How to Choose Storage Units for Long-Distance Moves
One aspect of moving to another state or across your state is storing certain material. Here is how to choose storage units for long-distance moves.
Moving from one residence to another is a big task. But moving long distances is an entirely different undertaking. When you’re looking for storage units, choosing the right one is essential.
After all, the decision to leave your belongings in a facility that’s many miles away should be thought through carefully. To learn the best tips for choosing a storage unit, take a look at the tips below:
1. Choose the Right Unit
When you’re moving out of state, it’s a lot more of a hassle to take everything with you. Therefore picking the proper storage size is essential. The last thing you want to do is select a unit that’s too small and not have enough space to fit all of your belongings.
As you know storage unit sizes vary, so if you think you might have more items than expected, go ahead and choose a larger unit.
2. Organize Your Storage Unit
Keeping your storage unit organized is vital to helping you cope with a long-distance move. You never know when you’ll need to retrieve your items and if everything is disorganized, it’ll be a headache to find what you’re looking for.
Be sure to label all of your boxes and try to store everything from the back of the unit to the front.
For instance, store the items that you know you won’t need for a while in the back of the unit. But put your dishes, appliances, electronics, and other essential items in the front so that they are easy to spot and grab.
It’s also a good idea to place your items in clear containers instead of cardboard boxes. That way, you can see exactly what you need instead of searching through dozens of boxes.
Organizing storage units takes time and planning, but it makes things much easier in the long run.
3. Climate Control
Climate controlled storage units are essential for long-distance moves. If your belongings are going to sit for long periods of time, you want to make sure that they stay in good condition. Both hot and cold weather can severely damage certain items, so make sure you choose a unit that won’t ruin your things.
Also, be sure to pack properly. Make sure that all boxes are sealed tightly. This step ensures extra protection against bugs and other elements that could potentially get into your things.
4. Security
While you’re away, it’s important to make sure that your belongings are kept safe. Storing your items in a facility that has exceptional security is key.
A storage unit provider that offers 24/7 surveillance and security is the best option. That way, you can feel confident that once you return for your items, they’ll be there and in good condition.
Furthermore, if anything does happen to your items, the surveillance footage will help to identify the culprit.
5. Insurance for Your Items
Even with climate control and extra security, anything can happen. With that in mind, it’s wise to get extra protection for your items.
For added protection, call your homeowners insurance to see if they will cover your belongings while they’re in a storage unit. If not, inquire about getting insurance from the storage provider.
You’ll likely have to pay more to protect your items, but it’s worth it. Just weigh your options when deciding on whether to get insurance. If the items you have are valuable or not easy to replace, then getting extra protection is a must.
6. Location
The location of your storage unit also plays a big part in the ease of your transition. When you’re in the process of moving out, it’s convenient to have a storage unit that’s close to home.
However, once you move out of town, you’ll want your belongings stored somewhere that’s more convenient.
For example, it might be wise to have a unit that’s centrally located so when you need to go and retrieve your items, it’s not too far out of the way.
7. The Cost of Storage
When searching for a storage unit, the cost is a big factor. If you plan to have your things put away for an extended period of time, it’s smart to choose a unit provider with competitive prices.
You might also have to make adjustments to the type of storage that you get. It may be a good idea to get a smaller unit and take the bulk of your belongings with you if the storage prices for the larger units are out of your budget.
On the other hand, sometimes it’s worth it to pay a little more for convenience. So if you want to buy a large storage unit and worry about getting your items at a later time, that’s an option as well.
8. Reserve Your Unit as Soon as Possible
As soon as you’ve decided to move and the date is set, reserve your storage unit. By doing so, it allows you time to clear out your home and prepare for a long-distance move.
Plus, if you have to transfer to a different unit, you’ll have time to do it before moving day. Having your unit available as you declutter and clean makes the process a lot easier.
The Best Storage Units in Austin
If you’re looking for storage units for your belongings, Muscle Man Moving has them. We offer climate-controlled units and have 24-hour surveillance on our entire facility. Our staff also help our clients move to local and long-distance destinations.
If you have questions you can call us at 512-298-5311 or request a free quote online.
We look forward to helping you with your moving needs!
