Better garage organization doesn’t have to be a scary proposition It’s time. Opening your garage door shouldn’t be a terrifying idea. Removing a shovel shouldn’t run the risk of starting an avalanche of decades-old newspapers. Getting to your car, should not involve a game of limbo as you squeeze under that ladder that has to lean juuuust right to avoid it collapsing a mountain of sports equipment. Yes, it’s time to get a handle on the garage. &nbsp;By better organizing your garage, you will find that you will both have more space to enjoy and that you will get better use out of the things that you already own. &nbsp;So, there’s no point waiting any longer. Let’s get moving on that long-delayed garage organizing. Here are 5 tips to organize your garage: Use the walls Too often we only think of space as being the area between the walls. That’s wasting a lot of vertical space that can be utilized. By spending a little time and money on installing shelves on the walls, you can greatly increase the storage space available to you in your garage. &nbsp;Use the ceiling Look up. There’s space there too. Build shelving that utilizes the top of your garage as well. That space is perfect for larger items like canoes or kayaks that might otherwise take up too much space in the garage. Hang what can be hung The walls don’t have to only be used for shelves. Many medium-sized items like bicycles, scooters, and sports or yard equipment can be hung off hooks, thus giving you valuable ground space. &nbsp;Use pegboards If you don’t have room for shelves, hanging a pegboard – a board with holes that tools and other small items can be hung to -- on your walls can accomplish much of the same thing as a good shelf might. &nbsp; Clearly label where things go Even after you have done the work of organizing your garage, it can easily become a mess again if you don’t make the effort to keep it organized. If there is a clearly identified place for things to go then it’s much easier to keep it there. The solution to this is simple: label your shelves, hooks, and pinboard so that everything has a place to be stored and there are no excuses to not return things to the designated space when you are done using them. &nbsp;Rent extra space Sometimes you just need extra space. In those cases, your best bet might be to look into self-storage or portable storage options. Maybe you store your winter sports equipment and snow removal tools in a storage unit in the summer, before switching them out with your pool tools and mountain bikes in the winter. &nbsp; Whatever your needs, <a href='/' target='_blank' id=''>MoveBuddy.com</a> can help you find a solution that will see you better use your space! &nbsp; &nbsp;‍

It’s time. Opening your garage door shouldn’t be a terrifying idea. Removing a shovel shouldn’t...

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So you have decided to rent a portable storage container to simplify your move. &nbsp; These portable storage solutions are a fantastic way to move many of your belongings in one trip, greatly expediting the moving process. &nbsp; However, packing these containers may have you a bit stumped. With so much space, it’s hard to know where to start. You want to pack as smart and efficiently as possible to avoid destroying your stuff or wasting space. &nbsp; To help you out when packing your portable storage container, we have compiled some helpful tips on how best to go about it to reduce empty space and prevent items from being damaged. &nbsp;Think of a Plan &nbsp;Before packing your items into the container, consider the amount of space you have and how much you want to load. Create a list of everything you are putting into the container and determine what order they should go in and where. &nbsp; After creating a plan, organize your load by the size of boxes and the item’s quality. &nbsp; To help you better create a plan, here is our ‘<a href='/post/the-best-order-to-pack-your-home' target='_blank'>The best order to pack your home</a>’ article. &nbsp; Securely Place In Your Items &nbsp;To prevent your belongings from being damaged during the trip, you can use the straps and hooks that most portable storage containers are equipped with. These added features allow you to tie down large items tightly, so they aren’t shifting around. You can use additional ropes, bungee cords and other materials to ensure your stuff is secured in place. Disassemble Furniture If possible, disassemble any furniture you are packing into the container. With smaller pieces to work with, you will be able to fill in more space while also reducing the possibility of something being damaged. &nbsp; Wrap Fragile Items Though your items will be packed within the container, they could still shift during the move or get damaged when unloaded. That is why it is essential to wrap up fragile items with things like bubble wrap, furniture padding, newspaper, and other shock-absorbing material. &nbsp; For more insight into packing your fragile items, check out our ‘<a href='/post/how-to-pack-glassware-and-pottery' target='_blank'>How to pack glassware and pottery</a>’ article. &nbsp;Build a Wall It is best to store your items vertically to create a wall and ensure you use as much space as possible. Building a wall will also make the packing process much easier as you will not have to step over anything. The wall also allows you to work from the back of the unit to the front. &nbsp; Another benefit of building a wall is it creates a barrier that could prevent smaller items from shifting and being damaged. &nbsp;Distribute Weight Evenly When loading your belongings, be sure to distribute weight evenly from the back to the front and side to side, similar to how you would build a wall. Don’t place bulky items in first, as it will make the weight distribution uneven. Instead, place large items like furniture and appliances through the unit to disperse weight evenly. Fill in Empty Spaces To ensure you are getting the most out of your portable storage container, be sure to fill in all of the empty spaces with smaller items. Filling in the unused space will also help with stability and prevent things from shifting around. &nbsp;Keep Stability in Mind While most other points listed above will help with stability, you can take one extra step. To make your load more stable, use boxes that are all the same size - this will ensure you can stack them more straightforward while also reducing empty spaces. &nbsp; If you are unsure how many boxes you will need for your move, look at our ‘<a href='/post/how-many-boxes-do-i-need-for-a-move' target='_blank'>How many boxes do I need for a move?</a>’ article. &nbsp;Keep Important Items in the Front For items that you know you will need access to immediately, pack them right in front; this way, they are easily accessible when you need them. Things like toiletries, clothing, and cooking supplies are just some examples of items that you will more than likely need to have easy access to. Keep Your Container Locked Most portable storage containers do not provide a lock, so you will have to supply your own. When using your container, be sure to have it locked whenever you are not using it and keep the key in a safe place. These are some helpful tips to ensure you pack your portable storage container efficiently and securely. You don’t want to go through the trouble of renting out a container and not use it to its full potential, so be sure to follow these steps and get the most out of your rental! &nbsp; &nbsp;To learn more about how portable storage containers can improve your move, check out our ‘<a href='/post/advantages-to-renting-a-portable-self-storage-container' target='_blank'>The Advantages to Renting a Portable Self-Storage Container</a>’ article. ‍

