How to Pick the Right Size Storage Unit

Posted on June 18, 2018August 7, 2023 by BigApple

While some may assume that selecting an appropriate storage unit size is a straightforward task, the reality is that numerous individuals commit errors in the process. Given the diverse range of storage unit types and sizes available, it is crucial to identify the most suitable option for your specific requirements. As such, it is prudent to engage in careful planning and thoughtful consideration prior to making a final decision on the appropriate storage unit size.

That way you will avoid potential space and money issues and have a safe storage unit for your items. Check out our guide and learn how to choose a good size for your storage facility.

What Do You Need a Storage Unit For?

The optimal size of a warehouse is contingent upon its intended use. It is therefore imperative to establish the fundamental purpose of the prospective storage facility. One potential application is the storage of items within the unit, with infrequent access for an extended period, such as several months or until the next relocation.

In this case, you don’t need to think much about the size and how you are going to pack the things inside. In this case, you maybe need a short-term storage. The unit can be a smaller one, and not cost a lot. The other scenario is actually using the items inside the unit regularly.

In this case, you need to think about the size of the unit and the way you store the items inside. Also, you may need a long-term storage. All of that in order to make it easier for you to go through the unit if you need it and find the things you stored inside.

Count and Measure the Items

During the moving process, it would be useful on many levels to make the inventory list of your items. You can use this list while packing, to check the number of boxes after the move, and to see what items go to the storage unit. While making the list, make sure to label the boxes and measure both the boxes and items that are not stored in boxes.

This way you will know how much space you need and therefore choose the right size storage unit.

Pay Attention to Special Items

When selecting the appropriate storage unit size, it is important to consider any items that may require special accommodations. This includes irregularly-shaped items that cannot be boxed, as well as items that are oversized or fragile. It is imperative to handle these items with care and, if necessary, utilize specialized shelving to ensure their safekeeping.

Don’t Take a Unit Way to Small or Way Too Big

When choosing the right size storage unit, it is important not to go too big or too small. If you choose a unit that is too big, you will end up paying more money. Furthermore, you will store the things you need and create more and more clutter over time.

However, a storage unit that is way too small, will not allow air to go around the unit and therefore maybe damage your things. You can also damage your items if you put too many of them in a small place. That’s why choosing the right size storage unit is important. However, if you are not sure, it is always better to take a slightly bigger storage unit, just in case.

What Types of Storage Units Can You Find?

In terms of the size you can find three basic types of storage units:

Small units – these storage units are usually 5×5 or 5×10. They can replace a home closet for example. These storage units are ideal for storing some basic smaller thing like books, toys, some boxes, kitchen tools, maybe a ski equipment set or a bicycle. A 5×10 storage unit can even hold some furniture, like chairs, a mattress, a coffee table, etc.
Medium size units – these you can find in sizes 7×10, or 10×10. Along with all the smaller items, you can store a lot more. Furniture, boxes, mattresses, etc.
Large units – these units go 10×15, 10×20 or even 10×30. They can store your whole home if you need them to. Large units like this are not commonly used for home storage, but for commercial storage or some special equipment.

Who Can Help You When Choosing the Size of a Storage

As long as you have done this many times and you don’t need help, we advise contacting NYC storage professionals. This way you will be sure that you made the right decision when it comes to choosing the right size storage unit, packing and sorting things out. The people who work there are trained and have enough experience to give you the best advice.

They will show you the units and help you decide which one suits your needs the best and provide you with any other additional moving services. This way you will be sure that you get the best value for the money you pay.

Other Helpful Tips

Moving truck to measure the space. Beside just measuring the boxes and your items, a moving truck that you used to relocate can help you too. It can ba reference for the size of a unit you need. However, a moving truck is usually slightly bigger than the storage unit necessary for the same number of items stored inside.
Visit the unit before you choose. It is very important to see the unit yourself before you pay or sign anything. Go and check the condition of the exact unit a storage company offers you – not the ‘example’ one. This way you can check if there is any damage to the unit, if the electricity works, is it dry, etc.

