Deciding which items to throw out, donate to charity, or put into storage is difficult. It’s one of the most time-consuming parts of moving. It’s common for people to get frustrated and just keep everything. But when you’re moving, you need to take a look at your belongings honestly. You’ll see that some things aren’t worth keeping. To make the process of getting rid of things easier, here’s a short guide to get you started.

Throw Away

Torn and tattered clothes are at the top of the throwaway list. If it looks like a dog chewed on it, then throw it out. The same goes for clothes that are covered in stains. If you washed the item several times and the stains remained, then let it go. Some clothes just aren’t worth saving. If a garment looks so bad until it would embarrass you to wear, then don’t expect anyone else to wear it. Put it in the trash where it belongs.

Apply this same rule to furniture. Don’t waste money or space storing a useless item. A broken chair, a torn and tattered sofa, or a dresser with broken drawers serves no purpose. Unless you’re planning to repair the item or know someone who will just get rid of it. Check out this helpful article from Cheap Movers DC when deciding what to get rid of when moving.

As a rule of thumb, get rid of any item that you suspect has no value to anyone. Get rid of broken toys that can’t be fixed, books with pages ripped out, etc.… And never donate trash to a charity.

Donate Good (But Unwanted) Items to Charity

Some items no longer have a place in your life, but they’re too good to throw away. Donating these items to charity is the best option. You can also possibly receive a tax deduction for your donation.

Every city has at least one charity that accepts used items. In most cases, all the charity asks is that donations are clean and in good shape. Some charities accept clothes, books, toys, furniture, and other items. Most people will take their donations to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. But those aren’t the only options. Churches, homeless shelters, battered women’s shelters, and local thrift stores accept donations. You might want to check beforehand to see what type of donations the charity accepts. You can also donate to friends and family. They might need something you don’t want. Just remember that unless you donate to a legitimate charity, then you can’t receive the tax benefit.

Store the Rest

Anything that remains after trash and charity can go into storage. Furniture, electronics, clothes, and sports equipment are common storage items. These items are good, and you will use them again. You might have on-site storage on your property, but if not, then public storage is an option. When using public storage, then make sure to pay the rental fee. Failing to pay your rent can cause you to lose your items.

Whether you are moving across town or to the other side of the country, the process can be stressful. There are some moving options available. Along with rental trucks and full-service companies, you can also use portable storage units. The popularity of this self-moving and storage option is growing. As with any moving service, there are pros and cons associated with using a pod. Continue reading to learn some of the most commonly reported advantages and disadvantages of moving storage containers.

Advantages of Using a Moving Pod

Because pods have several advantages, the units can make your move less stressful. These include:

• The unit is conveniently delivered right to your home.
• Level loading from companies like PODS means no ramps are needed.
• Pods are available in several sizes depending upon your requirements. A favorite primarily for non-residential relocations, Mobile Mini offers customers seven different container sizes!
• The pod sits outside your house giving you the flexibility to pack at your own pace while providing a clean, secure place to store your items. You lock it and keep the key.
• You may not have to impose on friends and family to help you move.
• It is usually less expensive to opt for a pod than a full-service moving company. However, you can still hire hourly moving help through services like College Hunks to get the container loaded.
• If you have to move out of your old residence before your new home is ready, the pod can be stored temporarily. This means that you do not have to rent a self-storage unit.
• They can be used for temporary storage when you arrive at your destination, so you do not have to rush to unpack.
• You can drive your car rather than a large truck to your new home. This advantage eliminates the need to tow or make arrangements to ship your car.