So you have decided to rent a portable storage container to simplify your move

<h4 id=''>First…Plan &amp; Organize! </h4>So you’ve found a new place and you’re starting the moving out process. You look around your entire house. The overwhelming process is about to start. Where do I even begin? You ask yourself. &nbsp; Moving is stressful and packing can become overwhelming. But if you take time at the start of the move to plan and organize yourself, you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches throughout the moving process. Start with a moving checklist of all the tasks that need to be completed and in what order. Then it’s time to take inventory of all your belongings to help gauge how long it will take to pack and how much packing supplies are needed. This inventory list will also be useful should you opt for insurance on your belongings during your move. <h4 id=''>When To Start Packing</h4>It’s hard to provide an exact estimate as each household is vastly different. However, a good rule of thumb would be the following: <ul id=''><li id=''>Large houses take approximately 2 months to pack if you’re planning to pack 1 box per day. </li><li id=''>Smaller houses can take a month to finish packing all your belongings. </li></ul> However long you’ve estimated it will take for you to finish packing, we suggest adding an additional week as a contingency should you run into any unforeseen issues. Not to mention by starting a little earlier you will substantially reduce stress.<h3 id=''>Where Do I begin? - By Packing One Room at a Time</h3>Methodically start packing the rooms that are the least in use to the highest in the house. For those who have a loft space or 2 story home, by packing your rooms one at a time you’ll be saving yourself a huge amount of stress when you get to your new home. This will also help keep you and your movers organized when figuring out which box goes where. Here we’ll go through each section of a typical home to discuss how to pack each room. <h4 id=''>Knick-Knacks in Different Rooms</h4>Start by going through all your loose items around the room. For example, if you’re packing your bedroom, take a look at all your miscellaneous items. The trinkets from that last vacation you took, your treasured books or the photo frames of your friends and family. These are great examples of knick-knacks that you can pack first. When packing, be sure not to have any boxes that weigh more than 13 kgs. You want to make sure you or your movers can safely pick up the box without spraining anything or dropping and damaging items. We suggest going through each room and starting this process first. Many times knick-knacks get left to the last minute and can cause an overwhelming sensation for you to just throw them all out. <h4 id=''>Storage Items </h4>Once you have all your loose items packed, scan the room for other items you won’t miss if you packed them early. Perhaps it’s your seasonal clothing and decoration items that you aren’t currently using, or the extra seasonal blankets you don’t need now. Go through each room of the house and or storage closet to start this process. Ideally each room would be 60% packed with non essentials in boxes and the remainder essential items for the last round of packing. Keeping the essentials unpacked for the last 2 weeks. While you’re packing your stored away items, make a separate pile for items to donate, sell or throw out. Moving houses is the perfect opportunity to do a nice purge of your belongings that you no longer need. Plus, it’ll make the move cheaper by not moving unwanted items to your new home. <h4 id=''>Garage</h4>Before you start packing the garage, take note that any flammable or combustible items are prohibited to be transported by a moving company.<a href='/post/how-to-properly-dispose-of-hazardous-chemicals-before-moving'> Either dispose</a> of such items or plan to transport them yourself. For a more detailed list of items that are prohibited, refer to our Learning Center article on ‘How To Pack Electronics’ or refer to our FAQ section on ‘Are There Any Items the Movers Will Not Take?’. Pack outdoor furniture items first. Cushions on furniture items packed into garbage bags and labelled. Remaining items that cannot be packed into a box moved to a corner of the garage for easy access when the movers come. &nbsp; Any tools to be packed away in the tool box or regular packing boxes, so long as any sharp edges are wrapped appropriately. For your appliances that require gas, like a lawn mower or grill, drain the gas before transporting and dispose of any gas tanks should you have one. If you have items like bicycles, scooters or other sports gear, we suggest transporting them yourselves to avoid damage. So long as your car permits, you can buy a bike rack to attach to your car.<h4 id=''>Kitchen</h4>What’s the best advice on packing your kitchen items? Look at your fridge! Start by going through your freezer and determine what items you’re going to eat and what items should be thrown out. Once you tackle your fridge, you’ll effortlessly be able to defrost your fridge 48 hours before your move. Next, pack all your dishes and glassware except for one or two items in order to use them right up until your move. Make sure you properly protect your breakable items with the appropriate packing supplies like packing paper, bubble wrap and sectioned boxes for glassware. Now it’s time to tackle your appliances. Start by packing heavier items first. Detach any blades or loose components to minimize potential damages during transportation. Always place heavier appliances at the bottom of moving boxes. Finally, take a look at your sauces, dried goods, spices etc. For any spillable items, secure the lid with tape or wrap in bubble wrap. Ideally it’s best to eat what you can to minimize the amount you transport on your moving day. Try to keep refrigerated items to a minimum during transportation. However, if you do have leftover items in the fridge, you can transport them in a cooler with ice to keep from spoiling. For more detailed information on the proper ways to protect your kitchen items, please refer to our Learning Center article on ‘How To Pack Your Kitchen Appliances’. <h4 