The Five Best Decluttering Books: Why Reading Them Will Motivate You

The Best Decluttering Books

We’ve all been there at least once. Decluttering is hard. It can be difficult, anxiety producing, and emotionally draining. It can elicit feelings of guilt and attachment that make it hard to let go.

For instance, your elderly grandma who passed away years ago may have given you an ugly painting. For as long as you can remember, it was prominently displayed on her living room wall. You want to get rid of it, but your memories of her and feelings of guilt keep getting in the way.

First of all, do you even know for sure that she loved this object? Maybe it was gifted to her, and the same feelings of guilt compelled her to use it for so many years. She might have gifted you with this artwork so that she didn’t have to spend her last days looking at it. If you can think of decluttering this way, it will be easier to part with certain items.

A Self Storage Unit Can Help

Another tactic to help get you moving and motivated is renting a self storage unit. Trusted Self Storage has a variety of types and sizes of self storage units to suit your needs and your budget. A clean, secure storage unit will give you a place to keep those items that you’re not quite ready to discard. You can take all the time you need to decide how to handle these items.

In the meantime, here are a few of the top decluttering books to get you started on your journey to a tidy living space. They’re written from different perspectives for different types of people.

There’s sure to be something that speaks to your personality.

Trusted self Storage The five best decluttering books

The Best Decluttering Books to Get You Moving and Motivated

Decluttering isn’t like building a house. You don’t need to be precise, but you need a plan and you need some motivation. Let’s get started.

  1. Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana K. White

If you have time constraints that make it difficult to block out huge chunks of time for decluttering, this book is for you. It provides a blueprint for tackling one area at a time so that your home remains relatively undisturbed. It’s really about taking that first step so that the rest of your housekeeping falls into place.

The process outlined in this book makes perfect sense. You start with the most visible spaces in your home, like your kitchen countertop. Then, you work your way into the hidden/inaccessible areas; think closets, attics, and your teenager’s bedroom. When you see a clean space in one area, you’re motivated to continue organizing your home.

2. The Clutter Connection by Cassandra Aarsen

HGTV personality Cas Aarsen wrote The Clutter Connection. HGTV can, at times, be unrealistic.

This book, nevertheless, is spot on. It speaks to the idea that being self-aware can help you be better at organization. Just as everyone’s brain works differently during learning, it works differently when you’re organizing.

Whether you’re a micro thinker who likes to focus on the small stuff, a macro thinker who sees the big picture, a visual organizer, or a person who likes to keep things out of sight, this book will work for you.

3. Declutter Like a Mother: A Guilt-Free, No-Stress Way to Transform Your Home and Your Life by Allie Casazza

Allie Casazza has been called the “in-your-face Marie Kondo for millennial moms.” Her lighthearted book motivates moms to start taking action. Her advice is actionable and has been described as “life-changing.”

Her mission is to empower overwhelmed moms to make lasting changes in their lives. Her concept of discarding anything that doesn’t serve a purpose is similar to Marie Kondo’s method. The difference is that Allie’s book shows moms that they don’t need a perfect home. They need a home with enough space for the things that matter most.

4. The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson

This is not the most popular book in this collection, but it resonates with many people. Swedish death cleaning is focused on the reality that decluttering the home is a kindness to those left behind. It relieves the burden of sorting through the disorder.

Mangusson’s message is that this form of cleaning is meant to help the next generation manage their grieving process. It’s unfair for families to have to deal with clutter when they’re trying to deal with their grief.

If you’ve ever tried to tidy a home that’s been occupied for 60 years, you’ll love this book.

5. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

No list of decluttering books would be complete without this one. To be brutally honest, while reading Ms. Kondo’s best-selling book, I admit that I giggled on occasion. Marie Kondo suggests that before getting rid of items, you thank them for serving their purpose.

For instance, she texted her old cell phone from her new cell phone to thank it for “all it has done.” I wonder if the old cell phone and the new one are still having conversations.

In all fairness, Marie Kondo has made quite a good living as an organization consultant and author. There is something to be said about her method. I commend her for mentioning self storage as a solution for those who have trouble letting go. I’m still on the fence, however, about having a heart-to-heart with my broken dishwasher.

