Self Storage: What NOT To Store

Self Storage: The Rules of What NOT to Store

 

Remember that the owner of a self storage unit has ownership rights over every storage unit on the premises, including the one that you may be renting.  That means that most of the rights, as well as the responsibilities, of ownership still belong to that owner.  When you rent a self storage unit, you are agreeing to abide by all the rules of that self storage company.  Every storage location is different, so be certain to check the regulations at your individual storage facility.  Here are some of the basic items your storage unit company is likely to prohibit:

 

·         Animals (including pets):  While this would seem to be pretty obvious, you'd be shocked at what some people try to store.  Despite being outright cruel and irresponsible, keeping animals in storage units is very likely to kill them, and at minimum the animals are likely to severely damage the units.

·         Firearms and ammunition:  There are a few problems with storing firearms or ammunition in a storage unit.  The first problem is that in the event of a fire these items can be explosive, endangering the lives of rescue workers and others.  The second problem is that these items invite potential theft.  The third issue is that many state and local laws expressly prohibit these items from storage units.

·         Flammable liquids:  Again, fire is the main concern here, and therefore all kinds of flammable liquids (gasoline, kerosene, diesel, motor oil, turpentine, oil paints, etc.) are prohibited, and usually by law as well as your rental contract.

·         Perishable items:  Food is the most obvious culprit in the perishable items category, but it also includes beverages and plants.

·         Hazardous items or waste:  While I am a bit puzzled as to why someone would risk storing hazardous waste in a self storage unit, it does bear to keep in mind that anything that might be hazardous is likely to be prohibited from being stored.  A general rule of thumb is that if an item can cause harm if someone is exposed to it, it isn't allowed to be stored in a storage unit. 

·         Illegal items:  While I would think that this would be obvious to everyone, I include this for the sake of completeness.  Illegal items such as drugs, drugs paraphernalia, stolen items, or any other property that is illegal to own may not be stored in a storage unit.  You'll want to check with the manager of your specific storage unit for a complete list; however, if you're in doubt, you should assume that you shouldn't be putting it in your self storage unit.

·         Objectionable items:  The objectionable items category is a broad one, and includes anything that they produce undesired odors or sounds, especially if those odors or sounds can be detected outside of the storage unit.  The storage unit owner may expand this category to include other items.

·         Items prohibited in your contract:  As you have probably gathered by now, self storage unit owners have a wide berth in terms of determining what can't be stored.  That's why it's a good idea to read the contract in detail, even though most of us just race to sign on the dotted line.  Not knowing what's prohibited could end up causing your items to be left on the street- so please be careful!

 

And there you have it- the items to avoid storing in your self storage unit.  For more, FREE moving tips and articles, please visit our blogroll of top moving blogs:

 

·         How to Move HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Movers-Edge Blog on WordPress

·         Move To Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Advice HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Checklist HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving HQ Blog on Wordpress

·         Moving Tip of the Day Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Tips HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving To HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Relocating HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Relocation HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Tips Blog on Multiply

·         Movers-Edge Blog on Blogger

·         Moving Advice HQ Blog on Blogger

·         Moving Checklist HQ Blog on Blogger

·         Move To HQ Blog on Blogger

·         How To Move Blog on Blogger

·         Moving HQ Blog on Blogger

·         Moving Tip of the Day Blog on Blogger

·         Moving Tips HQ Blog on Blogger

·         Moving To HQ Blog on Blogger

·         Relocating HQ Blog on Blogger

·         Relocation HQ Blog on Blogger

·         Moving Tips on Posterous

·         Moving Tips Blog on LiveJournal

Good luck on your move!  :-)

 

 

 

 

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Self Storage in 5 Easy Steps

Moving is always a time of transition.  This is especially true when that transition involves moving to a place with less storage space.  It might be a place with fewer bedrooms, the loss of a basement or attic, or more people living without more room.  Whatever the cause, you might be faced with self storage requirements.

Save yourself time, stress and money on your self storage/ mini storage needs with the tips in this article.

Self Storage: The Basic Steps

1.  Identify the size of the self storage unit you'll need and how long you'll need it.

2.  Make a "Self Storage Feature List" of the features you'll need (climate control, security, location, 24 hour access)

3.  Develop a list of potential self storage locations. Check your list against _______.

4.  Visit top self storage locations and compare them against

5.  Make your final choice and sign the contract.

 

Self Storage Step 1: Identify the size of the self storage unit you'll need and how long you'll need it.

Just to point out the obvious, you'll save money and time by putting fewer, smaller items into self storage.  That means you're better off doing one or more of the following with excess items:

·         Sell them at a moving sale.