id=''>Hanging Artwork &amp; Pictures</h4>An easy packing job to tackle at the start are the decorations around your home. Decorations are non essential items that you won’t be searching for if you’ve packed them too early. Equally, if you leave them to the last minute, you may run the risk of forgetting a hanging piece tucked back in a corner of the house. Pack your hanging items in telescopic<a href='/shop'> boxes</a> with the appropriate protection around them. For more detailed information on how to appropriately pack pictures and artwork refer to our Learning Centre article ‘How To Pack Artwork’. <h4 id=''>Dining Room </h4>Start by disassembling all the dining room chairs and tables. Pack the chair legs in a clearly marked box with the screws and nails separated in a clearly marked ziplock bag. The parts that you can’t fit into a box, protect with a large plastic bag over them. If you have a rug, roll up the rug and secure it with plastic. The remainder of items in your dining room, like decorations, pack with the appropriate protection into boxes clearly marked dining room, or dining room fragile. If you have any furniture that you can’t detach the legs, put furniture sliders under the legs in preparation for the movers. Grab a sheet and cover the item to prevent any scratches from occurring during the move. <h4 id=''>Living Room</h4>Generally, your living room will have the most electronics to pack. Start by unscrewing bases of TV’s, sound systems, computers etc. Find some towels or sheets to wrap around the screens to protect them during transportation. Once you have started disassembling your electronics, place them in a moving box marked electronics / fragile. Sticky tape cords to their respective electronic devices to minimize confusion when you are reassembling everything. For lights and lampshades, start by unscrewing the light bulbs and carefully mark which bulbs are for which lamp shade. Lampshades are a very delicate item to pack. For more information on how best to properly pack them, refer to our Learning Center article on ‘How To Pack Lamps’. <h3 id=''>Pack an Essentials Bag</h3>We cannot stress enough how important it is to pack an essentials bag. Having all your essentials in one place will help mitigate the potential stress of running around looking for something in a packed box. Think about all the items you’ll need days leading up to your move and the following days after you’ve moved into your new place. To give you an idea, here are some essential items we think are important to have in your essentials bag. <ul id=''><li id=''>Toiletries, toothpaste, toothbrush, shower gel, shampoo etc. </li><li id=''>Change of clothes, including PJ’s and regular clothes</li><li id=''>Towels </li><li id=''>Toilet Paper</li><li id=''>Plates and cutlery</li><li id=''>All purpose cleaner</li><li id=''>Garbage bags </li><li id=''>Food &amp; coffee for the last and first nights of your place</li><li id=''>Flashlight / candle, incase you haven’t activated your electricity at your new place </li><li id=''>Scissors to open all your moving boxes</li><li id=''>Any and all of your important documents, like passports, birth certificates, leases etc. </li></ul><h3 id=''>Packing Supplies</h3>Now that you have a handle on how to methodically pack your home, you’ll need to understand what <a href='/shop'>packing supplies</a> are needed to help you in this task. <h4 id=''>Moving Boxes </h4>Every home is different, but as a general rule of thumb, the following types of moving boxes are needed for a move: <ul id=''><li id=''><a href='/product/small-box'>Small boxes</a> generally 1.5 cubic feet </li><li id=''><a href='/product/medium-box'>Medium boxes</a> generally 1.5 - 3 cubic feet &nbsp;</li><li id=''><a href='/product/large-box'>Large boxes</a> generally 2.5 - 3.5 cubic feet </li><li id=''><a href='/product/xl-box'>Extra-large boxes</a> generally 3.6+ cubic feet </li><li id=''><a href='/product/wardrobe-box'>Wardrobe boxes</a> generally 11-16 cubic feet</li><li id=''>Dish barrel boxes (for kitchen supplies) generally 5.25 cubic feet</li><li id=''>Telescopic boxes (for hanging artwork / pictures) comes in a variety of sizes </li></ul> For more detailed information on how many boxes you’ll need for your move, refer to our Learning Center article on ‘How Many Boxes Do I Need For My Move?’. TapeThe next big item is tape. The last thing you want is to run out of tape as you’re packing up your belongings. While it may be tempting to leave the top of boxes untapped, this is a recipe for disaster in the moving van. One roll of tape is around 49 - 100 meters in length and will be able to tape 30-60 boxes. By the way, if you’re thinking the tape dispenser is an unnecessary item, trust us, it’s a packing supply you’ll regret not buying. Packing Paper and Bubble WrapYou’ll need packing paper and bubble wrap predominately for your kitchen supplies. The amount of kitchen supplies you own typically is a good indicator on how much protection material you’ll need. Other items that also will require packing protection include lampshades, electronics, artwork, essentially any breakable items. Labels and MarkersOften overlooked, labels are key to organizing your moving boxes. If you’re somebody who thrives on being organized, we suggest getting colored labels as an extra organizational tool. Color coordinate the colored labels by: fragile, electronics, heavy and any other categories that are important. Have about 4 black markers in your arsenal and stick the labels on the side of boxes. This way when you’re stacking them, they can be viewed by you or the movers. <h3 id=''>To Conclude</h3>By following our steps on how to systematically pack your belongings, you’ll save your future self a lot of stress during the move. Start with the easy items first and work up to the larger things. Give yourself ample time to slowly and methodically pack your items. You’ll never be annoyed that you finished early. But you’ll definitely be annoyed and stressed if you’re scrambling to pack the last of your items the night before the movers come. By starting early and being organized, you’ll keep your last night in your old home as a celebratory night, just as it should be.

