We Give You the Ultimate ‘How-To’ Guide when Hiring a Moving Company.

Sometimes a move is just too big an undertaking to handle alone; and sometimes the help that’s needed is whatever help you can get! (Seriously, wanna help me move? Can you be there on Saturday at 8am? Can I borrow your truck?) OK, obviously I am just trying to represent the situation in words…but you know what I mean. Moving is stressful and you will want and take whatever help you can get. And, when you just don’t want to deal with it, you need to be sure you hire the right professionals.

What you need is a system to follow to make it all easier. There are certain steps you need to take when looking to hire professionals to handle your move. If you follow this process, it will all come together nicely. Here’s how to do it…

Determine where you’re going.

If you’re moving more than a few towns over, you’ll want to search for a company that specializes in moves from state to state. There are regulations in place that may prevent some companies from crossing state lines. Moving companies have to be certified by the government for national or international moves. Be sure to pick a company that fits your geographical needs.

Another point to examine is the area you’re moving from and to; is it a city, a suburb, a rural area? City moves may require a company that has experience with the smaller streets and stairways found within the city and inside older city homes. Plus, most city streets have street parking on both sides and traffic going both directions – you want a company that can maneuver their vans or trucks easily and without causing damage or disrupting traffic flow.

Get referrals.

Never underestimate the benefit of calling your friends and family for referrals or accounts of their experiences. There are so many moving companies out there and you’ll need to weed through them to find the right one for you. Asking for actual experiences with moving companies will help you to determine the best choice.

If you cannot locate any referrals on your own, simply give our property manager a call or contact us today and we will gladly give you some companies to check out. We have a few we refer to our tenants because we know they have a good reputation and we have referrals directly from our customers.

Contact several companies and discuss your needs.

Once you have narrowed it down to a few companies who can cover your needs, it’s time to call them and discuss your move. It’s important not to make decisions prematurely. Discuss things beyond the hourly rate, such as the fees per mover, mileage rates, packing, larger items, etc. You will even want to ask if they are licensed and how they are licensed (remember what I said about national and international moves?). Also confirm they are fully insured in case something would happen to your stuff during the moving process.

Get several estimates.

Next, schedule a free estimate. Companies unwilling to conduct an in home estimate for free should be removed from your list immediately. An in-home estimate is the best way to be completely prepared for the move and will help avoid any surprise charges if you should choose that company.

Make sure the moving company is aware of everything you want done – what needs packed, what goes where, how you want it handled and moved. If you have an antique piece of furniture passed down through your family for generations, you want to make sure they know how to handle it and protect it when they move it around. Many hidden fees can be added to the final billing if companies are unaware of surprises such as your attic, the backyard shed, etc. Take some time and show them those areas so they know exactly what they are getting in to.

Find out what items the company cannot move. Some regulations will not allow moving companies to handle and transport certain items such as chemicals, propane tanks, etc. Some states won’t even let you take plants across state lines. Again, eliminate surprises for your moving day and discuss everything during the estimate.

Be sure to ask them if they have any questions for you. And, they should. A company that doesn’t ask you anything isn’t being thorough enough in my opinion. Unless you gave them a printed and bound report that is beyond detailed, they surely have at least one question they can ask you.

Review the contract.

Read the contract carefully. And, don’t be afraid to ask questions about it. All moving contracts should state in detail the rates and pricing, liability, delivery dates, the move description and claims protection. Ask about the insurance the company holds for the contract. Discuss accident and damage protocol. You’ll want to know how well the company will handle the mishaps that can occur. And, be prepared for mishaps to happen, it is often inevitable during a move. Make sure you get a copy of the contract to keep for your records so you know what you signed.

It’s time to move!

Finally, the big day has come. There are some key things you need to know for moving day to keep it as stress-free as possible and without major catastrophe.

First of all, you should be present during the move. If you cannot be there in person, you should have your spouse, partner, close friend or a relative stand in for you. Be sure you have gone over your wishes with them ahead of time so they are prepared in case the moving company has questions or finds a small issue. The last thing you want is to leave the moving company there alone and have no one available to provide them direction or give them answers.

You also want to have someone at your new home to meet the movers there as well. Of course, if you can be there with them that is best. You will want to direct the movers on where to put all the boxes and furniture to make it easiest on you after they are gone. You may want to have a diagram of what goes where, and clearly label your boxes and the rooms inside the home to prevent hiccups. If you plan to renovate one of the rooms right away, make sure nothing is placed in there, and instead set it in a spare room or the garage so it’s out of your way. Planning is important for this step.

Give them feedback.

Now that the move is complete and you are getting all settled in at your new place, think about giving the moving company some feedback. Moving companies, like all companies, rely on the reviews of clients to fuel their business. Reviews help ensure customers get the best service possible, and allow the company to correct any issues you may have discovered during your move. If you had an experience worth sharing, you should!

Negative reviews are something you want to avoid if possible. If you had a problem, it is best to reach out to the company first by phone or email. Talking directly to a supervisor may very well lead to a resolution quickly and prevent any bad mojo between you and the company. Mistakes do happen, and you shouldn’t penalize a company without first giving them the opportunity to resolve it to your satisfaction.

Are you planning to move and would like some help? You can give us a call to speak with a property manager or contact us today and we will gladly assist you. If you need a storage unit to help with your move, reserve one now to get started!

Let’s face it – sometimes the winter season can be brutal. This winter was sure an active one with many smaller snow storms and bitterly cold temperatures like we haven’t seen in decades. By this time of year, you are ready to wash the rock salt residue from your gloves, boots and your car – your poor car. Each day that goes by is one step closer to where you want to be…Spring! Soon you will enjoy days when you throw on a t-shirt with your favorite pair of jeans without freezing your buns off. Have you even thought about Spring cleaning yet?

Spring is a time for renewal and rebirth. The same goes for your home, your garage, your wardrobe – and yes, even your storage unit if you have one! If you’re anything like I am, you’re antsy for some Spring cleaning by the time March rolls around. It’s the best time to look around your home and go through your stuff to decide what you want to keep, what you can donate to a local charity or mission, what you can throw away and what needs moved to your storage unit.

Please keep in mind that we have Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania collection boxes at our location where you can donate new or gently used clothing and shoes to those who are in need.

Are you new to self storage? Never had a unit before and aren’t sure if you need one? By all means, stop by our rental office to see what it’s all about! Our friendly Property Manager can take you on a tour, show you our interior access units and the drive up units located at our partner facility Sierra’s Glen Self Storage, and help you decide what’s best for you. He is very knowledgeable and can answer all of your questions so you know what size and what type of storage unit you will need for your valuables.

It may seem overwhelming to think about Spring cleaning in your home and knowing you will have to decide what to keep and what to toss. (Probably why you “never had time” to do it last year!) Well, you can relax a bit! This is where self storage can really be beneficial, and where we can help reduce your anxiety about it.

Based off my experience both managing and using self storage units personally, I have a few ideas for you:

• First of all, make a list of what items you can put into storage when the seasons change. When Spring comes along, your Winter stuff can be put away; and when Fall comes long, Summer stuff can be stored, and so on. Think of it as a rotating cycle. None of us can remember everything all the time, so a checklist for each season is very helpful. This way we don’t forget anything at home or at our storage unit and it can prevent multiple unnecessary trips back and forth.
• Do you have a bunch of stuff you just can’t part with, but you want it out of your house like yesterday? No problem. Take it to your storage unit! This way you can get it out of your way and go through it later when you are ready to deal with it.
• Since we are talking about Spring cleaning, now is the time to put all of your winter bulky items away since you won’t need them for another six months. Items like parkas, snow pants, boots, sleds, skis, shovels and your snow blower can be moved into your storage unit.
• While you are dropping off the winter items, now is the time to take home the Spring decorations and essentials. Everything from vases, baskets, Easter eggs for the little ones at home for the big Easter egg hunt this April, patio furniture and so on are all things you will need before you know it. As much as you may hate it (with my allergies, I certainly don’t enjoy it), you should also take home your rakes, lawn mower, flower pots and all of your landscaping items. That way you are ready to dig right in when the weather cooperates.
• As you move things back and forth from your home to your storage unit, take inventory of it all. There are probably some things that you don’t use anymore or maybe just don’t work as well as they once did. Spring is the time to clean out! Remember what I said earlier about Spring being the time for renewal and rebirth? Minimize where you can now and you will feel a lot better later.

If you use your storage unit year-round, giving it a thorough cleaning and visit each season (before you say “I don’t have time for that”, it’s just four times a year so it is manageable even for the busiest of us), you will keep your storage unit organized and easily accessible. The last thing you want is to neglect it, and for it to become just like your messy attic!

Without even really “cleaning” anything, you have just reinvigorated your life by moving out the cold Winter items and moving in the warm Spring and Summer items! Now you can dream about the warmer days to come with a big smile across your face. By the way, you probably should give everything a good dusting and wipe down when you move them between your home and your storage unit. Spring is the season to take a little time to actually clean your stuff, too.

By the time you are done, your home will be refreshed, clutter free and ready to be aired out when the final frost is done for the year and you can crack open those windows for some fresh Springtime air! If you have any Spring cleaning tips, we would love to hear them! Just post them in the comments below so everyone can benefit from what works for you.

If you are ready to take the plunge and get your Spring cleaning started now, contact us for more information about using self storage. You can also reserve a unit now!

Now that you have decided you need to rent a self storage unit, there are a few things you must do as a first step. One thing you will want to do is visit the facility or facilities you are thinking about renting from to ensure you are happy with the appearance and visible security features. You should talk to the Property Manager and ask the following questions. You want to be sure and make the right choices for your needs.

• Is there a setup or administration fee or a deposit required?
  You don’t want any surprises when you take the final steps and secure your rental. Most self storage facilities have some sort of setup or admin fee. We do not require a security deposit at Harrisburg Self Storage, but some facilities may – so be sure to ask.
• Am I locked into a contract for several months or can I rent month-to-month?
  Just like when you would rent an apartment or a vehicle, this is an important question to ask, and it can vary from facility to facility. At Harrisburg Self Storage, our rental agreements are month-to-month and there are no long-term commitments, they simply renew on the first of every month. You can end your rental agreement on any day of the month with written notice, but keep in mind there are no refunds or pro-rations. You are responsible for the entire month. When possible, it makes the most sense for you to move out during the last week of the month so you get the most for your money.
• What forms of payment do you accept?
  This is a great question, and a very important one to ask. With our busy lives, the more options available the better. We accept several forms of payment for your convenience, such as; all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express), debit cards, check, cash or money order. We also offer a variety of payment methods for you to choose from to make it as easy as possible: you can make your payment online through our payment portal; you can give us a call and pay over the phone with a credit or debit card; you can stop in the rental office to make your payment during regular business hours or drop it in our drop box after hours; and you can also send your payment to us by mail. Payment is due on the first of every month, so be sure to make your payment on time or set a reminder for yourself so you don’t forget. You can even set up automatic payments that will process on the first of every month so you never have to worry about forgetting to pay on time.
• Do you offer insurance for the items I will be storing?
  Yes! We offer third-party tenant insurance you can purchase. This can be purchased while renting your unit. Coverage is affordable and will protect your valuable belongings while they are in storage. We have several policies to choose from so you only pay for the coverage you need. We do require insurance as a condition of the rental agreement at all of our facilities. If the unexpected happens, this insurance will cover you if theft or damage occurs to your belongings.
• Do I need a reservation?
  No, it is not required to make a reservation. However, a reservation will hold the unit for you until you can make it in to our rental office to complete the rental. If you need a storage unit on a specific date because of something time critical like settling on a new home and moving, a reservation is a great way to help guarantee the unit you want is available. For example, if you realize on a Sunday (when our offices are closed) that you need a 10×10 interior unit on Monday at 10am sharp, making a reservation online will hold that unit for you. Then you can come in on Monday at 10am and finish the rental process. Depending on availability at the facility, you may have snagged that last 10×10 at the property. You can also stop in our rental office and one of our friendly, knowledgeable property managers will be glad to help you secure your self storage unit on the spot.
• Can I rent a storage unit over the phone?
  We can reserve a self storage unit for you over the phone, take payment and get everything set up and ready to go for you – but you will need to stop in the rental office and sign the rental agreement in person. You will also need to provide photo identification for security purposes to complete the process. It only takes about 10-15 minutes from start to finish.
