Self Storage

How much does it cost to rent a portable storage unit?

How Much Will It Cost To Rent A Portable Storage Unit?

Portable storage units are great alternatives to the regular storage facilities. Often, people rent portable storage units when moving to new locations. These units have gradually gained popularity due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Depending on your needs, the containers can be delivered to your initial location at your desired time for you to pack your items. The company providing the moving storage services will then pick it up and move it to your new location. You may also decide to have the company store your rented container in a warehouse or storage facility for some time.

Renting portable storage containers have made moving much easier and more convenient. But how much do they really cost? Various factors determine the cost of renting a portable container. This makes it hard to give an exact price. Here are a few common factors that help determine the cost of a portable storage unit.

Portable storage units size

It is obvious that the cost of portable storage containers depends on the size and dimensions of a container. Of course, the bigger the container, the higher the cost. Most containers are found in 7-foot, 8-foot, 12-foot and 16-foot measures. The 7-foot container is the most popular, and it measures 7’ by 7’ by 8’. Visually, it resembles a 10’ box truck and works in storing a single room’s furniture. It would cost you about $90 plus pick up fees. Delivery pick up fees vary if you store on your property or in the warehouse.

The second option is the 12-foot container. It has dimensions of 12’ by 8’ by 8’ and is equivalent to a 15’ box truck. This size would comfortably house two to three rooms of belongings. The size is ideal for in-town moves or storage. As we had mentioned, the larger the size of a container the more expensive it will cost. This 12-foot container may cost you up to $97 if you need pick-up services. It may cost you $212 to have your items stored in the portable storage unit on a monthly basis.

The third option comes to the 16-foot containers that have a dimension of 16’ by 8’ by 8’. These are the largest portable containers that epitomize a 20’ box truck. The size would be ideal for three to four rooms of items. Most companies would charge an estimate of $250 as the monthly storage cost and about $120 for pick up fees. These are the most common sizes and their estimated prices for various services.

Box-n-Go – Alternative approach

A viable alternative to the above is using 8′ x 5′ x 7′ tall containers, like the ones from Box-n-Go. these offer you the ability to create a smaller modules. In turn, this will help you to avoid paying for the space you do not use.

Storage Duration

The duration you expect to rent a storage unit is a significant determinant of the renting cost. Most companies offer rentals on a month to month basis. These flexible arrangements help customers store items temporarily without making long term commitments. It is essential to understand a company’s terms before you engage it. Some companies insist on full storage services of a minimum of three months while others offer their services on a monthly basis. It may cost you about $170 to $240 on a monthly basis but the cost may vary due to other factors.

Portable storage unit delivery costs

Shipping costs are often translated into delivery costs. Some companies may or may not include the shipping cost in the total rental price. Mostly, it depends on the distance to your new location. Unlike buying a container, renting one requires you to pay for the container’s return journey. It is wise to always agree with the company on container shipping costs in advance to prevent surprise fees when the lease period is over. Shipping costs range anywhere from $150 to $300 excluding the rental cost. Some companies offer free delivery occasionally with an agreement of extended leasing period. The longer the distance from the pick-up point to the new location, the higher the cost that finally reflects on the charge sheet.

In most cases, the company will give you a breakdown of how they charge shipping costs. For instance, they may say anywhere between 100 to 150 miles will cost you 150$. Any extra miles above the set limit will attract some more.

Self-Service Storage vs. Full-Service Storage

There are two types of service. The first one is the self-service storage and the second is the full-service storage. Storage service companies tend to put higher price tags to the full-storage since they handle the entire process.

The self-service storage is considered the cheapest option especially if you are planning to use the services for a short period. If you have the time, expertise and energy to move your goods, you should consider going for self-storage. It would cost from $60 to $100 a month for the self-storage option.

The full-service storage involves giving the storage company all the responsibility to handle your belongings, store and move when the time comes. Because of these additional services, you are likely to pay anywhere from $100.

Extras

Some extra charges may arise if you happen to return the portable container in bad shape. If the container is returned dirty, with additional alterations and other things inside, you may have to dig deeper for damage costs. Also, if the items stored exceed the set weight limits, you may be charged extra shipping costs. To avoid these additional costs, be sure to have the container cleaned out before delivering it back to the owner. Also, you need to ask for permission from the involved company before making alterations such as drilling holes, adding shelves and making visible marks.

Some clients will order for storage bins and packing items from the storage facility. If you decide to purchase these packaging items from the company, the costs will reflect on the overall cost of renting a portable container. Some companies also offer labor assistance services that will be tied to your rental costs.

A word about climate control

You may want a climate-controlled unit. This will come at a higher cost than a standard one. It would fetch about thirty more dollars for the climate control feature. These types of customization are essential if you want to store materials that would be affected by mold. They include material such as files, paperwork, mattresses and clothing. Considering the type of items for which you want a storage facility for, you will need to decide whether you need this feature beforehand.

Your selected company should let you know if they ask for security deposits, refundable fees, and administration fees. Also, inquire if they charge penalties once you miss or delay your monthly charges and what happens with the refundable fees in the case when you choose to cancel the contract before the time ends.