Takeaway

No one said that getting rid of your belongings is easy, but a clutter-free home is good for your mental health. If the books contained in this article don’t get you motivated, there are many more to choose from on Amazon.

And remember, Trusted Self Storage has daily access hours. You can visit your items and chat whenever you like.

Helping Your Customers Embrace Self Storage Technology

Self Storage Technology

From smartphones to smart homes, it seems there’s no shortage of the convenience and efficiency that technology brings. You can adjust your AC, enhance your security, or even feed your pets with smart technology. These technical advancements are also being applied in the self storage industry. Here is how you can streamline your operations and help your customers embrace self storage technology!

Embracing self storage technology empowers customers to take control of their storage needs like never before. With just a few clicks, customers can browse available units, choose the size that fits their needs, and book it instantly. This not only saves time but also eliminates the hassle of dealing with paperwork.

There is only a single drawback to moving into the world of technology. It is getting your customers used to the learning curve associated with this trend.

Trusted Self Storage is your go-to for everything from personal storage to warehouse space to vehicle, boat, and RV parking. Our friendly, professional staff is always available to educate you on how technology benefits your self storage experience.

Self storage Technology

Customer Benefits of Self Storage Technology

Self storage technology makes the storage experience more convenient and efficient than ever before. Gone are the days of having to physically visit a storage facility and fill out paperwork.

Furthermore, self storage technology often includes smart access controls, allowing customers to access their units at any time, day or night. This is particularly useful for individuals with busy schedules or those who may need to retrieve items after regular business hours.

With smart access controls, customers can use their mobile devices to enter the facility and access their units. This eliminates the need for physical keys or staff assistance, providing customers with ultimate flexibility and convenience.

Additionally, self storage technology often includes features such as inventory management and digital locks. These tools make it easier to locate specific belongings when needed. Digital locks provide an added layer of security, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access the storage unit.

Overcoming Common Challenges that Customers Face Using Self Storage Technology

While self storage technology offers numerous benefits, it’s important to acknowledge that some customers may face challenges when using these innovative solutions.

Mastering the Learning Curve

One common issue is the learning curve associated with new technology. Online booking systems and smartphone apps can be intimidating for some customers. Older individuals or those with limited technological know-how may find it difficult to navigate through the various features.

System Failures and Glitches

Another challenge customers may face is the potential for technical glitches or system failures. Like any technology, self storage systems are not immune to occasional malfunctions. These can range from confusing online booking errors to frustrating access control issues.

These problems can cause inconvenience for customers, especially if they urgently need to access their stored items. Therefore, self storage facilities must have a robust support system in place to resolve these technical issues promptly.

Security Concerns

Last, some customers may have concerns about the security of their personal information. Online booking systems and digital access controls require customers to provide personal information.l

Details such as contact and payment information will be needed. It is essential to reassure customers that their data will be securely stored and protected from unauthorized access.
Educating customers about the security measures in place can help alleviate any concerns and build trust in technology.

Best Practices for Teaching Customers to Use Self Storage Technology

Instructional Videos and Tutorials

One effective method is to create instructional videos and tutorials that demonstrate the various features and functionalities of the technology. These videos can be hosted on the facility’s website or shared on social media platforms.

By visually guiding customers through the process, they can better understand and retain the information. It is important to keep these videos concise and engaging. Keep the focus on the key steps and benefits of using self storage technology.

Personalized Customer Service

It’s vital to provide personalized assistance to customers who need additional support. Facilities should have a dedicated support team available to answer customer inquiries and resolve any issues that may arise. This can be done by phone, live chat support, or email. It’s important to tailor assistance to customer needs based on their level of technical knowledge.

When providing customer support, staff needs to be knowledgeable about self storage technology and its features. This includes being able to troubleshoot common issues, guide customers through the steps, and address any concerns. Support staff can assist customers more effectively if they have ongoing training and updates.

The Future Impact of Self Storage Technology

The future of self storage technology is bright. Continuous advancements will further enhance the customer experience. One area of growth is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into self storage technology. AI can help automate various processes, such as unit recommendations based on customer preferences or predictive analytics to anticipate customer needs.

Furthermore, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies can potentially change the way customers interact with self storage facilities. VR can create immersive experiences, allowing customers to virtually tour the facility. They can visualize different unit sizes, giving them a better idea of their storage needs. AR can overlay digital information onto the physical environment. This provides customers with real-time guidance and instructions.