Moving From South Africa To NYC

Posted on May 29, 2018October 10, 2023 by BigApple

New York is indeed a special place. People from all around the globe dream of someday being New Yorkers themselves. However, we all know that moving to New York is not the easiest thing to do. Before everything else, there is the expensiveness of this city as a huge obstacle. But, if you were wise and found the strength necessary for moving to New York, read on. Today we will show you that moving from South Africa to NYC is not an impossible endeavor.

Be Ready To Move From South Africa to NYC

Before deciding to move, you first need to be 100 percent sure of your decision. Sure, you can always move back home after relocating to NYC, but this whole going back and forth will cost you. Therefore, before moving to NYC from South Africa, you first need to do a couple of things.

Research the City and Standard of Living

As we mentioned before, New York is a costly city. Before considering a move, it’s important to examine statistics and average prices. The last thing you want is to relocate and realize you can’t afford a comfortable life. Additionally, if you have children, it’s crucial to research schools and universities. Being prepared for the future, rather than just the present, is essential.

Visit New York

Of course, this is under the presupposition that you have never been to New York. However, before moving from South Africa to NYC, it is crucial that you experience the city at least once. South Africa and New York are very different. It is necessary that you see whether you are ready for such a change. On that note, try to go beyond the tourist attractions and visit small shops and supermarkets. Only then will you see if you feel comfortable in New York.

Save Money Before Moving

New York is a lot more expensive than South Africa. In order to move to NYC, you will have to save money carefully and for a long time. Of course, the amount of money saved up depends on many factors, such as your economic state of affairs and your lifestyle. However, the amount of money saved up should be significant, since you will have a lot of moving costs NYC – related to pay.

Find a Job

You cannot survive anywhere without a job. The cost of living keeps on rising all around the world, and especially in the developed countries. Therefore, you first need to find a job or at least know that you are eligible for one in NYC. The first step to finding any job is making a fascinating CV. An informative resume will open many doors for you after moving from South Africa to New York. Here are some pieces of information your CV should contain:

Your educational background.
All of the work experience you had before moving from South Africa to NYC.
Individuals skills you find important.

It is always a good idea to get your CV made by a professional. They know how to make you look good.

Have Skype Interviews

After sending in CV`s, we hope you will get invited to some interviews. The advantage of the 21st century is that now you can talk to someone across the globe from the comfort of your room. After scheduling interviews, you need to focus on your appearance and clothes. No one will hire you if you look unkempt. Also, be sure to be punctual. It is of extreme importance.

Find a Home

Moving and not having a house is terrifying. Therefore, before moving from South Africa to New York City, you need to find a great home for yourself. Luckily, the Internet has all of the information you need. It should not be too hard to find a house or an apartment that you will like. The best thing about NYC housing is that you have many options. But, first things first. Before everything else, you need to decide in which New York borough you want to live. Here are some of your options:

Greenwich Village – if you are financially very stable, this is the place for you. Greenwich Village is one of the most expensive NYC neighborhoods.
Meat Packing District – known for its fine dining and nightlife.
Brooklyn – an up-and-coming NYC borough. The life in Brooklyn is on the slightly cheaper side. Brooklyn movers are also cheaper than Manhattan movers, for example.

Of course, these are just a couple of suggestions, but there are many more boroughs in NYC to choose from after moving from South Africa.

That would be our short guide to get you started on your adventure of moving from South Africa to NYC. Among other things, what is important is to hire reputable NYC movers to handle your belongings. After doing that, you should relax and remain positive. You`ve got this!

Tips for Finding Affordable Storage Units

Posted on April 7, 2018August 7, 2023 by BigApple

If you are relocating to New York City, it is imperative that you arrange for the transportation of all your personal belongings. Prior to settling down, you will need to secure a new residence, which can be a time-consuming endeavor in the bustling metropolis.

However, this should not deter you from proceeding with your move. Your possessions can be transported ahead of your arrival, and a storage unit can be utilized to accommodate them until you are ready to receive them.

You can safely leave your belongings in your storage unit and go about finishing the rest of the tasks from your moving list. Moves can be expensive so a good idea would be to consider storage solutions in NYC because this is a sure way to save some money. We are going to give you some tips on how to find affordable storage units in NYC.

How to Find Affordable Storage Units

When you are choosing moving and storage company, you will want to find affordable ones and save some dollars. We will give you some tips on just how to find them. You will also find out how to find the best deals when choosing your storage unit.