·         Donate them to charities such as Goodwill, The Salvation Army or The Purple Heart.

·         Give them away to people who can use them now and value them.

·         Store them with family or friends IF it's for a very brief time and they're willing.

Once you've eliminated what you can, it's time to figure out how much space you'll need.  Self storage units vary from one location to another, but here are some basic sizes and guidelines, adapted from "The Storage Place Inc" website:

·         5' x 5': holds a small number of boxes or small bedroom furniture.

·         5' x 10': holds a few pieces of furniture, including a couch.

·         10' x 10': holds the contents of a small, one-bedroom apartment.

·         10' x 15': holds the contents of a small, two-bedroom apartment.

·         10' x 20': holds the contents of a small, two-bedroom house or a small car.

·         10' x 25': holds the contents of a larger, two-bedroom house or a larger car.

·         10' x 30': holds the contents of a three-bedroom house, or the contents of a 36-foot moving van.

·         10' x 40': holds the contents of a four-bedroom house.

Use this list to narrow down the size of space you'll use.

 

Self Storage Step 2: Make a "Self Storage Feature List."

After deciding on the size of self storage unit you'll need, to identify what features you want to go with it.  Think of it as a "shopping list" for comparing self storage units. 

It's a good idea to break down the features into 3 categories based on how important they are to you:

* A - Absolute musts.  If a self-storage unit does not have this feature, you won't consider it.

* B - Better to have than not.  These are features that would be plusses, but not required.

* C - Couldn't care less.  As the name would imply, these features may exist, but don't really matter to your decision.  

Here is our list to help you get started:

·         convenient location

·         climate control

·         24-hour direct access

·         monitored security cameras

·         security guards on premise

·         sprinkler system

·         alarm system

·         insurance available

·         payment methods accepted

 

Self Storage Step 3: Develop a list of potential self storage facilities.

Now that you know what you’re loking for, it’s time to begin the search process.  You can kick off the process by investigating five of the most popular self storage companies:

·         Public Storage

·         U-Haul (yes, the same company that offers truck rentals)

·         ExtraSpace Storage

·         United Stor-All

·         U-Store-It

Check your self storage candidates against the Self Storage Feature List that you created earlier.  Any facilities that are missing “A – Absolute must” features should be crossed off.

 

Self Storage Step 4: Visit top self storage locations and compare them against one another.

Yes, I realize that actually taking the time to visit each of your top choices isn't convenient.  However, there are things you will discover by visiting that you wouldn't otherwise.  How does the location look?  Does the neighborhood seem stable?  Is the facility as easy to reach as you imagined?  What's the condition of the existing storage units?  Does the place seem well-maintained?

Take notes at each facility and clearly mark which property you're visiting.  Eliminate from your list any of the locations that seem sketchy.

 

Self Storage Step 5: Make your final choice and sign the contract.

If you've followed all the previous steps in this article, this final step should be relatively easy.  Try to order each of your final candidates by how well they did in each category.  If you're finding it difficult to choose your top pick, try eliminating your least favorite option first, then repeat the process until you have your final pick.

Please note that the price of the monthly rate is a very important factor, but it isn't the only factor.  There's something to be said about paying for peace of mind- if you lay awake at night worrying about the safety of your belongings, you've made the wrong choice.

Speaking of rental rates, be sure to ask your self storage facility manager if they provide any of the following discounts, programs or bonuses that might apply to you:

·         First or last month free

·         Rental discounts for seniors, students, or military personnel

·         Discounts on related items or services such as moving boxes and supplies, rental trucks or moving companies

When signing the final contract, you may be offered insurance coverage.  Make sure that you aren't already covered by your homeowner's insurance, and be very clear about exactly what is covered, whether damaged or stolen items are reimbursed at replacement cost levels, and what any deductibles may be.  Ideally you wouldn't be storing anything of value in an unattended storage unit, but if you are, you want to make certain you aren't paying for insurance coverage that doesn't fully protect you.

These steps should allow you to have a successful self storage rental experience.

For more, FREE moving tips and advice, please visit our BlogRoll of moving blogs:

·         How to Move HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Movers-Edge Blog on WordPress

·         Move To Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Advice HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Checklist HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving HQ Blog on Wordpress

·         Moving Tip of the Day Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Tips HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving To HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Relocating HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Relocation HQ Blog on WordPress

·         Moving Tips Blog on Multiply

·         Movers-Edge Blog on Blogger

·         Moving Advice HQ Blog on Blogger

·         Moving Checklist HQ Blog on Blogger

·         Move To HQ Blog on Blogger

·         How To Move Blog on Blogger

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Moving: 12 Places to Find Near Your New Home

When settling into a new place after a move, there are several local shops, services and facilities you might want to locate.  Here are a dozen of those locations for you to put on your post-move checklist:

 

 

·         Shopping center/ mall.  This one is fairly obvious.  You'll want to find a place that allows you to combine several errands at once, saving time, money, stress and energy consumption. 

