Storing items during a move can be a balancing act. You’ve got the movers on one hand and the storage facility on the other. Everything has to come together just right or you’ll run into big—and potentially costly—issues. Here’s a look at the top five mistakes people make when moving things into a storage unit and tips on how to do it right.
Mistake #1: Not Knowing The Type of Vehicle The Movers Will Use
Before renting a storage unit get a firm answer from the moving company about what type of vehicle they will be using. Many companies use moving trucks, while others use everything from a trailer pulled by a pickup truck to an 18-wheeler. Verify the vehicle type then get the dimensions—width, length, height, and weight at maximum capacity.
Mistake 2: Not Finding Out Whether the Moving Truck Will Fit
Now that you know what type of moving vehicle that’ll be used, you need to ensure that it can get into the storage facility and to your unit.
When considering your storage options, ask about clearance heights and widths for getting into the facility and to your unit. You’ll also want to find out how trucks access the property and whether there are any load maximums. Use the truck dimensions provided by the movers to figure out whether you’ll have enough space.
Mistake 3: Not Giving the Movers Unloading Directions
Professional movers are the expert unloaders, but you’re the boss on moving day. It’s best to let them know how you want things arranged in the unit before unloading begins.
It’s especially important to speak up if you want to move around and look for certain items later on. This takes some thought and planning before the unit starts getting filled. Aisles will need to be created and boxes will need to be arranged so that all labels are visible.
Mistake 4: Not Securing Enough Space for Your Stuff
It can be tricky figuring out how much storage space you need. If your belongings already are organized and boxed up, this is easier to determine. But when in doubt, get advice from the facility. If you cut it too close and your belongings won’t fit, you can check with the facility about renting a second, smaller unit for the overflow.
If you’re not sure everything will fit into your storage unit, having a backup plan will reduce stress and minimize cost, particularly if the movers are working by the hour.
Mistake 5: Visiting the Storage Facility When Everyone Else Is There
Typically, people move their things into or visit their storage units on the weekends or after work on weekdays. This might be the only time that fits into your schedule, but if you’re paying movers by the hour, you could cut down on the cost by moving during work hours on a weekday when fewer people are around.
Why Choose BTA Self Storage
BTA Self Storage may have a location closer to you than you think! Our four locations in Rockwall, Royse City, Forney/Terrell, and Wills Point not only have climate and non-climate storage units, parking for your RVs, boats, and vehicles, we also have all the moving supplies you need from boxes to furniture covers along with trucks and trailers. BTA Self Storage is family and locally owned and operated too. We have been in business since 1998 and our friendly employees are waiting to help answer your storage questions.