Final Thoughts

As self storage technology continues to evolve, facilities must not only stay informed but fully educate their customers. By staying ahead of the learning curve, they can remain competitive and empower customers to take control of their storage needs.

Minimalist Ideas for 2022 New Year’s Resolutions: Self Storage Can Help

Minimalism is nothing new. It’s been around for a while but didn’t become mainstream until the 20th century. It’s not for everyone, but there are people who crave the simplicity of this type of life and like the idea of “less is more.” Here at Trusted, we have compiled our minimalist ideas for 2022.

One thing to keep in mind is that the minimalist lifestyle means different things to different people. It’s about more than getting rid of “things.”  “Minimalism is the intentional choice to live with less,” Stephanie Seferian, the host of The Sustainable Minimalists podcast, explains. “For example, while I keep my home and life clutter-free, I apply minimalism to my social calendar too as I find joy in doing less. The result is more free time to do the things I truly love with the people I love being around.”

In theory, getting rid of things that you don’t need and never use along with committing to fewer social obligations sounds great. Oftentimes, though, that is easier said than done, especially if you have a family.  As with anything, it’s all about balance, and you have to find yours. 

In any case, whether you’re all in with the minimalistic approach or you just want to simplify your lifestyle a bit, here are a few New Year’s resolutions (or maybe we should call them goals) to get you started. 

Minimalist Ideas for 2022 New Year’s Resolutions

Keep your resolutions simple and achievable. You can make big lifestyle changes with small, actionable goals.

Person writing in journal.

 

Lease a Self Storage Unit

Before you begin using these resolutions, the one action that will help no matter how you approach the New Year is leasing a self storage unit. At Trusted Self Storage, we have a variety of shapes and sizes of self storage units that will be the perfect fit for your decluttering needs. There are no rules. You don’t have to dispose of even one item before you give yourself time to think about what you need in your life and what you don’t. Take your time and revisit your items when you’ve made a decision. As long as your belongings are in a convenient, secure self storage unit, you have no worries and you can focus on a less complicated life.

Be Mindful With Decluttering

Minimalism is not about having a race to see who can get rid of the most stuff, and it’s not about lowering your standards or mindlessly discarding things because you’re on a decluttering high. The best thing for you to do is approach decluttering mindfully. Think about what you truly don’t use and what you might need in the future. Give some thought to whom you’re donating your belongings. Contrary to the Kon-Mari method, everything in your life doesn’t have to spark joy to be useful. 

Be Intentional With Your Purchases

How do you become an intentional shopper?

When you’re considering a purchase, ask yourself the following questions

  • How long do you have to work to pay for this item?
  • Instead of instant gratification, can you possibly wait until it’s on sale?
  • If this item isn’t on sale, would you still pay the full price?

If you do this regularly, you’ll find that there are some things you’ll stop buying for good.

Understand Your Spending Habits

A good way to get to know your spending habits is with a no-spend challenge. You can do it for a month, a week, or even just a weekend. If you want to take a deep dive into your spending, try it for a year. This challenge, of course, does not include necessities like food and utilities. We’re talking about travel, clothing, dining out, shoes, and the like. For detailed challenge rules, read 10 Tips to Crush Your Challenge and Save More Money.

Declutter Your Workspace

Nothing makes it harder to begin a task than looking at your workspace and feeling overwhelmed with documents, useless supplies, and dirty coffee cups. Clean and reorganize your desk and then move on to the rest of your workspace. A fresh start will not only declutter your space but your mind, and you’ll be recharged, effective, and efficient.

Make Self-Care a Priority

The New Year is a new beginning and an opportune time to prioritize your mental and physical health. If you don’t take care of yourself, no one else is going to do it for you. You can’t move forward if you’re feeling fatigued or depressed. Incorporate a self-care routine into your daily activities. Start a regular exercise routine, even if it’s only taking a walk during your lunch break. If you have a hobby that you love, schedule it into your week. Don’t worry if one of your resolutions is to be more intentional with your spending. Self-care is a spending priority. You have to do the things that make you feel happy, and you have to love yourself before you can love others. Go and enjoy that spa day!

