Moving house can be a very stressful time for everyone, so it is important to try and make it as smooth as possible. It is especially important to avoid this stress before you have even began to move your belongings, and this means to ensure you are packing effectively.

Here are some handy hints to ensure that packing goes as stress free as possible!

Your Handy, Stress Free Packing Guide

Ensure that you are not leaving anything to the last minute whatsoever! It is incredibly important when packing to not leave yourself too short for time and therefore hurrying to get everything ready and finished in time. This can lead to carelessness when you are packing your belongings for the move and can often be the catalyst for your own belongings getting damaged.

Use reliable and effective containers and boxes to store your belongings in. It is easy to acquire strong and reliable boxes and containers from shops which are also useful and efficient for storing items in when packing to move house. Look to use reliable and recommended brands that fit the sizes that you will require to pack your things into.

Try to avoid using containers that you think might be strong enough to hold your belongings. It is important that they are secure when being transported. Removal services may also offer containers and boxes that can be used if you are using one of them.

Make sure that containers and boxes are clearly labelled. Clearly labelled containers and boxes allow you to be able to find the things that you are going to need first when you are unpacking your belongings into your new home.

Use packing as an opportunity to streamline some of your possessions and belongings. Often when beginning to pack for a move, you realize that you have many more possessions than you initially thought. This is a great chance to be able to streamline some of these things. Be it an old t-shirt that is faded and doesn’t fit anymore, or house ornaments that you just don’t use, moving is a chance to be able to send these unwanted items to charity shops.

You should really assess whether these items have any sentimental value at all or whether you may actually use them again before deciding what should  go. It also creates less for you to unpack at the other side!

Ask for a few  favors! Packing is definitely an opportunity to use any favors that you may be owed to help speed along the process, and make use of friends and family who can help you with your upcoming move. Often, people are more than willing to join you in your mountains of packing. It is a lot easier with 5 pairs of hands compared to just one!

Preparing for a Smooth Move

Remember that packing is just the first part off your move, so it is important that it goes smoothly. These simple tips should allow you the opportunity to be able to do that, as well as decreasing your stress levels greatly. Happy packing people!

Guest post granted on behalf of: http://www.manandvan.org/east-london/manwithavan-e8-hackney-removals.html

When you first move into a home, it is clean, empty, and brimming with possibility. You can decorate it as you choose, decide where things go, and everything will look fresh and new. However, over time, things will deteriorate, as the place gets more messy and full.

You will obtain new items and goods that will need a place to inside. You will fill up cupboards, coffers, spare rooms, cram things under beds, buy a shed, fill up the attic, and much more. You will keep getting objects and continue to need place to put them all.

Eventually, your home will be full of clutter and mess, and this can ruin your living experience. It could even become tough to relax and feel at ease, as your home won’t look it’s best. If you are having such problems, then read on to learn about some storage solutions for a cleaner home.

Storage Solutions for a Cleaner Home

You may have goods littering your home, but you do not want to dispose of them permanently. They may have monetary or sentimental value, they may not be needed at this time, or you may be holding onto someone else’s goods. You may even just want to store things in a safe place. If any of these are the case, then storage can help you keep all of your goods out of the way.

Commercial storage depots exist as a means for a person or company to place their goods out of the way when they are not needed. There are many companies out there who will have units in all sizes, from small lockers to containers large enough to store vehicles.

You can hire as many caches as you need, so you can store as much or as little as possible. There will likely be no limit to how long you can amass your goods, meaning you can keep them there for years or just a few days. You should be able to visit your storage unit whenever you need, so you can collect things at any time, or leave more objects behind.

Finding Reputable Storage Companies

Research each firm so you can see who is properly accredited and trusted, and if they can cater to all of your needs. You must ensure that the firm you hire has safe units, which will resist bad weather and temperatures, as well as be locked up tight. You can request a free quote, to see everything they will provide for you and the cost.

Arrange items to your needs, so that something you will more likely require is closer to the entrance with less useful items at the back. Add cupboards, cabinets and shelves to arrange things neatly and safely.

Want to Skip the Research?

Reducing clutter and cleaning your home in one go can be simple, and all you need is a secure self-storage container. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three, high-quality storage facilities in your area, so you can reduce the clutter in your home!

Guest post granted on behalf of: http://www.handymoves.co.uk/west-london/removals-west-kensington-w14-w8-manandvan.html

Moving again?  Moving is completely unavoidable most of the time, so let’s tackle this issue head on so you can reduce the pain when the big day comes around.

4 weeks before moving

First and foremost, book your mover, and start culling your unwanted items.

> Donate to charities, family, or friends. By doing so, you can potentially reduce your moving costs by not having to move these items.

> Start making notes of any furniture items that may need specialist moving requirements such as pianos, pool tables, and other unusually large or heavy items. When you’re shopping around for local moving companies, let them know about any large and heavy items.

> What furniture needs to fit into each space at your new destination? Measure the kitchen and other areas.