Choose the Appropriate Size

Select the appropriate size for your storage unit. Storage units are available in varying sizes, ranging from smaller dimensions such as 5′ x 5′ to larger spaces like 10′ x 30′. Certain units may have unique measurements, such as 10′ x 14′, 5′ x 7′, and 5′ x 12′.

It is common for individuals to err in their selection of storage dimensions, resulting in unnecessary expenses due to the combination of an excessively large unit and poor packing practices. Therefore, it is imperative to exercise prudence in both the selection and packing of your storage unit.

Choose the Right Location

Undoubtedly, a superior location commands a higher price. Location plays a pivotal role in numerous scenarios, including storage units. Typically, storage units situated in the suburbs along a rural route are more reasonably priced than those located in the city center. This principle also applies to the units within the storage facility.

Affordable units are not among the first ones on the 1st floor. You will find these affordable storage units on the third floor way back. They might be less convenient but this makes them cheaper.

Buy the Insurance Yourself

It may not be common knowledge, but obtaining rental insurance is a prerequisite for renting a storage unit. Typically, storage companies will present insurance policies for purchase, however, this may not be the most cost-effective option. In the event that you are seeking to economize, it is advisable to explore alternative insurance options.

Inquire with your personal insurance provider and conduct research to identify more affordable self-storage coverage prior to finalizing your rental agreement. Additionally, when selecting from the array of economical moving companies in New York, exercise the same level of discernment in selecting your insurance coverage.

Make Sure Your Rate Will Not Increase

Occasionally, the rental fee for a storage unit may not be fixed. Certain storage companies may raise the rate at some point. It is advisable to steer clear of such companies as this may result in unexpected financial burden. Prior to signing the rental agreement, it is recommended to inquire about the possibility of a rate increase.

Additionally, researching online reviews from other clients who have dealt with the moving company may provide valuable insight.

Always Look For Perks

There are some features that storage units have, and that will cost you extra money. For example, there are climate control, 24-hour surveillance, gate access, indoor rather than an outdoor unit. If you don’t need any of these features look for and only check storage units that do not have them.

Why would you pay for something you don’t need? On the other side, there are perks you should definitely use. If your storage company offers a free use of a rental truck when you move in, don’t think twice about using it. You can save between 30 and 70 dollars with this perk.

More Ways to Get Deals on Storage Units

You could buy your own lock. You will not save loads of money if you do this, but you will save some. Just be sure to buy a good lock of high quality, so that you can secure your belongings and use it later as well. Don’t fall into the trap of lock or renting companies that will want to sell you really expensive ones.

Pay Up Front for Your Storage Unit

If you are aware of the precise duration for which you require storage, it is advisable to make an upfront payment. This is a prudent approach as most storage companies offer discounts for such payments. Nonetheless, it is imperative to ensure that you retain the flexibility to extend your rental period in case of unforeseen circumstances.

You never know what might change in the circumstances of your move, or in your plans. So, you should always have a backup plan. If you know you will be away for a long time then you should choose a long-term storage rental.

You can sign a contract for a year. However, check the terms and conditions. If you violate the contract before the renting period expires you might pay some fines.

Don’t Get a Storage Unit With a Drive-Up Access

If you have some friends who are ready to help you get your belongings into a storage unit, you don’t need a unit with a drive-up access. The units that don’t own a drive -up are the more affordable storage units. There is another perk that you get if you don’t choose a drive-up unit.

These units have an extra layer of protection. So you will have extra security for a lower price. How great is that?

So here are some great tips on how to find affordable storage units. You also know how to get good deals when renting your storage unit. It is all about planning and making smart choices. Pay attention to

the right size,
location and
where you buy your insurance and storage coverage.
Also, don’t forget to ask about discounts and perks. You might get some good deals if you just ask.

Different Types of Storage Solutions

Posted on February 27, 2018August 7, 2023 by BigApple

Storage units can prove to be highly advantageous in various scenarios, such as downsizing to a smaller living space where not all possessions can be accommodated, transitioning between homes where a temporary storage solution is required, or during extended periods of absence from the country where rental expenses can be avoided.

