especially flammable items. In the days leading up to the move, separate your trash for easy disposal, either at a public trash can or, if your neighbors are amenable, in their trash can. Be mindful that your driver will not load flammable materials, so these should be discarded or transported in your vehicle.

Another practical consideration is parking. Ensure you have sufficient space allocated for your moving company's vehicle. If your current location does not provide easy access, coordinate with your neighbors to reserve a closer parking spot. Additionally, clear the walkways to allow the movers to move in and out of your home easily and efficiently. Remove any items that may cause obstruction, such as door mats, potted plants, and children's bicycles.

Items like plants and wind chimes should also be relocated to give the movers more headroom. Other potential obstacles to consider include rugs and screen doors. While not mandatory, it's a nice gesture to show appreciation to your movers, either by tipping them or providing meals and drinks. You don’t need to go overboard; something as simple as pizza, sandwiches, or Buffalo wings can go a long way. Remember to stock up on water and perhaps an energy drink or two for summer moves, as hydration is key during physically demanding days.

When considering a house move, the first step is to compare moving rates from various companies. However, many people overlook the importance of thoroughly reading through the details of the estimates they receive. The stress of moving often shifts focus to just getting belongings to the new location, leading to missed information about potential hidden fees.

Moving companies might not always verbally disclose these charges, but careful examination of your estimate document will illuminate what you might be paying extra for. By understanding these details, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and extra costs on moving day.

Here are some key points to focus on:

1. Rental Fees for Moving Blankets: Some companies charge for the use of moving blankets. While this isn’t universal, it’s wise to check your estimate to confirm whether this fee applies.

2. Packing and Sealing Boxes: Ensure your boxes are packed and sealed correctly. Moving companies might charge extra if they need to reinforce your parcels with tape.

3. Staircase Charges: If either your current or new home has stairs, inform your moving company ahead of time. Charges may apply for maneuvering items up or down staircases, and knowing this in advance allows you to negotiate or seek other options.

4. Parking Distance: The distance from your home to where the moving van can park legally might incur additional expenses. Inform the movers about any such obstacles.

5. Additional Fees: Look for charges such as gas surcharges or fees for processing credit card payments. Be aware of any restrictions that might require two moving companies to handle your relocation, which could lead to higher costs.

Do your due diligence before the move—research the moving company’s policies, past customer reviews, and overall track record. Most importantly, read your estimate days ahead of moving day, giving yourself enough time to explore other options if necessary.

Movers Corp ensures transparency in the moving process by listing companies that disclose all associated fees, helping you avoid unexpected charges.