Category: Moving Tips

Whether you’re moving across the country or just across the street, the process can be complex and overwhelming. To ensure a smooth transition, it’s essential to take a few important steps early on. At U-Lock Mini Storage, we’ve put together some tips to help make your move as seamless as possible.

Get Organized Early

Start by organizing as soon as you have a moving date. Begin by sorting through your belongings to decide what you want to keep, sell, or donate. Tackling one room at a time helps prevent the task from becoming too overwhelming and reduces stress. Create a checklist to keep track of what needs to be done and when.

Pack Smartly

After deciding what to move, start packing. If you’re doing it yourself, gather boxes and packing materials. Begin with items you won’t need until after the move. Make sure to label each box by room to simplify unpacking. For those hiring movers, research companies thoroughly and check reviews. Asking for recommendations from friends or family can also help you find reliable movers.

Consider a Storage Unit

A storage unit can be a valuable asset during your move. Here’s how:

• Staging and Selling: Store furniture and items you need out of your home while staging or selling.
• Large Items: Keep large items you can’t move immediately, especially if you’re relocating far away.
• Seasonal Items: Store seasonal décor and items you don’t use regularly.

Using a storage unit can help keep your new home clutter-free and reduce stress. Move items to storage gradually to ease the burden on moving day.

Choose the Right Storage Unit

If you already have a storage unit, evaluate its contents and decide what to move with you. Consider decluttering or upgrading your unit to better suit your needs. Selecting the right storage size and type can make a significant difference in your moving experience. U-Lock Mini Storage offers a variety of storage unit sizes to accommodate different needs, ensuring you find the best fit.

Prepare Your Pets and Kids

Moving can be challenging for both pets and children. Here’s how to make the transition easier:

For Pets

• Gradual Introduction: If possible, introduce your pets to the new space gradually to help them adjust. Take them to the new house for short visits, then return them to their current home.
• Comfort Items: Bring familiar items, like bedding or toys, to comfort your pets during the move.
• Safety First: Ensure your pets are secure in the vehicle using crates or seatbelts to prevent distractions and accidents. Have an emergency plan, including locating vets along your route and considering pet insurance for added protection.

For Kids

• Involve Them: Let your children pick out their rooms and discuss how they want to set up their new space. This involvement can make them feel included and excited about the move.
• Acknowledge Feelings: It’s normal for children to feel sad about leaving their old home. Validate their emotions and provide reassurance about the new home.
• Keep Them Informed: Share information about the move early on and involve them in decisions where possible. Consider children’s books about moving to help younger kids understand and cope with the transition.

Transfer Services and Utilities

Don’t forget to handle your utilities and services before you move. Cancel or transfer services such as Wi-Fi, electricity, and water well in advance. Contact your providers to ensure everything is set up and avoid any interruptions or extra costs.

Moving involves many moving parts, so planning ahead is crucial. By staying organized, packing smartly, considering a storage unit, and preparing your family, you can make the process smoother and less stressful. At U-Lock Mini Storage, we’re here to support you with all your storage needs during your move. Contact us today to find the perfect storage solution for your situation and ensure a seamless transition to your new home.

Moving can be stressful and overwhelming, but planning ahead and using a self storage unit can make the process easier. Here’s how you can simplify your move:

Preparing for Your Move

• Evaluate Your Belongings: Sort your items into categories: keep, toss, sell, and store. Decluttering will lighten your load and make your home more appealing if you’re selling it.
• Room-by-Room Assessment: Decide what you need daily and what can be stored temporarily. Items like seasonal decorations, extra furniture, and rarely used kitchen appliances can go into storage.

Planning Your Move

• Short Distance Moves: Use self storage as a staging area to move your items gradually. This reduces chaos on moving day.
• Long Distance Moves: Store your belongings temporarily to unpack at your own pace. This is helpful if there are delays or if your new home is smaller.

Packing for Storage

• Use Quality Materials: Invest in sturdy boxes, packing paper, and strong tape to protect your items.
• Label Everything: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. Consider color-coding for different rooms.
• Disassemble Large Items: Take apart furniture to save space, keeping screws and small parts in labeled bags.
• Protect Fragile Items: Wrap fragile items in Bubble Wrap or newspaper and use cushioning in boxes. Use blankets or towels for extra padding.
• Avoid Over-packing: Keep boxes light and distribute weight evenly to prevent injury or damage.

Organizing Your Storage Unit

• Maximize Space: Use shelving units to maximize vertical space and keep items organized.
• Leave Aisles: Create pathways to access your items easily without moving multiple boxes.
• Strategic Stacking: Place heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Use uniform-sized boxes for easier stacking.
• Keep an Inventory: Maintain a detailed list of items in your storage unit and consider creating a map to note locations.