All these add-ons are essential to note since they reflect on the final rental cost of a portable container. Most don’t have standard figures and they vary from company to company and depending on the quality of materials and company policy.

Insurance

Most storage facilities will inquire if a client has insurance. Many clients have their storage items under a homeowner or renter’s coverage. Off-premises home insurance plans often cover about 10% of the total personal property. Storage and moving companies will want to know if your property plus their container is fully insured in the case of damage, theft and other vices. Depending on whether you have insurance coverage for your property, there might incur an additional insurance cost of about $100. In case you have no insurance, the company will help you sign up with a storage insurance provider.

Putting all these factors into consideration, you may want to create a budget taking care of your storage needs. Selecting a company to help you with the whole process is another daunting task. When comparing quotes from different companies, be sure to compare apples to apples. While some companies will give you a detailed breakdown of all the expected costs that could be incurred in your moving project, other companies work with estimates, leaving out important additional costs. As earlier mentioned, we cannot pinpoint the exact cost of renting a portable container. However, using the factors highlighted above, you are likely to have a correct price estimate. You can get in touch with us if you need portable storage units.

Try Box-n-Go Portable Storage

If you are searching for portable storage give Box-n-Go a shot. All you have to do is to call Box-n-go at 1-877-269-6461. Box-n-Go will be able to take care of all your moving and storage needs.

Dorm Room Organization Guide

So, it’s time to move into your new college dorm room, but where to begin? Dorm room organization is very important. You may even be a seasoned student who wants to declutter your dorm room. Your dorm will now become your temporary home for the next year. So more than ever, it is important to see its value, organize and begin a new journey! With a little resourceful and creative thinking, you can make the most of your new space.

Declutter Your Dorm Room

Start with leaving items that you’re not going to actually need at home. Accumulating new and fun mementos is a must have in college. So you will need to toss out the old to make room for the new. Keep your items to the bare minimum once you travel from home.

Focus on furniture with multiple uses. Most dorm rooms are furnished with your basic living pieces such as beds, dressers and working desks. Adding extra furniture can be a plus. Especially if you add a multi purpose item! For example, instead of placing a living chair in your dorm room, try a storage ottoman on for size. this will provide a place to sit and also act as a storage container! It may help you declutter your dorm room.

Handy Dorm Room Organization Hack

A handy dorm room organization life hack is using your vertical storage! Check out over the door hanging items such as shoe racks, towel racks and hanging baskets. These over the door wonders are perfect for storing your must have items. Such as accessories or even cleaning items. Opt for a wire shower caddy for those clutter based items such as pens, notebooks. Also loose leaf paper and other random items that live on your desk.

To really make your dorm room feel like home, a dining area is a must, but how? You may have items such as a mini-fridge, a microwave and a coffee maker. So it is imperative to set up kitchen station! Organize in the best way possible by using a small utility cart on wheels as well as adjustable cube shaped storage. These placement items are optimal for keeping your dining items together and out of the way. Plus it just feels good to have the feeling of home in your very own dorm room. Feel free to add small baskets and little plastic shelves for snacks, utensils and more!

1. Storage Under Your Bed

One of the most underrated storage areas in a dorm room is right under you, literally. Storing items underneath of your bed is ideal for keeping things organized and decluttered. Plus its a perk having your items close to you. Most dorm room beds can be adjusted to raise up or lower down. Thus creating adequate space for storage containers, totes, drawers, or boxes. Some dorm room inhabitants have been known to loft their bed to keep a small sofa or futon underneath for seating. If your dorm room bed does not lift and lower, fear not, bed risers are available and won’t break your bank. Sure, things can also get cluttered if you’re really utilizing the space. Therefore if the look bothers you, purchase a long bed skirt to hide your items. This is one of the simplest ways to declutter your dorm room.

2. Other Storage Alternatives

If you don’t want to store things under the bed, you can always store things over the bed as well! Using your wall space is the best thing you can possibly do. You can add shelves above your bed to keep things up and out of the way. There are organizational shelves made especially for twin beds that are optimal for keeping things out of the way, tidy, close to you and looking clean. Some of the shelves even allow space for a headboard, which makes organizing your room much easier.

3. Closet Storage

With most dorm rooms, you are also have some kind of closet space or wardrobe cabinet. Sometimes it seems like the easiest way to just hang your things up and pile your shoes anywhere. However, there are ways to truly amplify the space you’ve been given with a few handy items! Create more hanging space for your clothing by using thin, felt hangers. As opposed to bulky plastic or wood material hangers. In the spirit of keeping things cohesive in your spaces, use a hanging organizer for laundry items such as garment bags, detergent, fabric softener and other items.

You could easily conceal those in a basket and place them in the organizer! Place the plastic shelving on the top of the closet for towels and washcloths. Use the plastic shoe bags for shoe organization on the back of the closet door. Also the nearest flat surface, freeing up the floor of the closet for added space. Make sure to leave enough space for a hamper! If this area does not have a door, a trusty shower curtain rod with a curtain or even a stylish shower curtain can help keep your area looking neat.

4. Use The Dresser

If your room has a dresser, save room in each drawer by rolling your clothes! This is a special folding technique that can allow you to store many more tops and bottoms in one single drawer. This method can also help prevent those annoying wrinkles. If you do not have a dresser, you can use a set of plastic drawers. these will help in your quest to declutter your dorm room.

