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If you're like the majority of the population, stress ensues at the mere mention of "Moving." In fact, according to the Census Bureau, in 2017, only 11 percent of the United States population undertook a move - the lowest rate ever recorded in American history. Moving marks a milestone in one's life, no matter the circumstances. At Storage Rentals of America, we understand the mixed emotions that come with the process: excitement for what the future holds, yet frustration about the number of moving parts. That's why we offer convenient and accessible self storage along with essential packing supplies.

An Age of DIY Moving

More than ever, people are turning to their own efforts during a move. Less than 22 percent of movers in the U.S. call in professional movers - the vast majority either rent a moving truck on their own or make multiple trips in the family car. And with most moving to a different address within the same county, it's not hard to see they'd feel confident in that undertaking. At Storage Rentals of America, we offer moving truck rentals right on site, so you can get everything you need to keep your move as organized as possible in one place.

While it's quoted that a move for a household of five or more bedrooms can take up to 10 hours, that doesn't include all of the prep work involved. So, if you plan on going the professional route, keep in mind the best days to schedule these services. Most movers move over the weekend, driving up the prices for this popular time, much like car services' surge pricing. For those looking to use professional services and save some money on them, the best day to move is actually Tuesday. Though Sunday sees the least amount of moving households, professional companies tend to have higher rates throughout the weekend.

Moving Money

It may go without saying, but moving costs more than just your time. HomeAdvisor estimates an in-state move costs, on average, $2,300, while an out-of-state move costs almost double that. But, before that adds to your stress levels, keep in mind that there are a number of options to account for the financial obligations of moving. If moving for a job, ask about relocation packages. They may seem stigmatized, but most companies hiring an out-of-area candidate or requesting an employee's transfer will expect to help with moving costs. It's also important to keep in mind that moving expenses can be tax-deductible if moving for work.

If work wasn't a part of your moving consideration, you can still save by doing a lot of the heavy lifting on your own - literally. Invest in some moving supplies and pizza, and invite some friends over to share in the experience. Staying organized and utilizing storage space to your advantage can take some of the burden - in regard to both time and money - off your shoulders.

Organizing Your Move

There are a lot of moving pieces when it comes to making sure your move goes smoothly. From setting up utilities to carefully marking the contents of each box, a well-documented move is one that runs smoothly.

A Moving Timeline

At about two months out, you should start contacting moving companies, should you decide to go that route. Schedule a time for when you want the professionals to come out on moving day. In the next couple of weeks, you should start researching doctors, dentists, and schools in your new area. Call your current medical professionals and school district to obtain copies of essential information. Buy the supplies you'll need, including:

• Boxes
• Packing tape
• Mattress covers
• Bubble Wrap
• Packing Paper

At about a month out, you should start sorting through essential and non-essential items and pack up those that you don't use on a day-to-day basis. A storage unit will help keep these items out of the way during your move and limit the time you spend moving day of. Notify your current and future utility companies and ensure you will have power when you move in.

In the next few weeks, start thinking about specifics. Fill out the USPS change of address form, update your Amazon account to the correct address, and inform your insurance agent. Secure your valuables, keeping a mental note of where you've placed them for peace of mind. A week before moving day, everything should be packed (barring toiletries and clothing for the week). One day before your move, print out all of your important documents and double check your home for any unpacked items left behind.

Taking Inventory

When it comes to keeping track of your belongings and ensuring you bring everything with you, an inventory list can come in handy. Use a spreadsheet or a pen and paper to document major furniture items, valuables, and sentimental keepsakes. For smaller items that aren't quite as treasured, simply pack them into boxes and record the number of boxes you have for each type of item. For example, say you have two boxes worth of books. Rather than recording each individual book title, you can simply mark down two boxes under the 'books' category.

When picking up your packing supplies, don't underestimate the importance of a marker. Every box should be labeled with the room the item was stored in, as well as a generic list of items the box contains, for example, 'Living Room: books, candles, blankets.' To prevent yourself from getting overwhelmed with all of the things you need to pack, start going through room-by-room packing boxes rather than collecting items from around the house at once.

Saving with Self Storage

Nationwide storage costs, on average, save you over a dollar per square foot in comparison to apartment rentals, which adds up to quite a bit of savings over total space and length of time. However, in Ohio, the median cost per square foot for a home is $102, while Storage Rentals of America unit rates cost well under $2.00 per square foot.

What's more is that you won't just save per square foot, but if using professional movers, you'll also save on their billing time. Typically ranging between $25 to $50 dollars an hour (plus an extra 10 to 20 percent tip), moving companies will spend less time moving your belongings if you've taken advantage of self storage. They will be able to focus on the core furniture items and essential belongings, making the process much quicker.

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We're Your Storage Solution!

Storage Rentals of America is your convenient self-storage solution. So come into our office or give our storage experts a call at 1-800-457-5678. Our call center is available 7 days a week and can help determine which storage unit size best fits your storage needs.