Mini Storage Depot’s Storage Tips and Tricks

1. Make a list of items you plan on moving to your new home and items you wish to take to storage. Make a list of items to be handled by the mover and those you will handle yourself. Dispose of the items that you do not need and consider a garage sale if you have time.
2. Get estimates from several moving companies.
3. Research and select a professional moving company. After selecting your mover, discuss costs, packing, timing and other necessary details.
4. Many moving expenses are tax deductible, so maintain a file with important information and receipts for moving related expenses.
5. If moving to a new community, find out about the schools, parks, recreation, and community programs from the local Chamber of Commerce or Visitor’s Bureau.
6. Transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance through your insurance agent.
7. Place all your medical records in a safe place. Do not forget prescriptions, vaccination records and other important information.

1. If you are planning to do some part of the packing, start collecting moving and packing supplies. These can be purchased from your self-storage or moving company.
2. Contact the post office and fill out a US postal change of address form and provide your new address to your telephone company, disposal company, cable / satellite, water, electric company, internet provider, insurance companies, banks and financial institutions, clubs, local government agencies and any other utility companies.
3. Register your children in their new schools. It would be a good idea to involve kids in the moving process. They can help pack their toys and items from their room.
4. Contact utility companies – electricity, gas, phone and others for disconnection after your scheduled move out. And call ahead to have utilities connected to your new home.
5. If you have pets make arrangements for transportation. Find out if there are specific requirements for pet ownership in your new township. Also obtain the veterinarian records.

1. If you have young children, you might want to arrange for a baby-sitter on moving day to ensure they remain safe during the loading process.
2. Remember to return library books and anything you have borrowed. Also collect items you have loaned out.
3. You may NOT want to pack your valuables in the moving van, think about taking them with you.
4. Plants – some state laws do not allow moving house plants.  Plants could be given to friends or perhaps a local charity.
5. If you are going to travel by car, you may want to get the automobile serviced prior to your departure.
6. Start packing items you don’t currently need. If renting a storage unit, determine which items go to storage and which items go to your new home.
7. Don’t forget anything in basements, attics, and closets. Don’t forget about clearing out safety deposit boxes.
8. Disassemble your computer and back up important computer files. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.
9. Dispose of inflammable items like fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets and other hazardous items.

1. Make sure your items are labeled: ‘fragile’, ‘load first’, ‘load last’, and ‘do not load’. This is important to ensure the safety of your items.
2. Ensure that your moving company knows the correct address and phone number your new home. If possible, also provide them with an address and phone number to get in touch with you until you get to your new home.
3. It is important to empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least a day before moving.
4. Make plans flexible, make arrangements in case of delays. Confirm travel arrangements and keep items you will need while the rest of your belongings are in transit.
5. Pack a box separately with the things you will need immediately upon arriving at your new home. For example- snacks, disposable plates and cups, bathroom items and trash bags.

1. Thoroughly check your closets, drawers, shelves, attic, and garage to make sure nothing is left.
2. Turn off all the switches and lock all doors and windows.
3. Be around throughout the loading process. Inspect the premises and see to it that nothing is left behind.
4. There must be someone to direct the movers. The driver must have in writing your name and phone number. Also remember to take destination agent’s name, address and contact number.
5. Be patient if you reach your new home before your mover.
6. Sign the bill of lading and make sure your new address and phone number are correct.

While unloading, make sure there is no damage and no item is missing. Make sure utilities are connected. Carry traveler’s checks or cash for quick payments. Plan out the placement of major items in your home. If moving to a new state, you will need to renew your driver’s license and revise will and other legal papers.  Locate the hospitals, police stations, and fire stations near your new home.

Make packing easier by planning ahead. Gather up plenty of sturdy, corrugated cartons, packing paper, bubble wrap, sealing tape and marker pens, along with any furniture covers.

Boxes that are tightly sealed with packing tape will prevent dust from entering.

Wrap furniture legs with protective bubble wrap, furniture covers or pads to prevent scratching. Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic chair covers. Tape or tie bed rails together. Mark the pieces for easier assembly later. Place covers or plastic bags on mattresses to keep them clean during storage.

Label boxes on all sides for easy identification. Keep a list (as well as pictures and descriptions) at your home or office for reference. Mark clearly all boxes containing fragile items. Make sure fragile boxes are placed on top of heavier, less delicate boxes.

Use valuable space inside dresser drawers and larger appliances, such as stoves and refrigerators, to store small items such as towels, linens and small, fragile items. Secure items in drawer by filling empty spaces with towels or packing paper.

Pack as much as you can in the same size boxes.
Fill boxes tightly, but take care to neither overpack nor underpack. (Bulging cartons tip when stacked, while half full boxes tend to collapse). Use wadded up newsprint, bubblewrap, rags, towels, or blankets to fill in empty spaces. For maximum protection seal cartons with tape.

Pack heavy items such as books and tools in small boxes. For easier handling limit the weight of all cartons, regardless of size, to 30lbs. or less.

Clean and dry appliances before storing. Secure all movable parts with paper, or wedge and wrap a paper pad around each item for protection. During transport tape all doors shut, but remember to wedge them open for storage.

Pack books flat to protect their spines. Line cartons with plastic and fill empty spaces with packing paper.

Use lots of paper to pack dishes and glassware. Place a layer of packing paper inside the bottom and top of cartons. Wrap each dish and glass separately and cushion them with crumpled paper. Plates are best stacked on edge.

Hang clothes and draperies in wardrobe boxes.

Pack lamps and lampshades in individual boxes. Use plenty of clean paper or clothing for padding.

Pad mirrors and paintings with paper. Place them in special mirror packs or large boxes; mark boxes