There are several reasons why you would need to move the entire contents of your house into storage for a while. This could be for a long term or for just a few weeks or months, depending on your circumstances. Moving the house contents into storage requires a different moving strategy to just packing up to move directly to a new address.

The most common way a household is moved into storage is in a shipping container. Shipping containers are very large boxes made of either steel or wood, which usually measure 8ftx7ftx5ft. Generally, these are brought to your house and the removalists fit everything inside. The container is then removed to the moving company’s storage area, where it is stored until you need it.

There are some items which are better not stored in this way. Valuables like jewellery should be kept with you or in a bank safety deposit box. The same applies to personal papers and important documents. Anything you possibly might need while your household is in storage should also be kept aside, because even if the storage company allows you to search your container, it would be very difficult to locate small items.

When your goods are going into storage, you need the same moving supplies as if you were moving directly to a new home. You will need moving boxes, packing materials, packaging tape and other moving supplies. Before putting anything into a moving box, make sure the bottom of the box is securely taped with packaging tape. It is no fun when the bottom of a box gives way half way out to the storage container. Pack possessions into moving boxes carefully, making sure that no box gets too heavy to carry.

Always pack heavy items in the bottom of the box and fill up the top with bulky but lightweight things like soft toys, blankets, cushions and pillows. Separate breakable items with packing paper or bubble wrap and use packing material to fill in any gaps between breakables. Label each box with the contents using a marker pen, then seal securely.

Furniture is packed into a moving truck or storage container rather like a huge jigsaw puzzle. Because of the close proximity of items, protect your furniture by using moving blankets over and between each piece. Protect the legs of wooden furniture by wrapping strips of bubble wrap around them and securing with packaging tape. Never stick packaging tape directly to the furniture as it could cause damage.

You might have some things that are too big to fit into the storage container, like ladders, which will be stored separately. Appliances should be thoroughly cleaned before they go into storage or they may smell over time. Freezers and refrigerators need to be cleaned a day ahead and wiped out with vinegar and water to prevent mould forming. Stuff a wad of bubble wrap into the door and tape the door to the body of the fridge, to keep the door slightly ajar to help prevent mould and smells.

Your moving or storage company will advise you of any special requirements they have. While in storage, your container will not be opened, unless it is by you, so your goods are quite safe. When you are ready to move into your house, the company will transport the storage container to your address where it will be unloaded into your home.

For more information you need for moving visit MovinGood.com.

So you are moving- What are you going to do with all of your things? If you can not take all of your possessions with you an option you may want to look into is renting a storage facility. A storage facility will keep your items safe and secure until you are ready to use them again. But before you decide on a storage facility, here are a few things you should think about.

Is it Safe and Secure?

When looking into a storage facility, you will want to look into what safety and security precautions they have in place. Ask each storage facility you contact the following questions:

• • Do they have an on- site manager at all times?
• • Is there video surveillance?
• • Is the storage facility grounds fenced or gated?

The more security measures the storage facility has the safer your belongings are, and more importantly, you will be when you visit.

Location

Finding a conveniently located storage facility will save you time and miles on your car. Do you really want to drive miles away from where you live or where you work to visit your storage facility? So pick a storage facility that is located near you if at all possible.

What Is Their Reputation?

Look into how the storage facility is doing as a business. A quick search online is all it takes to find out if they have positive or negative reviews from past and current customers. You may also want to check in with your local BBB to see if they have any complaints from customers. Another great way to see if they are a reliable storage facility is to ask around. Perhaps a friend, coworker or an acquaintance has used their services before.

Options

What options does the storage facility have? Obviously the options you need from a storage facility will depend on what you need to store. For instance, if you have a boat or car, you will need to look into a storage facility that can accommodate these large items. Or if you have things that need to be stored at a specific temperature, such as photos and wine, you will need to find a climate controlled facility. So think about these options, and what you need, before you make a decision on a storage facility.

Price

More often then not, decisions are based on price. So take the time to shop around and see what prices each storage facility has for comparable units. Remember that the more bells and whistles a unit has, such as climate control, the pricier it will be. Also consider that the safety of your items may come at a higher cost as well. A well secured storage facility may be more expensive than one that is not.
So before you pick a storage facility, remember to do your research. Spending a little time finding out what you need and what each storage facility offers is all it takes to keep your items safe and secure.

Need more information on storage facility? Need to find a great storage facility in your area? Then visit MovinGood.com, your online resource to everything moving related.