Episode 14: Moving and Storage

The Ultimate Guide to Moving and Storage: Tips and Tricks

In Episode 14 of Real Estate Tips with S&L, we tackled the often-overlooked, yet crucial topic of moving and storage. Whether you're buying your first home, downsizing, or simply relocating, managing your belongings during a move can be a daunting task. However, with the right strategies and tools, moving and storage can be a seamless experience.

In this episode, we chatted about some essential moving and storage tips that can save you time, money, and stress. Let’s dive into the key takeaways.

1. Start Early to Avoid Last-Minute Stress

One of the biggest pieces of advice we shared in the episode is to start the moving process as early as possible. Packing up your entire home takes time, and trying to do it all in one weekend (or even one day) can be overwhelming.

Start by creating a timeline and checklists that allow you to pace yourself. Set aside time for decluttering your home, packing non-essential items, and making arrangements for storage if necessary.

2. Declutter Before You Move

Before you even start packing, consider decluttering your home. Moving is the perfect opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need or use. Not only does this reduce the number of things you need to pack and move, but it also gives you a fresh start in your new home.

If you’re unsure whether to keep something, ask yourself if you’ve used it in the last six months. If not, it may be time to donate, sell, or toss it. Less stuff means a smoother move!

3. Choosing the Right Moving Supplies

Once you’ve decluttered and started packing, it’s important to choose the right moving supplies. The quality of your boxes, packing materials, and tools will significantly impact how well your belongings are protected during the move.

Consider these tips when selecting your supplies:

• Boxes: Use sturdy boxes that are the right size for your items. Avoid over-packing them, as too much weight can cause them to break.

• Packing Materials: Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or old towels to cushion fragile items. Don't forget to label the boxes clearly, so you know what's inside and where it belongs in the new home.

• Furniture Protection: Use moving blankets or furniture pads to protect large pieces of furniture from scratches and dings during the move.

4. How to Choose the Right Storage Option

Sometimes, even with the best planning, things don’t always align perfectly. Whether you’re waiting for the closing date of your new home or need to temporarily store belongings while renovating, storage solutions are key.

When choosing a storage option, consider these points:

• Short-Term vs. Long-Term: Determine how long you need storage. If it’s short-term, look for a facility with flexible lease terms. For long-term storage, research climate-controlled units to keep items like furniture, artwork, and electronics safe from extreme temperatures.

• Self-Storage vs. Full-Service: Self-storage is great if you want easy access to your items and don’t mind doing the packing yourself. If you’d rather leave the heavy lifting to someone else, full-service storage may be more suitable, where professionals handle the packing, moving, and storage.

• Security: Always check the security measures at the storage facility. Look for features like 24/7 surveillance, gated access, and on-site staff.

5. Get Help with the Heavy Lifting

Moving can be physically taxing, especially when it comes to large furniture or heavy boxes. It’s a good idea to get help, whether from friends, family, or professional movers.

Hiring professional movers can save you time and stress, but if you're on a budget, enlisting a group of friends or family members may be an effective option as long as everyone is prepared. Either way, make sure to communicate the moving day details in advance to avoid confusion.

6. Moving During the Off-Season

If you have flexibility with your move-in date, try to schedule your move during the off-season. Moving during peak seasons — typically the summer months — means more competition for movers and higher prices for moving services. If you can plan your move for fall or winter, you may be able to secure better rates and have more availability with storage units and moving companies.

7. The Importance of Labeling Everything

One of the best ways to make your move less stressful is to label everything. Label boxes clearly with both the contents and the room they belong to. This makes unpacking at your new home much easier and ensures that everything goes in the right place.

Consider using color-coded labels to make it even more convenient, with different colors representing different rooms or categories of items.

8. Temporary Storage Solutions

If you’re not ready to fully settle into your new home, consider using temporary storage solutions like portable storage containers. These can be dropped off at your location, and once packed, they can be transported to your new home or stored at a secure facility until you're ready to unpack.

The Bottom Line:

Moving and storage may seem like a headache, but with the right planning, tools, and strategies, you can reduce the stress and make the process much smoother. Whether you’re moving to a new house, apartment, or condo, remember to give yourself plenty of time, stay organized, and choose the right storage solution for your needs.

Ready to make your move easier? Let’s talk! I’m here to help guide you through the process and provide resources that make your transition to your new home seamless.

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