• What are the access hours?
  This is important to ask. (Some facilities may not have a gate or access door.) Will the access hours meet your needs? At Harrisburg Self Storage, our door access hours are 6am-10pm every day of the year.
• Do you offer different types of storage units?
  You may not know which unit type is the best for your storage needs. Be sure to ask which types are offered at the facility and what the differences are between the types available. We offer only interior access self storage unit types at Harrisburg Self Storage, but our partner facility, Sierra’s Glen Self Storage, offers all drive-up access units.
  • Drive-Up Access. You can pull right up to a drive-up unit just like you would to a garage door and unload your items.
  • Indoor Access. These units offer indoor access only, and are located inside a building. Typically you enter the building through a standard door and access the unit from a hallway. This unit type keeps you out of the weather.
  • Temperature Control. A temperature control unit typically offers indoor access. Some larger facilities offer this unit type in a drive-up access unit, but that’s not very common just yet. Temperatures are regulated throughout the year and kept at 58-76 degrees year-round.
  • Handicap Accessible. Many facilities offer these units in drive-up, indoor or temperature control options. It is best to contact the property manager if you require this unit type to make sure they offer them at their location and if they have any available.
• What type of security do you offer?
  Often overlooked, this is one of the most important questions you can ask and should consider when deciding which storage facility to choose. There should be a fence surrounding the entire property – is it in good repair? Is there an access gate or door? Are there security cameras throughout the property? Is there a property manager on site daily? How often does the property manager walk the site and check units? What happens if there is an incident on site? All of these are great questions to ask the property manager to ensure your belongings are safe and secure when on site.
• Do I need my own lock for the storage unit?
  Yes. You must provide a lock for your storage unit. We highly recommend the disc style lock, which we offer for sale on site in our retail store. This lock type was designed specifically for the self storage industry. Not only that, but if you have a disc lock on your storage unit, and the unthinkable happens and someone breaks into your unit, the insurance deductible is waived through our third-party policies.
• Do you have a truck I can use to move in?
  Yes! We have a moving truck that you can use for free locally through our partner facility Sierra’s Glen Self Storage. Simply pay the daily insurance waiver and refuel it when you are finished, and there are no other charges. Be sure to talk to the property manager to review full details on our free moving truck.
• Do you sell packing supplies and boxes?
  We have a fully stocked retail shop in our rental office. We sell a variety of box sizes and types that are specially treated for storage, including specialty boxes for dishes, TVs, delicate clothing and more. We also offer packing supplies such as bubble wrap, shrink wrap and packing paper to ensure your items are secure and protected when you pack them away. Also in stock are a variety of covers for furniture and mattresses to help keep them dust free, gloves, tape and tape guns and so much more. Everything you need to pack, move and store your belongings is available for purchase.
• Can my business store items there?
  Our storage units are a great option for business storage. We provide a low cost solution to your business storage needs – everything from additional inventory, old business documents and files and office furniture. We can even accept deliveries for your business on your behalf, and provide access to your storage unit for the delivery driver. You can then pick up your packages at your leisure with no worries of missing the delivery while you are out of the office. You can also provide access to your business unit for specific employees so you don’t have to be there to let them in. Ask any of our property managers how we can help you with your business storage needs.
• Is there anything I can’t store in the storage unit?
  Yes, there are certain items that are not permitted inside the storage units or on-site at our property at any time. Restricted items include but are not limited to: highly flammable items like cans of gas, oil, propane and fireworks; corrosive materials such as chemicals; perishable items such as food, including pet food; and anything that puts off a strong odor such as fragrances, potpourri, scented candles and cleaning products that could attract vermin. We also do not permit manufacturing or production anywhere on the property, vehicle work or repair, or working from the storage unit. You’re also not allowed to keep animals in a unit or on the property at any time, and you cannot occupy a unit or sleep inside a unit.