Moving into Your New Home

• Pack an Essentials Box: Keep essentials like toiletries and clothes at the front of your storage unit.
• Unpack Room by Room: Start with important areas like the kitchen and bedrooms, and unpack gradually.
• Continue Decluttering: Keep decluttering as you unpack to maintain an organized home.
• Choosing a Storage Provider

U-Lock Mini Storage offers various unit sizes to meet your needs, reliable and temperature-controlled units, and flexible rental terms. This ensures a smooth and worry-free moving experience

Moving into a new home is an exciting journey, full of new possibilities and milestones. However, the process of moving can be stressful and overwhelming, potentially leading to injuries. Here are some tips to prevent injuries during your move:

Types of Common Moving Injuries

• Broken fingers/toes or fractures
• Cuts and scrapes
• Back injuries
• Sprained ankle
• Shoulder or neck injuries
• Knee injuries
• Muscle tears, cramps, contusions, and strains
• Hernias
• Preventing Injuries

Preparing Your Body for Heavy Lifting

• Stay Fit: Keep your body in good shape to handle heavy lifting. Increase your stamina and muscle strength through bodyweight workouts.
• Eat Right: Include lean proteins in every meal and consume enough calories to avoid an energy deficit.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water daily to promote muscle growth and keep hydrated.

Packing Wisely

• Use Uniform Box Sizes: This helps with stability when stacking and makes boxes easier to lift. Avoid overloading boxes.
• Label Boxes: Clearly label boxes with their contents for safe handling.
• Use Protective Packing Materials: Use mirror/picture kits and bubble wrap to protect fragile items and prevent injuries from broken glass.
• Seal Boxes Well: Use good quality boxes and heavy-duty tape to ensure boxes are securely sealed.

Prepping the Surroundings

• Clear Pathways: Ensure the path is free of obstacles, branches, and shrubs. Clear water puddles, ice, or snow to prevent slips and falls.
• Handle Tools Safely: Keep scissors, utility knives, and screwdrivers in a designated packing section.
• Use Slider Pads: Attach slider pads to the bottom of appliances and furniture to make them easier to move.
• Arrange Pet and Child Care: Have someone look after pets and children elsewhere during the move.

Getting Ready on Moving Day

Wear Protective Clothing: Cover your skin, and wear knee pads, braces, thick gloves, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good ankle support and grip.

During the Move

• Warm Up: Do 5-10 minutes of aerobic activity to warm up your muscles.
• Lift Properly: Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and hold the load close to your body. Ensure the path is clear and visible. If something is too heavy, ask for help.
• Use Moving Equipment: Use dollies and hand trucks to minimize strain on your body.
• Use Padding Supplies: Use moving blankets and padding for safety during transit.
• Take Breaks: Stay hydrated, take breaks, and do light stretching between tasks.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of injuries during your move and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

Moving can be stressful and overwhelming, but planning ahead and using a self storage unit can make the process easier. Here’s how you can simplify your move:

Preparing for Your Move

1. Evaluate Your Belongings: Sort your items into categories: keep, toss, sell, and store. Decluttering will lighten your load and make your home more appealing if you’re selling it.
2. Room-by-Room Assessment: Decide what you need daily and what can be stored temporarily. Items like seasonal decorations, extra furniture, and rarely used kitchen appliances can go into storage.

Planning Your Move

1. Short Distance Moves: Use self storage as a staging area to move your items gradually. This reduces chaos on moving day.
2. Long Distance Moves: Store your belongings temporarily to unpack at your own pace. This is helpful if there are delays or if your new home is smaller.

Packing for Storage

1. Use Quality Materials: Invest in sturdy boxes, packing paper, and strong tape to protect your items.
2. Label Everything: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. Consider color-coding for different rooms.
3. Disassemble Large Items: Take apart furniture to save space, keeping screws and small parts in labeled bags.
4. Protect Fragile Items: Wrap fragile items in Bubble Wrap or newspaper and use cushioning in boxes. Use blankets or towels for extra padding.
5. Avoid Over-packing: Keep boxes light and distribute weight evenly to prevent injury or damage.

Organizing Your Storage Unit

1. Maximize Space: Use shelving units to maximize vertical space and keep items organized.
2. Leave Aisles: Create pathways to access your items easily without moving multiple boxes.
3. Strategic Stacking: Place heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Use uniform-sized boxes for easier stacking.
4. Keep an Inventory: Maintain a detailed list of items in your storage unit and consider creating a map to note locations.