Disadvantages of Moving Pods

While pods have numerous advantages, they do have some drawbacks. These include:

• As Great Guys Moving points out, storage containers are not climate controlled. While the container may protect your belongings from wind and rain, high humidity, heat or cold could increase the risk of damage to sensitive items. As your container provider if they have insulated containers which can help prevent extreme temperature fluctuations.
• Although you can lock the container, it sits outside making the unit subject to vandalism.
• If you need more time, you have to pay for the extra days. The total bill may not be known until after you complete your move. This could result in some surprise fees and other charges.
• A moving container is usually more expensive than a rental moving truck.
• You need a parking space or driveway in both locations to place the pod. This may require a parking permit in some areas. Your apartment complex may restrict access because it detracts from the aesthetics.
• Most pod companies are franchised, and it can be difficult to track the location of your pod.
• You cannot control exact pickup and delivery times.
• Assistance may be necessary when moving large items in and out of the pod.

Every storage and moving option has its pros and cons. When it comes time to move, weigh the factors of each type to decide which moving method is right for you. No matter which service you choose, remember to call around to get the best possible price and read comparisons of different companies, like upack vs PODS.

Moving from one place to another is one of the most challenging choices that one has to make. The complications arise because you are uprooting your life and leaving everything behind. Add to this the challenges of packing, finding movers, and adapting to new surroundings and moving could send you into a stress-induced tailspin. However, if you plan ahead and stay organized, it is possible to ease the pressure of moving. The first step of a successful cross country move is hiring movers you can trust. Below is our complete guide to help you hire long distance moving companies.

1. Organize your property before the move

Before you even start making calls to moving companies, you need to organize everything inside your home. If possible, you should start preparing for the move months before the actual date. Remove clutter from the home, and throw out everything that you are no longer using. Another great way to get rid of unwanted items before a move is holding a yard sale. This offers two great benefits: First, you will not have to pay for the transportation of the items to your new home, and second, you will have some extra money in your pocket. When organizing your things, do not throw everything into boxes in a random manner. It would be best to color code everything as you pack, as this will make the unpacking process easier.

2. Vetting moving companies

The dynamics of moving across the country are very different from those of moving across the same city. To be on the safe side, you need to hire movers who are certified, trusted and reliable in what they do. To get such a company:

• Ask how long the company has been in business.
• Inquire whether the company is licensed and insured.
• Ask what will happen to your property in case they destroy it during the move.
• Ask if they have any reviews from customers who have used their services before.
• Ask about the particular services they offer, for instance, let them explain if they have experience with tall buildings, whether they will help with unpacking and such details.
• Use resources that list pre-vetted companies. Sites like AMSA, and the US DOT can help you find licensed and insured movers without having to do all the digging on your own.

3. Getting a moving quote

When you have organized your things, you will be able to explain how much stuff you are moving to the moving company. The company will then have an easier time estimating the size of the truck or another moving vehicle which can sufficiently handle the load. Explain to them how far you are moving and how soon you want to make a move. They will weigh all these factors and give you an estimate of how much it will cost you to move. The time frame for the move also matters a lot, especially when the distance is long. Note that the shorter the notice you give the moving company, the higher the probability that they will charge you more.

Always ask for an estimate from two or three companies which look trusted and have reasonable rates. Take time and compare what they are offering and move with the most appropriate one.

Your basement is likely full of rarely used items, like Christmas decorations and that extra set of china passed down from grandma. So, when it comes time to pack those things and move them to storage, you will need to make some decisions as to what is worth keeping and what is not. In any event, you should always plan to pack early if your basement has a lot of items to move. Once you get organized and decide what to take and what to toss, then consider the type and quantity of packing materials needed. Keep in mind delicate items like antiques, glassware, souvenirs, artwork, and holiday decorations.

1. Get Organized

As you pack, take the time to label your boxes correctly. Many items in your basement are likely long-forgotten, and if you fail to pack carefully, they will likely stay that way. Plan systematically and seek moving help, if needed, along with the right moving tools that can include a dolly, moving straps, and such. You may also need help with large items like a piano and refrigerators, so consider hiring a local moving company to handle these pieces.

The basement is also the laundry room for millions of people. It may house your washer and dryer, along with other bulky items. You can pack these things last. Moving always runs smoother if you can focus on the smaller items first, which require more time and attention to pack appropriately. Choose sturdy boxes and make sure not to overpack anything.

