At one time in their lives, most people will have to pack and move. Packing and accomplishing any move type, no matter how near or far, takes preparation and proper move planning.

If a decision is made to hire professional movers, these people will need to be contacted and arrangements made to secure their services as soon as possible. Get free moving company estimates from Affordable Moving Company using the forms above.

From there, packing can begin, and the earlier the better. While there is no “set” way to pack, there are some ways that do seem to work the best.

Rooms should be packed one by one, with boxes and containers being labeled as packing occurs. Correct and clear labeling will be invaluable when the times comes to unpack.

Those items that are not currently or will not be needed for a while can be packed the soonest. This includes any out-of-season clothing, decorations, ornaments, and things of that nature.

Heavy objects should be put in the smallest boxes possible; most other items can go into medium or “regular” size boxes. All boxes and containers should be heavy enough to hold the contents. If necessary, re-enforce weak areas with strong tape. Boxes should weigh no more than 50 pounds, if that much.

ALL boxes and containers should be numbered and the room to which they belong should be clearly marked. It might be a good idea to make a list or log.

Have material on hand that can be used as “filler”, but remember that sheets, towels, bed linens, soft clothing, and even stuffed toys can be used to cushion items in boxes.

Pack a “first night essentials” box and make sure it is loaded in such a manner that it can be accessed immediately upon arrival at the new residence. Include items for meal preparation, toiletries, and other necessities.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Self-storage units and facilities differ somewhat, but all of them provide the same thing–extra space. Most of them are very economical, especially if the use will be short-term.

Most people think of self-storage as the rows and rows of units located in one central location. This is indeed the “traditional” type of self-storage. Units may range from smaller ones designed to hold one or two rooms of furniture; others may literally be large enough to accommodate the entire contents of a house.

Another type of self-storage unit is the “pod” or “mobile self-storage unit”. This type of unit is actually delivered to one’s home or wherever it is needed. The unit is packed, and then taken back to a secure central storage area.

Some storage facilities offer units that are specifically designed to accommodate vehicles. These are often used in cities where parking is at a premium, or is restricted all together at certain times.

Some people also choose to rent a car storage unit rather than leave a vehicle in “long-term” parking at an airport. The difference in the rental price of the unit and the parking rates is usually substantial enough to make renting the unit the more economical choice.

Using self-storage facilities and units has many advantages. Most facilities are well-maintained and very secure. Some places even allow people to live in an apartment or small dwelling on the premises for free in exchange for security and maintenance services.

Storage units are designed to hold things, but not people. Although there have been incidences where a unit was opened and it was discovered that someone had literally “set up housekeeping”, this is very rare, and in most cases, illegal. It can also be dangerous. So, remember, things, not people, in self-storage units.

Popularity: 100% [?]

“A-1 Storage”. “Store-It-Here”. No matter what they call themselves, most storage facilities are pretty much the same, no matter where they are located. And, they all serve the same purpose—providing extra space or moving pods.

So, which storage pods facility really is the best? With so many of them out there, that might be hard to determine. However, a little research and “comparison-shopping” will usually help one make the right decision.

First off, check to see which storage facilities are located closest to where you live. It does no good to rent a storage unit if it is going to take an hour to get there to retrieve something that is stored there.

Is the area well maintained? Is the security adequate? If the facility itself has a neglected appearance, it’s probably a certainty that the units aren’t going to be in much better shape. If you don’t like what you see, go somewhere else then; there are plenty of places out there.

If you are satisfied with the overall appearance of the facility and the unit, then you’re ready to talk about the expense. Because storage pod facilities are so prolific, everyone is going to want your business. So, don’t be afraid to shop around for the best deal. Remember, too, that the larger the unit, the higher the rent. Get the smallest size you can, even if that means doing some ruthless “downsizing”.

Some paperwork is to be expected; however, renting a storage unit should not be as difficult as buying a car. The contract should be easy to read and understand, with little or no fine print. If the paperwork seems excessive, you may want to consider another facility.

Is the owner or manager courteous? If he or she does not care about how you are treated, then they will probably feel the same way about your belongings.

Popularity: 43% [?]

As children grow and change, so, too, will a family’s storage needs. A child will outgrow not only clothing, but beds, furniture, and closet space as well.

Once a child has outgrown his or her crib, high chair, and bassinet, and it is apparent that there will be no more use for these items, such belongings should be donated or sold to someone who needs them. If the furniture has been in the family for generations, however, and if it will still be usable for grandchildren, one may want to consider a type of long-term storage.

As toys become outdated or are no longer age-appropriate, arrangements should be made to donate or discard them, also. If a child wants to keep a favorite stuffed toy or animal, by all means, allow that, but get rid of anything else that is not needed.

Start early teaching children how to become and remain organized. Insist that children pick up and put away their toys and belongings, but make sure they have somewhere to put them. Provide baskets, plastic tubs, and low shelving for toys and games. Make use of the space under the bed by having children to slide race car or train sets under there when they have finished playing with them.

Make closets “kid-friendly” by lowering rods and providing hangers. Utilize the floor space in a closet wisely by installing a shoe rack. Put a hook on the closet door for jackets and backpacks.