5. Entertainment Area

Another relaxing aspect of having your own dorm space is creating an area for entertainment. Whether you want to watch television or play video games. If you or your roommate has a small size flat screen television, you can save space on your desk or dressers by creating an entertainment center with cube shelves. All you have to do is stack the organization cubes and place the TV on top! These cubes can make it easy to store games, magazines, small decorations, a game console, movies and more! For an added touch, add accessories or stylish decor that you enjoy or even contact paper for the top.

6. Bedside Table

Something essential is a beloved bedside table! To make your bed experience feel more cozy, try out a rolling cart for a small nightstand. Bulky tables can take up space and are not practical. Using a rolling cart is your best bet. All bedside items such a book can laying on it. Also a bottle of water, a clock, an alarm clock or a small fan. It would also be great for keeping your phone close to you while it charges at night. A perk with the rolling cart is all of the sweet little storage areas underneath!

7. Do not forget the desk

The desk in your dorm can take up a lot of room, so maximize that space and add a hutch! A desk hutch comes in a variety of sizes, shapes and finishes. They provide loads of storage space for your books, school items and electronic devices. Throwing in a few small boxes, baskets and magazine holders can be placed on top of the hutch for added storage and organization. You can also utilize binder clips around the desk to create an affordable solution for cord storage. Just simply add a few clips and weave the chargers as well as cords through the loops to keep your cords accessible and cleaned up. You’ll never have to worry about pesky cords getting tangled again. You can also keep your devices organized on the desk with a DIY charging station. You can match each device’s charger to their designated device with decorative tape.

8. Bathroom organization

Your dorm room may or may not have its own bathroom. If so, you may have to think outside of the box. You and your roommate will both need space for your personal hygiene products. Small size bins that stack ideally fit underneath of sinks. These are perfect for items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, soaps and shampoos, mousse, hairsprays, and even your medications. Wire baskets and small hanging baskets suspended from cabinet doors can also be added for more storage. And as always, don’t forget to label!

If your dorm room does not come with its own bathroom, worry not. For a shower caddy is your best friend. Sharing a bathroom with an entire floor of students means you have to take your own items back and forth. You can make your bathroom routine so much easier by keeping your toiletries in a shower caddy or tote. You can store all of your items in your caddy such as shampoo, soap, razors, shower lotions and even a loofah sponge! Not only does the caddy or tote keep things organized, they create more space in your room and they’re easy to find when you need them.

9. Wall Hooks

And finally, stacking up on command hooks are something to remember when you want to declutter your dorm room, reorganize and start over fresh. These are a lifesaver and can work with any budget. You can use them for absolutely everything. Whether it’s creating a place for your keys, a place to hang a robe and towels or even for art and photos on the wall.

Organization and proper storage can be a real game changer when it comes to making the most of any space. Following these easy budget friendly dorm room hacks and clever storage ideas, you can create a personal space that feels like home sweet home! This is when all your efforts to declutter your dorm room will pay off.

Call Box-n-Go 1-877-269-6461

Should you find yourself with too much stuff consider decluttering using student self storage from Box-n-Go. Box-n-go actually offers many services far beyond self storage. All the items you do not use regularly can be in storage, where you can retrieve them with ease. Also, when the summer comes, use summer storage services from Box-n-Go to move out from your dorm room with ease.

Using Self Storage Units to Declutter your Home

Experts agree that when preparing a home to sell you must declutter. However most homeowners do not see their homes as being cluttered. There’s a difference however between sprucing up a home and staging it. When you remove excess items from your home you’re making it look more spacious to buyers. With a little planning and using storage, like Box-n-Go, you can make your home sell faster and for more money.

Using Self Storage

Self storage units are a relatively new business. The first self storage chain in the United States opened in Texas in the 1960s. Since then, this industry has exploded. One in ten American families now utilize storage units. Recently the minimalist home design has gained popularity. This, combined with the average American family’s busy life style has created a very cluttered lifestyle. It is easy to see why the self storage industry and the decluttering movement have both grown substantially.

In recent year a portable self storage concept has gain popularity. With companies like Box-n-Go, all it take is one phone call or online reservation and you are well on your way to declutter your home. thus creating a more attractive and valuable listing. After the home is sold and you have a new home to move to, simply order the return of your storage units, so you can get your belongings and settle in the new place.

Decluttering your home

Look around the room you are sitting in. What do you feel? Do you feel happy and relaxed? Or do you see a mess that overwhelms you?

Decluttering your home is a necessary part of making your home your oasis from your busy life. Also to making the most of your free time. Clutter is expensive to obtain. Then takes Saturdays away from you by slowing down your cleaning and requiring time to manage and organize the extra items.

Decluttering your home can also result in making some extra money. By having a yard sale and/or listing your personal property on eBay, you might get paid for clearing out the clutter.

Parents of children who are going to college or traveling do not have to put their plans of downsizing to a smaller house on hold. Because of their children’s remaining belongings. These parents may consider renting a storage unit to store their children’s belongings while they continue their education. This is to allow them to ability to move to wherever they choose. A storage unit is less expensive than maintaining a mortgage and utilities on a home that is larger than necessary.