Moving into Your New Home

1. Pack an Essentials Box: Keep essentials like toiletries and clothes at the front of your storage unit.
2. Unpack Room by Room: Start with important areas like the kitchen and bedrooms, and unpack gradually.
3. Continue Decluttering: Keep decluttering as you unpack to maintain an organized home.

Choosing a Storage Provider

U-Lock Mini Storage offers various unit sizes to meet your needs, secure and temperature-controlled units, and flexible rental terms. This ensures a smooth and worry-free moving experience.

Moving to a new home is exciting and often marks a big milestone. However, the process of moving to a new home or to a storage unit can be stressful and chaotic, increasing the risk of injuries. With careful planning and preparation, you can minimize these risks.

Common Injuries During a Move

Understanding potential injuries helps in preventing them. Here are some common injuries people experience while moving:

• Broken fingers or toes
• Cuts and scrapes
• Back injuries
• Sprained ankles
• Shoulder or neck injuries
• Knee injuries
• Muscle tears, cramps, or strains
• Hernias

These injuries can be scary, but they are avoidable with proper precautions.

Tips to Prevent Injuries

Preparing Your Body for Heavy Lifting

• Exercise Regularly: Increase your stamina, muscle strength, and flexibility with bodyweight exercises.
• Eat Well: Consume lean proteins and enough calories to fuel your body.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support muscle growth and prevent dehydration.
• Packing Wisely
• Use Uniform Boxes: This helps with stability and makes boxes easier to stack and move.
• Label Boxes: Clearly mark contents to ensure safe handling.
• Protect Fragile Items: Use bubble wrap and special kits for mirrors and pictures to prevent cuts from broken glass.
• Use Quality Materials: Good boxes and heavy-duty tape are essential. Seal boxes well to prevent them from breaking open.

Prepping the Surroundings

• Clear Obstacles: Ensure paths are free of debris, branches, and puddles that could cause slips.
• Organize Tools: Keep sharp tools like scissors and knives in a designated area.
• Use Furniture Pads: Attach sliders to heavy items to make them easier to move.
• Arrange Childcare: Have someone look after pets and children during the move.

Getting Ready on Moving Day

• Dress Appropriately: Wear clothes that cover your skin, knee pads, braces, thick gloves, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes.
• Warm-Up: Start with 5-10 minutes of aerobic activity to prevent muscle injuries.
• Lift Properly: Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and hold objects close to your body. Avoid twisting or rushing.

During the Move

• Use Moving Equipment: Dollies and hand trucks can reduce physical strain.
• Use Padding: Moving blankets and padding supplies protect items and prevent injuries.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink water, take breaks, and stretch regularly.

By following these tips, you can make your moving day smoother and safer, allowing you to enjoy the excitement of your new home without the worry of injuries.

Moving into a new home marks the beginning of an exciting journey, but the process itself can often be stressful and physically demanding. To ensure your move is smooth and injury-free, it’s essential to take proactive measures to prevent common moving-related injuries. Here are tips to help you safeguard your move and protect yourself and your belongings.

Understanding Common Moving Injuries

Before diving into prevention strategies, it’s important to understand the types of injuries commonly associated with moving:

• Musculoskeletal Injuries: These include strains, sprains, and fractures, often resulting from lifting heavy objects improperly or overexerting oneself.
• Cuts and Scrapes: Handling sharp objects or broken items during packing and unpacking can lead to cuts and scrapes.
• Back and Neck Injuries: Improper lifting techniques or sudden movements can strain the back and neck muscles.
• Trips and Falls: Uneven pathways, cluttered floors, or slippery surfaces can cause trips and falls, resulting in various injuries.

Prevention Strategies

Preparing Your Body

• Fitness and Strength Training: Engage in regular exercise routines to enhance muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility, reducing the risk of injuries during heavy lifting.
• Proper Nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet rich in lean proteins and stay hydrated to support muscle growth and recovery.
• Warm-Up Exercises: Before lifting heavy objects, warm up your muscles with light aerobic activities to prevent strains and sprains.

Packing Wisely

• Use Proper Packing Materials: Opt for sturdy boxes of uniform size to facilitate stacking and minimize the risk of overloading. Label boxes clearly to identify fragile items and handle them with care, especially if you plan on storing your belongings in a storage unit.
• Protective Gear: Wear gloves to shield your hands from cuts and abrasions while handling items. Utilize knee pads for added protection during kneeling tasks.

