Self Storage of Lubbock .com

Moving Tips

The following pages can help step you through the moving process. Select a link below to get more information.

• Choosing a Storage Facility
• Sizing Things Up
• Drive-up, Dust-controlled or Climate-controlled?
• From Thinking to Planning to Moving
• From Shelf to Box to Moving Trailer
• From Living Room to Storage Room

Choosing a Storage Facility

It is impossible to put a price on the sentimental value of your belongings. Sure, for most of us, the actual value of that chair or lamp is not much ... but it means something to us.

Choosing a storage facility is an important decision. Vast improvements have been made from the days of "mom-and-pop" warehouse set-ups. Advanced security systems that include electronic security gates and numerous surveillance cameras, the addition of Dust-Controlled and Climate-Controlled units, and FREE moving trailer services make self-storage facilities much more secure and convenient than in earlier years.

There are several things to look for when shopping for a storage facility. The following tips are provided to help you make an educated decision and help ensure the safekeeping of your belongings.

• A facility should have at least 16 video surveillance cameras. Anything less is not adequate coverage for a medium to large facility.
• Choose a facility with solid metal or brick fences rather than chain-link fences. This will keep potential thieves from casing your unit while you load it plus provides some protection from blowing dirt.
• Always visit the facility before renting if at all possible. Look at driveways . . . are they well kept, or full of potholes? Are they dirt and gravel or concrete/asphalt? Look for signs of water damage. What about dust build-up? Is the place well cared-for? Do the chain link fences show signs of intruders climbing over them? Are there any other customers around you could talk to? See what they think.
• Is the facility accessible when you need access? Are gate hours liberal or are there limitations on when you can get to your belongings? Do they charge extra for 24-hour access?
• Does the facility offer a variety of sizes so that you don’t have to pay for extra space that you don't need?
• Do they carry the moving supplies you are going to need for your convenience?
• Do they take credit cards, offer long-term discounts, offer automatic credit-card billing, provide free moving trailers, etc?

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Sizing Things Up

One of the most difficult things to do is figure out just what size storage unit you will need. The following is a guide to help determine what size unit you need based on the quantity of items and the specific storage situation you will have.

First, determine the quantity of items that you will actually store. Check the guide below and get the advice of your storage manager. If you will need to go through boxes or otherwise access the unit regularly, choose one size larger than actually needed to allow some shuffling space. If you are not going to access the unit until you move out, choose the smallest possible size and stack high and tightly.

• 5 x 5 - This is about the size of an average hall closet. It will typically hold one or two small furniture items or several boxes.
• 5 x 10 - This is about the size of a small walk-in closet. This unit will typically hold one to two small rooms of furnishings and goods.
• 8 x 10 - This unit will hold 2 to 3 rooms of furnishings and goods or one small apartment.
• 10 x 10 - This unit will typically hold 4 rooms of furnishings or a larger apartment. This size is also convenient for businesses wishing to store records or inventory.
• 10 x 15 - This unit will typically hold 5 rooms of furnishings and goods or the contents of one small house.
• 10 x 20 - This unit will typically hold 6 to 8 rooms and furnishings and goods or the contents of a 3-bedroom home. As a drive-up unit this size is convenient for vehicle storage.
• 10 x 25 - This unit will typically hold the contents of a large house with a garage.

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Drive-up, Dust-controlled or Climate-controlled?

Many people just figure that a storage unit is a storage unit, right? Ten-foot square room, concrete floor, door at the front? How different can they be? Well, the truth of the matter is that they can be very different! Depending on what you are storing, making the right decision now could save your belongings!

Drive-up exterior units

Most storage facilities in Lubbock are going to have just the typical drive-up unit. This is an exterior unit right on the driveway that you pull up next to, open the door and start loading your stuff in. They afford adequate protection from weather and with a good-quality disc lock, provide good security for your belongings. They do not, however, provide much protection from the infamous West Texas dust.

These units are sufficient for boxed items, appliances, most wood furniture or items that you would normally keep in your garage.

Dust-Controlled units

A dust-controlled unit is a unit that is inside a building. They provide excellent protection from weather and because they are indoors offer superior protection from dust. Dust-controlled units also afford another layer of security in that most buildings have coded access doors in order to gain entry to the units. These units are excellent for fabric furniture such as couches and mattresses as well as any electronics such as televisions, stereos and computers.