If you are ready to declutter your home, but there are certain items that you cannot sell. Do not let go of the dream of a neat minimalist home. There is a solution for your situation: renting a self storage unit.

Where should you start?

If you love the idea of transforming your house into a minimalist style but cannot seem to escape clutter no matter how many times you comb through your belongings, consider changing your strategy.

Go through every room in your house and select the items that you use daily or weekly. Also furnishings that are crucial to the function of the room. Then rent a storage unit and move everything that did not get onto the crucial items list to the storage unit.

Wait for a month and see what items, if any, that you miss. If you do not miss the items you stored, you could sell them or donate them to charity. If there are items that you do not want to keep in your home but you cannot sell or donate, continue utilizing your storage unit. That is for as long as you need to maintain ownership of them.

De-Cluttering Tips:

Help potential buyers visualize how their furniture will look in your home.
Clear off kitchen counter tops, take down those refrigerator magnets.
Re-arrange furniture or bring in new décor.
Empty out the garage by removing all non-essential items.
Clean up the yard by removing all excess furniture, pots, and children’s toys.
Clean& stage every room. Don’t forget the bedrooms, pantry, or walk-in closets.
Empty out closets, always attempt to maximize space by opening up small areas.
Keep your personal items to a minimum. That means family photos, sports trophies, or awards.
It is important to keep the aroma in your home clean and fresh for example: Apple Cider, Baked Goods, Vanilla, or Potpourri.
Place mirrors to expand a room or accent a fixture. Also add extra lighting to help make the house appear brighter. Remember to minimize the artwork.

Why should you rent a self storage unit?

Many people use their basements or sheds to store items as they start their mission of decluttering their homes. While these options are inexpensive, you risk damaging the items that you store. This is done by subjecting them to temperature changes and moisture. By using a temperature controlled, indoor self storage unit, you have a dedicated area where your belongings will be safely kept.

As you declutter your home, you may come across family heirlooms that are not your style but cannot be sold due to their emotional value. If you want to keep these items in the family but other family members cannot take possession of them, consider using a self storage unit. This way you can keep the heirlooms safe until another family member can take them.

Some people are hesitant to rent a self storage unit because they want to be able to access their belongings at anytime. Some self storage facilities offer their renters access to their units twenty-four hours day. Making your access to your belongings a non-issue. However, not all storage facilities offer access at all hours for security purposes. As such, be sure to check the rules of access before entering into a rental contract.

Others are afraid of their belongings being stolen. Many storage units offer security features, such as gates and entrances with unique access codes provided only to renters.

Size Matters

There are many different sizes of self storage units available to be rented. Whether you are decluttering your entire house or just one room, there will be several options available for you to choose from.

Rates of self storage units

Many self storage facilities offer sign up bonuses, such as a $1 rate for the first month’s rent. Rates for small storage units may cost under $100 per month, and large units may cost under $300 per month.

As you search for a self storage unit, compare rates and features. Do you need a high security, climate controlled unit? Or could you use an economy unit that is lower security and is not climate controlled? Also consider how long you will need the storage unit Some facilities offer lower rates for longer term rentals.

Benefits of Self Storage Units

Self storage units come in a variety of sizes. The storage companies provide carts for transporting items to your unit and have large elevators to help transport items up multiple levels.

These benefits cannot be matched when storing items in residential basements or sheds. If you have a large room available for storage and not enough items to fill the room, you are wasting space. Then the decluttering that you performed in one section of your house is simply moved to another. If a cart is purchased it must be stored as well, and there are generally no elevators, forcing you to move awkward items up and down stairs.

Packing your storage unit

As you are decluttering your home, keep in mind that a cluttered storage unit is not any more ideal than a cluttered home. Try to consolidate moving items to the unit into one or two trips. This way you have the opportunity to organize and plan how your belongings will be packed into the unit. Be sure to carefully pack your belongings into your self storage unit, as carelessly storing items can result in them becoming damaged and make it difficult for you to remove certain items at a later date.

As you pack your storage unit, keep in mind that certain items should not be stored in self storage units, such as:

Live animals: it is not humane to keep live animals in self storage units, and this may be considered a crime.
Live plants: plants may rot and attract rodents and other pests.
Perishable items: food items should not be in storage units. Rodents and insects like food and may get inside your unit.
Combustible items: any substance or item that is explosive or can easily cause fires should not be stored in a self storage unit. Examples of combustible items are ammunition, alcohol, gasoline, cleaning products, and paint thinner.

Conclusion

Decluttering your home offers many benefits and is a much less daunting task than you may think. When you decide what items should go into storage off site from your residence, there will be a variety of storage units available to fit your budget and your needs. Take the first step in the journey of decluttering your home today by doing an online search of storage units near your home.

Call Box-n-Go 1-877-269-6461

Box-n-Go offers services that go far beyond self storage. Call us or reserve online and we will help you with your decluttering process.

Storage during home remodeling

People may need storage rentals for a variety of different reasons. Usually it isn’t just individuals renting storage spaces. For the homeowner, however, one of the most common is needing storage while remodeling the home. From tearing down walls to adding a new bathroom. A remodel can become a messy affair. It is good to have a safe place in which to put all of your valuables.

