When it comes to storing your belongings, there are a few things you should consider making the most out of the storage space you have. Here at Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage, we understand that not all items need or should be stored away. That is why we have compiled some helpful tips and tricks to help you decide which items should go into storage.
Preparing Ahead of Time
Preparing ahead of time is key when it comes to packing up and moving. Make sure to buy boxes that are sturdy enough for all your possessions, and label them accordingly so that you will know where everything goes when it arrives at your new home. Additionally, start packing up items that you don’t use frequently, such as holiday decorations or winter clothing. That way, when the big day rolls around, you won’t be overwhelmed with having too many items left to pack.
Have a Plan
Before getting started on the actual packing process, make sure to have a plan in place outlining which rooms or areas should be packed first and which should be last. This will ensure that no important items get forgotten and will help save time by not having to double back over areas that have already been packed up. Additionally, it is important to designate certain items as high priority, meaning they should be loaded into the car last so they can be unloaded first when arriving at your new location.
Look Into Climate Control Options
Not all items can withstand extreme temperatures or high levels of humidity so if you decide to put something into a self-storage unit, make sure that climate control options are available for the unit if needed. Our team at Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage offers climate-controlled units so that sensitive items such as mattresses and electronics can remain protected against temperature fluctuations and other environmental conditions that could cause damage over time.
Taking Inventory
Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage is here to make sure your belongings are safe and secure during a move or for longer-term storage. We want to provide you with the best service possible and that starts with creating an inventory list of all your items. Having this list on hand will not only help us take better care of your belongings, but it can also help you keep track of what items you have stored away and where they are located. Here’s how you can create an inventory list when planning for short or long-term storage.
Step 1: Gather Supplies
Before getting started, gather all the supplies needed to create your inventory list: paper, pencil, markers, labels, tape measure, digital camera (optional). You may also want to use a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel if you want to store your inventory electronically.
Step 2: Separate Items into Rooms
Start by separating all items that need storing into different rooms. This could include anything from the living room and kitchen to bedrooms and bathrooms. When deciding which items go in which room, think about where each item was originally located before packing them up for storage. This will make it easier when unpacking later because everything will be organized in the same way it was initially laid out. If there are any particularly valuable items that need extra protection, label those with special caution stickers or labels so that they can be handled with care during storage or transport.
Step 3: Take Measurements of Larger Items
If any of the larger items need storing—such as mattresses, couches, desks—take measurements of those pieces so that they fit properly into their assigned space and won’t damage other items while being moved around inside the storage unit. You should also label these boxes with their contents written clearly on the outside as well as their size/dimensions so that they can quickly identified should you need access to them while in storage. If possible, take photos of each item before putting them away; this way you can compare pre-storage condition against post-storage condition later if needed for insurance reasons.
Creating an inventory list when planning for short or long-term storage is a great way to keep track of your belongings throughout any moving process. It makes it easy for Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage team members to handle each item with care without having to guess which box contains what items or how fragile something may be since it’s all written down!
Donate Unwanted Items
It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out what items should be kept and what should not come along for the ride during a move. But donating unwanted items can end up being beneficial! Not only does donating provide someone else with much needed goods but it also takes away some weight from a truckload making transport easier. Plus, who doesn’t love feeling good about helping others? Keep an eye out for donation centers near your current residence or even give away unwanted furniture through websites like Craigslist!
Ask Yourself – Do I Need This Item?
The first step when deciding which items, you should store away is asking yourself if you need the item. If you haven’t used an item in over a year, it may be time to consider getting rid of it or placing it into storage. It is easy to fall into the trap of keeping something “just in case” but this can lead to unneeded clutter and wasted space. Ask yourself if that extra set of dishes or that painting from your grandmother really need to be taking up valuable space in your home.
Pack Smartly
One last tip would be to pack wisely. Think about how boxes/items would best fit into a truck maximizing space while keeping heavy and light items separate from one another so as not damage delicate goods. Consider wrapping breakables with towels or blankets for extra cushioning against bumps on a road along with utilizing bubble wrap or foam peanuts when needed! Lastly, don’t forget tape. Strong packaging tape is an essential item throughout any move.
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful when it is done right! Following these five tips can help make packing up and moving an easy process, leaving Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage customers ready for their new adventure without having gone crazy trying out get ready! So, roll those sleeves up–grab some boxes–and let’s get cracking on making this move successful! Contact us today or visit us at one of our Texas locations in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, and Austin to learn more!