 

·         Hospital/ emergency care center:  This is one that most of us would prefer not to think about.  However, it’s also one that you don’t want to scramble for in a crisis.  Note that in recent years a number of emergency care centers have opened.  These centers aren't usually part of a hospital, but can handle many emergency situations and send you to a hospital if the situation requires that.

 

·         School:  If you have school-age children and aren't home schooling, make sure you know where the school is, where the closest bus stop is, and what type of safe routes exist between your new place and the school.  Try to arrange a tour for your kids.

 

·         Day care center:  If your kids will be in day care, now is a good time to investigate local centers.  Be sure to find out what the hours and late policies are, and determine what driving times will be like from both your home and work.

 

·         Library:  Take advantage of both central libraries and branches close by.  Not only can you save on the cost of books and magazines, you may also be able to borrow movies and music, get free internet access, make photocopies, pick up local postings, find community groups to join and more.

 

·         Post office:  If you haven't filed your change of address with the post office, now would be a good time for that.  You may also want to choose to have a post office box for certain categories of mail.  Check out their hours as well as finding your closest mailbox and its pick-up times.

 

·         Grocery store:  Unless you're in a rural area, you may find you have several options for purchasing your local groceries.  As you visit a few, sign up for any discount card programs they have.  Also make a note of their prices, coupon policies (double coupons, for example), selection, specialties that may interest you (bakery, pharmacy, flower shop, coffee bar, etc.), how busy they are, and their days and hours of operation.

 

·         Pharmacy: Finding your closest pharmacy is obviously important, but you may also want to check into factors such as where the closest 24 hour pharmacy (especially important if you have small   children or chronic medical conditions), cheap programs for generics (such as the WalMart $4 promotion), and pharmacies as part of other stores where you'll be shopping regularly (like the grocery).

 

·         Convenience store:  For most people, the selection of a convenience store will be based on location alone.  Whenever you run out of a staple, like milk, it's good to know what's nearby until you can make it until the grocery store next.

 

·         Hardware store:  Whether you're moving into a studio apartment or a mansion on the hill, there always seems to be a need for a hardware store.  Lowes and Home Depot are the two most common "big box" retailers of hardware (check online for coupons or stop by the customer service desk and ask for one), but you might want to check for neighborhood retailers.  If that doesn't work, keep in mind that many large retailers such as Wal-Mart and Sears carry most of the basics.

 

·         Dry cleaner:  You may or may not have regular dry cleaning needs; however, many local dry cleaners offer other valuable services such as alterations, shoe repair, and cleaning and storage of bulky items like comforters.  Finding out what's available is usually worth the trip.

 

·         Car repair center:   One thing you want to avoid at your new place is being stranded without a car if that's your primary means of transportation.  You'll probably want to have locations for two different kinds of repair shops: one dealership for your make of vehicle to take care of the complex repairs, and a general repair shop for the day-to-day tasks.  This combination should take care of the most likely car issues.

 

And there you have it: one dozen places to locate near your new home.  For more, free moving tips and advice, please check out the following resources:

 

·         Moving checklist: The Ultimate Moving Checklist

·         Tips for moving: 101 Best Moving Tips

 

Good luck on your upcoming move!

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Why are moving boxes so expensive?

Moving Box Question:

Why are moving boxes so expensive?

Moving Box Answer:

Moving boxes can cost more than other boxes for any or several of the following reasons:

·         Materials and construction.  Moving boxes are made to be more rugged, often using what's called "double wall" construction.  The materials and methods used to accomplish this are more expensive, making the boxes more expensive.

·         Convenience.  Under the stress and urgency of a move, many people are more interested in getting their boxes quickly and easily than doing a lot of comparison shopping.  That means retailers of self storage units, moving truck rentals and similar moving services don't have much incentive to compete on price.  That keeps those prices higher.

For more FREE moving resources, please visit one of the following blogs:

·         Relocating Blog on Blogger

·         Relocation Blog on Blogger

·         Moving Tips on Blogger

·         Moving Tips on LiveJournal

·         Movers Edge Blog on Xanga

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How to File a Change of Address With The U.S. Post Office

Moving can be a stressful time.  There are dozens of tasks to track and accomplish, and there never seems to be enough time to get it all done.  In the midst of all this, you don't want to neglect telling the right people about your new address and phone number.  This article will describes the steps involved in filing a change of address with the U.S. Post Office, which types of change of address are available, and how to choose which type to file.

