As you go over your options, don’t be afraid to look beyond the places you’ve already considered. A good way to go about this is to think in terms of what’s most important to you rather than in terms of location.  Following are some issues and questions for you to explore on your journey to finding the city or town of your dreams:

• Personal connections –  What kind of people do you want to be around: liberal, conservative or middle-of-the-road? Ethnically diverse or homogeneous?
• Lifestyle – How big is your ideal community? Do you want a lifestyle that’s laid-back, fast-paced or somewhere in between?
• Spirituality – Do you want to be around people who express their spirituality through the established religions or through other art, music or communion with nature?
• Leisure activities – How do you spend your free time: going to parks, watching sporting events, participating in volunteer activities, or engaging in hobbies such as painting or photography?
• Physical environment – Is there a particular kind of weather or topography that you find especially energizing?
• Health and wellness – Do you need health clubs, yoga centers or natural food stores to be located near to where you will live?
• Transportation – How do you prefer to get around: by car, bus, bike or on foot?  Do you want to live in a place that accommodates a variety of choices or just one or two?
• Finances –  Are there any changes you would need to make to your current financial situation to make you feel comfortable in your new location?

It’s also a good idea to spend some time in the cities and towns that make it to your shortlist of choices. That way, you can have the opportunity to feel out the energy or “vibe”  in those locations and see what best matches your own.

Once you’ve figured out your new coordinates, you may find it helpful to put some of your belongings away for safekeeping at Lone Star Self-Storage. Whether you’ll be coming to or leaving Austin, we have units of all different sizes that are suitable for your temporary or long-term storage needs. Contact us when you’re ready or your next moving adventure!

Photo credit: phanlop88

Before you throw all that newspaper, cardboard and bubble wrap into the trash, consider how you could reuse that material around the house. Following are some suggestions for transforming trash into treasure:

• Use boxes as storage units – Those things you can’t find a place for in your new home can go into a cardboard box. Alternately, you can use boxes to store documents, books or even any unused packing materials that remain from your move.
• Create padded mailers –  You can use bubble wrap to make lined envelopes. Cut two pieces in the size you need and glue them into place.
• Insulate your windows – You can either tape bubble wrap to your windowpanes or frame it the same way you would a window screen. If you choose the latter option, you can remove or replace the insulation without leaving tape on the glass.
• Line your refrigerator – Delicate fruits like kiwis, nectarines and pears can bruise easily. Putting bubble wrap on the walls and bottom of the produce drawers in your fridge can prevent this.
• Protect your garage floor – You can prevent your garage floor from getting stained by laying down some cardboard, especially under vehicles and machines that may be leaking oil.
• Clean up spills –  Newspaper that you’ve used for packing makes a great low-budget paper towel. Try it when cleaning your windows or mopping up spills on non-carpeted floors.
• Remove shoe odor – If your shoes are a little smelly, line them with some newspaper before you go to bed. By the time you wake up in the morning and remove the paper, the odor will be gone.
• Make your own trash can –  A cardboard box makes an excellent trash container. Just remember not to put any liquid trash in it.

After you’ve unpacked, you may also find that you’ll be needing more storage space for your belongings than your new home is able to provide. At Lone Star Self-Storage, you’ll find all the room you need to safely store all those wonderful things you just can’t do without. Our units range from 5 X 5  (the size of the small bathroom) to 10 X 20 (can store the contents of a 5-bedroom house) and are priced for all budgets.  If you have the stuff, we have the space.  Visit or contact us today!

1. Before you even begin to pack, evaluate what you want to keep and what you can give away. For those belongings you no longer need or want, consider donating them to the local Goodwill or putting them up for sale on eBay or Craigslist. The less you have to take with you, the better.

2. Avoid buying boxes. Rather, ask your local supermarkets and department stores for used ones. If not, go online and check to see if any companies in your area rent recyclable crates and boxes. U-haul is one company that has a box exchange program which helps movers find the moving supplies they need.

3. Instead of using bubblewrap to insulate your belongings, use old newspapers and clothes. Socks and T-shirts are great for covering smaller valuables while newspapers provide excellent cushioning for glass and ceramic items. Old blankets and towels can protect larger items including furniture.

4. When all your boxes are packed, you’ll need to give your house a final scrub-down. Make sure that your cleaning supplies are green.  Earth-friendly companies such as Seventh Generation produce everything from fume-free window glass cleaner to recycled kitchen paper.

5. If you will be using professional movers to haul your belongings, ask to see whether the company uses bio-fueled trucks. If you will be doing the moving yourself, rent the smallest truck you can that can hold all of your valuables. Smaller trucks not only use less gas, they also tend to keep your belongings tightly packed which decreases the chance for any breakage.

6. You may find it helpful to put some of your items into storage to keep your move small and manageable. Lone Star Self-Storage has storage units of all sizes to suit your specific needs for whatever length of time you require. Let us help you reorganize your life and keep the planet a little greener for everyone.

Photo credit: digitalart

A good way to begin the process is by finding a good home for the ones you can part with, either at a second-hand bookstore or with friends. Once you have decided which ones will come with you, get some boxes that you know will hold the weight. If they’re used, check for dampness. The last thing you want is to put your books into a space  that will cause mold to grow on pages.

Hardcovers can be packed by putting them in the box so that their spines are touching the box sides. Be sure not to pack the books so tightly that they can be damaged upon removal. If you want to protect your hardcovers, wrap them in heavy paper before placing them in the box. Books that are especially valuable–such as first editions or even photo albums–should be packed with cardboard in between each book to keep the spine is straight. Each book should be covered in paper and, if possible, put in a padded box.

Another way you can pack your hardcovers and paperbacks is by putting them in spine first with the paper edges facing up. Although it may seem counterintuitive, do not put the books with the paper edges facing down and spines up. If you do, you risk warping both hardcovers and paperbacks alike.

Remember that you can use a variety of proper packing methods within one box so long as none of the books are packed at awkward angles.When you have filled a box, use wadded newspaper or bubblewrap to fill in any gaps between books that you might find. Doing so will lower the risk that your books will shift during the actual move and become damaged in the process.

If you need to store your books, check the storage area temperature, as excessive heat can lead to yellowing and cracking. Lone Star Storage units are cool, dry and priced just right, especially if you are a student. So when you’re ready to move, lighten your load and bring your books to us. It’s the smart thing to do.

Photo credit: Salvatore Vuono

Here are some ways you can protect your possessions and your pocketbook from such practices:

• Ask for references – When you speak to moving companies, ask them about their professional experiences, license information and Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. Also get the names and contact information of past clients.
• Get a written estimate – An estimate tells you how much it will cost to move specific items.  If movers don’t provide you with anything in writing, avoid them.
• Beware of estimate changes –  Movers that don’t hold to an estimate and start adding extra charges are likely trying to rip you off. Don’t use them even if  you have to tell them to leave on moving day. Once a company like this has your things, they can hold them hostage until you give them the money they’re asking for.
• Refuse to pay a deposit – A reputable moving company will never ask for a deposit or down payment. However, that company will expect full payment on delivery.
• Look for changes in a company’s name – Some companies that run afoul of the BBB will change their names to avoid bad references. Watch for small clues–such as whether the name on their truck is been painted over–that might hint at a questionable past.
• Be suspicious of movers who won’t help you pack – Some companies will typically refuse to help you pack your boxes because if they drop them, they are responsible for damages. What they will more likely do is to give you a high estimate so that you will pack everything yourself and then blame you if something breaks, even if they are at fault.

Another way to make your next move easier it is to consider putting some of your items in temporary storage. That way, you might be able to lighten your load enough that you can move everything yourself and not have to rely on moving companies at all. Lone Star Self-Storage has the perfect unit for your needs at just the right price: check out our specials and simplify your life today!