Takeaway

Minimalism isn’t solely about getting rid of everything in your life that doesn’t make you do happy dances. My washer and dryer don’t make me want to tap dance, but I certainly don’t want to find a stream and beat my clothes over rocks. Equally boring is my toaster, but I like toast on occasion. If I discarded everything in my home that doesn’t spark joy, the first thing to go would be my husband’s golf clubs. Well, they do make him happy, so I guess they can stay. What I’m getting at is that even the most committed minimalist should take a minute to think about how their life will be affected if they get rid of the wrong items. It’s not a race, it’s a journey.

Do You Have a Favorite Type of Christmas Tree? – Use Self Storage Either Way

Does your family enjoy having a live Christmas tree in spite of the work? You drive to the tree lot, bundled in your Christmas sweaters, spend hours picking the best tree, tie it to the car and bring it home. Before you set it up, everyone has hot cocoa and watches Christmas movies. The next day you spend hours setting up the tree and decorating.  

Or, are you more of an artificial tree family who likes to drive to the big box store (still bundled in your Christmas sweaters); pick your tree from the endless array of shapes, sizes, and colors; shove the box into the minivan, drive home singing carols, open the box, stand up the tree, decorate it, and then have hot cocoa and watch Christmas movies. The stories have identical endings, but one involves a bit more work.

Before you decide exactly what type of tree is for you, let’s take a dive into a little bit of Christmas tree background.

Family sitting in front of Christmas tree.

 

Christmas Tree History

Christians began the tradition of bringing live evergreens into their homes to decorate in the 16th century. This custom wasn’t recorded in the U.S. until the 1830s when German settlers in Pennsylvania decorated trees in their homes for the holidays. Decorated Christmas trees are still a well-loved tradition, and play a very special role in the holiday season.

Fun fact:  The first artificial Christmas tree in the U. S. was made in the 1930s by Addis Brush, a company that was in the business of making toilet brushes. The first fake trees were actually huge green toilet brushes!

Now that you know this reality, every time you clean your toilet, you’ll think of Christmas!

Live Christmas Tree Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Support a Farmer: When you purchase a live tree, you support a U.S. farmer. According to the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), there are over 15,000 tree farms located in all 50 states, employing over 100,000 people.
  • Help the Environment: The NCTA states that a live tree grows approximately seven years before being large enough to cut down. That’s seven years of preserving green space, scrubbing the air of carbon dioxide, and providing homes for wildlife. When a tree is cut, one to three seedlings are planted in its place.
  • Make Memories: Whether you take your family to a Christmas tree farm or the local tree lot, you’re making memories, relieving stress, and having fun. Santa may be there for the kiddos, and you can take advantage of other holiday festivities that are frequently available at the tree farm or lot.

Cons

  • Allergic Reactions: Live trees can cause allergic reactions for some people: itchy watery eyes, sinus congestion, sneezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. If a live tree is the only option that will make you happy, you can reduce the allergens by shaking out as much debris as possible before taking it into the house. If you don’t mind extra work, you can hose down the tree and let it dry overnight before bringing it to the house.
  • Fire Hazard: If you don’t keep your tree thoroughly watered, it can become a fire hazard. Keep it away from the fireplace, candles, and heating vents. Ensure that your holiday lights have no exposed wires or faulty bulbs.
  • Live Trees Mean Extra Effort: They don’t come pre-lit or packed into a convenient cardboard box. They’re more difficult to set up than an artificial tree, and they occasionally have empty spaces that need to be camouflaged and oddly shaped limbs that need to be trimmed. As they age, they drop needles all over the floor and they eventually have to be discarded, although this usually involves only getting it to the curb for trash pickup.

Artificial Tree Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Artificial Trees Mean Less Work: You don’t have to water them, many are pre-lit, and you don’t have to worry about dried-up needles in your carpet. 
  • Less Expensive: In the long run, artificial trees are less expensive because they are typically kept long enough to pay for themselves. In fact, with proper care, they can last a lifetime. The cost for live trees has been increasing steadily, and the number of registered tree farms has decreased in some states.
  • Match Your Style: If you want a tree that’s tailored to your taste, with accessories to match, an artificial tree is for you. They are available in a broad range of types and sizes and have garlands, wreaths, door swags, and many other attractive add-ons to match.
  • Easily Packed Away in Self Storage: An artificial tree can be easily packed up at the end of the season and placed in your safe, secure storage unit. For more information read Self Storage: How to Enjoy Packing Up Your Christmas Decorations. 