Storage While Remodeling

Home remodeling is an exciting but daunting prospect. Knowing what your home will look like at the end of the process is the exciting part. But reaching that end goal will have its share of concerns and potential headaches. There will be plenty of decisions concerning what you’ll have changed during the remodel. Will you be having a separate tub and shower installed in the bathroom. Or a combined shower and tub? In the event of a kitchen remodel. Will you be getting granite or wood countertops? These could be considered the fun decisions when undergoing a home remodel.

There are also planning steps you need to consider before the remodeling starts. One of these will be storage while remodeling. Depending on how many rooms and what rooms you’re having redone, options will vary. You’re going to have plenty of possessions you’ll need to get out of the contractor’s way for the duration of the project.

The more rooms in your home you’re having worked on at one time, the more daunting storage while remodeling will be. Don’t let it be too big a worry though. After all, that’s why you’re reading this article. The following are a few helpful options for temporarily storing your belongings while the contractors transform your home into what you’ve always wanted it to be.

Rent a Self-Storage Unit

A quick search will yield a plethora of self-storage companies in your area. This option will probably be better for storing larger items such as furniture or appliances. As well as any belongings you don’t need to get to on a regular basis. There are storage facilities that will pick your things up and bring them to your storage unit for you. Others that will lend you a truck or van to do it yourself. This option will be best for a fairly long-term, extensive remodel of your home. Depending on what’s being stored, most companies should have climate-controlled or non-climate-controlled storage units available. A self-storage unit will also be an excellent option if you think you might have an ongoing need for the unit after the remodel.

Storage While Remodeling – Renting a Portable Storage Container

There are companies that, in essence, bring a storage unit to you. These are portable containers that they will drop off in your driveway. When exploring solutions for storage while remodeling, a portable storage container is generally a better option than a storage unit. The primary reason, of course, is convenience. You’ll have ready and immediate access to your belongings. Remember, though, when packing your items in a container, leave a space to walk in. As well as to look for particular belongings so you don’t end up curtailing this advantage.

Unless you live in a very sparsely populated area, a search for portable storage container companies should yield plenty of results. Be sure to get quotes from several companies.So you’re not paying any more than you have to. Planning is also important. If you’re not positive about how big a container you’ll need, err on the side of going a size bigger. You don’t want to run out of room after getting three-quarters of your stuff in it. And then find yourself scrambling to locate another place for the excess.

While a portable container is generally a superior option to off-site storage, the problem is that it’s not available to everyone. If you live in your own house with a driveway, then it should be fine. You may be living in a condominium or a townhouse, however. Which means you’ll need permission from the homeowners association or the condo board to have a portable storage unit parked in your parking lot or driveway. Make sure you get this permission ahead of time to prevent wasting money on something that you may end up not being able to use.

Use Another Room in Your Home for Storage While Remodeling

One factor that can open up your options for storage while remodeling is the amount of unused space you currently have in your home. If you have a basement with an unused corner available or an unoccupied guest room, you can use these to store your belongings. Perhaps you’re only having your kitchen remodeled or another single room renovated. This leaves the whole rest of your house available to stash stuff that was in the room being renovated. Even if it makes things a little cramped. You need to keep in mind that the remodeling project won’t last too long. Also, you are probably already spending a pretty penny on the remodel. If you’ve got the space in your home or garage, this does have the advantage of being a free storage option.

As with a storage unit or container, be sure to pack things away so that you’re still able to have access to anything you may need. Also, make sure this extra space is out of the way. Even if it’s not in the room the contractors will be working on. Make sure they’re not tripping over it on the way to this room. What if you don’t have enough space in your home to fit everything that has to be relocated? The next tip might prove useful.

Storing Your Belongings With Friends or Family

If you’ve got a friend or family member with extra space in their home or garage, asking them for permission to temporarily store your things there can be an option. This will be even better if they live in your neighborhood. It will come close to giving you the relatively easy access to your belongings that you would have from storing them in a corner of your basement. Or in a portable storage container.

This has the allure of being a free option, which puts it above that of a storage unit or container. That being said, you don’t want to strain your relationships with friends or family. So make sure they know ahead of time how long you’ll need the extra space in their home or garage. If your remodeling project takes significantly longer than originally estimated, you may want to consider employing another storage option to avoid fraying nerves.

Other Considerations for Storage While Remodeling

Let’s say you’ve evaluated your situation and figured out the best storage option for you. There’s still the real-world issue of packing your items and getting them to the storage unit, storage container, or corner of your house or a friend’s house. The following are a few helpful tips for this part of your remodeling adventure.

It is just as handy for other, smaller jobs you are doing on the house. If you are going to take out the carpet and replace it with hardwood floors, or if you are repainting, you may want to use storage rentals to secure your belongings while you work. You will need to call the storage company and tell them the date on which you want the container delivered. Depending on the amount of material that you need to move into the container, you may want to have it delivered a few days ahead of time. This ensures that you won’t have to rush the procedure.