Climate-Controlled units

Climate-Controlled units afford the highest degree of protection for your belongings. In addition to the same protections afforded by dust-controlled units, climate-control maintains a standard temperature range so that your items do not get too hot or too cold. This also helps keep the humidity down to protect those antique wood items from warping. These units are best for pianos, antiques, photographs, art items, wine storage, important documents, medical supplies, video or audio tape collections, other temperature sensitive items and home furnishings.

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From Thinking to Planning to Moving

Moving can be a stressful and arduous task whether cleaning out your garage or moving your entire house. But with proper planning your moving and storage experience can be easy and smooth.

• Make a detailed list of what and how much must be stored.
• Measure the largest item (length, width, height) to determine the smallest possible unit needed.
• Make a list of all packing supplies you will need, such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, mattress and sofa covers, marking pens, labels, etc.
• Visit the facility where you are going to store your belongings. The manager should be able to help determine the right size unit for you, as well as give tips on packing, moving and space usage. Most reputable facilities carry packing supplies and some even offer discount packages for apartments, households, etc.
• If you are using a moving company, book early. The reputable companies are sometimes booked solid several weeks in advance. Ask your storage manager if he can recommend a good moving company. He has probably dealt with several.
• Keep in mind that most storage facilities are not designed to receive large trailers or moving trucks. Discuss this with both the mover and the storage manager to ensure a smooth move.
• If you are moving yourself, check with your storage manager about the use of moving trucks or trailers. Most reputable facilities offer free usage of a trailer with unit rental. Be careful with rental trucks as they are usually free for only a few hours and the hidden time and mileage charges can add up quickly!
  

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From Shelf to Box to Moving Trailer

• Pack into boxes whenever possible in order to protect your goods and save space.
• Use good quality boxes and fill them to capacity. Partially full or bulging boxes may tip over or collapse.
• When boxing heavy items, such as books, use small boxes so that they are easier to lift. Place books flat, not standing on end to protect the spines from bending and warping. Try to use similar sized boxes to aid in stacking.
• When packing fragile items use bubble wrap, packing paper or pack with linens. Be sure to label these boxes with "FRAGILE" stickers.
• Keep an inventory of each box and number each so that you can easily locate items later. Use moving labels to designate different rooms, i.e. Kitchen, living rm, master bed rm, etc.
• Mirrors should be wrapped in mirror boxes, marked "FRAGILE", and stood on end.
• Clothing, draperies and the like should be stored in wardrobe boxes, on hangers, to retain their shape.
• Leather items should be treated with a leather conditioner prior to storing.
• Use mattress bags and sofa covers to protect your fabric furniture.
• Drain and clean all debris from lawn and garden equipment. This precaution will protect both your property and the property of others from the dangers of fire and explosion. Treat all tools with a light coat of oil to prevent rusting.
• Photographs tend to curl over time. Place them between pieces of cardboard and tape closed to protect them. Unless you are storing in climate control, you should consider keeping photographs with you, as they are subject to temperature-related damages and are, oftentimes, irreplaceable.
• Disassemble items such as tables, bed frames, desks, etc. (This will help save space.) Wrap and label all pieces for easy reassembly. Place all hardware in plastic bags, label and tape to the item. Use bubble wrap on table legs to protect from scratches.
• When disassembling electronics, try to use the original boxes if possible. If not, use similar sized boxes and label each cord as to where it goes for easy reassembly.
• Make sure that all appliances are clean and dry before storing them.

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From Living Room to Storage Room

• GET HELP!! BUY PIZZA OR BARBEQUE OR WHATEVER IT TAKES TO COERCE YOUR FRIENDS TO HELP YOU!!! This will make your move less time-consuming, less energy-consuming, and less painful overall.
• Plan on storing long sturdy items vertically. Things like couches, mattresses, even desks and long dressers will take up much less space if stored vertically.
• Place heavy or bulky items in the unit first toward the rear to provide a good stacking base.
• Do not place heavy items on sofas or mattresses as the imprints can last forever.
• Stack similar sized boxes together to save space, always placing the heaviest boxes first and the lighter ones on top to prevent crushing.
• Plan your storage space. Place items you need access to the most nearest the door and, if possible, leave a small walkway in the center to allow access to items in the rear of the unit.
• Stack chairs seat to seat using paper pads to prevent scratching on wood furniture.
• Cover furniture with blankets prior to stacking anything on them to prevent damage.
• Use the inside of appliances to store smaller items and always ensure the doors are left partially open to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
• Rubbermaid containers are great to store your items. They have tight fitting lids and stack easily.
• Do not store any toxins or flammables such as paint, oil or gasoline nor any perishable items.