The actual filing of a change of address form with the post office is what many people think of when it comes to the topic of “change of address.”  Filing that change of address accomplishes two main goals:

·         It directs the U.S. Post Office to forward mail sent to you old address to your new address.

·         It allows companies that subscribe to the National Change of Address Service (or NCOA) to be notified of your new address.

Change of Address Types: Permanent vs. Temporary

There are two types of address change you can file: a permanent change of address and a temporary one.  Now, a good question might be, “Why would I file a temporary change of address instead of a permanent one?  It comes down to controlling your privacy. 

The information in a permanent change of address is made available to all those companies who subscribe to the National Change of Address service while information filed through a temporary change of address usually isn't.  So, if you file a temporary change of address with the post office and notify each person or organization who sends you mail individually, you’re in charge of who knows that you’ve moved.  It also means that it’s more difficult for “junk mailers” to find you.

Keep in mind that you face a trade-off.  If you file the permanent change of address, you have a “safety net” in case you’ve forgotten anyone, but you risk the chance that more junk mail may find you.  If you file the temporary change of address, you can potentially cut down on junk mail, but you could end up missing out on notifying everyone before the temporary change of address ends, and you will also miss the large number of coupons and discounts forwarded only to those who have filed a permanent change of address.

Change of Address Methods

The post office offers both a traditional, paper-based form (free) for address changes and an online filing option ($1 fee to discourage fraud).  You'll need to specify when your move is taking place, as well as whether the move is for just one person or the entire household.

It's a good idea to file 4-6 weeks in advance, although many post offices can begin forwarding mail after just a few days.  You'll definitely want to have your mail taken care of so that none of it is arriving on Moving Day itself.

IMPORTANT NOTE: A post office change of address DOES NOT take care of everything.  There are a few notable shortcomings to the process:

·         Limited mail types.  The post office will be forwarding first class mail and most periodicals.  It does not forward "standard mail" (formerly known as bulk permit mail or just "bulk mail.")

·         Limited time. Even a permanent change of address filing only lasts for 6 months (although it can be renewed for another 6 months).  Therefore, definitely register with the post office, but also use a secondary service and/ or notify important contacts individually.

For more FREE moving tips, articles and advice, please visit the following resources:

·         Movers-Edge Blog on Blogger

·         Moving Advice HQ on Blogger

·         Moving Checklist Blog on Blogger

·         Moving To Blog on Blogger

·         How to Move Blog on Blogger

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Moving Boxes- How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need?

Moving Box Question:

 

How many moving boxes will I need?

 

Moving Box Answer:

 

Every household is different, which makes every move different.  That also means that there can be a large amount of variation in the number of type of moving boxes they’ll need.  For example, if you have a large number of filled bookcases, you’re likely to need more small boxes to hold all the books (larger boxes can’t take the weight of heavy books without breaking).  If you’re a “pack-rat”, that also means you need more boxes, just as you do if you have been living in the same place for a larger number of years.

 

That being said, here is a table of recommended box quantities: 

 

·         1-2 Rooms:

 

·         7-10 Small Boxes

·         3-5 Medium Boxes

·         3-5 Large Boxes

·         2 Dish Pack Boxes

·         1-2 Wardrobe Boxes

·         1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

 

·         3-4 Rooms:

 

·         15 Small Boxes

·         8-10 Medium Boxes

·         6-8 Large Boxes

·         2-4 Dish Pack Boxes

·         1-2 Wardrobe Boxes

·         1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

 

 

·         5-6 Rooms:

 

·         20-25 Small Boxes

·         12-15 Medium Boxes

·         8-10 Large Boxes

·         3-5 Dish Pack Boxes

·         3-4 Wardrobes Boxes

·         1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

 

 

·         7-8 Rooms:

 

·         30-40 Small Boxes

·         20-25 Medium Boxes

·         12-15 Large Boxes

·         4-5 Dish Pack Boxes

·         4-5 Wardrobe Boxes

·         1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

 

 

One of ways to save money on moving boxes for your move is to purchase moving box packs or bundles.  Most online moving box websites, as well as retail locations that focus on selling moving boxes (such as self storage and moving truck rental locations), offer boxes in these packs.  They often also include things like packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and black markers.

