Apr
24
Most Affordable Way To Move Your Items Into Storage

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For many people, storage units are a necessity. Whether you're moving soon or you’d run out of space in your home, there are many reasons why you should get one. You can use a storage unit to stash lawn equipment, holiday décor, winter clothing, or even an extra vehicle.

If you're a college student, use it to stow away stuff between apartments or while you’re doing a semester abroad. Are you doing a home renovation project? Tuck your belongings safely in a storage unit for the time being. The list of scenarios for utilizing storage space is endless.

Yes, self-storage is convenient, but it takes some work to figure out how to get all of your belongings to the unit. So from truck rentals to finding an affordable moving company, here are the most affordable ways to transfer items from your home to the storage unit (or vice versa).

      DIY Move with a Rental Truck

      When talking about costs, hauling items over to a storage facility is no different than moving to a new home. It might be more affordable to do everything yourself. Of course, if you go this route, prepare to spend more time and effort on the process.

      Since you likely will be renting a storage space close to your home, one of the most affordable DIY options is renting a moving truck. Rentals typically cost as low as $19.95 for day use or around $0.59 to $0.99 per mile.

      The trucks come in all sizes to accommodate various loads, and many include features like a loading ramp for ease of access and a chassis skirt for fuel-efficiency. There are several truck rental options like Budget, U-Haul and Penske, choose the company that works best for you.

      Here are some valuable tips to save during a storage move with a truck:

      • Plan ahead. Book a rental truck at least a few weeks in advance to ensure availability on the date you plan to move. Keep in mind that rental truck companies often charge increased rates on weekends and at the end of the month based on higher demand. If you can, avoid moving during these peak times.

        Choose the right storage unit. Organize your entire inventory and sort the items you're going to stow away according to your need for access. A rule of thumb is to get the next larger unit than the one that could fit your stuff, so you have room to store more items in the future.

        Recruit friends to help. The more, the merrier, right? Not to mention more people can get the job done a lot quicker. Make sure to buy some drinks and pizza as a thank you!

        Get boxes for free! You can ask for spares from your neighbors or friends who have recently moved. Liquor and grocery stores are also great places to score free boxes. You can also search in platforms like Facebook marketplace, Craigslist, and Nextdoor to find people who are giving away used packing materials.

        Label each box. This step might sound straightforward, but it's easy to forget. Take the time to label each box so it's easy to locate items if you need to take anything out of storage.

        Rent necessary equipment. If you are moving heavy items like a piano or appliances, you may need to rent specialized equipment to save your back and prevent dropping and damaging these items. Additionally, it’s wise to wrap furniture with moving blankets to avoid dings and scratches. Ask your truck rental company about adding equipment and blankets to your rental.

        Load smart. Load the largest and heaviest items in the truck first, making sure to secure them with tie-downs. Then fill in the empty spaces with boxes and lighter items. Proper loading is essential for ensuring that your items survive the rattling and bumps as you make your way to the storage unit.

    Renting a truck is a very budget-friendly way of getting your items to storage, but it also involves lots of effort on your part.

    There’s a second method that may cost slightly more but can save you lots of headaches.

    Hiring Local Movers with a Truck

    Some local-only movers provide labor-only services, which means that while they’ll do the heavy lifting, you still have to pay to rent a truck. To really streamline your move, it’s best to hire local movers that provide a truck and the labor.

    Most movers charge for local moves at an hourly rate with a 2- or 3- hour minimum per job. The average cost for a local move is between $50 to $80 per mover per hour, depending on where you live. For example, if the moving company’s rate is $50 per mover per hour and the company sends two movers for a minimum of two hours, you’ll pay $200 (2 movers @ $50 each x 2 hours). Services typically include supplying the truck and equipment, packing, delivery, and arranging your things inside the storage unit.

    To kill two birds with one stone, you could even hire a moving company that also has a storage facility. Plus, the mover will most likely offer you a discount for booking both moving and storage services.

    In most cities, it’s relatively easy to find an affordable moving company. But there are other ways to save on the storage logistics as well:

        Ask the right questions. Arming yourself with knowledge can help you avoid scams, ensure that you get your money’s worth, and keep your items safe while in storage. That is why you should ask your storage company the right questions.

        • How do you ensure the security of the items in the storage?
        • What protocols do you follow in case of an emergency?
        • How often can I access the unit?
        • What sort of surveillance do you use?

        In addition to an interview don't forget to do your research. Read the reviews and feedback about the company.

        Consider the location of your storage unit. You want it to be close to your home or office so you can access it easily as needed. Proximity will also help you save money on gas.

        Stack items based on breakability and store based on necessity. This rule of thumb refers to how you arrange your boxes and belongings inside the storage unit. Ask your movers to put the most durable and heavy boxes at the bottom, with more fragile items stacked on top. Keep stuff you may need access to towards the front of the unit, where it’s more accessible. It also helps to keep a walkway free of clutter, so you can easily get to items at the back of the unit.

        Last but not least, consider getting insurance. While this might not sound cheap at all, it indeed is cost-effective in the long run. You'll never know when disasters like earthquakes, floods, or fires might occur. As most people say, it's better to be safe than sorry.

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