Your Essential Moving Cheat Sheet: Key Terms Explained

Everyone has advice and tips for those starting the moving process, but it can be tough to wade through all the information coming from various sources. Plus, some language and terminology used during a move can be new and challenging to decipher, making your research of movers and the process of moving as a whole difficult to understand. We here at 1-800-PACK-RAT want to help solve those concerns by giving you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision for your moving and storage needs.

We have created a moving and storage vocabulary cheat sheet to help you interpret the information that will be presented to you throughout the process. Read on to learn some of the key terms you will read and hear as you evaluate your options and make your move.

Moving and Storage Containers

These all-steel, secure, weatherproof portable storage containers can be delivered on-site to your home or business for packing, storage, and moving. You can choose which size (8', 12', or 16') best fits your individual needs. The best part is, unlike traditional moving truck companies or even van line moving services, where everything has to be done in one day before fees start piling up, you can keep your 1-800-PACK-RAT portable storage container at your home for as long as you need it.

Pack at your pace, avoid having to rush, and, when you are done, give us a call and we will pick up your container and either have it delivered to your new home or have it stored in one of our 80+ secure warehouse locations across the continental United States. It is that simple. We take the guesswork out of moving and storage so you can focus on more important stuff!

Delivery Terminology

This term may seem self-explanatory, but if you work with a portable moving and storage company like 1-800-PACK-RAT, you will hear a variety of terms associated with the word "delivery." Unlike more traditional moving truck companies, where you are expected to do all of the picking up, packing, and driving yourself, portable storage container companies handle the transportation for you.

You might hear or see "deliver empty" during the process. This means the delivery of your empty container with nothing in it. Essentially, your first interaction with your container is when we drop it off on your scheduled date. "Deliver full" simply means that your container with your stuff inside will be delivered on the indicated date.

Contents Protection Plan

Events beyond everyone’s control, such as fire, lightning, wind, hail, snow, and other naturally occurring phenomena, could cause harm to your belongings. Most movers offer an insurance plan that typically includes a damage waiver for a small fee, or multiple tiers of coverage that you can purchase. It is highly recommended that you move with a company that offers these types of insurance plans. If a mover refuses to share this info or doesn't have insurance available, it is recommended you do not work with that company.

A Contents Protection Plan from 1-800-PACK-RAT, for example, can offer you that extra bit of peace of mind of having coverage over your belongings. Just like when buying a home or any other type of insurance, it is highly recommended that you take some time to thoroughly evaluate what you are packing and how much it is worth to ensure that you have full coverage in the event of a loss. 1-800-PACK-RAT offers multiple plan levels, so you can choose the best coverage depending on the value of the items you will be placing in your container.

Downsizing and Decluttering

Moving is hard enough. Don’t make it harder by packing or moving anything that doesn’t have a dedicated space in your new home. Most people take a little bit of time to downsize their belongings before a move. Now this might sound like a lot of work, and while it can be, it can save you from overloading your new home and skim time off the unpacking process. Downsizing and decluttering can be beneficial to anyone making a move. If you haven't used that Instant Pot since it was gifted to you a few years ago, or if the contents of that box in your closet haven't been touched since your last move, it is time to downsize the clutter!

You can even sell your unused stuff on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, or donate it to the Salvation Army or Habitat ReStore in your area so that someone else can make use of your unneeded belongings. Not everything needs to be thrown out!

It is wise to base the decision on which items to keep on the layout and size of your new home. Knowing each room's exact size and dimensions will make decisions more straightforward because you know what will and will not fit. Your new home won't be a one-for-one size comparison, so to avoid clutter and overburdening, downsize beforehand! Using portable moving containers from 1-800-PACK-RAT allows you to take your time with these decisions while packing your container at your own pace.

Inventory List

Creating an up-to-date inventory list of all your personal belongings should be a top priority before packing and moving. Keeping track of every item can be a tedious process, but it can be a lifesaver if you're ever in a situation where you need to replace your personal property after a loss. Plus, an inventory list will ensure that you have purchased enough insurance in the first place to replace your belongings. Your inventory list can be categorized by room, type of item, collection, or other relevant criteria. It can be made digitally or with pen and paper.

This can also be especially helpful during the packing process, as well as when you begin unpacking your stuff at your new home. You can keep everything more organized during the unpacking phase of your move if you have a color-coordinated system or inventory list of the cardboard boxes and bins, so you know where each box or bin should go in your new home. It can be a lifesaver amid the unpacking chaos!

Day Of Bag Or Essentials Box

There are several terms for this, but you may hear them referred to as day of bags and essentials box. This refers to the bag or box that has all of your moving day essentials: change of clothes, soap, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, medication, toothpaste, phone chargers, and more. Pack anything you need for your first night in your new home into a bag or box (or multiple for each family member) for convenience the next day. When packing your moving solution, this should be the last item you pack when you are finally done. Think of it as an overnight bag you would pack for a trip you are taking.

