Did you know that one in five households move to a new place every year? If you’re planning to settle down in a brand new home, you might be curious about when is the best time to do so. 

Peak moving season is typically described as the time between the months of June and August but can begin as early as April or end in late October. This timeframe is usually when college students are moving out of their dorms and apartments and potentially finding new ones. Additionally, many families with K-12-aged children want to make sure they’re fully settled in and familiar with the area by the time the new school year starts. 

The spring through fall seasons makes for a much better time to move than the winter and holiday season. Who wants to stress about major holidays and family gatherings in addition to moving or looking for long term storage? 

Moving is not going to be easy, but it doesn’t need to be a miserable time either. So many things need to be accounted for during the moving process, whether it’s hiring movers, making lists, planning ahead for utilities or schools, and closing on your house. Getting a plan in place has worked wonders for a lot of people when it comes to leaving your old home and settling into the new one. By avoiding these common moving mistakes and planning ahead, you can prepare better for the unexpected and make things run more smoothly.

At Ample Storage, we’ve been helping Northern Nevadans store their valuables since 1987 and have considered your convenience and security first. This also applies to the packing process too, because we’ve been around long enough to know what works and what doesn’t! 

1. To avoid copious amounts of stress, start packing up to a month before the move. The more you pack up ahead of the date, the easier it’ll be for you to take care of other moving details and tasks as your deadline approaches. Start by packing one room at a time, and beginning with the rooms you use the least until you get to the high-trafficked parts of your home.
2. Before the big move, stock up on supplies such as box cutters, permanent markers, packing tape, paper towels, and garbage bags. This will help you stay organized and make sure your items are packed securely.
3. Other helpful equipment to look into includes moving blankets, straps and dollies to make lifting and shifting furniture easier. Be sure to clear a path to the door and put protective covering on the walls and flooring as an easy way to prevent dents and dings.
4. Don’t overpack boxes, but make sure to prevent any large spaces if items still can fit. If a cushion is needed to protect valuables, using towels, cloths and even articles of clothing can work to fill up those spaces.
5. When packing, try to keep your items together. It’s much easier when unpacking if you keep all kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom essentials together. Be sure to either label or color code the boxes to note what rooms the items are for.
6. Works of art are a common and tricky thing to pack. Our experts suggest making an X with masking tape across the glass to not only strengthen and reinforce it, but also hold it together if it potentially shatters. Wrap the pictures in bubble wrap or paper and put them in a frame box, which is a special moving box with a piece of cardboard between each frame for a cushion. Another tip to keep in mind is to make sure not to wrap oil paintings in regular paper as it’ll stick together and smudge.
7. If you’re not working with a team of movers, getting a moving truck with a ramp is a must. Even if renting a truck without one seems like the cheapest option, the struggle with getting all the furniture up and in the truck can add hours of backbreaking labor to your move.
8. Many people feel that the most challenging part of the packing process is deciding what to keep or throw out. If it has been a prolonged period of time since you used something that can be an indicator that it might be time to sell or donate it. Be sure to ask yourself if a piece of furniture that’s on the larger side is also something that is worth moving to a new house, too.
9. One of the more important tips on packing is being able to detach yourself from any emotions or sentimental value when deciding to keep or toss an item. A popular option to get rid of things is to host a moving sale, and it’s an easy way to make money for items that are still in excellent condition.
10. With packing taking up so much time, a moving sale may not be feasible. Instead, another time saving option is to donate your items to places such as Goodwill or other thrift stores that take furniture and/or clothing. The local library may also be interested in any old books in excellent condition, too!

