If you don’t carefully plan and coordinate ahead, moving your belongings into a storage unit can prove to be a difficult experience. Most of the times, there are several people involved in the process, so you need to ensure that everyone has a shared understanding of what is required. You can make this experience as easy or as complicated as you want. By following some well-constructed advice, you can move your possessions with no added stress or hassle.
Here are five crucial mistakes to avoid when moving your belongings into a storage unit.
- Not Communicating with the Removal Company about Removal Equipment
Removal Services companies have different methods to pack and transport your belongings. Before you rent a storage unit, make sure to contact the removal company and know what type of vehicle they will be using. Will it be a van, truck or a trailer? Knowing the exact dimensions of the vehicle regarding height and width helps you better estimate which type of loading car is more suitable for the volume of your belongings. The last thing you need is for the company to arrive only to discover that your possessions are unable to fit in the vehicle.
- Not Knowing the Dimensions of the Removal Vehicle
When you are moving your property into a storage unit, the vehicle needs to be small enough to enter the building. Storage facilities are very limited regarding space; they have a lot of units, so the vehicle will need to fit into a very restricted area. If your vehicle is too big and you have to park outside the storage unit, you will encounter a different kind of issue. You will either have to rent a shuttle truck from the facility that you are using or keep making trips to and from the van which will be extremely time-consuming. When you are booking your storage facility, ask questions such as the height and width of the facility, and how vehicles maneuver in and out of the area. You should also ask if there is any maximum load allowance.
- Not Providing Unloading Directions for the Movers
Since you are the person who has hired people to move your property, you have an obligation to instruct them on how you want your belongings to be arranged in your storage space. It is important to have a system, so that whenever you return to locate something, things are easily accessible. Therefore, if you want your unit organized from the beginning, make sure your team knows what you want and where you want it to be put. Don’t forget to correctly label all your boxes and place the label in a visible spot.
- Not Having Enough Room for Your Possessions
You know how much property you have, therefore, before you sign a contract and enter into a financial agreement, ensure that the unit you are going to rent has enough space for all your belongings. If you are not sure about the space you need, plan to visit the storage unit ahead and take a look. If you book a mini storage unit without checking the dimensions, you risk arriving on the day of moving and discover that your things don’t fit inside. You will either have to pay for an extra storage unit or take your belongings to a friend or family member. Either way, you will end up spending more than you had budgeted for.
- Moving at the Wrong Time
Storage facilities typically charge by the hour. If you arrange to move during peak hours, it will take you longer to move your belongings, and you will have to pay for every hour spent in the facility. It is advised that you book your time outside peak hours, therefore avoid the weekends and the after work hours on weekdays.
Final Thoughts
Moving can be a time-consuming and costly experience. Whether you are at your first or your 10th move, helpful tips and advice can go a long way. No matter how small or large your move is, it takes a lot of planning and effort. That’s why it’s important to spend more time in the planning stage so that you can avoid these common mistakes.