Get Help if You Need It

When starting a home remodel, you’re trying to get your dream home, not a hernia. In the event that the belongings you need to move include furniture or boxes of heavy items, don’t try to handle it all by yourself. Ask friends or family to give you a helping hand. Buy them all pizza when it’s over as a thank you. If you don’t have anyone close enough or in good enough shape that you can ask for help, then hire professional movers who are licensed and insured. This way you’ll be covered for any damage to your possessions while avoiding any injury to yourself. Contact several moving companies to get quotes for moving your items. You can also check with friends or coworkers for any movers they’ve used and had a good experience with.

Storage While Remodeling – Stay Organized

If you’ll need to access some of these stored items during the remodel, you have to pack and store them in an organized fashion, so you can find them quickly when needed. This means clearly labeling your boxes and packing them so that these labels are visible. It also means moving the boxes that contain more frequently used items last, so they’ll be at the front of the storage unit or corner of your basement when you need them. You’ll also want to leave a path down the middle of your boxes and other items to help you reach everything.

Storage While Remodeling – Don’t Forget to Keep the End Goal in Mind

Home remodeling can seem daunting at times. Choosing between countertop materials, cabinet styles, plumbing fixtures, flooring and who knows what else seems complicated enough. On top of all this, side issues arise that need to be dealt with. If it’s your kitchen that’s being remodeled, where do you prepare food in the meantime? If your master bath is being redone and it has the only shower in the house, you’ll have to temporarily make other arrangements.

As if these types of things weren’t complicated enough, now you have to figure out where to keep all the stuff in one or more rooms while they’re being remodeled. Hopefully, the above pointers will help you decide which option will work best for you when addressing this question.

Just keep in mind that this is a happy time because, at the end of all this turmoil, you’ll have the kitchen, bathroom or entire home you’ve been looking forward to. You’ll be enjoying your remodeled home for years to come, and it’s amazing how quickly any hassles during the remodeling process will seem like a distant memory.

Call Box-n-Go at 1-877-269-6461

Box-n-Go is one of the companies offering storage containers. our services do not stop there however. We can also arrange for the loading labor, packing materials, etc. Please feel FREE to call us and our consultants will be happy to answer all your questions and make all the needed arrangements for you.

Moving Out of Your Dorm Storage Tips

College life is exciting. Memorable. Super swift. Hectic. But the college life itself is all of these things. Hence, moving out of the dorm is even more so. At least you had a whole semester to make sense of new subjects. Master new skills, make new friends and schedule ahead for the next go-round. When you are ready to move out of your housing at the end of the school year, if you want an easy move out, follow some basic dorm storage tips below.

Moving out of the dorm offers no such luxuries. As fast as you moved in, you are expected to move out again. Only this time you may find you somehow have a lot more to move!

Whether your dorm move is just for the summer or for all time. These tips will help you keep move-out day short and sweet, low-stress and affordable so you can be on to bigger and better things.

Dorm storage tip #1 – Enlist help!

First things first: even if you feel perfectly confident and competent to heft shopping bags full of binders and stacks of textbooks. Eventually you are going to confront that one item you cannot lift all by yourself.

So plan for that in advance and enlist some help to get the job done. Remember, if you wait until the last second to figure out what to do. You may not be able to count on your friends to do this. Since they will likely have their hands full with their own dorm moves.

So ask for your friends’ help in advance. Try to coordinate so you will help your friends and then they can help you. It more fun to tackle move-out together. But it will help the actual moving day chores speed by when you know help is already at hand.

2. Secure your packing materials.

It can be hard to save packing materials and supplies from your move-in. Likely because you don’t have a lot of storage space in your dorm room as it is. But then when it is time for your dorm move-out, you and everyone else on campus are all vying for the same packing materials!

So start early thinking about where you can find low-cost or free packing boxes, bubble wrap or old newspapers. Also durable bags and similar packing materials. Often grocery stores have extra boxes they will just give away. Garbage bags make durable packing materials for soft items. Sometimes student organizations collect packing materials students can pick up for free and use. But don’t wait as these free items tend to run out in a hurry.

You can also wrap more fragile items in your towels or clothes to reduce the amount of packing supplies you need to scavenge or purchase. Be sure to set these items aside for special handling so they don’t get damaged during your move. Also remember that the packing supplies you choose need to fit in your car somehow. A bunch of angular cardboard boxes might work well for bigger items, but you can only fit so many in your car.

Bagged possessions will fit handily in the spaces between boxes. Also they will help to secure and bolster the boxes so they won’t move about while you are traveling.

Dorm storage tip #3 – Line up move-day transportation.

Do you have your own car or a willing family member who is happy to help you move? Then this section is probably a no-brainier for you. And you may even be able to make a buck or few helping friends move if you have your own ride.

But if you don’t have your own car as of yet, move-day transportation is going to be a critical planning item. An item for dorm move-out day that you want to take care of well in advance.

Here again, friends with cars may have their hands full with their own move-out process. So if you can, ask in advance and try to coordinate your move date around their moves. You may want to offer to help them move in exchange for use of their car for your move.

4. Shipping or storage is also an option.

If you are moving out of the dorm permanently because you are graduating, then congratulations! Perhaps you are en route to a new job or are looking forward to heading home. To see family first before you start your new life. Shipping some or all of your belongings to your next destination can take a lot of the pressure off. You just need to get things packed up and ready for your shipping service to pick up.