Cons

    • Artificial Trees are Unhealthy: Artificial trees are made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, aluminum, and steel. PVC contains harmful chemicals like lead, arsenic, and phthalates. It’s nearly impossible to know which chemicals your tree contains because of minimal oversight.
    • Not Really Good for the Environment: People have the misconception that chopping down a live tree is bad for the environment, but artificial trees leave a huge carbon footprint. They’re produced in factories; travel by ship, plane, and truck to retail stores; and they’re packed in cardboard boxes. One artificial tree adds about 100 pounds of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. 
    • Can Be a Fire Hazard: Over time, an artificial tree that has become dusty can be a fire hazard. Even though manufacturers spray artificial trees with fire retardants, they can still ignite.
    • Imported: According to the U.S. Commerce Department, 85% of artificial trees are imported from China. 

Conclusion

Artificial trees are less expensive over time than live trees, and they require much less effort. However, they do contain harmful chemicals, and they don’t evoke the sweet memories of that search for the perfect tree and the joy that it brings on Christmas day.

How are Climate-and-Humidity-Controlled Self Storage Different

If you’re getting ready to store valuable or temperature-sensitive items, it’s a good idea to consider climate- and humidity-controlled self storage. Do you understand the difference between the two, or are you looking for advice on the benefits of these types of storage. Read the following information to learn more about humidity- and climate-controlled self storage.

Standard self storage units are sufficient for most household and business items, but your temperature-sensitive and irreplaceable goods need the added protection of climate- or humidity-controlled storage. 

If you collect valuable artwork or antiques or just want to store furniture, photographs, and electronics, you need climate-controlled self storage. The consistent temperatures of a climate-controlled storage unit will protect your belongings from damage and deterioration.

Another option to consider is humidity-controlled self storage.  Humidity-controlled storage adjusts the humidity of the air inside your space to maintain safe levels of moisture regardless of temperature fluctuations. This type of storage reduces the chances of mold, mildew, rust, and rot. 

Check out the following information so that you recognize the difference between climate- and humidity-controlled storage.

Mini storage units facility.

 

Climate- and Humidity-Controlled Storage: What’s the Difference

The phrase “climate control” is one of the most confusing subjects in the self-storage industry. Climate control should manage both temperature and humidity within a narrow range, but in some cases, only temperatures are controlled and humidity levels are ignored.

Climate-Controlled Storage

Climate-controlled storage is the more familiar of the two options. Climate-controlled storage units are typically kept between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit with a base humidity of 55 percent. There are no set industry standards for climate-controlled storage. Always ask facility operators for their specific temperature and climate-control standards. They should be able to explain what they do to maintain these standards and give you this information in writing.

  • Look for a facility that offers climate monitoring. The temperature and humidity should be continually monitored to verify that settings remain consistent. Ask the manager if they use generator backup in case of a lengthy power outage.
  • It’s not completely impossible, but it is rare to find climate control in a drive-up, outdoor unit. If this type of unit is advertised as climate-controlled, it’s more likely that it is simply heated or cooled to some degree. This is not true climate control.
  • Always read your rental agreement carefully. Storage facilities aren’t responsible for the items that you store. No facility will give you a “guarantee” that truly covers your belongings, so it’s up to you to insure your stored items. If you have a standard homeowners or renters insurance policy, it’s likely that you have off-premises coverage. Talk to your insurance agent to verify your coverage. Additionally, you can check to see whether your facility offers a tenant protection plan. This is not insurance, but another layer of protection for your belongings. Ask you facility manager for details.

To prevent damage and deterioration, items that should be kept in climate controlled storage include:

  • Antiques
  • Artwork
  • Documents
  • Electronics
  • Furniture
  • Photographs

Humidity Controlled Storage

Humidity control is a type of storage where the humidity is managed with an air conditioner or dehumidifier installed in the building. Generally, the humidity levels are kept around 55 percent, however, this varies based on the facility. The property manager should be happy to provide you with details.