> Start consuming food stored in the freezer to minimize transferring excess food on moving day. Take note on used-by dates for opened food packets.

> Transfer the children’s schooling arrangements.

> Purchase packing materials and boxes. Try not to use newspaper for packing in case it soils or stains your items. Instead, use white paper. Start marking each box with its contents description and final room destination. Pack the heavier items in small boxes and lighter items in large boxes.

> Dismantle any non-essential furniture that comes apart, and place nuts and screws in a separate box or snap lock bag.

2 weeks before moving

> Contact utility companies and financial institutions, notifying them to transfer your contact details to your new address.

> Collect any items around the house you’ve borrowed such as videos, DVD’s, or library books and  return them.

> Make sure the new home has been fully cleaned prior to moving in, and arrange cleaning of the old home once you’ve left.

1 week before moving

> Put blankets, sheets, towels, and pillows aside so they can be used for the first night.

> Make a list to give to the removal crew outlining which items are to be placed in which room.

> Pack your plants into plastic-lined containers, but lightly water them first. If you own a lawn mower, don’t forget to drain the gas.

> Transfer or cancel any home delivery services such as newspaper and mail deliveries.

> Keep one box aside for essential items such as TV and stereo remotes, phone chargers and hand sets, keys, medications, special kids’ toys, toiletries, coffee, pajamas, pet food, etc.

> Book the locksmith in to coincide with moving day, so you can have the right keys immediately.

1 day before moving

> Arrange which boxes and items you’ll be transporting in your own vehicle. Defrost the fridge, empty, and clean it. Check with a council for garbage collection days.

Moving day

> Use a cooler for transporting perishable food items.

> Double-check that power, gas, and landline phones are disconnected. Check nothing has been left behind — double-check the insides of cupboards and on top. Check that utilities and hot water services have been reconnected at the new house.

Need Moving Help?

Remember, being organised to move house will make all the difference. You’ll worry less and will also get on top of things far quicker, so you and the family can settle into your new neighborhood.

You can also rely on Talk Local to find the right movers for you, no matter where you’re going! TalkLocal will connect you with up to three moving professionals in your area in just minutes.

If you’re on the move a lot, investing in a portable storage locker is probably a sound decision. A storage unit will allow you to keep your valuables, heirlooms, seasonal items, and other goods in a safe place. However, when it’s time to move, there’s often little to do but manually unpack the neglected storage unit, only to pack a new one in a new town or city. Portable storage units enable you to move the entire container to wherever your new home will be, but how feasible are they? Let’s take a look at how to move portable storage lockers.

Size Matters

First of all, how large is your portable storage locker? If you’ve purchased a personal storage locker from a hardware store, most likely you will be able to move it yourself. However, if you have a large portable storage unit such as the ones offered by companies like PODS, then you will need to contact the company to arrange to have your goods moved.

Use Your Storage to Save on Moving Expenses

If you’re clever, you can utilize the additional room left in your portable storage to pack additional items and lighten the load of goods you’re taking with you. In fact, many suppliers of portable storage units offer the use of their containers specifically for moving, so you can rent one, load it up with all your belongings, and have it delivered to the driveway of your new home whether it’s across town or across time zones. It’s a great way to ease the strain of moving, and not having a moving truck to drive means one less vehicle to worry about fueling.

Need to Find A Storage Center?

If you’re planning a big move soon, looking for a place to stow away some odds and ends, or just looking for more information on how to move portable storage lockers, TalkLocal can help you find the right company to store, move, or both. We will connect you with the right professional, directly.

Portable storage containers and self-storage facilities are great for storing items you don’t have space for in your home or office, and are available in a wide array of sizes, from the modest 5’x5′ to the size of semi trailers. If you have excess goods that you need to easily store and move from place to place, a portable storage container will help you do that. We’re sure a company near you offers portable storage containers for sale, and we’re going to give you some pointers to help you choose the right one for you.

Location, Location, Location

First, consider location. After all, if you own your own storage unit, you’ll have to have a place to put it. Find a spot in your yard or another open space where your portable storage unit can be placed. Don’t go too out of the way when choosing a location, because you’ll want convenient loading and unloading as well.

Managing Costs

Costs for storage units can vary from company to company. Contact several storage unit businesses in your local area and get several competing quotes before you make a decision to buy. Make a list of pros and cons and compare accordingly. If local prices aren’t quite up to par, take your search to the Internet. Once you’ve reached a workable price, it’s time to contact the winning bidder and set up an appointment to have your portable storage unit delivered.

File It Away

Finally, make sure you keep all of the receipts and paperwork for your storage unit purchase. We recommend using a credit card for payment, so if there are any problems that the business cannot solve, you can contact your credit card company and resolve the situation that way.

Now Find A Storage Unit!

If you’re looking for portable storage in your local area, let TalkLocal help with your search. Our free concierge service will connect you to portable storage sales in your area within minutes.