Prepping the Surroundings

• Clear Pathways: Remove obstacles and debris from walkways to prevent trips and falls. Trim outdoor vegetation that may obstruct movement during loading and unloading.
• Secure Tools and Equipment: Keep sharp objects like scissors and utility knives in designated packing areas to avoid accidental injuries. Attach slider pads to heavy furniture to ease transportation.

Moving Day Preparations

• Suitable Attire: Wear clothing that covers your skin and provides adequate protection. Sturdy shoes with good grip and ankle support are essential to prevent slips and falls.
• Protective Accessories: Equip yourself with knee pads and braces for added support during lifting tasks. Thick gloves offer protection against sharp edges and rough surfaces.

During the Move

• Proper Lifting Techniques: Bend your knees and lift with your legs rather than your back. Keep the load close to your body and avoid twisting motions to minimize strain.
• Use Moving Equipment: Employ dollies and hand trucks to transport heavy items safely and reduce physical exertion. Use padding supplies to secure fragile items during transit.

Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Move

By implementing these injury prevention strategies, you can safeguard your move and ensure a smooth transition to your new home. Remember to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and take breaks as needed to avoid overexertion. With careful preparation and attention to safety, you can protect both yourself and your belongings throughout the moving process.

Moving to a new office space can be both an exciting and daunting task. Whether your business is expanding or you’re seeking a more suitable location, careful planning and execution are crucial for a smooth transition. To ensure a successful office relocation, we’ve compiled a list of 11 essential tips. By following these guidelines, you can minimize disruption and maximize productivity during this significant change.

Create a Detailed Timeline

Start by creating a detailed timeline that outlines all the necessary tasks and deadlines for your office relocation. This will help you stay organized and ensure that important steps, such as notifying clients and suppliers, are completed in a timely manner.

Formulate a Budget

Develop a comprehensive budget that covers all aspects of the move, including packing supplies, professional movers, equipment installation, and potential renovation costs. Having a clear understanding of your financial resources will prevent any unexpected expenses from derailing your relocation plans.

Assess Your Space Requirements

Evaluate your current and future space requirements to determine the square footage, layout, and amenities your new office should have. Consider factors such as the number of employees, meeting rooms, self storage, and parking facilities to ensure a seamless transition to your new space.

Communicate with Employees

Open and transparent communication with your employees is crucial throughout the relocation process. Keep them informed about the move, address any concerns they may have, and involve them in the planning and decision-making whenever possible. This will foster a sense of inclusion and cooperation.

Hire a Reliable Moving Company

Engage a reputable moving company experienced in office relocations. Obtain multiple quotes, check references, and ensure they have proper insurance coverage. A professional moving company will handle the logistics, minimizing the risk of damage to equipment and furniture and allowing you to focus on other critical tasks.

Plan IT Infrastructure

Coordinate with your IT team or service provider to ensure a smooth transition of your technology infrastructure. Arrange for the installation and testing of internet, phone systems, and other IT essentials in your new office. Back up important data to prevent any loss or disruption during the relocation.

Update Your Business Information

Update your business information across all relevant platforms, including your website, social media profiles, and online directories. Notify clients, suppliers, and other stakeholders about your impending move, providing them with updated contact details and any temporary changes in operations.

Efficiently Pack and Label

Create a system for packing and labeling items to streamline the unpacking process. Label boxes by department or area, and include a detailed inventory list. Encourage employees to declutter their workspaces and pack personal items in advance to minimize downtime.

Coordinate with Building Management

If you’re moving into a shared office building or complex, coordinate with the building management to ensure a smooth transition. Confirm logistics such as access to elevators, loading docks, and parking areas. Understand any rules or guidelines for moving in and out of the building.

Plan for Minimal Disruption

Consider scheduling the move during off-peak hours or weekends to minimize disruption to your business operations. Allocate sufficient time for the relocation, allowing for unexpected delays. If possible, maintain a skeleton staff or arrange for remote work during the transition period.

Conduct a Post-Move Evaluation

After the move, conduct a thorough evaluation of the new office space. Assess whether the layout and functionality meet your expectations and make any necessary adjustments. Gather feedback from employees regarding their workspace needs and address any concerns promptly.

Conclusion

Relocating your office is an opportunity for growth and improvement. By following these 11 essential tips, you can ensure a successful transition to your new workspace. From meticulous planning and communication to efficient packing and post-move evaluation, each step contributes to a seamless relocation process.

A house move is a major task: you have to gather everything around your house, pack it all into boxes, and move it to your new home. To help you move everything efficiently, here are eight tips you can use to plan your house move.