Here are some additional tips on moving:

• Don’t empty any dresser drawers, but instead tape them shut as a way to cut down on boxes used 

 

• Use pots to hold smaller items and wrap them in paper or bubble wrap depending on the fragility 

 

• Buy the same sizes of boxes to make loading the moving truck much easier 

 

• Keep valuables separate by packing them in different boxes and treating them with additional care

 

• Book any necessary moving services mid week as that tends to be the time of less expensive offers

 

• Wrapping up your couch in shrink wrap can help protect the leather from scuffs, holes, and scratches when loaded into the moving truck and packed tightly against everything else

 

• Pack furniture tighter than you think it needs, especially pieces with spindly or fragile legs

 

• Have suitcases or travel bags? They can store whatever’s on your shelves, in addition to any clothing or accessories

 

• Keep hydrated during the move and don’t overexert yourself

 

• Make an “open first” box to have when you get to your new place

 

• Set up internet and utilities before the move

 

• Keep clothes on their hangers 

 

• Always remember to lift boxes and furniture close to your body, and to lift with your knees, not your back 

 

• The process goes much faster when the whole family helps

 

Ample Storage is Here to Help

Downsizing when moving is important, and if you’re looking to move some items into storage until you’re ready to use them at your new home, consider using our storage services to keep them safe. Ample Storage has a variety of storage unit sizes with sizes ranging from 5x5 and 20x20. 

Free up space in the moving truck and get organized today. Our team looks forward to being a part of your new journey!

Contact Ample Storage to Learn More Today

 

The Reno-Sparks area is home to one of the nation’s greatest car shows -- Hot August Nights. With the main event coming up quickly, many classic car owners and enthusiasts are pulling out their hot rods in preparation for the popular Show-N-Shine ride-along which features classic vehicles from all over. If you’re like many other car owners who store their classic vehicles in the garage or in the yard with a tarp over it, we’re here to tell you there’s a better way. Not only can classic car storage in a self-storage unit help free up some much-needed space, but it’s also much more beneficial for your precious vehicle as well. Learn more about classic car storage in Reno below!

Benefits of Reno Classic Car Storage

You can considerably improve the way you store your classic vehicle by simply switching to an indoor self-storage unit. There are several benefits of storing a vehicle this way from better preventative care to freeing up space at home.

Indoor Protection from The Elements

One of the best reasons to store your classic vehicle in a storage unit is the protection it will get from the elements. Rain, snow, wind, and other inclement weather can seriously affect the exterior of your vehicle. Such elements can lead to paint deterioration, rust, and possibly even damage to the glass windows and exterior mirrors. These complications typically require professional maintenance and care in order to properly repair the vehicle and restore it to its full glory. And if you’re a classic car owner, you know just how expensive this can be.

Storing your classic car in an enclosed, indoor storage facility will ensure your vehicle remains out of the inclement weather and maintains its aesthetic exterior, unlike if you were to leave your vehicle outdoors.

UV Ray Protection

Indoor storage also ensures that your vehicle is protected from harmful UV rays caused by the sun. Similar to how the sun affects your skin, UV rays can lead to serious paint damage. Fading, chipping, and complete paint stripping are common for cars left baking under the sun day after day. Eventually, the paint will need to be redone, which is costly. To avoid having to pay for such repairs, keep your classic car in an indoor self-storage unit that blocks out all sun and UV rays.

Free Up Space

Many people keep their classic cars in the garage, under a carport, or concealed by a vehicle cover and parked in the driveway or in the backyard. While keeping your vehicle in the garage helps prevent damage from the elements, this solution takes up a lot of needed space. The same goes for vehicles kept in the yard or driveway. This is especially true if you rarely drive your classic car. Rather than taking up space in your home, storing your vehicle in self-storage keeps your vehicle safe while freeing up room for other things, or other vehicles that are driven more frequently.

Damage and Theft Protection

Even if you live in a safe neighborhood with little theft activity, your vehicle may still be at risk of being stolen or damaged. Vehicles that are highly valuable or vintage are at a greater risk of being damaged or stolen. By keeping your car stored in a secure, indoor storage facility that’s guarded around the clock, you never have to worry about your vehicle being stolen or damaged.

Long-Term Storage

Keeping your vehicle in the garage or outdoors in the driveway may be a good short-term solution, but will that method be effective 6 months down the road when it’s snowing and frigid out? Long-term storage for your classic car will keep your vehicle safe, secure, and perfectly kept for as long as you need.