Perhaps you have a big memorabilia collection that takes up too much of your living space. Or maybe you don’t have enough room for your hobby equipment. You can see there are many reasons why people rent storage units. And there are also many different types of storage solutions. If you are wondering which one is the right for you, read on.

Types of Storage Offered by Movers

This is the kind of storage owned by moving companies, intended to facilitate their clients’ storage needs. Not all moving companies offer this service, though. If you opt for moving company type of storage you can be sure your belongings are handled with great care and professionalism.

How does it work? Moving crew comes to your home, packs your things gently and efficiently, loads it on to the truck and then unloads it into the storage unit. Depending on your needs, storage professionals can provide you with various types of storage facilities.

Outdoor Storage

The majority of storage facilities available in the market are outdoor storage facilities, which implies that the storage units are situated outside and are susceptible to various weather conditions, including extreme high and low temperatures. Therefore, it is imperative to exercise caution while selecting items to be stored in such facilities. It is advisable to store temperature-sensitive items in an indoor storage unit equipped with climate control to ensure their safety and longevity.

But, the advantage of outdoor storage is its size. They are usually bigger than indoor units and can fit more items. They are perfect for sporting equipment, seasonal decorations, and large furniture. Even cars or boats can fit in an outdoor storage unit.

Indoor Storage

Storage units of this kind are recommended when you need to store sensitive items. Indoor storage is protected from outside weather conditions because it has air conditioning. AC is necessary to control temperature, moisture, and humidity – all three can damage your possessions to a different extent. You should choose it when storing the following:

Antique and wooden furniture – these items can crack or split when left in extremely hot and extremely cold temperatures.
Photographs – they can fade out or become yellow if not properly climatized.
Personal or business documents – if you don’t want your valuable documents to become yellow or illegible you will need a type of storage with air conditioning.
Furs – these are very sensitive to heath.
Electronics and appliances – these items don’t react well to shifts in temperature, so they need to be kept in a climate-controlled environment.
Artwork and arts and crafts supplies – none of these items benefit from temperatures changes and can be seriously damaged if left without AC.
Musical instruments – although they can be large and difficult to move, like for example pianos, all musical instruments need to be stored in climate-controlled conditions. Strings on a guitar or a piano can rust if left in a humid environment. Also, glue can lose its adhesive power when it’s really hot outside.
Special collections – proud owners of collectible items need an indoor storage for their items. Comics and stamps require constant temperature and humidity levels in order not to lose their value. When coins are in a humid environment, they rust.

If you live in the city of New York, which has temperatures at both ends of the thermometer, you should really think about this type of storage solution when storing the aforementioned items. High-quality movers and storage NYC company will make sure to conserve your belonging in ideal conditions.

Short-term Storage

Both indoor and outdoor storage options are available for short-term rental, which is particularly convenient during transitional periods between residences. Short-term storage units are suitable for holding belongings for less than a year and can vary in size depending on individual requirements.

Long-term Storage

If your attic has reached its maximum capacity, it may be prudent to consider long-term storage options. This is particularly useful if you require a secure location to store valuable items, such as an old-timer bike that requires restoration. Long-term storage provides an effective solution for decluttering your home while retaining possession of cherished possessions. Additionally, prepaying annual fees for long-term storage often results in discounted rates.

The biggest perk of moving company storage is that they offer high levels of security and privacy. Their downside is that you can’t access your unit anytime, but need to make an appointment. This is not the case whit this movers and storage in NYC company. They guarantee unlimited access to users while keeping intruders away and maintaining high levels of security.

Self-Storage Facilities

An alternative to a moving company storage facility is a self-storage facility. These are more affordable but lack the perks offered by moving company storage. If you go to a self-storage facility you will have to pack your things yourself. The difficult task of carrying bulky possessions will be yours alone. These also, in most cases, offer the choice of indoor and outdoor units. You can decide if you want climate control or not. The upside of self-storage units is unlimited access to your unit. You can drive up there anytime, day or night, without prior notification.

These are the types of storage units available – moving company storage and self-storage. Each with its set of upsides and downsides. It’s up to you to decide what is a priority at a given time. And don’t forget about the nature of things you are storing. No point of storing them, if you don’t ensure ideal conditions.