Moving to a new place requires making lots of decisions.  You need to choose whether you're moving yourself or hiring a professional moving company, which business to choose for movers or moving truck rental, which items to pack which ones to let go, and many more.  One of those choices is going to be which self storage or mini storage company to use if you need a place to store items that won't fit easily in your new home.

That means that you'll need to know what to look for in your storage unit facility.  Here are some of the biggest factors to use in your self storage decision-making:

·         Location:  The old joke in real estate about the top 3 factors in selecting a home being "location, location and location" often holds true in storage unit facilities as well.  You're going to look for a facility that is close to your new place and is easily accessible from major roads to make things convenient for you.  The crime rate of the neighborhood should also be a major factor.

·         Unit size: You want to have a storage unit that is large enough to hold all your surplus possessions, plus room to be able to get in around those possessions, plus possibly some room for "growth" in case you need to add more items after your move (a common occurrence).  The reason for allowing these "pluses" is that you don't want to have to break your lease or rent a second unit with additional fees simply because you weren't planning ahead when you made your original choice. The smallest size units are usually 5' by 5', which will hold a small number of boxes or small bedroom furniture.  The largest units are typically 10' by 40', which is large enough to hold most of the contents of a 4-bedroom house.

·         Climate control:  More and more storage facilities have begun offering climate control for their units, meaning they are typically inside a larger building.  The primary advantages of climate control are that they preserve delicate items from heat, cold and humidity much better than non- climate controlled units, and are much more comfortable work in around in inclement weather.  These units typically charge a significant premium.

·         24-hour direct access: This is typically a factor of pure convenience, and while nice to have, probably shouldn't be your primary criterion unless you envision needing to access your unit in off-hours or on holidays.  Also, if you plan on keeping your items in storage for a longer period of time and not needing to access them often, you're less likely to need this feature.

·         Monitored security cameras: This additional security feature is especially nice if some of the items you are storing are very valuable (as a general note, I don't recommend storing valuables in a storage unit).  Please note that the cameras don't do nearly as much good if they aren't monitored, so verify that they are.

·         Security guards on premise: Similar to the monitored security cameras mentioned above, it's an extra bonus to have security guards on premise if they actually spend their time patrolling the areas around all the units.  However, if you pick the right facility, this will be hopefully unnecessary!

·         Sprinkler system: A fire raging through a series of storage units is certainly a nightmare you want to avoid.  Sprinkler systems are great if this unlikely occurrence does happen; however, you'll want to encase your belongings in case they go off.  Water damage often causes as much if not more damage to property than fire.

·         Insurance available: It's always a good idea to make certain that you have adequate insurance coverage for all your belongings, including those in your storage unit.  And having insurance available from your storage facility is certainly very convenient.  However, all insurance is not created equal, and you'll want to be sure you fully understand exactly what is covered, whether the coverage is for replacement value or another amount, and whether your existing homeowner's coverage applies to your storage unit items.

·         Payment methods accepted:  If you're going to have your storage unit for any length of time, you'll want to find out what types of payment are accepted for monthly billing, and whether those options meet your needs.

·         Pricing: This is the most obvious consideration, but I left it as the last one on the list for a specific reason.  The cheapest price may not be associated with your best storage facility.  If you end up unable to sleep at night because of the poor quality of your storage facility, you haven't achieved much of a bargain, so please look carefully.

And there you have the top considerations for selecting the right storage facility.  

For more free moving tips on movers, relocation, self storage, moving truck rental and more, please visit us at http://www.Movers-Edge.com.  One of our most popular articles is our Address Change Guide, which offers a wise variety of tips and tricks on how to file your change of address.

Good luck with your move! 

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Moving involves a lot of work.  There are utilities to disconnect at your old place and set up at your new one, changes of address to send, forms to complete and file, and packing.

Packing usually involves the most work and takes the most time in the entire moving process.  This article describes how to hold a packing party to help get more packing done.

Background: What is a packing party?

A packing party is a social event where friends come together to wish someone well in their new home while helping with some of the basic packing chores.

The Steps

Here are the basic steps for holding a successful packing party:

1. Create the guest list.

2. Set the date.

3. Arrange for the food.

4. Send the invitations.

5. Plan the packing.

6. Prepare for the guests.

7. Manage the party

The Details

Packing Party Step 1: Create the guest list.

There are a few criteria you'll want to use in putting together your guest list:

·         Your potential guests should know you well enough to care about your move.

·         You need to be able to trust your potential guests with helping you pack.

·         You should invite people you can rely on to actually show up.

·         Don't invite anyone who is going to be resentful about packing or who can't enjoy the party.

Okay, now assuming there's anyone left on your list, move onto Step 2!

Packing Party Step 2: Set the date.

You want to schedule your packing party about 2 weeks prior to your moving day.  That should give you enough time to prepare for the event while leaving enough time remaining to make up for any packing that doesn't get done.

Packing Party Step 3: Arrange for the food.

While I don't completely understand it, there is no denying the fact that food has miraculous powers to attract and motivate people.  And now is one of those times to reward those who come to help you.  If you're a great cook, break out your signature dishes.  If you can't cook, try recruiting a friend who can help make the meal.  If both of those fail, pizza and beer are usually good alternatives.

