Tag: packing

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Moving

5 Top Tips to Save Moving Costs

by Paul Reynolds on SelfStorAll

Image1. Move Less Stuff.   The less there is the lower your moving coast. The most basic way to save on moving is don’t move so much stuff. Basically, purge, purge, purge.

2. Declutter in Steps. Tackle a room every few days and put things into donation and give away or garage sale piles. Almost anyone can reduce their possession by 20%.

3. Pack Yourself.  Pack most of your own things in boxes. By deciding to do this you can tell the moving companies to do estimates on basis they are moving not packing (except for covers and pads on large furnishings). Buy boxes and clean paper to pack. Start a few weeks in advance.

4. Plan Ahead.  Get some good moving checklists free on the web. Find one that fits you and your situation and use the list.  If followed these lists will save you both time and money.

5. Move at Off Times. If you are moving locally, consider moving during mid-month.  Moving companies are always busy at month’s end, but when business is slower some will lower rates. Just ask.

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Uncategorized

Top Tips About Packing the Awkward Things

by Paul Reynolds on SelfStorAll

Many of these hard-to-handle items require special preparation before moving day.

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  • Garden Tools: Pack small tools in boxes along with hoses. Tape long-handled tools together.
  • Power Tools/Tool Chests: Make sure all sharp edges or attachments are taped together and wrapped to prevent injury. Power tools should be packed with plenty of cushioning, and tool chests should be taped or tied securely.
  • Lawn  Furniture: If these pieces are too heavy or bulky to move intact, disassemble, put nuts and bolts in a plastic bag, tape to a furniture  piece, and tie the pieces together.
  • Bicycles: Loosen the handlebars and turn them sideways. Cover chains and pedals to keep oil and grease off other items.
  • Mirrors:  Wrap small mirrors in newspaper and pack them in boxes. Cover wall   mirrors, large paintings and other artwork with cardboard, tape securely, and stand them along the sides of the truck or if they fit, inside wardrobe boxes.
  • Lawnmowers, edger’s etc.: Empty gasoline from all tanks and check for oil leaks     
  • Rugs: Roll up carpets and throw rugs with rope or tape.
  • Valuables: Keep your valuables with you throughout your move.
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Uncategorized

Bubble wrap and Padding: A guide to properly packing your fragile items

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For me,  the hugest pain of moving is not attaining boxes and packing all of my worldly possessions, but more so packing delicate items, specifically dishware; those china plates are fragile and will break easily. In order to protect your fragile items, I would suggest:

  • Individually wrapping each plate like a present with a thick layer of bubble wrap
  • Lining your boxes with a towel or a soft material to cushion your items
  • If you do not have a soft towel or soft material, try using wads of crumbled newspaper instead
  • Always place cups and glasses rim down
  • When wrapping glasses, do not only wrap the outside of the glass but the interior as well; you want full protection
  • Place dishes on their side and place smaller items inside of larger items for more storage space within your box
  • Make sure your box is packed evenly and tightly, i.e. no large unfilled spaces within the box, no loose space for your items to slide everywhere
  • Leave an inch or two of space towards the top of the box and then fill in this extra space with more padding (newspaper, foam, bubble wrap, a towel)
  • For extra protection, you can also invest in Dish Pack Dividers. Dish Pack Dividers are exactly that, dividers with multiple columns and rows to isolate your dishes to protect them more. However, please wrap your items even if you’re using a Dish Pack Divider. You can find Dish Pack Dividers online or at your local hardware store.

Furthermore, once you do move your boxes of fragile items into storage, make sure to:

  • Properly mark your boxes; I suggest using a different colored permanent marker for each type of dishware (red for cups, blue for plates, yellow for bowls)
  • Be sure to move boxes you do not need access to, to the back of your unit and place your boxes with fragile items towards the front. If there is not enough space, place the boxes of fragile items on top of other boxes you know you will not need access to anytime soon.

Follow the tips above to successfully store your breakables. Happy wrapping!