Oops, I did it again… We all know that sound. That horrible, horrible sound. &nbsp;As you are walking out to the car with the final box (or the first box) and you try to jam it into that space that you thought it would fit, only to hear it. That terrible sound. &nbsp;Creeessshhhhhhhh. Criiiick. Thud. &nbsp;You dare not look because you know what has happened. Please don’t let it be your grandmother’s bedside lamp, you think as you tentatively crack open the box to see the damage. &nbsp;Your heart sinks. &nbsp;There, sitting sadly at the bottom of the box, is your grandmother’s bedside lamp. Well, what’s left of it, anyway. &nbsp;You should have <a href='/post/how-to-pack-lamps'>packed more carefully</a>, you think to yourself as you carefully pick the broken pieces out of the box. &nbsp;But, it didn’t have to be that way. Breakage doesn’t have to be a normal part of a move. &nbsp; Follow these tips to ensure your next move is Creeessshhhhhhhh. Criiiick. Thud. Free! ‍<h4 id=''>Have a look at me now! </h4>Before you even start packing, you should clean and inspect all of your breakable items. By removing debris, you can reduce the chance of a crack opening up, and, in some cases, you may be able to repair items to avoid them getting worse in transit. Finally, if there is an item – like your grandmother’s bedside lamp – that has significant sentimental value, you can pull it aside to be transported separately, or packed specially. &nbsp;‍Snuggle time …for your belongings, anyway. You should look to pack each box as tightly as possible. The risk of an item being damaged by crushing is far less likely than it is by a loose item slamming against another when loosely packed. So, fill up that space! ‍Bubbles!!! Bubble wrap isn’t just for your kids to play with after they open their holiday gifts. No, is a very valuable and effective packing supply. Use it. Liberally. &nbsp;And, as a bonus, you get to pop the bubbles at the end of the day, if you should so wish. &nbsp;‍Tell me the good news If you don’t have access to Bubble Wrap, or you run out, you can also use regular newspaper to protect your belongings. Simply rip the pages out and stuff them inside glasses and around your dishes and other breakables. You’d be surprised at how much the newspaper protects you from breakage. If you follow these simple steps, you can keep grandma’s bedside lamp safe, as well as all your other treasures. &nbsp; &nbsp; ‍