Items that should be stored in a humidity-controlled unit include:

  • Clothing
  • Delicate Paper Items
  • Fabrics
  • Instruments
  • Metals
  • Wine

Which Option is the Best Fit for My Needs 

Self storage facilities will frequently offer both climate- and humidity-controlled units. These spaces use high-quality HVAC systems. The units are often advertised as climate-controlled storage. It’s important to ask the manager whether or not the space is both climate- and humidity-controlled. 

Having both climate- and humidity-controlled storage prevents a variety of problems. Mold, mildew, and rotting are can be stopped. Valuable artwork, musical instruments, and wine, as well as many of your prized possessions need the protection of both climate and humidity control.

When you’re trying to decide which type of storage is best for your needs, consider several factors. Are you storing valuable or sentimental items that are expensive, or even impossible, to replace? Are you looking at short- or long-term storage/ If you’ll be using self storage for only a month or two, the extra expense of temperature and humidity control may not be worth it. It’s also important to consider the climate of your storage location. 

Summary

Now that you have a better understanding of the similarities and differences of climate- and humidity-controlled storage, you can make an informed decision. In most cases, the manager of the facility can guide you in the right direction as far as the type of storage that suits your requirements.

How to Choose the Right Self Storage Facility for Your Needs

 

The school year is off to its usual confusing start. Fall is a few weeks away, and family gatherings, overnight guests, celebrations, and holiday decorating are closer than you think. Look around your home. Do you have enough space for these events? Is the guest room overflowing with stuff that you have no place for, is the kitchen in need of an update, and are the main rooms crowded with too much furniture? Did you ever think about renting a storage facility as a solution to all of these problems? 

The demand for self storage is high, and storage providers are working hard to meet this demand. Renting a facility is as easy as making a phone call or locating a website and clicking a “Reserve” button. There are so many great facilities available that you might need a system to help narrow down the competition. 

The following tips and suggestions will help you organize your ideas, prioritize your needs, and find storage that is the best fit for you.

Find the Perfect Self Storage Solution

Understand Your Needs

Think about what you’re storing and how long you plan to store these items. 

  • Make an inventory of all the items you plan to store. 
  • Identify the items that you might need to access while they are in storage. 
  • Measure and estimate the collective packing size of the items you plan to store.
  • Account for extra space to provide ventilation and ease of access.

Arrange your belongings for easy access. When storing items for short periods of time, it’s fine to pack everything close together. If you’re storing for a longer time, provide extra space for ventilation and for an aisle so that you can access belongings that you may need regularly. 

Decide Whether You Need a Climate-Controlled Unit

Climate-controlled spaces keep the temperature and humidity within a specific range.

Whether or not you need a climate-controlled unit depends on the climate in which you’re storing your items. For example, dry climates can cause wood to crack and split, and humid climates can cause mold and mildew. Make your choice based on the value of your belongings and the cost of the unit. Climate-controlled units can be more expensive but worth the cost over time.

Think About Location

How many times will you need to visit your storage facility? If you’re going to need regular access, a convenient location is important. Be aware that a facility located in the heart of the city will be more expensive than one outside of town. If you don’t need quick access to your items, a facility farther from the city will be less costly.

Consider Size Options

Self-storage units are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations. Naturally, larger units cost more per month, so it’s a smart to have an overall idea of how much space you’ll need. You don’t want to pay for extra, unused space unless you’re planning to store more items over time. Another factor to consider is the design of the space. Some units are narrow but have a lot of vertical space; others are wider with lower ceilings. In some cases, one layout may be preferable.

Storage Facility Cost Can Vary Considerably

Because many storage facilities are independently owned, business owners have the option of setting their own prices. It’s always smart to shop around because you may be able to find a better deal by making a few phone calls. Storage companies frequently offer promotions. If your preferred facility isn’t offering any deals, it pays to ask. You can also mention a competitor’s promotion; the facility of your choice may be willing to match the deal.

Verify Security

Cost should not be your only consideration. You need a reputable company with state-of-the-art security, a variety of customer amenities, and a range of unit sizes that will be a good fit for your needs. Look for video surveillance, perimeter fencing, security locks, and electronic access. You’ll also want a knowledgeable management team that is willing to provide you with answers to your questions, a tour of the property, and a professional level of customer service.