 

You should always check to make sure that you will need all, or most, of the boxes that are included in any kit.  You should also check to be certain that returns are accepted if you don’t use all the boxes that you purchase.  It’s always better to have a few extra boxes and not need them than to run out of boxes as your deadline approaches.  By arranging to purchase your boxes from a retailer who accepts returns, you can have those few extra boxes handy without worrying about over-paying.

 

Here are the guidelines on the box sizes mentioned above.  NOTE: Box sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so if you need exact dimensions, please verify the sizes before you purchase them!

 

·         Small moving boxes: approximately 15" x 12" x 10"

·         Medium moving boxes: approximately 18" x 15" x 12"

·         Large moving boxes: approximately 18" x 17" x 20"

·         Dish pack boxes: approximately 18" x 18" x 28"

·         Wardrobe moving boxes: approximately 24" x 24" x 40"

·         File boxes: 15” x 12” x 10”

 

 

Two other notes:

 

For more free moving tips and advice, please visit the following moving blogs:

• http://moving-hq.blogger.com
• http://moving-tip-of-the-day.blogger.com
• http://moving-tips-hq-.blogger.com
• http://moving-to-hq.blogger.com
• http://relocating-hq.blogger.com
• http://relocation-hq.blogger.com

 

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Moving Boxes: Is there anything special about moving boxes vs. any other kind of box?

Moving Box Question:   

 

Is there anything special about moving boxes vs. any other kind of boxes?

 

 

Moving Box Answer:

 

Yes.  There are two main differences between moving boxes and many other boxes:

 

1.    Moving boxes are constructed to be much sturdier than an ordinary cardboard box.  Cardboard boxes are usually measured using two different scales: one is called the ECT, or Edge Crush Test, and the other is called the Burst Strength test.  The ECT measures the degree to which a box will hold its form and how well the boxes can be stacked one upon another.  The Burst Strength test is measured in pounds, and identifies how well a box can hold together.  Moving boxes usually carry a higher score on the ECT scale (meaning a score of 32 or higher) and the Burst Strength Test (a value of 200 pounds or higher), demonstrating that they are better alternatives for the demands of a household move.  That allows them to hold more weight (about 65 pounds) while resisting tearing or crushing. 

 

2.   Moving boxes come in specific designs to help solve specific problems associated with moving:

 

·         Wardrobe boxes.  These tall, deep boxes with built-in bars for hangers are ideal for transporting clothes from closets without causing damage or wrinkling.  They are also extremely easy to use.  In most cases, you can lift clothes straight from your closet hanger bar directly onto the hanger bar of the wardrobe box.  Tip:  You can use the bottom section of wardrobe boxes to transport shoes, which will cut down on the total number of boxes you’ll need.  Recommendation:  We recommend these boxes.

 

·         Dish packs.  Sometimes called "cell boxes," these units separate and protect dishes and glassware with internal dividers.  They do a great job of keeping things for the kitchen organized. Tip:  Dishes should be packed on their edges, as if they were in a dish drying rack, and stemware should be packed standing up, not on its sides.  Recommendation: These boxes are very helpful, but not absolutely necessary.

 

·         File boxes.  Designed specifically for transporting papers in file folders, these boxes often come with interlocking tops.  Tip:  You might wonder why you would need file boxes if you already have your files neatly stored in your file cabinets.  The main reason is that files are incredibly heavy, and that file cabinets were never designed to be moved with files inside them.  This combination leads to moving disasters, where file cabinets break and/or spill all their contents during a move.  Even if the cabinets and files survive intact, the people who move them can end up with serious injuries.  Recommendation:  We strongly recommend file boxes.

 

·         Picture frame boxes.  Designed to protect and transport large pictures and mirrors during your move, these boxes are often quite long, wide and flat.  And other than trying to flatten other boxes and tape them together, they are one of very few options available.  Tip:   It’s tempting to try to put multiple pictures together in the same box; however, they often get scratched or damaged if your do.  Recommendation:  We recommend picture frame boxes.

 

These two differences separate moving boxes from most other boxes.  If you end up getting free or used boxes for your move, you might want to check the stamps on the box bottoms to see if they meet the standards for strength, and to keep an eye out for the specialty boxes.  This should put you in good shape for your upcoming move or relocation.

 

For more FREE moving tips, articles and advice, please visit the following resources:

 

·         http://Moving-HQ.blogspot.com

·         http://MovingAdviceHQ.wordpress.com

·         http://Moving-Tips.posterous.com

·         http://Moving-Tips.livejournal.com

·         http://Moving-HQ.tumblr.com

·         http://MoversEdge.xanga.com

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