Classic Car Storage in Reno, NV

If you are looking for short-term or long-term storage for your car once Hot August Nights is over, come down to Ample Storage. Ample Storage is known for being the best classic car storage in Reno, NV because we have the safest, most convenient storage options available. With 24/7 security, an array of storage unit sizes, and easy access for approved guests, our storage facility is the perfect place to keep your beloved vehicle. Whether you’re looking to store your classic ‘67 Chevy Impala or your 2005 Hyundai, let Reno Ample Storage be your solution.

When it comes to long term storage, utilizing Reno storage facilities will be your best option. Self-storage units are an efficient and safe way to keep personal items that you don’t want to part with, while also freeing up space in your home. Here are the benefits to long term storage using Reno storage facilities and some tips for planning and preparing your storage unit for long term use. 

Benefits of Long Term Storage

There are many benefits to using a self-storage unit to keep your special belongings. Whether you’re looking for a storage unit to declutter your home, or you just need a space to put things for a while, a storage unit can be extremely convenient. 

#1 Saving Space and Decluttering Your Home

Using a self-storage unit is an effective way to remove excess stuff from your home that you don’t want to get rid of. We all have sentimental items that we keep because of the memories we have with them. But sometimes there just isn’t enough room in your home to keep these items that you most likely aren’t using. The same goes for holiday decorations and seasonal items. Obviously you don’t want to get rid of your Christmas lights just because they’re not being used, so where do you put them? A storage unit is a great place to store these seasonal or sentimental items that you don’t want to get rid of, but also don’t want cluttering up your home.

#2 Temporarily Store Items During Home Renovations

Home renovations can be unpredictable. Instead of moving your things to another room in the house and cluttering up your home, use a storage unit during the renovation. By using short term or even long term storage, your items will be out of the way and allow you to focus on your big project. 

#3 Making Room for Family or New Items

If you’re in the process of preparing for a new baby, or having a friend or family member move in then using a self storage unit is a great option for you. You can easily clear out any furniture or other items from the room to open it up for someone else. Your furniture and keepsakes will be safe and secure, and the best part is, you don’t have to get rid of anything. And if you’re getting new furniture but can’t part with your old stuff, storing those belongings in a secure unit can provide a great solution. 

#4 Storing Important Items Safely

Most storage units are well protected by added security that you may not have at home. Keeping important items that aren’t used often in a storage unit is a great way to keep them safe. The guards, gates, and padlocked units make it difficult for theft to occur, making your items very secure. 

Long Term Packing Tips

Preparing for long term storage should be done thoughtfully. The last thing you want is to find out later that your things have been damaged due to poor planning and improper packing. Here are some tips to help you pack up your things for a long term stay.

#1 Determine How Much Storage Space You Need

Decide what items you would like to store and rent a unit that will accommodate all of them. If you’re only packing away a few boxes, then you won’t need a very large unit. And if you’re packing away an entire room, make sure you have enough space in your unit to fit everything comfortably. 

#2 Properly Pack Items

Some of your items will be harder to pack away than others, You should keep in mind the materials you're storing and the condition they’ll be in during their stay. For example, leather couches should be cleaned beforehand using a leather cleaning solution, and then properly protected with an old sheet or even a sofa cover. Your items should be in the same condition when you pull them out of storage as they were when you put them in. 

Be sure to pack breakable items with plenty of cushioning so they don’t break, and be extra cautious with your more valuable items. Also, when storing household appliances, they should be thoroughly cleaned out before hand, and left open to prevent mildew from growing. You can also take a look at our Storage Unit Tips to help you pack. 

#3 Consider Climate Control

Climate controlled storage units are necessary for storing certain items. Electronics and wood furniture for example, should be stored in climate controlled units. This is because extreme heat and extreme cold can negatively affect these items.  

#4 Get Storage Insurance

Some self-storage companies require that their tenants get insurance, but usually this is optional. Having the added insurance can provide peace of mind, and will protect you and your belongings in case of an accident or incident. 

Connect With Reno Ample Storage

Ample Storage is the perfect place to keep important items for long term storage. There are many Reno storage facilities in the area, but we offer a wide range of storage sizes all the way from 5x5 to 20x20. We also understand how important the security of your items is, which is why we provide around the clock security 24 hours a day. Contact us today for unit availability and sizing options.

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