Tackle Your Garage and Show It Who's Boss

With spring officially here, it's time to start spring cleaning! But where to start? If you are like most people (and us!) you likely have a messy garage. Now is the perfect time to get that cleaned up. Wouldn't it be nice to have an organized garage space during our many spring showers. To get started, check out our helpful organization tips and have your garage cleaned up in no time:

1. Set a timeline: Check your schedule and create a timeline in which you hope to get your garage organized. Make sure you have enough time to begin with. You don’t want to start a project cleaning the garage if you don't have time to finish.
2. Recruit help: If your garage is in complete disarray, you may want to recruit your family members and even some close friends. Order some pizza, put on some good music and you will have your garage organized in no time!
3. Start with a blank slate: Use a portable storage unit to get everything out of the garage so you can work at your own pace to sort and organize. When you are ready to get started with your project, 1-800-PACK-RAT will deliver your unit right to your door!
4. Get rid of what you can: Chances are you are not using a lot of the stuff you are storing in your garage. Take this opportunity to donate or sell unwanted items to make room for other things – like your car!
5. Plan the space: Take inventory of the remaining items that will be going back into the garage. Make a plan for where you want everything to go. Take advantage of the vertical space by installing sturdy garage shelves for storage or peg board to keep your garage organized and use the space more efficiently.
6. Bring it in: After you have a plan, start moving everything back in. You don't want to have to do this again anytime soon, so organize as you go along and label everything! When you are all done, give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done!

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1-800-PACK-RAT portable storage units are often used when relocating to another city because they are so easy to use. You can pack your things at your own pace and when you are ready – it will be delivered to your new location. Simple and easy! But moving is not the only reason why you may need to use a portable storage unit. Check out these 4 ways you could use a 1-800-PACK-RAT storage unit this spring. Remember, if you need a portable storage unit, stop by 1800PACKRAT.com to check out our current deals and offers. 

4 Ways to Use Portable Storage

1. Selling your home! If you are trying to sell your home, you want to make sure the home is as clean as possible. You don't want the potential buyer to be distracted by clutter and other unnecessary items. A portable storage unit will allow you to keep your belongings nearby, but out of the way.

2. Remodeling your home! Home renovations can get messy. Tools, tarps, paint and other needed items take up a lot of space. Not to mention the risk of damaging furniture and other belongings if you leave them in the way. Use a portable storage unit to keep your things safe while you work on your home.

3. Major repairs! Sometimes, things happen that we cannot predict. Things like a fire or flooding can certainly throw a wrench in things. You can use a portable storage unit to store your undamaged belongings while your home is being repaired.

4. Get rid of clutter! Another great reason to use a storage unit is to increase the living space in your home. Most people have items taking up space that they do not use, but do not want to get rid of. Use a storage unit to store these items until you find another place for them.

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Packing for a move is a herculean task, regardless of whether you plan to do the move yourself or hire one of the many interstate moving companies.  Hiring interstate moving companies takes some of the weight off your shoulders, as you get to leave transporting to someone else.  But you still have to be smart about how you pack.  Doing so will save you time, money and stress.

1.) Do not move things you no longer need.  Hold a garage sale or donate those items to an organization you know needs them.  As you pack, have a box or place set aside where you can collect those items.  Interstate moving companies will charge you for the time and resources it takes to move your belongings, so it benefits you to lighten your load.

2.) Start packing as soon as you know you are moving, even if you have not yet decided which of the interstate moving companies you plan to hire.  Packing always takes longer than you think. 

3.)  Tackle one room at a time, so you can stay on track.

4.)  Start with non essential items and things that are out of season.

5.)  Label every box with the contents and the room in which it belongs.  This will save time during unloading and makes the teams from interstate moving companies more efficient.

6.)  Think ahead regarding what you will need immediately when you move in.  Mark those boxes "open first" and with the contents.  This will save you time and money, so you do not have to run to the store for toiletries and cleaning supplies, for example.

7.)  Set aside suitcases that you and your family will live out of right before moving day and right after.  Have these ready a week before moving day.

8.)  Collect all personal files and other documentation and put them somewhere safe and in a place where they will not be accidentally moved.

9.)  Label furniture, artwork and appliances that are not to be moved.  The teams from interstate moving companies move fast and you cannot always catch everything as it is loaded onto the truck. 

10.)  Know and follow the rules of what you are allowed to pack (interstate moving companies give this list to all their customers).  For example, do not pack flammable liquids. 

11.)  Number all your boxes and make an inventory list as they are loaded and unloaded, so you can easily determine if something is missing. 

12.)  Ask what the insurance policy of the company you hire covers.  Obtain an additional policy, if necessary, to cover expensive items. 

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