Ensuring that you have the right moving supplies to properly protect your valuables during a move or renovation is crucial. &nbsp;However, knowing which packaging materials to buy and how much to buy can be a bit tricky, given the number of options available. &nbsp; In this article we share an informative list of essential moving supplies that you can use during your move, helping you to get organized and safeguard your belongings. &nbsp;1. Boxes Boxes are a standard packaging option for people moving their prized possession because they are sturdy and reliable enough to handle several items without failing. While you can opt for previously used boxes from other people, this decision isn't ideal because boxes get weaker over time, meaning they can break open due to weak structural integrity. &nbsp; It's also worth noting that boxes come in different sizes; small, medium, and large. Below is a more in-depth analysis of each option: <ul id=''><li id=''>Small Boxes </li></ul><a href='/product/small-box'>Small boxes</a> are usually known as book boxes and are typically 1.5 cubic feet in the United States. As the nickname implies, they are ideal for conveying small items like books, shoes, records, canned products, small appliances, and anything of the sort. <ul id=''><li id=''>Medium Boxes </li></ul><a href='/product/medium-box'>Medium boxes</a> are everyone's go-to option as they come with the perfect size (3 cubic feet) to house various items. They can house typical items including pots and pans, kitchen utensils, toys, lamps, souvenirs, and more. &nbsp;<ul id=''><li id=''>Large Boxes </li></ul>Lastly, we have <a href='/product/large-box'>large boxes</a>, which are 1.5 cubic feet larger than medium boxes, totalling 4.4 cubic feet. This packing supply is best for carrying lightweight items like pillows, clothing, blankets, etc., since the more significant the cardboard container, the lighter the things kept inside. *Note: &nbsp;avoid overpacking a box as these packing items aren't ideal for heavy loads as they may tear the structure. Essentially, the best types of boxes for moving are new ones as they are fresh and sturdy enough to handle load within their maximum capacity. However, choosing the correct quantity of moving boxes to purchase isn't easy as it depends on the size of your home and belongings. &nbsp; Nevertheless, a rough estimate for a 3-4 bedroom house is 40 medium boxes and 30 large boxes. For a 5-6 bedroom house, the estimate included 60 medium boxes and 45 large boxes. To promote convenience, label your boxes with the appropriate names to facilitate easy unpacking, so you don't get confused about what container goes where. &nbsp;Bonus: How to Label Boxes After packing, label each box according to its content to make the unpacking process more convenient. Also, opt to number each box and keep a master inventory of each item, allowing you to know whether all your boxes are complete. Some other tips include: <ul id=''><li id=''>Use a permanent marker &nbsp;</li><li id=''>Write something that makes the contents easier to identify (room, items, etc.) </li><li id=''>Prioritize boxes by tagging numbers or using different ink colours </li><li id=''>Mark all sides of the box for easy identification &nbsp;</li></ul>2. Packing Paper Almost every move involves transporting several fragile or sharp items on your journey, it’s important to acquire some <a href='/product/packing-paper-5lbs'>packing paper</a>. This item provides extra cushioning and stability in boxes, preventing it from breaking or damaging other items. &nbsp; A common mistake is failing to buy proper packing papers and opting for newspapers to wrap their items. We don't recommend this option as the ink from these papers is never completely dry, causing them to bleed all over your belongings. &nbsp; In other words, you'll prepare to clean all your belongings of newspaper ink, which is an undeniable hassle after a long journey to your new site. For this reason, we highly recommend purchasing white wrapping paper since it will protect your items without leaving any stains. 3. Bubble and Shrink Wrap Fortunately, one reliable option to safeguard your expensive or fragile belongings is with bubble or shrink wrap. <a href='/product/bubble-wrap-12-30'>Bubble wraps</a> are fun to pop, but the air in each pocket performs as a cushion, dissipating the impact and preventing damage to items like electronics, breakable cups, and plates, figurines, etc. &nbsp; Shrink wrap is important for containing items, and the key difference between shrink vs tape is no glue that can damage or leave residue on your belongings. Essentially, they perform like the typical moving wrap as they merely assemble your items, thereby preventing disassembly. &nbsp; While this packing supply doesn't give as much protection as bubble wraps, they inhibit unnecessary movement that might fracture their structure. &nbsp; Note that you can combine both products by assembling all items with a shrink wrapper then fortifying them with a layer of bubble wrap, ensuring your belongings stay intact irrespective of the turbulence. &nbsp;4. Tape After wrapping your items with bubble or shrink wraps and compiling them in a box, the next step to conveniently convey your belongings is sealing the package with high-quality tape. Depending on how many items need wrapping, you might need to use a tape gun as this equipment makes the sealing process faster and less tedious. &nbsp; Remember that you need high-quality tapes to effectively wrap your belongings since inferior seals will produce unwanted results. In other words, opt for shipping tape because they are reliable, easy to use, and affordable. &nbsp; This recommendation is predicated on the differences between packing tape and regular tape as the former contains a long-lasting adhesive that works in both hot and cold temperatures, ensuring your boxes stay sealed during storage, moving, and offloading. In other words, shipping tape is several times stronger than regular tape. 5. Marker Assembling your belongings in cardboard boxes is one thing, but offloading and incorporating them in a new location is another activity that might be tedious or easy. One factor that determines the difficulty of this task is a marker. &nbsp; This tool helps you label each box, ensuring that you understand the content of each box and know where to keep them. Do not use a regular pen because the tiny trail it leaves makes it difficult to read compared to a marker. Additionally, if you're confused on whether to use permanent or regular markers, it would be best to get the former. This recommendation is predicated on the fact that your label or indicator remains intact irrespective of friction, heat, or anything of the sort. &nbsp; *Note: Ensure to use a permanent marker so that ink doesn’t bleed. &nbsp;6. Parts Box If the items being moved include dismantlable furniture, it's best to carry a parts box with you. This package makes sure you have a centralized space to keep your disassembled furniture, ensuring it stays intact during the journey. &nbsp; It's worth noting that these boxes are ideal for conveying a variety of furniture parts like table legs, media storage, casters, glides, etc., and also sufficient space for screws and bolts. &nbsp; While you can opt-out of this recommendation, it's best to have a packaging tool for convenience and safety. &nbsp;Bonus Information It's important to note that specific items cannot be packed and shipped as potential hazards prohibited by the law. These items include: <ul id=''><li id=''>Flammable Liquids: lighter fluid, paint thinner, kerosene, gas, glue, alcohol, lamp oils, etc. &nbsp;</li><li id=''>Corrosives: Household cleaners, car or boat batteries, acids, and liquid plumber. &nbsp;</li><li id=''>Explosives: Ammunition, fireworks, bullets, detonators, flares. &nbsp;</li></ul><ul id=''><li id=''>Flammable Solids: Match sticks and fuel tablets &nbsp;</li><li id=''>Gases: oxygen, propane, aerosol cans, helium, butane lighters, hair spray, household fuel, etc. &nbsp;</li><li id=''>Liquids: Wine, beer, soft drinks, etc. </li><li id=''>Oxidizers: disinfectants, bleach, chlorine (pool chemicals), fertilizers, organic peroxide, etc. &nbsp;</li><li id=''>Poison: Herbicides, pesticides, photographic chemicals, fumigants, etc. </li></ul> Essentially, any item that can combust, like charcoal and oily rags, cannot be shipped as potential hazards. &nbsp;Conclusion Numerous packing supplies exist to make organizing your belongings a hassle-free task. Hopefully, using this list helps you prepare for the journey by providing you with a vast list of packing solutions worth trying. &nbsp; In addition, we encourage gathering the necessary supplies several weeks before your move for the best moving experience. It's ideal for staying organized and prepared for the long journey. &nbsp; For more information on necessary things to have before or during your move, stay tuned! ‍

Ensuring that you have the right moving supplies to properly protect your valuables during a move or renovation is crucial. 

Going away to college or university can be an exciting time. It can also be a terrifying time, not that you want to let anyone know! There will be lots of things that you will need to get used to doing for yourself. These are things that mom and dad might have done in the past. Not anymore. You have more independence, and, with that, you also have more responsibility. &nbsp;One of the first things that you’ll need to do is <a href='/shop'>pack</a> and set up your door room. You’ll want to take the <a href='/post/find-extra-space'>small space</a> that you have been given and make it your own. &nbsp;After all, it’s the first space in your life that is truly all yours. You’ll want to make it memorable. &nbsp;But, where do you start? You’ve never had to plan to design space before. It can be hard to know where to begin. &nbsp;Don’t worry. We are here to help. Here are some tips for packing and setting up your first dorm room. &nbsp;<h4 id=''>It’s all about the space </h4>The first thing you should do is evaluate how much space you have. Hopefully, you toured the dorm before going, but if not, research online to see what the dimensions are. You may also know someone that has lived there before. Ask them questions. &nbsp;Then figure out what you think you can fit in the room. &nbsp;Ok, have you done that? Good. Now cut it in half. &nbsp;Seriously, less is more here. You will run out of space faster than you think. &nbsp;‍<h4 id=''>Start with the basics </h4>When you are ready to start culling, you should start by asking yourself what it is that you need to be a functioning young adult on a day-to-day basis. I like to use the mom test here. &nbsp;As in, “if mom showed up out of the blue and found out I was going without X would she be concerned that she had failed me?” For instance, would your mom be happy if you went two weeks without a toothbrush? Or a bottom sheet for your bed? &nbsp;You get the idea. &nbsp;Make a list of the necessities. Once you have done that, you can start to think about what you can do to make the space yours. &nbsp;‍<h4 id=''>Does it give you joy? </h4>Marie Kondo knows what she is talking about. Clutter is your enemy in a dorm room. You won’t be able to find anything and, if you have one, your roommate will probably resent you. &nbsp;You do want comfort items there, though. There will be nights when you will feel homesick. There will be times when you will want to do something other than study – something that, well, gives you joy. &nbsp;Make sure you can. &nbsp;If you are sporty, pack that football. Like to draw? Get the art supplies in the box. Are you a reader? Yes, grab some favorite books. &nbsp;‍<h4 id=''>Time to make new memories </h4>Finally, leave yourself a little space to add. Don’t pack your clothes, for instance. You’ll want to buy a hoodie with the school’s name on it, right? &nbsp;You’re just not going to know what new joy you might find during what is, truly, a magical year. &nbsp; &nbsp;And, at the end of the year, come back to MoveBuddy for tips on finding your first shared apartment! &nbsp; &nbsp; ‍

Going away to college or university can be an exciting time. 