Use stackable storage containers whenever possible, but make sure that the things in the containers can be easily gotten to. If a child has to move three boxes to get to the one he or she wants, the possibility that the boxes will be left unstacked may occur.

Popularity: 19% [?]

As children grow and change, so, too, will a family’s storage needs. A child will outgrow not only clothing, but beds, furniture, and closet space as well.

Once a child has outgrown his or her crib, high chair, and bassinet, and it is apparent that there will be no more use for these items, such belongings should be donated or sold to someone who needs them. If the furniture has been in the family for generations, however, and if it will still be usable for grandchildren, one may want to consider a type of long-term storage.

As toys become outdated or are no longer age-appropriate, arrangements should be made to donate or discard them, also. If a child wants to keep a favorite stuffed toy or animal, by all means, allow that, but get rid of anything else that is not needed.

Start early teaching children how to become and remain organized. Insist that children pick up and put away their toys and belongings, but make sure they have somewhere to put them. Provide baskets, plastic tubs, and low shelving for toys and games. Make use of the space under the bed by having children to slide race car or train sets under there when they have finished playing with them.

Make closets “kid-friendly” by lowering rods and providing hangers. Utilize the floor space in a closet wisely by installing a shoe rack. Put a hook on the closet door for jackets and backpacks.

Use stackable storage containers whenever possible, but make sure that the things in the containers can be easily gotten to. If a child has to move three boxes to get to the one he or she wants, the possibility that the boxes will be left unstacked may occur.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Most people tend to forget that pets feel stress just as humans do. And, very often, they pick up on the stress that their owners are feeling.

This is true of a move. The relocation not only affects the human members of the family, but also the pets. Therefore, it may be necessary for a pet owner to consider securing the services of a professional pet mover.

While such people can be located in the Yellow Pages of a phone book, one may wish to first check with other pet owners, the local veterinarian, or even the neighborhood groomer. In this way, the pet owner will have more than just a listing in the phone book to go by.

A company that provides pet moving services will certainly be knowledgeable of all laws, guidelines, and regulations regarding transporting a pet from one location to another, particularly if it involves the crossing of state or international boundaries. That company will make sure the pet owner is aware of this information; however, it is up to the owner to do whatever is necessary to assure that both the pet and the owner are in compliance.

Advance planning is crucial. The pet may need to have a current veterinary visit on record, as well as receiving any necessary immunizations. Additionally, the pet mover will have to be contacted and a move time scheduled.

Make sure all conditions—weather and otherwise—are going to be favorable at the time the pet is moved. It may be necessary to change plans or re-schedule for a better time.

Speak with the person who will be responsible for moving your pet before the move. Make sure you are comfortable with that person being with your pet.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Part of the moving process involves you turning off the utilities before you put in the request to have them added to your new home. This aspect of moving can be a daunting task indeed and in a worst case scenario it may be a chore that is easy for you to forget. The last thing that you want is to move in to your new home and not be able to see the interior of your new home or even have water to take a well needed shower after such a stressful day.

Before you get ahead of yourself with all the moving responsibilities that will be impressed upon you, you should call your utility company in your state some week or two before your move-in date. And if you are moving out of state, check with the utility companies in that state to arrange for service connection there as well. Before you start making your phone calls to the utility companies, you should be armed with the account numbers for each bill. This would make finding your account a lot easier. Let each company know that you will be expecting service on the morning that you are expected to move in to your new home.

The utility companies should also be able to leave the service on in the old apartment at least until you is all moved out. Remember to give the utility company the right information on the date that you plan on moving and transferring your services. It would also be advisable that you call the utility companies a few days before they are expected to move your services from one house to another. Even if you are moving out of state then you should also use this above mentioned method in informing your new utilities about your move and your intention of applying for new service. In addition to the electricity company you will also need to notify your water company as well and your cable/ internet and telephone providers.

Popularity: 2% [?]

On the day of the move, if a moving company has been engaged, one will only need to supervise the loading, transporting, unloading, and, possibly setting up. If the move is being accomplished with the help of family and/or friends, then those who are involved will need to be present and ready to go.

Rooms should be emptied individually. A re-check should be done, with attention to closets and cupboards, to ensure that everything has been removed. The room should then be swept, mopped, or vacuumed, if necessary, and the door closed.

It should be understood that a closed door means a room is emptied, cleaned, and done with. This way, there will be no chance that dirt is tracked into a clean room, or that anything is inadvertantly set down in a room and possibly forgotten.

It may be wise to keep some empty boxes and bags on hand, in the event that a closet was overlooked, or some things simply could not be packed until the last minute. The containers should be clearly labeled, and care taken to ensure that they are loaded.

Any necessary items, such as supplies needed for infant or child care, or any medications that must be taken regularly throughout the day, should be kept separate from all other items. Additionally, important papers, documents, or especially valuable items should be kept separate, secure, and accessible to the owner.

Utilities should be turned off, or arrangements should be made for them to be discontinued within the next few days. The former occupant may also want to take meter readings, and ensure that there no water damage can occur while the house is vacant.

Last looks should be taken, memories stored for future recollection, one chapter closed, and another one opened in life.

Popularity: 4% [?]