The point is that this should be the first item you then unload at your new house. That way, your future self won't need to sift through all of your belongings and piece together what you need for that first night after a day of tough moving.

Moving Discounts

It is possible to save money when you move and store in a convenient way - many companies run promos to help make the costs a little easier. Whether you're moving, need storage, or require both, 1-800-PACK-RAT has an offer for you. Check out our list of current promotions and see how you can save on your move today. Just remember that if a company is running a special that seems too good to be true, there is a good chance it is.

Moving/Storage Quote

This estimate, provided by a moving and storage service provider, outlines the cost of moving your items. Any reputable company should be happy to give you a free, no-obligation quote as a part of the initial moving and storage process. If a company insists on charging for a consultation or refuses to provide a final price before signing, walk away from them immediately.

Before getting a quote, have a good idea of how much stuff you will need to move. This will help you determine the number of containers you will need for your moving or storage event. 1-800-PACK-RAT offers an easy online process to receive a quote for all your moving and storage needs. If you opt to call in, no matter what moving and storage company you opt to go with, be sure to have the following information ready for them:

• The number of rooms you need to move or store
• Your current zip code, and if you are moving, your final destination zip
• Any questions you might have about the process

The more accurate information you can share with the company representatives, the easier and more precise the quoting process will be.

Non-Allowable List

It is important to remember that not all of your belongings can be packed in a portable moving and storage container. Items such as aerosol cans, fertilizer, pesticides, charcoal, disinfectants, ammunition, fireworks, pool cleaning chemicals, paint thinner, fire extinguishers, car batteries, and gas cans are considered too hazardous for moving. This is a relatively standard list of non-allowable items for almost any moving and storage company, regardless of whether they are traditional or utilize portable containers. Anything that can be deemed a fire hazard or is combustible should never be packed away.

You can consider giving these away to neighbors before moving or properly disposing of them before your move. If you are moving a gas grill, disconnect the propane tank before packing. When handling items like lawn mowers, be sure to remove all of the fuel from the mower. If you have any questions about what is allowed and what isn't, be sure to call 1-800-PACK-RAT or your mover of choice to confirm. Non-allowed items stored in containers or moving and storage solutions can void protection plans and may even lead to legal action in certain circumstances.

On-Site/Off-Site Storage

When it comes to storage, you might typically think of the traditional brick and mortar storage area with the indoor units or the outdoor roll-up doors. These storage areas, found almost everywhere, can be a hassle to use. When you hear on-site storage, that means storage solutions that are literally on your property. No driving, no packing and unpacking multiple times - storage that is brought to you to pack at your pace.

Off-site storage is also what it sounds like - storage that is kept at another location. This can be your traditional storage area or mobile storage units kept in a warehouse. You typically have to travel to these locations to access, drop off, or pick up your stuff.

1-800-PACK-RAT's portable storage containers blend these two types of storage, as our containers are a great way to give you the storage space you need at home for something like a home renovation or if you are done packing and want it stored for a prolonged time, we can keep it at a secure storage warehouse for as long as you need. We use on- and off-site storage extensively because it allows us to provide both options for you with no hassles, and it is the best way to store your belongings on your terms and schedule.

Packing & Moving Supplies

Whether you are storing belongings for a while or making a move, the backbone of any project is your packing and moving supplies. But what exactly do you need for moving supplies? Is there a difference between packing supplies and moving supplies? The long and short is that packing and moving supplies are somewhat interchangeable terms. However, the types of supplies you need for your move may differ from those of another mover.

The main types of supplies are sturdy, heavy-duty boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, stretch wrap, moving blankets, tape gun dispenser, mattress covers, hand carts or dollies, and more . To simplify moving and storage, 1-800-PACK-RAT has partnered with Lowe's® Home Improvement to provide our customers with moving supplies. From item-specific boxes (such as TV boxes or wardrobe boxes) to moving blankets, and everything in between, your local Lowe's Home Improvement store has what you need!

Discover what they offer online or visit one of their nationwide locations for all your moving supplies needs.

PPM or DITY Military Move

While this specifically pertains to the men and women in our nation's armed forces, it is always good to know what these terms mean if you have friends or family in the military.

Personally Procured Move or PPM is the official term for a Do-It-Yourself (DITY) military move. Unlike a full household goods move, where the government will hire a commercial contractor to pack and move you, a DITY move involves you making arrangements to transport your belongings and get reimbursed based on weight afterward. Although most people think that a DITY or PPM move means that you'll be in charge of doing all the work yourself, with portable storage containers from 1-800-PACK-RAT, you will have an experienced team on your side throughout this process.

To learn more about how to make your PPM/DITY move easier, check out one of our recent blogs for more information!

Space Calculator

While we can share the dimensions of our containers, it can still be hard to wrap your mind around how much stuff you can fit into your portable moving & storage container. That is why many companies offer space calculators that help you determine how much stuff you can fit into your moving solution. 1-800-PACK-RAT is also here with our space calculator tool that you can use!