There are plenty of times in life you may need to have your belongings stored for an extended period of time. Whether you’re going on an extended vacation, or you’re saving your grandparents’ antique wardrobe for your future home. Storing your furniture items in a self storage unit, will give you the flexibility to make these life decisions with more ease. But storing your items is only half the job, especially with the temperature extremes of Canada. If you don’t properly protect your items in the storage unit, you could run the risk of damaging your items from mould, scratches, or dust mites. Here we’ll discuss how to best store your belongings during a long term stay at a storage facility. &nbsp; <h3 id=''>Rent a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit</h3>The best way to keep your items protected in a self storage unit is to rent a climate-controlled storage unit. These specific units are temperature controlled all year round. Which helps with controlling the humidity in the container as the seasons change throughout the year. The units are temperature controlled through thermostats, HVAC units and dehumidifiers to protect belongings against the outside elements. This is especially needed during the extreme weather months in Canada. <h3 id=''>Clean Your Items </h3>Preventative measures are always the best things to tackle first. Thoroughly clean all items before you store them away. Your items can become contaminated with odors if not cleaned properly. Therefore, use a clean damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or dust. And after the initial wipe, if there are still stains or dirt on the items, use a cleaning solution and go over them again. Allow the items to air out completely to avoid mould. Pro tip on what cleaners to use for what furniture items: &nbsp;<ul id=''><li id=''>Wood or Plastic Furniture use mild soap and water. </li><li id=''>Leather Furniture, make a cleaning solution with half vinegar and half water, then finish off with a leather conditioner. </li><li id=''>Fabric or Upholstery use fabric cleaner or a steam cleaner. </li><li id=''>Antiques or Wood items use a wood cleaner. </li><li id=''>Metal items use a polishing cloth or metal cleaner. </li></ul><h3 id=''>Set Up the Storage Unit </h3>Self storage units come cleaned and ready for use, but it’s always a good idea to do another once-over before bringing your items. So give the unit an extra sweep or bring a vacuum to get as much dust out as possible. Then mentally lay out where you want your items to go to ensure you can easily access them. Organize the largest items at the back of the storage container with smaller items at the front. The best way to store your items in a container is to create clear walkways that allow you to access all your items. Generally a walkway in the middle of the container that allows you to access the rear of the container will suffice. An important thing to note is to not cram too much into a storage unit. Over packing your storage container introduces more risk of items falling over and trouble accessing your belongings. &nbsp;<h3 id=''>Store Items Off the Floor</h3>Avoid placing your items directly on the ground of your storage container. Lay down cardboard boxes or palettes if you have access to them. By lifting your items off the ground, you’ll reduce your chances of moisture from the floor seeping into your furniture. Or should there be a leak, your items will be protected since they are elevated. For extra caution, before you move anything into your storage unit, put down a thick plastic sheeting first. <h3 id=''>Padding </h3>Protecting your furniture from bumps and scratches while in the storage unit is just as important as worrying about mould or dust. Wrap your items loosely with old bedsheets or drop cloths to prevent dust and moisture build-up. If you wrap your items too tightly or with a plastic cover, you could cause condensation, resulting in your furniture swelling and potential mould. By wrapping your items before you move them into the storage unit, you’re creating a layer of protection. You can then rest easy knowing your items are protected during the transportation. <h3 id=''>Boxes</h3>One of the best ways to store your items is in <a href='/post/packing-supplies-cardboard-vs-plastic'>boxes</a>. You reduce the chance of bumping into the item or scratching it. Disassemble the items you can and pack them away in your storage container. Put nuts and bolts into plastic sandwich bags and clearly label what item they belong to. If you’re somebody who dislikes disassembling furniture, you can always hire a full-service moving company to disassemble your items and transport them to your storage facility. Disassembling your furniture items will also create more space in your storage unit, making it much more orderly and accessible. Use vacuum-sealed bags to store your clothing to reduce the potential of moths getting to them, and pack them in boxes. <h3 id=''>Special Items &nbsp;</h3>Fragile items that are being stored for longer periods of time should follow a specific storing method. For glass items, artwork, mirrors etc. lean them against a wall and secure the area. Never lay them flat on the ground, as you may run the risk of walking on them or an item falling and damaging them. When storing special items like appliances, make sure they are completely cleaned with no residue left behind. The last thing you want is for your appliances to become a breeding ground for mould or insects. &nbsp;Pro-tips on how to store fragile items: <ul id=''><li id=''>Paintings and Mirrors should be wrapped in a poly wrap, a thick tissue-like paper with a plastic outer layer, then packed in a picture box. Alternatively, bubble wrap or clear packing paper will work too if you can’t find poly wrap. </li><li id=''>Large Appliances like a refrigerator or washing machine should always be left ajar to keep airflow coming in. If closed, mould could grow inside. </li><li id=''>Gardening Tools should always be thoroughly cleaned to reduce the chances of insects being attracted to the storage unit.</li><li id=''>Machinery that has any gasoline or flammable liquids like a lawn mower must be completely drained to avoid odours from being present. </li></ul><h3 id=''>Final Thoughts </h3>By protecting your items, you’ll inherently be extending the life cycle of those pieces. The last thing you want is to be spending money storing an item only for it to be ruined when it comes time to reunite with it. With all the different services out there, you could even outsource this task to a full-service moving company. Or simply complete this task yourself. All cleaning items are accessible from your local grocery or hardware store, making it a pretty easy DIY task.

There are plenty of times in life you may need to have your belongings stored for an extended period of time

Lamps are a very delicate item to pack. Where possible, use china barrel moving boxes to transport these items. China barrels have double corrugated material that give your items extra protection. For the base of the lamp follow these instructions. <ol id=''><li id=''>Unscrew lamp bulb and <a href='/product/bubble-wrap-12-30'>bubble wrap </a></li><li id=''>Wrap cord around the base of the lamp </li><li id=''>Wrap lamp in bubble wrap and tape</li><li id=''>Complete a final packing <a href='/product/packing-paper-5lbs'>paper wrap </a>and <a href='/product/packing-tape'>tape </a></li><li id=''>Place in box with pre-filled packing paper at the bottom</li></ol> Since the base of the lamp won’t fill up the entire moving box, use this opportunity to to fill the box with bed linens and other lighter, soft items. Read the following instructions on packing your lampshade. <ol id=''><li id=''>Place a small amount of bubble wrap at the bottom of the cardboard box.</li><li id=''>Place the lampshade in the middle of the box and surround it with loose packing paper. Only use clear, white or cream packing paper. Avoid newspapers because the ink could stain the lampshade.</li><li id=''>Now place more packing paper at the top of the lampshade and seal the box.</li></ol> A pro tip: When labeling the box, include what room the lamp is going to. If you’re using a full-service moving company, they will know to pack this box at the top of the pile. If you’re DIY’ing &nbsp;your move, remember to put these boxes into the moving van last and on top.

Lamps are a very delicate item to pack. Where possible, use china barrel moving boxes to transport these items. China barrels have double corrugated material that give your items extra protection.