If you are planning to return after summer break and move back into the dorm or into an apartment, another option is to rent a storage container. This can be much more economical if you split the cost with an interested returning friend. But be sure to look into this in advance before all the storage containers get rented for the summer!

5. Move in stages.

It can seem like just bad timing that your move-out deadline comes just at the same time as your semester finals!

But if you tackle your move in stages, it won’t seem nearly as overwhelming. Also, taking a break from studying to do some packing and shipping can actually help you clear your head. As well as get the blood flowing – a little manual labor never hurt anybody.

When you move in stages, you also free up extra space for more packing materials to use for the next round of packing. If you have rented a storage unit, you can transport what is already packed over. Then return to pack up the next items.

For local moves, you may be able to just drive your belongings over to your family’s home for storage. Then return to your dorm to keep working.

Dorm storage tip #6 – Pre-sort your belongings.

One of the most potentially frustrating parts of moving is packing away essential items too soon. Then having to undo all that hard work to find them again. To avoid this type of frustration, it can be helpful to pre-sort your belongings. Moving everything you use regularly into the “no pack” zone until your actual moving day comes. The rest, including seasonal clothing, older textbooks and keepsakes, can be packed up with confidence.

7. Don’t forget about the less fortunate.

Moving out of the dorm is a great time downsize! You don’t have to go full-on minimalist, but you can do some strategic Kondo-izing. donate what no longer brings you joy to the less fortunate.

This can even mean connecting with swap or share organizations on campus to offer less fortunate students first pick of your overflow. Not only does committing to donate what you no longer want or need lighten your move day load, but it can also feel pretty great.

8. Break out the gloves and the mop.

There is no doubt that peering into those dark corners (you know where they are) can be a bit daunting at first. But you know you have to do it. So get ready with some sturdy rubber gloves, cleaning solution, a sponge, mop and dustpan and broom. Also keep some old yucky clothes handy that you can clean in.

Cleaning as you go is the best way to be sure you don’t overlook anything and get penalized for it. As you clear out one section, head right back in and clean it and then just move on to the next.

Dorm storage tip #9 – Plan ahead for full campus dumpsters.

There is nothing like move-out day to fill those campus dumpsters up quick. hence one of the key ips for moving out of your dorm room is to start your move process early. Start by trashing everything you know you won’t need, eat or use. this is to avoid having your last memories of campus life be schlepping your dorm trash from one dumpster to the next until you find a free spot somewhere.

10. Make some handy extra cash selling your stuff.

Another huge perk of starting your move-out process early is that you have more time to sell items you don’t want or need that other students do.

Great examples include old textbooks, used clothing and shoes, electronics, backpacks and book bags and similar items. Local resale stores or online stores are also great places to unload valuables that no longer hold value for you personally.

If you have on-campus book retailers, the earlier you can head in with last semester’s textbooks. The more likely you are to find a ready market while supplies are still low. Also remember that online options exist if your campus bookstore isn’t interested.

These 10 tips for moving out of the dorm will help make your move-day experience fast and easy. So you can get out and on with your summer or the rest of your brand new grown-up life!

Call Box-n-Go to solve all your storage needs.

Box-n-Go has been offering great student self-storage solutions to dorm students since 2006. All you need to do is to call us at 1-877-269-6461 or visit us online for a quote.

Car Storage Tips

People love to baby their vehicles in all sorts of ways to keep it looking fresh on the road. Don’t forget to bring that passionate TLC into the winter when you’re storing your car for a few months. We’ve outlined a few car storage tips to ensure your car is always ready to travel no matter when you’re ready to pick it back up again. It is also important to remember that when bring the car out of storage you need to follow certain steps. Usually it takes a lot of work to put your car into long-term storage. It also takes almost as much work to take it out. To ensure your car is ready, you have to take care of it.

Choosing a Good Storage Location

When it comes to choosing a location to store your car, you have a few different options:

Indoor Car Storage

It’s entirely possible to store your vehicle in a storage unit if you don’t have a garage of your own. Drive-up units provide indoor units that are much like garages for long-term storage of vehicles. If you have a truck to store, then you’ll want to be sure the storage company provides extra-large units that will house your full vehicle.

Because the units are indoors, they’re naturally protected against the climate, making them a great choice for sports cars with mint paint or classic cars that cannot afford any damage.

Outdoor Car Storage

If the winter isn’t harsh this year or prefer to save more money on storing your vehicle, then you can choose outdoor car storage as your plan for the next few months. Many storage services that provide indoor storage options also have outdoor units that can service vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

Covered Car Storage

Covered car storage is a sort of hybrid choice between indoor and outdoor storage. You gain roof protection which prevents snow and sun damage, and it’s more affordable than a fully-indoor unit. If the weather won’t bring harsh storms, then this could work as a less expensive solution.

Change and Stabilize the Oil

If you’re planning to store your vehicle for more than three months, then it’s smart to use fuel stabilizer. That’s because the majority of the ethanol-blended fuels in your car will only last three months. As the name implies, stabilizers help keep the fuel in your tank stable and stop it from corroding the engine and the fuel lines. To use the stabilizer, add it to a near-full tank of gas.

