It is no secret that moving house can generate a variety of discord - from endless paperwork to realising you own a considerable amount of possessions and the emotional feelings of leaving your old home behind, it can be easy to overlook how equally exciting it is to start a new chapter.
If you are planning on moving house, getting your possession from A to B can initially seem like a minefield. From finding a reputable moving company to orchestrating how to move that cumbersome grandfather clock your partner simply insists on keeping, making sure your possessions remain safe throughout transit will most likely be one of your utmost priorities.
Yet, there are many moving situations that will complicate matters further, for instance, in the case of a marriage breakdown or if you are moving abroad - there are various other complicated steps that you will need to take. For example, choosing what possessions to take with yourself and how to get them there. What’s more, if you are moving abroad, or to the other side of the country, then it is unlikely that you can move all of your possessions in one go. This is where storage solutions are beneficial.
Storage units can provide a safe, weather-resistant and affordable way to hold your possessions until you have settled into your new home or just overnight whilst you get your bearings. Storage units can be hired out for both long term and short term usage - so they are ideal for marriage breakdowns or if you are in the process of downsizing. For instance, marriage breakdowns will most likely lead to awkward discussions surrounding over who gets what, which can slow down the move. Simply placing the undecided items in a storage unit allows you and your ex-partner to see things more clearly and come to a rational decision. This is just one of the many examples as to how a storage unit can be beneficial, but of course, there are many more.
However, how do you hire a storage unit? And also, what does it entail? Below, we have collated together the ultimate guide of the Do’s and Don’ts to hiring and using a storage unit - so you can be safe in the knowledge that your move will become a whole lot easier to process and manage.
DO: Research a range of storage facilities and compile quotes
We think that it is imperative to research and check out a range of storage and moving companies before you hire a storage unit. After all, leaving it to the last minute may result in you receiving a storage unit size you don’t want, or having to settle for the most expensive option.
When researching a range of storage facilities, keep an eye out for the following:
-Accreditations
-Testimonials
-Whether they cater to both domestic and commercial needs
-Excellent security
These will prove to you that they can provide a service that is a cut above the rest, and, most importantly, be trusted to keep your precious items safe.
When researching storage facilities, don’t be afraid to ask for a quote. Compiling together quotes will help you find the most reasonable and cheapest option to suit your needs. However, it is a general rule of thumb to not go for the lowest option. Although it may be tempting to pinch a few pennies, the cheap price could reflect their quality of service (lack of), their inexperience and also their limited storage facilities. Of course, this may not apply to every company, but it’s worth taking extra caution before instantly booking the least expensive.
DO: Utilise storage solutions for overseas removals and downsizing
As previously mentioned, storage solutions are ideal for major life adjustments, including overseas removals, marriage breakdowns and downsizing. This is because, while you are figuring out your next step, many of your possessions can be safely looked after by a professional. This also saves the hassle of your possessions clogging up your friends or families homes. What’s more, when you are ready to access your items, albeit whether you are planning to sell them or take them to your new abode, you can easily and quickly take them with you.
It is no secret that moving to a new place is overwhelming with itself, and with extra stresses like sorting out visas, finding a place to live, and settling divorce papers, it can be comforting to know that one of the stresses of moving house is taken care of for you.
Most storage companies will offer a range of sizes that will suit your needs, hire length and the number of items you own. This aptly leads us onto...
DO: Check storage size before hiring
This one may seem obvious, but you certainly don’t want to turn up to a storage space with either too many or fewer items than you have. Though the latter is probably better than the former, it may mean that you are actually paying more than you need to. It can be difficult to decipher exactly what storage size you need, this is why it is important to ask the professionals who own the storage space. Having an idea of what you are putting in storage - whether its bulky large pieces of furniture or just a few cardboard boxes, will help you find the best storage space to suit both your budget and the number of items you have.
DO: Make an inventory of what you are storing
As mentioned above, it is important to have an exact idea of what you are putting away in storage as this will help you find the right storage size for your needs. However, it is also important to compile together an inventory of what you are putting away as this can help you keep track of your possessions and also will keep you in touch with anything that gets lost, stolen or damaged.
Make sure to make a few copies of these inventories, both electronic and on paper, and also take pictures of the items before you put them into storage to provide evidence if they do get lost, stolen or damaged.
DO: purchase a storage lock
Even though professional storage facilities will have many safety and security features installed already, it’s always worth purchasing your own storage lock that only you know the code to. After all, there is nothing wrong with having items that are ‘too safe’, and it can give you extra peace of mind that your possessions are safe and sound.
DON’T: Overcrowd a storage space
It can be tempting to just go for the smallest storage space and cram in as items as possible, however, overcrowding a storage space, can lead to a host of problems. One of the main issues is that it will make your storage space messy and disorganised. You never know when you need to access the items in your storage space, and it won’t be much easier if you can’t access either the one or two items you need without unpacking the whole space. What’s more, you may need to load these items in transit, and a messy, overcrowded space will lead to a bigger chance of items getting lost or damaged.
DON’T: Place perishable items in a storage space
This one may also seem obvious, but make sure in all circumstances to not place perishable items like fresh food and plants into a storage space. Simply put, if left for a long time, these foods will generate mould as they won’t have access to light and refrigeration. An even more horrifying thought is that this mould will spread easily in a confined space like a storage unit, creating horrible smells and also damaging your goods beyond repair.
If you anticipate that you will, or if you do, have dried or fresh foods that you can’t take with you to your new home, then either whip these up into creative dishes that you can eat before moving, donate them to a neighbour or give them to a local food bank.
DON’T: Store anything that is irreplaceable or super valuable
Though storage units are designed to keep your items safe from theft, there is always a small risk that your items could get broken into and taken or damaged by extreme weather conditions. This is why it is so important to not store anything that is either irreplaceable like heirlooms or nostalgic family photos and items, or super valuable items that would cost thousands to replace. Make sure to take these items with you when moving into a new home and also have them insured.
DON’T: Pack things unprotected
Storage units are, of course, designed to keep your possessions safe from any form of damage or theft - however, though the chance is slim, in extreme weather conditions your precious pieces could be exposed to water, snow, damp, and heat. This is why you must make sure that perfectly pack your items before placing them in storage. For instance, wrap them in waterproof packaging like plastic wraps and plastic boxes, pack the boxes tightly with cushioning (especially for fragile items), and use vacuum packs for textiles.
Michael Garratt Removals, Expert Moving Company in Paignton
Whether you are still waiting for the keys to your new home in Torquay, or you are taking a far-flung adventure across the world, it is likely that a containerised storage unit will be beneficial. If this sounds like you, then why not contact one of our professionals at Micheal Garratt Removals? Our expert moving services not only help home and business owners get their possessions from A to B, but we can also offer both short and long term storage solutions.
With us, you can have peace of mind knowing that your furniture and personal items are well kept and can only be accessed by you. We can also offer packing materials to help keep your items safe, from bubble covers for sofas and chairs to mattress bags. What’s more, we pride ourselves on being able to safely store oversized and cumbersome pieces like ladders, kayaks and musical instruments. To find out more, or to see our range of storage spaces, simply contact us today.
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