Some of these questions and answers may seem like common sense, but every one of them is important to consider. A property manager who can quickly answer these questions and provide you the options at the facility which you desire will be a great choice for your storage needs. If you have any questions or comments about what you should ask a property manager before deciding on a self storage facility, please contact us at any time or leave your comments below.

What Should I Look For When Choosing A Self Storage Facility?

When it comes time to look for a self storage facility, there are several things to take into consideration. If you are planning to store your items, they must be valuable to you, and you want them to be safe and secure at all times! Be sure to make your decision on the entire storage experience, not on price alone.

Price should never be the deciding factor.

Many people’s first thought is to pick the cheapest storage unit to save money. Trust me, that is not how you want to choose your storage unit. A higher price usually means a few things: there are more security features at the facility like cameras, fencing and keypad access; the facility is newer and in better repair than the competition; there is an on-site manager 6-7 days per week; or the facility has more options and features such as a variety of unit sizes and types and online payments. Basically, you get what you pay for – don’t sacrifice security and safety just to save a few dollars.

At Harrisburg Self Storage, we partner directly with Sierra’s Glen Self Storage. While we have only interior access units, Sierra’s Glen offers only drive-up units. What can’t be found at one facility can be found at the other, providing customers several options when choosing the storage unit that fits them best.

Tour the facility first.

You should make sure the facility you are looking at will fit your needs. The best way to do that is to take a tour of the property. A facility that takes pride in its appearance and keeps everything in good repair and working order is the ideal choice. A facility like this will have better customer service and cares about each and every tenant.

Overall Property Condition

Is the facility well lit at night – inside and outside? If you plan to visit your storage unit early in the morning or late in the evening, make sure you can see everything easily so access to your unit is seamless – no matter what time of day you visit.

Is the facility clean and neat? Is there trash lying about? Trust me, you want a facility that is clean. The last thing you want to do is drive over something that is lying on the road and damage your car, or step on something in the interior hallways and ruin your shoes. A facility that is clean and well-kept shows that the property manager takes care of the property, has pride in the facility and the company, and in turn will take good care of you.

Buildings & Doors

Are the buildings in good shape or are they falling apart with noticeable rust or holes? After all, your stuff will be stored inside the buildings. Holes could mean rodents or leaks. Make sure you look for obvious problems and steer clear of a facility with damage or broken items.

Check the latches on the storage unit doors. Are they rusty or in good working order? You will be placing your lock on the latch to keep your belongings safe and secure – a latch in proper working order is essential.

Are the storage unit doors in good repair? Do they open and close easily? Make sure to have the property manager show you how to open and close a door so you can see for yourself. Is the seal tight when the door is closed? This will help keep water out of the unit when it rains.

Look inside the storage unit and check to make sure the walls are absent of cracks or holes. Also check to see if there is a small gap around the top of the walls to allow air circulation through the unit. Good circulation helps prevent mildew.

Check the floor for cracks or white marks. These could be an indication that moisture may enter through the floor which could damage items sitting on the floor. Is the floor level with the pavement or off the ground a couple of inches for the outside access units? Having a floor that is slightly raised will keep water out of the unit.

Variety of Units

Does the property offer a wide variety of unit sizes and types? You may just need that 10×10 drive-up unit right now, but what if you need a larger interior unit when Grandma gives you her priceless antique living room set? Having the option to change or add a different unit later on is great, just in case you need it! Make sure the facility you select has many sizes from 5×5 to 10×30 and a variety of unit types from which to choose.

Check out some of our previous blogs for more information on the different types of storage units and how to choose the best one: “Inside Storage Unit vs. Drive-Up Unit” and “Take the Guesswork Out Of Selecting The Right Storage Unit”

Security Features

This one is a big one for sure. You want to make sure your stuff is safe when you leave it in your storage unit. Is there a fence that surrounds the entire property? There should be and it should be in good repair, with no holes, cuts or broken poles.

Is there a locked gate or door with keypad entry to access the property? This keeps visitors to only those who have a storage unit at the facility since an access code is required to enter through the gate.

The fence, gate or door also keep unwanted guests outside while you are inside, which is especially important after business hours. You can feel secure knowing you are safe inside the property.

Look up, are there security cameras? This added feature will be sure to capture any unwanted activities on the property, such as an intruder or illegal activity, in the unlikely event that something of this nature takes place at the facility.

Rental Office & Property Manager

Is there a rental office on site with a property manager who is on-site daily? This is very important to any facility, and is essential to offering tenants the best customer service possible. If a problem crops up, you want a property manager who you can turn to for help, and one who is on the property regularly.

Make sure to visit the rental office – is it clean, does it smell fresh? You will probably visit the office several times once you are a tenant, does it have packing and moving supplies for sale? If you are visiting your storage unit and realize you need a box or some tape, it’s very convenient to be able and simply pop into the rental office to get what you need.

Does the manager stand up and greet you as you walk into the office? A friendly property manager is key to having a great storage experience. You want someone who listens to you, treats you as the most important person to them at that moment and has knowledge about the property and the industry. If you have a question, you want to be sure he or she can answer it, and answer it correctly.

There are many things to consider when choosing a self storage facility. Remember, you will be storing your valuables at the facility, and you want them to be safe and secure when you are not with them. Price is important, however it is best to make your decision on the entire experience – from the condition of the facility and the security features to the unit options and the presence of a property manager. If you are interested in learning more about choosing the best storage facility or would like to set up a tour of our facility, please contact us today and we will be glad to help.