Likewise, you should change the oil and filter in your car as well as top off other fluids before putting your car away for a few months. In the colder climates, it’s especially important to keep up with the antifreeze. After stabilizing your gas and topping off the fluids, drive around one more time to help the new fluids circulate throughout the car.

Failing to change the oil will lead to lots of problems for your vehicle. The most common side effect is generating too much heat in the engine, which makes it run less efficiently than it should. Over time, an efficient engine wears out as the components warp. Without proper lubrication between these components, the problems only worsen.

Eventually, the engine will completely break down and require replacement when you don’t change your oil. This would cost thousands of pocket.

Consider Jacks Under the Tires

Before storing your vehicle for months, be sure its tires are inflated to the correct pressure. When cars sit still for too long, the tires can develop flat spots because the vehicle’s heavy weight pushes down on tires that aren’t moving. This happens even faster when the temperature is cold out or if you’re using low-profile or performance tires.

Sometimes, all you’ll have to do is drive the car around the block a few times to return the tires to their normal shape and temperature. In worse situations, the flat spot is permanent, and you can’t use that tire to drive around anymore.

If you plan to store your car for more than 30 days, think about taking the wheels off completely and putting the car on four jack stands. Of course, this is more work, but you won’t have to replace all four tires when you come back.

Clean the Car Inside and Out

It might seem counter intuitive to wash your car right before storing it away for a few months, but it’s easy to do and you don’t want to skip this or any other car storage tips. Bird droppings and water stains that get onto the car body can eat away at the paint and ruin it. Be sure to get the tires cleaned too, or else it will have tar, grease, and mud sitting there for months. To take it a step further, throw a coat of wax on the car too.

Likewise, you’ll need to protect your vehicle from rodent damage. Storing your car in a garage at home keeps it relatively warm and dry, but these conditions also make a stored car the perfect place for rodents to make their nest. A car has plenty of nooks and crannies to hide critters, and it has just as many things these critters could chew on. Cover the air intake, exhaust pipe, and other gaps you can easily get to using steel wool. Cotton swabs dipped in peppermint oil around the vehicle can help drive away rodents with the smell.

Disconnect the Battery, if You Plan on a Long Term car Storage

Before storing your car, you should either remove and store its battery or otherwise connect it to a battery tender. Make sure the tender or trickle charger has an automatic shutoff feature to prevent overcharging the battery.

If you intend to remove the battery but also use a tender, set the battery on the wood in your garage or storage unit. Don’t lose the two battery bolts, or else you’ll have a hard time reconnecting the battery in the spring. Ensuring the battery stays charged helps it last longer, and you won’t have to worry about whether it’ll be dead once you return to drive it.

If you want to remove the battery but not use a trickle charger, bring the unit inside your home and keep it warm. Frozen batteries can crack.

Use a Car Cover

Outdoor storage isn’t really feasible without a quality car cover. Be sure any car cover you buy for outdoor storage is waterproof and can secure itself to your vehicle. You can easily find universal car covers for less money, but model-specific covers are the best shape for your car’s body and are less likely to fly off in harsh winds. In any case, never use plastic to cover your car because it will easily scratch the paint.

Even if you’re going to store your car inside, it’s worth investing in a quality car cover. Here, you can opt for a more basic cover to protect the fresh wax from getting dirty and dusty. Thicker covers are better if you plan to store other items in the same unit in case something falls.

Although you can put a cover on a car yourself, it helps to have another set of hands for the job. Before you do this, though, ensure all your valuables are out of the compartments. Also make sure that the windows and doors are completely closed.

Besides a car cover, a vehicle jacket could also serve your car well for long-term storage. All you need to do is drive the car onto the jacket, and then throw a soft car cover on it before zipping up the outer jacket. Don’t skip the middle cover layer, or else that plastic jacket will ruin the car’s paint job. Of course, you’ll want to make sure your car is clean, dry, and cool before wrapping it up in the jacket.

Taking the car out of storage

Before you can start driving the car that has been stored for a while, follow these steps:

Perform a visual inspection under the hood. Check for any signs of leaking fluid or broken hoses.
Check that the wires are still intact and weren’t tampered with by any animals.
Also need to check fluid levels of the coolant, brake and transmission fluid. If they’re not full enough, top them off and double check your car for any leaks.
It is highly recommended for you to take the car out for the oil change right away. Even though you may have changed your oil before putting it into storage. The oil may have disintegrated over time and your car needs fresh and clean oil to function properly.
The tires are another important element of your car. Check them carefully. You’ll most likely just need to fill them with air.
If you didn’t place your car on jack stands during storage, your tires may have flat spots. Possibly some minor cracks. The flat spots will typically go away after driving for a few miles. However, in some cases, new tires may be in order.
Check the car battery to ensure it has enough charge. If you didn’t store the battery properly, it may be completely drained. In this case a new battery may be required.

How Box-n-Go Can Help

While Box-n-Go is a storage company that specializes on storage of personal belongings, not cars, we can certainly offer some solid advice. In most cases, when people are looking to store cars, they also need to find good storage for their personal belongings as well. We are here to help. Please feel free to call us at 1-877-269-6461. Box-n-Go and our experienced advisers are ready to assist you with your storage and moving needs.