Check Insurance

If you have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, call your agent to verify that your stored belongings are covered under your present policy. You may find that your facility must provide specific security features in order for your items to be covered. If your policy does not cover stored items, you should be able to purchase insurance from your preferred storage Company.

Tenant Protection Plan

Some facilities offer a tenant protection plan. This plan is not insurance but a contractual agreement between the facility and the tenant, with the facility assuming limited responsibility for the tenant’s belongings while they are stored in a locked unit. In other words, operators agree to pay customers for damages to belongings up to a specified dollar amount. These plans are typically offered in several coverage options and paid for along with monthly rent. They’re inexpensive and add an extra layer of protection to already existing security systems. It’s worth a discussion with the facility manager.

Conclusion

Whatever you do, choose carefully. It’s worth the time and effort to find the facility that is your best option. Once you’ve moved your belongings into a unit, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll want to take the time and trouble to switch facilities. 

Pack Your Moving Truck for Safety and Convenience

If you’re moving and you’ve decided for one reason or another to DIY, understanding how to maximize space in your truck is a must. You want to make as few trips as possible. If you’re local, you can handle multiple loads; but, if this is a long-distance move, you have only one chance to get it right.

The first thing you need to do is choose the correct size moving truck. You want to save yourself as much hassle as possible, and having the right truck will go a long way in making your move easier. When you rent a U-Haul at your local self storage facility, knowledgeable staff members will be there to help with all of your questions.

Following are some tips to help you make the most of your moving truck space while keeping your move safe and convenient.

Get Your Belongings Ready to Go

Assemble Your Packing Supplies

By now you have everything packed securely into high-quality cardboard boxes and plastic crates. The furniture and large items are just sitting there waiting to be loaded onto the truck. Don’t forget the other packing supplies – the moving blankets and padding to fill the gaps between large items and boxes to protect your belongings if there is any shifting during the drive. Moving straps are another important item – we’ll talk more about them later. Just make sure that you have enough of these items to meet your needs. 

Break Down Tables and Bed Frames

Furniture takes up the most space on your truck. You can save room by disassembling tables and bed frames. Start by taking the legs off of the tables so that you can store them, along with the legs, in an upright position. Then, go for the bed frames and headboards as well as any desks and dressers that can be broken down. For large pieces that you can’t take apart, try storing moving boxes and other items inside drawers or on top of these furnishings. 

Roll Up Rugs

Area rugs should be rolled and secured with string or plastic ties, and then they can be wrapped in paper or plastic wrap or secured in large plastic bags made for this purpose. By doing this, you’ll prevent the extra strain on the rug’s backing, which could later cause stretching or cracking. Rugs should be placed upright on the truck.

Time to Load the Truck

Distribute Weight Evenly

This is probably the most important factor in packing your truck. Even distribution of weight will make the truck easier to drive, load and unload without boxes and furniture shifting and falling over or damaging other items. To be sure the weight is evenly distributed, heavier items should be located towards the front (near the cab) and along the walls. Medium items should be placed on heavier items, and the lightest items should be on the top. Everything should be secured with moving straps.

Load the Largest and Heaviest Items First

Start with the largest, heaviest items. Load mattresses, bed frames, tables, chairs, large appliances, couches, sectionals, coffee tables and occasional tables. To save space, place couches, headboards, rugs, and tables in an upright position. Locate large appliances like washers, dryers and refrigerators toward the front of the truck, near the cab. Be sure to use extra padding and moving blankets around these items to prevent damage. 

Load the Lightest Items Last

As soon as you finish with the cumbersome, heavy items, load up the medium to lightweight items: small furniture, boxes, pictures, mirrors, and TVs. It’s best to keep valuables and jewelry with you in the truck cab or in your car; but if you’re loading them into the truck, clearly label them and place them in an easy-to-reach spot along with moving day essentials and your overnight bag.

Use Moving Straps

As you pack the truck, secure everything with moving straps to prevent shifting. Strap down one section at a time, staring with the heavier items that you load first, then the medium weight items, and so on. Don’t forget to strap the moving boxes.

These tips are common sense, but we all need a little help during a move. Moving day is always chaotic, and guidelines and structure will smooth the bumps and get you to your destination with little or no damage to you or your possessions.

 

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