You may also have to pack treadmills and home gym equipment, like an entire weight set. Some people use their basement for entertaining guests etc. To prepare couches and lamps for moving, place couch cushions and pillows in a sturdy plastic bag. If the sofa has a fold-out bed, make sure this is secured ahead of time. Cover each section of your couches and furniture with a strong, protection sheet. Store lamp bulbs separately.

2. Choosing a Moving Team

When choosing a moving company, get a thorough walk-through and be mindful not to pay a huge deposit. Choose a mover with a good reputation and ask for references. Avoid any packing costs if you can, and never accept a blank moving contract.

3. Choosing the Right Storage Facility

You should be picky about the self storage unit you select. Choose one that’s secure, with a 3rd party security presence or video-monitoring. Security equates to peace of mind when placing valuables in storage. Make sure your storage unit is climate-controlled as wood, electronics, and furniture can sometimes be sensitive to climate conditions. Make sure the staff is knowledgeable, experienced, and friendly. It may also be smart to choose a storage facility that allows you to make online payments and one that is not too far away from your destination. Be sure to check out our self-storage FAQs for additional tips.

Preparation is the key to a happy and successful move. It can make your life a lot easier. Those items you take care to pack and store will be in the same condition and position when you choose to unpack them.

Self-storage is a straightforward and practical option for everyone who needs a secure place to keep their belongings for a while. If you’re considering renting a self-storage space, this article can help you choose the right unit and store your items safely.

How can I find a storage facility near me?

Most towns have a handful of storage facilities from which to choose. Locate them by looking in the Yellow Pages or doing a Google search. If you’re using the internet, don’t forget to look up reviews for different storage facilities. These can help you choose the place that’s right for you. If you’re looking for Ottawa storage, check out the rental options with Storage Ottawa.

Do I need a reservation to rent a self-storage unit?

Some storage facilities require reservations, but most do not. If you’re worried about the facility filling up, it’s a good idea to call ahead of time and reserve a unit. However, most facilities will be able to accommodate you if you show up at the last minute and ask for a unit. You will probably need to present a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license to rent a storage unit.

Should I choose an indoor or outdoor unit?

An indoor unit provides an environment for your stuff that’s very similar to a closet. It provides some protection against seasonal temperature swings. Outdoor storage, on the other hand, is used for storing larger items. If you just want to store a few personal items, go for indoor storage. If you need to store large items like furniture, or if you want to be able to drive right up to your storage unit, choose an outdoor room.

What is climate control, and do I need it?

Climate control keeps the temperature inside your storage unit constant. While these units are typically more expensive, they provide better protection for items that may be sensitive to temperature swings. If you’re storing wood or leather furniture, wine, comic books, musical instruments, or other fragile items, a climate-controlled unit can keep them in good shape until you come back to them.

Can I store large items such as cars or motorcycles?

Some facilities provide storage space for large items like vehicles, heavy equipment, and boats. You will need an outdoor storage unit to store any of these things. If you’re not sure whether a facility can accommodate something you need to store, call ahead of time and ask.

What’s the best way to arrange things in my storage unit?

Use all of your space. Stack boxes to the ceiling, and fill any space like dresser drawers. Put heavy things on the bottom, and stack lighter boxes and items on top. Imperial Self Storage of NYC recommends leaving an aisle down the middle of the unit so you can access things at the back quickly.

What are some general tips to ensure my stuff stays safe?

• Fill boxes full to prevent them from getting crushed.
• Ensure everything you pack is clean and dry. Damp items will grow bacteria and mold.
• Keep fragile items safe by using plenty of packing materials, such as a newspaper. Check out our storage packing tips blog!
• Label your boxes clearly so you can find things more easily.
• Draw moisture out of the air by leaving a pan of charcoal somewhere in your unit.

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