This online tool can help you estimate the number of portable storage containers you might need to move or store your belongings. Choose the quantity and type of furniture you wish to move or store, and this tool will help visually show you how much space it will take up in the container. The more accurately you fill out the space-calculating tool, the more accurate the recommendation will be.

Third-Party Packing and Loading Providers

Not all moving companies can provide labor services through their own company. That is where third-party professional labor professionals come into play. These experienced crews have all the necessary tools, know-how, and muscle to pack and load your moving solution, then unpack at your new home, saving you a lot of time. They can make it simple for you to get your move done without having to move a finger. Just know that most companies will only pack boxes, bins, and furniture, and will not pack your things into boxes - the expectation is that your boxes are packed and staged and waiting to be loaded.

A professional labor provider can make your move even easier if you need assistance packing and loading your stuff. To help our customers with their packing and loading needs, 1-800-PACK-RAT has partnered with Hire A Helper, a reliable and professional labor company, to help you quickly find professional packers and movers for your move. These services can be added to your move to help make the process even easier and safer on your end.

Let 1-800-PACK-RAT Make Your Moving and Storage Needs Simpler

We hope this moving vocabulary cheat sheet helps as you get ready to plan your local or long-distance move. We invite you to compare the 1-800-PACK-RAT process to other ways of moving. Using a portable storage container gives you more control over the moving process and timeline. Here is how it works: you schedule when you want your container delivered, and we will bring it to you. You then have as long as you need to pack everything at your own pace. When you are done, we will pick up your container and deliver it to your new home, or we can keep it safely stored in one of our storage facilities until you need it again. It is that simple.

Our portable storage and moving containers offer tons of flexibility with a predictable cost that will simplify your move. Give us a call or go online for a free quote today to see how we can make moving and storage simple and on your terms today!

Commonly Asked Questions About Moving With Quick Answers

What are some essential but basic moving tips?

Some essential moving tips include creating a detailed checklist, labeling boxes clearly, and packing a "first-night" essentials bag. Additionally, enlisting help from friends or hiring professionals can ease the burden. Staying organized reduces stress and ensures a smoother transition to your new home during the moving process.

How do I pack fast for a move?

To pack fast for a move, start by gathering packing supplies like boxes, tape, and markers. The last thing you want is to forget essential items, so create a checklist to prioritize what to pack first. Focus on one room at a time, packing non-essential items first. Label boxes clearly and consider enlisting help from friends or family for efficiency.

How do I pack a garage for moving?

To pack a garage for moving, start by sorting items into three piles: keep, donate, and discard. Use sturdy boxes for smaller items and label them clearly. Disassemble larger furniture, wrap fragile items securely, and load heavier boxes first in the moving vehicle to ensure stability during transport.

How do I pack bathroom items for moving?

To pack bathroom items for moving, start by gathering essential supplies like boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. Wrap fragile items individually, secure loose toiletries in zip-lock bags, and label each box clearly. This ensures your bathroom essentials arrive safely and are easy to find when you unpack.

How do I pack jewelry for moving?

To pack jewelry for moving, use small boxes or pouches to separate items. Wrap delicate pieces in soft cloth to prevent tangling and damage. Consider using egg cartons or pill organizers for smaller items. Finally, label each container clearly to make unpacking easier at your new location.

How to pack kitchen appliances?

To pack kitchen appliances, first, clean them thoroughly. Then, use bubble wrap or packing paper to protect fragile parts. Secure cords with twist ties and place appliances in sturdy boxes, ensuring they’re cushioned with additional packing material to prevent damage during transit. Label each box clearly for easy unpacking.

When is it too early to start packing?

It's generally advisable to start packing at least two to three weeks before your moving date. However, if you have a lot of belongings or are moving long-distance, beginning even earlier can help reduce stress and ensure everything is organized for a smooth transition.

What mistakes should I avoid when packing for a move?

When packing for a move, it's essential to avoid common mistakes that can lead to unnecessary stress. Here are key pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Overpacking Boxes: Don’t exceed the weight limit of boxes, especially with heavy items. This can lead to injury during packing and damage to your stuff during transport.
2. Neglecting Labels: Failing to label boxes can make unpacking chaotic and time-consuming - at the very least, place the name of the room the box should go into.
3. Waiting Until the Last Minute: Procrastinating can lead to rushed packing, resulting in improperly secured items or forgotten ones altogether - as soon as you know your moving date and it is within two months, start packing your stuff.
4. Skipping the Creation of an Inventory List: Not keeping track of your items can lead to confusion and missing belongings once you arrive at your new home. Create a simple inventory list to check off items as you pack them.
5. Using Inadequate Packing Materials: Using subpar materials can jeopardize the safety of your belongings. Invest in quality packing supplies, including sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape.