Self Storage and Mobile Storage for College Students

MOBILE STORAGE, SELF STORAGE May 16, 2012


Summer break is around the corner, and for college students, that can mean a number of things. Some students will be working summer jobs, some will have internships, some will study abroad, some will move into apartments and some will find themselves back at home with Mom and Dad. And as small as those dorm rooms are, college students usually manage to acquire a lot of stuff during the school year. For students needing a safe place to keep their belongings for the summer months, self storage and mobile storage are convenient, hassle-free solutions.

Self Storage Tips for College Students:

  • Research storage facilities near your campus and find out what the rates are for short- and long-term storage.
  • Arrange heavy items, such as boxes of books, at the bottom of your unit, and store lighter items on top.
  • Purchase a quality lock for your unit and make sure you have an extra key to give to a trusted friend or family member.

Mobile Storage Tips for College Students:

  • Moving off campus? Changing schools? Mobile storage is a great way to move your items at your own pace. Research mobile storage companies near your campus and get at least three quotes.
  • Make sure your campus or apartment will allow you to park a mobile storage unit nearby for a day or several days while you pack it with your stuff. Most portable storage units are built to fit into a standard parking space.
  • If the cost of a portable storage unit is stretching your budget thin, consider splitting the unit with a roommate or trusted friend.
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It’s Never Too Early to Start Planning Your Move!

MOVING May 9, 2012

Whether you are moving a few weeks or a few months from now, it’s never too early to get a head start on the packing process. Nothing spells stress-filled disaster like a last-minute rush to pack the night before moving day. To avoid a meltdown, don’t procrastinate your move–here are some tips to help you get started.

  1. Create an inventory. If you have the time, making an inventory of all of your items is an excellent way to keep track of your belongings, not only for insurance purposes, but also to make the unpacking process go much faster. Label each box with a list of the contents of what’s inside and which room it should go to. Our website offers handy packing labels that you can easily print and attach to your boxes.
  2. Clean out the clutter. There’s no motivation like moving day to get you to finally tackle those cluttered closets and junk drawers. Sort through the chaos from top to bottom by separating items into different piles–keep, trash, sell and donate.
  3. Back up important files and photos. If you plan on packing up computer equipment, it’s a good idea to back up important data and photos onto an external hard drive or other storage device.
  4. Deal with hazardous materials. Moving companies will not handle flammable, hazardous or corrosive items like paint, nail polish remover, batteries, charcoal, paint thinner, pesticides, etc. Research your local hazardous waste drop-off site and make arrangements.
  5. Pack breakables carefully. Glasses, china and other breakables are time-consuming to pack, so it’s best to get those wrapped safely ahead of time. Wrap fragile items in packing paper, newsprint or bubble wrap, and fill boxes to the top with tissue or packing peanuts to prevent items from shifting.

For more packing tips, check out our packing and moving guides.

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Why Choose Professional Movers?

MOVING May 3, 2012

The cost of hiring a full-service professional moving company can seem expensive if you are on a tight budget. You may prefer to rent a truck, gather some able-bodied friends and do the move yourself. But if you do have the money to spend on movers, you can save time, energy and physical and emotional stress. Here are some things that a professional moving company can offer you:

  1. Moving experience. While packing up and relocating your entire household is probably an overwhelming experience for you, for a professional moving company with years of experience, it’s just another day on the job.
  2. Industry credibility. Organizations like AMSA (American Moving & Storage Association) provide consumers with guidelines for hiring a quality mover.  These organizations require movers to meet a certain criteria to be listed as a member of its network of movers.  This privileged association indicates it’s safe to do business with a particular mover. You’ll also want to check to make sure the company has at least a satisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau. Amateur movers may try to scam you, holding your belongings hostage and costing you more in the end.
  3. Licensed and insured. A reputable moving company will be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (you can double-check a mover’s license at www.protectyourmove.gov) and insured. Ask about the amount of coverage they provide. Typically, standard coverage for movers is only $.60 per pound per item. If you are interested in purchasing additional insurance, most moving companies can point you in the right direction. Of course, most professional movers will be careful with your valuables, but accidents do happen.
  4. Quality packing supplies. On moving day, a good moving company will show up with plenty of sturdy boxes, tape, packing paper, moving blankets and more. Be prepared to pay extra for these items if you need them, but rest assured they will protect your belongings during the move.
  5. Fast and efficient. Professional movers will get the job done quickly, while still treating your belongings with care. They are trained to pack and carry items according to the company’s rules and policies. Unlike day laborers who charge per hour and may move more slowly, professional movers will work hard to finish your move on schedule.
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10 Tips for Painting Your Interior

MOVING April 30, 2012

If you’ve just moved into a new apartment or purchased a new property, one of the first things on your mind is probably “when can I paint?” Perhaps the previous residents left a bold shade of green that doesn’t jive with your taste, or you’re itching to add style to blank white walls.

There’s no rule that you have to move your stuff into the new place right away–if you are able to, painting before you move into your new place is ideal because none of your bulky furniture will be in the way. If that’s not possible, consider placing large items in storage or mobile storage so that they are out of the way, especially if you are painting several rooms at a time.

Tackling your first major painting project? Here are some tips that will get you professional-looking results:

  1. Clear the room. If you can, move all the furniture and accessories out of the room. If you can’t, move everything into the middle of the room and cover with a drop cloth.
  2. Start with a clean surface. Wash dust and grime from walls to provide a sticky surface for your paint. If old paint is peeling or you have wall blemishes, you will want to scrape and sand those surfaces first.
  3. Don’t skip the primer. Priming your walls will ensure that your color sticks and its true hue will show.
  4. Be careful with the edges. Either use an edge pad or blue low-stick tape along door frames, ceilings and baseboards to ensure clean lines.
  5. Cover the floor. Use drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect floors from the inevitable drips of paint.
  6. Tape the outlets. Remove wall plates where possible, and tape outlets and light switches for best results.
  7. Test the color. Buy a quart of paint before you commit to a gallon. Paint a small area opposite a window so you can see how the color looks with natural light.
  8. Always paint top-down. If you are painting the ceiling, start there, followed by the walls, trim, cabinets and doors.
  9. If you take a break while painting, cover rollers in plastic wrap and refrigerate so that you don’t have to clean them every time you stop.
  10. Allow paint to dry for 24 hours before you bring everything back into the room.
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Spring Cleaning, Storage and Mobile Storage

MOBILE STORAGE, SELF STORAGE April 26, 2012

The days are growing longer, the weather’s getting warmer–it’s time to take advantage of the season and dust off those cobwebs that collected over the winter. Do you have a major cleaning project or renovation on your hands? You may want to consider renting a self storage unit or using mobile storage to help get things out of the way while you work.

Consider self storage for:

  • Keeping seasonal items that don’t fit in your home such as holiday decorations, winter sports gear and snow removal equipment in one safe place.
  • Decluttering–place items in storage that you are no longer using, but still want to hold onto, such as antiques, children’s furniture or hobby items.
  • Filing away important documents such as tax records, receipts and bank statements.

Consider mobile storage for:

  • Reorganizing your attic, garage, basement, or other large area of your home? Pull everything out and place it in mobile storage unit so you can clean, paint and refurnish items at your own pace.
  • If you are remodeling, a mobile storage unit on your property is a convenient place to store tools, equipment and building materials. A locked mobile unit will also ensure that these items stay dry and secure.
  • Storing furniture while you repaint or replace flooring or carpets.
  • Store excess furniture and personal items while you put your house on the market to make your home appear more spacious.

Storage and spring cleaning go hand in hand to help make your home clutter free!

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