When it comes time to packing your kitchen appliances the best place to start is a good work station. The following tips will help get you started:‍ <ol id=''><li id=''>Create a clear workbench on your kitchen counter.</li><li id=''>Lay out all your appliances that need packing. </li><li id=''>Pre-cut different bubble wrap sizes that will fit around large appliances.</li></ol> Select a <a href='/product/medium-box'>medium-sized cardboard box</a>. As reference, most kitchen appliances will fit into a 4 cubic foot box. Place a layer of <a href='/product/packing-paper-5lbs'>packing paper</a> at the bottom to create a cushion and one at the top when you finish. Lay the packing paper flat on the workstation and begin wrapping appliances in order of heaviest to most fragile. The heaviest appliances will be placed at the bottom of the moving box, with the fragile items on top. Highly fragile items will need additional protection. For example, it’s best to use <a href='/product/bubble-wrap-12-30'>bubble wrap</a> for &nbsp;items with glass or easily breakable extensions to appliances. Always secure the appliances that need bubble wrap with scotch tape. Some appliances will be small enough to use regular packing paper which is suggested. For glassware like a coffee pot, wrap the glass coffee pot with packing paper first, then place it back into the coffee machine. From there, wrap the entire coffee machine in bubble wrap and secure it with scotch tape. When placing the appliance into the moving box, use crushed packing paper in between appliances to reduce the chances of them rubbing against each other and breaking.

When it comes time to packing your kitchen appliances the best place to start is a good work station. The following tips will help get you started

Computer equipment can be expensive to fix when damaged. Always take care when packing and layer protective liners between each console. Read the following steps to help protect your computer equipment during a move. <ol id=''><li id=''>Create a layer of styrofoam pieces at the bottom of the <a href='/product/large-box'>moving box.</a> </li><li id=''>Wrap the computer equipment in bubble wrap and place in the middle of the box. Computer screens, monitors etc. should always be protected with bubble wrap.</li><li id=''>Sprinkle a layer of styrofoam pieces on top of and around the computer equipment. &nbsp;</li><li id=''>Continue to layer your computer equipment until your box is nearly full. </li><li id=''>Put more styrofoam pieces throughout the moving box before taping it up to secure everything in place. </li></ol> Pro Tip: Always look at your computer equipment to see if there are any pieces that can be removed. Extensions to equipment can easily be broken if attached while being transported. An example is the base of a computer screen.

Computer equipment can be expensive to fix when damaged. Always take care when packing and layer protective liners between each console. Read the following steps to help protect your computer equipment during a move.

When packing fragile items, find <a href='/product/medium-box'>moving boxes</a> that are more durable. Most moving and storage companies will sell packing supplies that include heavy grade cardboard boxes. Read the following best practices on packing fragile items: <ol id=''><li id=''>Find cardboard boxes that are specifically made to carry fragile items like china barrels. </li><li id=''>Fragile items should always use <a href='/product/bubble-wrap-12-30'>bubble wrap </a>as a protective lining. For items such as pottery, glass vases etc. don’t overpack them in the same box. </li><li id=''>Leave space in between each fragile item to fill with crushed<a href='/product/packing-paper-5lbs'> packing paper</a> </li><li id=''>Always create a cushion layer at the bottom and top of the box. </li></ol> Pro Tip: Label which room your fragile items are going to and add them to your moving van last.‍

The best way to pack electronics is to recreate how you originally received the electronics. Once you create a protective buffer around all edges of your electronics, you can now follow these instructions on packing your electronics. <ol id=''><li id=''>Place styrofoam pieces at the bottom of the moving box. </li><li id=''>Wrap<a href='/product/bubble-wrap-12-30'> bubble wrap</a> around the electronics and then tape. </li><li id=''>Now layer each electronic component with more styrofoam pieces. </li><li id=''>Lastly, to ensure the electronics don’t move around during transportation, fill the <a href='/product/medium-box'>box</a> with enough styrofoam pieces to secure all items. </li></ol>It’s important to know not all electronics can be packed and shipped. Items that have the potential to combust like charcoal and oily rags are a no go for shipping. The following items are also prohibited by law to be shipped: <ul id=''><li id=''>Corrosive substances: car &amp; boat batteries, acids, household cleaners, acids, liquid plumber. </li><li id=''>Explosives: fireworks, detonators, bullets, flares and ammunition.</li><li id=''>Flammable liquids: lighter fluid, paint &amp; paint thinner, glue, acetone, alcohol, lamp oils, gas, kerosene.</li><li id=''>Gases: No pressured or liquefied gas, propane tanks, oxygen, helium, household fuel, aerosol cans, hair spray, paint cleaner and butane lighters. </li><li id=''>Liquids: Alcohol </li><li id=''>Oxidizers: Pool chemicals, chlorine, bleach, disinfectants, organic peroxides, fertilizers. </li><li id=''>Poisons: photography related chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, fumigants. </li></ul>Always label moving boxes that can be potentially hazardous, so movers are more cautious with those boxes. And also remember to pack hazardous materials separately to minimize any potential risk.

The best way to pack electronics is to recreate how you originally received the electronics...

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There’s a lot of work in completing a successful move. It can often seem overwhelming. No fear! We have all the information you need to plan and orchestrate the perfect move.

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There’s a lot of stress in packing successfully. It can often seem overwhelming. No fear! We have all the information you need to plan and orchestrate the perfect pack.

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Life is busy. We could all use a little more time and portable storage gives you just that. By bringing storage to you, where you need it, you can pack and store on your own time and terms.

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A home should be a place that inspires you. Too often, it’s somewhere that frustrates. A great home reno can change that. Let’s dream about what your home can be!

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Everyone could use some extra space, but where do you find it? We have the solution! Self-storage lets you hold onto what’s important, while giving your more room to grow.

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