Let’s be honest. As humans, we have a remarkable ability to accumulate a whole lot of stuff. Stuff that needs to be stored. To cure this problem, many of us opt to employ the use of storage facilities to keep our garage overflow, seasonal items, or even vehicles. However, if driving across town to get access to your belongings is less than ideal, you can consider portable storage lockers as a viable alternative. There are many reasons that a portable storage unit could be a better option for you than a physical storage facility. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons.

The Right Size for the Job

Portable storage lockers are available in a wide array of sizes and shapes, from small enough to pull behind a pickup truck to large enough to fit a semi truck. If you’re looking for a storage unit with the ultimate flexibility in space, portable storage units are available in a larger variety of sizes than physical building storage, most of the time.

Convenience

When it’s time to put things in storage in a traditional storage facility, you’re going to be packing the car or truck full of your belongings, hauling them across town, and loading them into your storage unit yourself, sometimes taking multiple trips. With portable storage lockers, the container is delivered to your door. Carry items from your home or business straight into the unit, and it’s carted away when you’re done.

Pack and Move

Packing a moving truck and hauling it across the country is one of the many nightmares of moving. Save on hassle and fuel, and easily hire help for loading and unloading. Once packed, your storage unit will be in the new town or city waiting when you move in.

Find Storage Units or Facilities Now!

Looking for portable storage lockers near you? TalkLocal can help you find the right company for your needs with our free concierge service. We will connect you with the right professionals in just minutes.

Living with bedbugs can be a hassle. While bedbugs do not transmit disease, they feed on blood and can cause itchy, irritating bites, making living conditions unbearable. If you have bedbugs and are looking to move, think twice before quickly packing up your things and leaving. Be sure to follow these steps to get rid of bedbugs before moving, so that the bedbugs do not move with you into your new home!

Cleaning and Preparation

1. The first step when preparing to move is to clean your space well so as to eliminate as many bedbugs as possible. Sort out what you would like to keep and what you would like to throw away.

2.Wash and dry any items you decide to keep that are made of washable materials using the hottest settings possible.

3. Place all washed items in sealed, labeled plastic bags to avoid re-contamination.

4. For the items you would like to keep that cannot be washed, enclose them in plastic bags and contact a pest control professional for cleaning advice and treatments.

5. For items you no longer wish to keep, wrap the items in bags, mark them with the words “bedbugs,” and leave them outside for removal. Never donate items that have come into contact with bedbugs.

Packing

1. After thoroughly cleaning your belongings, it is important to pack well. Pack all items in plastic bags.

2. If possible, leave these bags or boxes in the hot, summer sun or in the freezing winter cold for a few days; the extreme temperatures may help to kill any remaining bedbugs.

3. Once everything has been packed, remove furniture from the home and sanitize it outside.

Moving and Unpacking

1. Make sure that each person entering your new home has showered and is in a fresh pair of laundered clothes to reduce the risk of bringing in bedbugs.

2. If you have pets, wash them well.

3. Only bring items into your new home that have been cleaned and sanitized, and keep a close eye on the boxes and bags you are bringing in.

4. Also, be sure to purchase bedbug protective pieces, such as a bedbug-proof mattress cover, to avoid future contamination.

A new living space can offer some wonderful opportunities for you. Careful cleaning, packing and moving will help you live bed bug-free in your new home!

Need Moving Help?

If you are moving with bedbugs, use TalkLocal to locate a pest control specialist near you. Talk Local will connect you with the right professionals in your area quickly, at no cost to you!

If you are considering using a storage facility to store your unwanted or unneeded items, think about some of the common storage facility restrictions. You don’t want to purchase a storage facility and learn later that you can’t use it for its intended purpose.

While most restrictions vary by facility, many are the same. If you want to make sure you get your deposit back and are not locked out of your storage building, you need to follow the rules of each facility. Here are some of the most common ones.

Items Which Cannot Be Stored

Most storage facilities have a list of items which cannot be stored in them. Some lists include items which cannot be stored inside or cannot be stored outside. Be sure to read the list carefully so you do not accidentally store something which is prohibited. Common items include flammable and hazardous items, chemicals, and paints.

No Living Things

Most storage facilities make it very clear that there are to be no living things stored inside the units. This may seem like a silly rule, but you may be surprised to find out how many people actually try to live in their storage building or keep pets and animals inside them. This is illegal in most locations and against the facility policies.

Insurance

One of the most common storage facility restrictions that many people do not consider is insurance. If you are planning to store a boat, camper, car, or another large or expensive item in a storage unit, you need to make sure it has proper registration and insurance.

Many storage facilities will recommend these things while others will require them. If a facility finds out you are not following this rule, they can make you remove your items regardless of how much you have paid towards your storage bill.

Finding The Right Storage Facility Is Easy

If you need to find a general storage facility, or even one to store specific items, TalkLocal can lend a hand. Log on to our site and give us a little bit of information about what you are looking for. We take care of the rest.

We will have three local companies call you to offer their services. You get to choose the right one for you. All of this is free.