Remember, those coming to help deserve the good stuff!

Packing Party Step 4: Send the invitations.

I usually recommend a three wave system:

·         Start with an email letting people know that written invitations are coming, but asking them to reserve the date. Be sure to mention the food and request a reply.

·         The written invitation comes next.  Yes, it's more trouble than email, but it makes a much bigger impression and serves a mark of respect for your guests.

·         Lastly, follow up with a phone call.

Packing Party Step 5: Plan the packing.

There are a few guidelines for planning how guests can best help pack:

·         To start, pick areas of your home you use less often, such as the garage or storage room.

·         Bookshelves are examples of easy packing tasks to delegate.

·         Pick which rooms you do NOT want packed, and make sure you have signs for those doors.

·         If you want boxes labeled a certain way, have a sample box created for each room where guests will be packing.

·         Don't plan to have the actual packing last longer than an hour so that guests get to enjoy the party aspect of the event.

Packing Party Step 6: Prepare for the guests.

Here are some ideas for getting ready for your guests' arrival:

·         Be certain to have plenty of packing supplies on hand: boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, wide-tipped markers, scissors, and packing paper (blank newsprint).

·         Have "stations" of food and drinks ready.

·         Try to arrange for a music player for each packing room.

·         Have assignments ready to go as guests enter.

Packing Party Step 7: Manage the party

Your most important tasks are to welcome guests, answer questions, and create as much fun as possible around the event.  Make sure you're doing a little packing as well. Take plenty of pictures to send after the event.

Follow these steps and you should be off to a Farewell Packing Party success!

For more great, FREE moving articles, tips and advice, please visit our website, http://www.Movers-Edge.com.  Three of our most popular articles are:

·         Moving checklist: The Ultimate Moving Checklist

·         Moving tips: 101 Best Moving Tips

·         Getting Organized for Moving

·         Finding Great Movers and Moving Companies

Good luck with your move!

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One of the great things about moving is that so many other people have been through it before you.  In fact, the U.S. Census reports that about 1 in every 9 households moved in 2008, and that was the lowest rate ever recorded.

Many of those "moving survivors" are more than happy to share their stories.  Unfortunately, that can lead to a number of "old wives' tales" about moving that simply aren't accurate.  This article attempts to set the record straight on 5  of those moving myths.

The 5 Biggest Moving Myths

1.    "I don't have to pay the movers until after my belongings are unpacked."

2.    "Any boxes will work just as well as 'moving boxes.'"

3.    "The standard moving insurance will pay to replace any items that are lost or damaged in the move."

4.    "Labeling and inventorying boxes is a waste of time."

5.    "Packing for a move is a great opportunity for reminiscing."

Myths vs. Realities

Moving Myth 1: "I don't have to pay the movers until after my belongings are unpacked."

Moving Reality 1: Moving companies require payment in full before they unload a single box from the truck. 

Moving companies work differently than most other businesses.  Because their "product" is primarily the labor and service they provide in loading and unloading furniture and boxes, they are at great risk of not being paid once everything is unloaded.  Therefore, they usually insist on payment in full as soon as they arrive onsite for delivery.  Always check days in advance with your moving company so you don't get stuck.

Moving Myth 2: "Any boxes will work just as well as 'moving boxes.'"

Moving Reality 2:  Moving boxes are specifically designed to carry more weight and resist more crushing and tearing than regular boxes.  

There are still some good free moving box options, however.  Rather than just going to the grocery store to pick up lower quality boxes, try these alternatives:

·         local office buildings for copy paper boxes

·         liquor stores for heavy duty boxes used to transport bottles

·         loading docks of libraries and bookstores for book boxes

Moving Myth 3:  "The standard moving insurance will pay to replace any items that are lost or damaged in the move."

Moving Reality 3: Most movers provide coverage only amounting to 30 cents per $100 of goods for local moves and 60 cents per $100 of goods for interstate moves.

Also be certain to find out if additional insurance reimburses you for declared value, replacement value or some other amount.  And keep in mind that most moving insurance does not cover any items that were not packed by professional movers.

Moving Myth 4:  "Labeling and inventorying boxes is a waste of time."

Moving Reality 4: While skipping labeling and inventorying will save money in the immediate term, it will cost you much more time when you try to unpack and settle in.

It is almost always worthwhile to mark each box with the room it is to be moved to and a brief description of the contents. It doesn't have to be an elaborate system, so long as it is clear and consistent.

Moving Myth 5:  "Packing for a move is a great opportunity for reminiscing."

Moving Reality 5: Moving is a terrible time to sit down with cherished items and "walk down memory lane."

Because moving is so time-pressured, and because  reminiscing should be a relaxed and enjoyable experience, combining the two is rarely successful.  One good alternative is to create 1-3 memory boxes and mark them with a big "M." That way you can savor time with those items when you have a little more time at your new place.

And there you have our list of 5 major moving myths and their realities.

·         Moving checklist: The Ultimate Moving Checklist, filled with a carefully planned, 4-week guide on all the details you need to take care of for your move.

·         Moving tips: 101 Best Moving Tips, gathered and ranked from scores of moving handbooks, websites and articles.

You may also want to visit our blogroll of top moving blogs:

·         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

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