How Much Storage Do You Need?

If you are moving to a new place, looking for storage options is a wise thing to do. The reasons are many, for example, you are moving out from your old house before your new house is ready, or you are thinking of downsizing your home and you feel that the space is not enough for all your valuables. Perhaps you haven't decided yet if your furniture fits your lifestyle in your new place. 

Here's what you need to know about storage:

Sorting your items is necessary for a successful move. Determine which items will be stored and make a list. Get this information ready when you start finding a moving company you can trust. Before you start packing and navigating all your storage options, these are some of the things you need to ponder on:

• Do you need all your stuff?
• If you dispose some of it, what things would you miss?  
• When was the last time you have used a specific item? If you can't remember, then maybe it's time to add it on your garage sale or post it on eBay. If you can't sell it, donate it to charity or give it to your friends or neighbors.
• What items have sentimental value? If you treasure it for long, will the value increase over time?
• What items need storage? Some items require special storage, including wine, vehicles, and boats, just to name a few. 
• Are there items sensitive to temperature changes? Valuable papers may need a climate-control facility. Ask your movers about this service and find out the additional charges. Doing so but will prevent temperature changes from damaging your valuables. 

Tips for Packing Table Lamps

A desk lamp is perfect for creating a pleasant workspace and a great accent to any home office. If you want the same motivating atmosphere in your new home, you can take your favorite lamp with you. 

Here's how to lighten things up and pack your functional and stylish lamps:

1. Prepare tall boxes that you can get from your moving company. Pick a size that's appropriate for your table lamp. Have bubble wraps, packing paper, packing tape, and marker ready.
2. Make sure the bottom of the box is taped properly and will carry the weight of the lamp. Line the bottom of the box with bubble wraps or crushed packing paper for cushioning.
3. Detach the bulb and shade. Your hands must be clean and dry before you remove the parts for safety. The cord should be wrapped around the base of the lamp. Professional movers remind everyone to not use packing tape on the cord as it can stick to the paint and ruin the outer coating; rather, you can tuck the plug end securely into the wrapped cord.

Sorting Your Records & Files Before You Move

Aside from packing computer and organizing books for an upcoming move, your need to keep your documents safe. For some, sorting files can be a tedious process. In this post, you will learn how to sort your files and records in your home office or den without missing anything.

Most of the time, people keep their documents in a drawer or shelf and when you are moving to another place, you need to get all the records smoothly. Here are some personal records you have to collect:

School records

Usually, most schools will transfer your children's records to the new school, but it is best to obtain copies even for a fee. If your child is applying to a college or university,you can request for a certified copy of their transcript that can be mailed to your new address.

Medical records

Make sure you have copies of you and your family's medical records. It will be great if you can find a new physician prior to moving so they can just call for your files. But this is different when you are moving out of country as records are not easily transferred across borders. That's why it's best to obtain a complete copy of medical records from your family doctor, dentist, optometrist, and other healthcare professional.

Vet records

If you are moving with pets, they will also need copies of veterinary records especially if you are moving out of state. Vaccination records and health check-up are just some of the requirements for the immigration of animals.

Home Office Moving Tips: How to Pack Books

If there are some items that are most often neglected during the moving process, this is it. Books are more likely to be placed in boxes and it ends there. They are one of the heaviest small items to pack especially when you have a large collection. However, professional movers encourage you to bring out your inner bookworm and give special consideration to books while packing and moving them. Properly packing your books - old or new - will keep the pages intact and their shelf-life for long. 

Now that you're learned how to pack and move your computer, this step-by-step guide to organizing your textbooks, paperbacks, encyclopedias, and prized collections comes well-recommended by professional movers: 

1. Have small boxes, packing tape, and packing paper available.
2. When it comes to boxes for your books, the smaller the better. This will prevent injuries when loading them into the truck and reduce the risk of tearing the box and everything inside. 

Packing & Moving Tips for the Home Office

If you have a home-based work or business, or simply have a study room, you want to ensure an organized move. As much as possible, you want all your things to arrive safely in your new home. To get your space ready for moving, there are a few steps you can take so you won't have to deal with the overwhelming amount of documents, books, receipts, and files to keep.

So let's get your home office in order... starting with your computer. Check out this home office series and learn everything you need to know about packing and moving your home office or den:

Packing and Moving Your Computer

If you have a laptop, you just carry it in your bag and take it with you in the care. But if you have your desktop at home, you need extra effort to keep it safe. You need to handle it with special care during the moving process. Aside from the hardware itself, the data is valuable and often irreplaceable. Just like any other electronics, computers are are delicate items that should be safely packed and moved.  Follow these tips to ensure safe transport of your computer:

Create a backup file
What's in your computer is equally valuable with the hardware so you want to make sure your data is protected, especially financial records and other important files. Also, make a backup of your family photos, music collections, videos, and other files before you pack it in the box. You can use a DVD or CD, external hard drive, or USB. They are affordable and can store decent amount of files. You can also sort your data into folders.

Disconnect the cables
After backing up your files, turn off your computer, monitor and any other peripherals. Disconnect all the cables and tie them using twisty ties or velcro tiles. Label and store them in a different box than the hardware. Remember to wrap the keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals before sealing the box.

Secure the box
After creating a backup file and arranging the cords safely, it's time to pack your desktop. Use the original packaging or purchase a packaging kit with padding.

Keep the CPU in an upright position with the motherboard side down. Make sure the box is padded properly so the computer isn't snug inside the box. Protect the items inside the box and make sure it has adequate cushioning materials to prevent damages during transport.

Moving Tip: Inform People About Your Move

Preparing for moving day can be a tedious process, and sometimes the stress makes you forget some minor details. Moving is more than just hiring a mover. One of the things you missed unintentionally is letting people know you are relocating. If you want to know who you will inform first and easy ways to let them know, read along --

Aside from your friends, family, and neighbors, you need to notify the following:

Personal

• Magazine subscriptions, if any
• Professional and interest groups
• Schools/colleges/universities

Companies/Organization

• Your employer
• Your bank
• Insurance companies
• Credit card company
• Pension company
• Local council tax department

How To Label Your Moving Boxes

When planning your move, make sure your valuables don't get misplaced or damaged. The secret: label them. 

Packing doesn't end in putting all your items inside the box. Professional movers recommend using stickers, labels, and keeping an inventory list. It is important to know the contents of each boxes and label them accurately. Doing so will facilitate an efficient move.

When you label the boxes, place the sticker in the part where it can be easily seen. Each label should have an arrow indicating whether the box should be kept upright at all times to prevent mishandling. Also, write specific instructions or special handling (for example, placing the word "Fragile" on delicate items or "open first" for things you need right away). But be careful not to mark your boxes with words like "china," "silver," or "antiques" to prevent possibility of theft.

You can also label it by room, as professional movers suggest. Use words such as “kitchen,” “bedroom,” “dining room, and so on. It will be helpful to label them within rooms when necessary. If your bedroom has two closets, you can label the boxes with “bedroom 1A” and “bedroom 1B.” You can also do this for kitchen boxes. Pack and label them according to cabinets or drawers.