1. Plan your moving budget

A budget is one of the key essentials in planning an efficient and successful house move. You do not want to end up with a tight budget in the middle of the transition and run out of budget to complete the move. For example, you may need to hire additional help for the move but if you did not plan a budget that included hiring additional help, you might not be able to afford the extra help. Devastating! 

There are a few factors to consider when estimating your budget.

• Whether you want to hire professional movers or do it on your own.
• Purchasing appropriate packing materials to avoid any damages on your items during the move.
• Travel costs – gas, food, lodging, oil change, vehicle maintenance, etc.
• Purchasing a moving insurance package for additional protection of your belongings.
• Bills due from your old home and for your new one.
• Self storage unit for temporary accommodation of items that will not fit into your new home or during the arrangement stage of your new house.
• An emergency fund for unexpected circumstances during the transition.

2. Develop a timeline or schedule for the move

Creating a timeline or schedule for your house move will help you stick to your plan and avoid procrastination. A schedule will help you coordinate your chosen dates with everyone who is involved in this transition – from the moving company that you hire, to your friends into whom you can tap if you are planning to do the move on your own.

3. Classify your things

It is imperative to sort items in your house into different categories so you can unbox and place items at your new house more easily. You can group similar items into one pile and create subcategories. For example, you can group all reading materials into one pile and sort them into subcategories such as recipe books, travel books, or business books. Once you have created subcategories, you can box them accordingly. When you move these boxes to your new home, you will have an easier time knowing where to place these boxes. For example, if a box says “recipe books”, you know that you can place the box in the kitchen. Easy peasy!

4. Keep track of inventory

Keep track of the number of categories or subcategories you have so you know the number of moving boxes you need to purchase for your move. You can also purchase additional spare moving boxes in case you miscalculate and need more moving boxes for your transition.

5. Book a moving company or truck

Once you have boxed a majority of items at your home and have a good idea of when you can move to your new place, book a moving company. Contact them and arrange a time for them to come to your house and pick up your items. If you plan to move the items yourself, you can book one of our moving trucks to help you move the items from your current home to your next place!

6. Book a storage unit

If you have items around your current house that you do not want to move to your new place right away, you can store them in a storage unit. Belongings such as bicycles, CDs, or older clothes can be stored securely in a storage unit.

There are several storage unit sizes that you can choose from for your move.

For starters, you can rent a 5×5 feet unit which is equivalent to a regular closet. If you only have a few items or documents to store, the 5×5 feet storage unit will surely suffice! If you have more items to store and need a bigger space, we have the 5×10 feet storage unit available. This storage unit size is equivalent to a walk-in closet and it is ideal for those who want store clothes and some documents or home-office supplies.

If you have even more items to store, you can rent a 5×15 feet storage unit. This storage unit size is approximately the same as a large closet and it has the capacity to store business supplies, a few pieces of furniture, sofas, chairs, chest of drawers, as well as some small items and boxes.

7. Buy moving supplies

There is a variety of supplies that you can purchase to help you ensure that your items are moved to your new home safely, and to make sure the transition process is seamless.

Here are the different types of supplies:

• Boxes of various sizes: boxes come in many sizes that will surely fit according to your needs and will ensure the protection of your fragile items from any damage as they are made of sturdy corrugated cardboard.
• Bubble wrap: this type of packaging is very reliable for your extremely fragile items such as dishware, ceramics, and electronics. Its material will protect such items against cracks or any damage during transit.
• Packing papers: this is an alternative in case a bubble wrap is not available. You may wrap those extremely fragile items in these packing papers before putting them in a box, as this can also protect against any potential damage when moving.
• Permanent or colored markers: this will help you easily label or mark each box. Labels can help you or the movers place the items in the truck according to their fragility.
• Box cutter and scissors: these tools are needed as well for easily cutting boxes and tapes.

8. Avoid return to sender scenarios

Before moving, make sure that you have updated your mailing address to avoid important mail or deliveries being returned to the sender. You need to ensure that you have contacted important people and organisations to provide your new address. For example: 

• Address change with the post office
• Online shopping accounts
• Insurance companies and bank accounts
• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
• Family and friends
• Any company that sends you bills

Questions? Feel free to call us at 1.866.647.8673 or contact us online at https://www.selfstorage.ca/contact-us and our staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!

Looking to reserve a storage unit? Find a self storage facility near you:

1. Self storage Burnaby or Vancouver
2. Self storage Chilliwack
3. Self storage South Surrey or White Rock
4. Self storage Parksville
5. Self storage Nanaimo
6. Self storage Victoria