Photo credit: digitalart

Getting ready to move?

Here is a list of the 10 items and things to do, most overlooked by people preparing to relocate:

• Medical records – Be sure to get copies of you and your family’s medical and dental records including any information pertaining to immunization.  Also ask for any veterinary records belonging to the family pet.
• Hidden valuables – If you’ve hidden any valuables in your home, be sure to gather them up. When you actually move, carry smaller valuables such as jewelry with you or store them in a safety deposit box.
• Phone numbers – Take the phone book you’re currently using with you to your new home. You may need it to contact individuals and/or businesses once you have relocated.
• Items left for repair – If you have any belongings that are being repaired, cleaned or stored, don’t forget to pick them up. Conversely, if you have things that you’ve borrowed (such as library books), make it a point to return them.
• Your new address – Carry this information on you in the weeks before you move.  That way, if someone asks for it or if you need to give it out,  you won’t have to go digging for it.
• A final cleanup – Before you hit the road for your new home, make sure that you give your old home one final scrub-down. You can reduce the amount of stuff to take with you by using any previously purchased cleaning products you may have.
• The gate or garage door opener – Take any electric opening devices you have out of your car and remember to leave them for the next resident.
• Transportation arrangements for your pets or plants – If you’re using a moving company, they will likely not be able to transport your pets or plants so you’ll have to make alternate arrangements for them.
• New bank accounts – Unless you’ll be staying in the same city, you should open a checking account in your new town about a month before you move so that you’ll have access to your funds.
• Spare keys – Retrieve all sets of spare keys before you leave.

To lighten the load before you move, put some of your harder to forget items like furniture in temporary storage. Lone Self-Storage has a variety of different storage unit sizes (5 X 5 to 10 X 20) to help you organize your belongings and make your move go smoothly.  We’re here for you when you need us!

Lone Star Self Storage in Austin can save you money while you move.

The first thing to do is figure out how much you can spend and put it in writing. You should take account of additional fees for heavy items (such as furniture), any bills you expect to have it both your new and old residences and whether or not there will be a bill overlap. It may help to put everything on an Excel spreadsheet.

If you are doing a long-distance move, the next thing you’ll need to do is get an estimate for moving costs from three to five van lines in your area. Always remember that out-of-town movers, unlike local ones, will charge you for travel time. You should also factor in insurance costs as well as a tip for your movers.

If you are just moving across town rather than to another city or state, you may want to renting a truck or van to help you transport your belongings. Be sure to add the cost of gas, moving tools and supplies to the vehicle rental fees you will be paying.

When it comes time to pack, know that you have two options. You can get your moving company to pack for you, but this will add up to 25% to your total bill. If you do it yourself, you’ll save money, especially if you pack light. Consider selling, giving away or throwing out everything you no longer use. Storing those items you can’t do without is also an option and Lone Star Self Storage can help you select the unit that accommodates both your belongings and budget.

Packing supplies will also add to your costs. Boxes, bubble wrap and moving blankets aren’t expensive, but the bill for these items can add up very quickly. Make sure to set aside a little more than you expect for these materials to ensure that nothing gets broken on the road to your new home.

You’ll also be spending money on moving day for such things as gas, food and, in the case of long-distance moves, hotels. If you are flying, you’ll need to record the costs of plane tickets and all associated fees. Don’t forget to also factor in the costs you will be facing when you are settling into your new place. These could include security deposits, mortgage payments and the prices for starting various utility services.

Once you are satisfied that you have included all costs in your budget, you should still add 5 to 10% of the final tally to your projected expenses. This will allow you to cover any unexpected fees that crop up along the way.

Moving is expensive, but it doesn’t have to bankrupt you. With a little lead time and some help from your friends at Lone Star Self-Storage, you can spare your wallet without sacrificing your needs.

Knowing how and where to put the boxes is as important as what to put in them for self-storage.

You’ll first need to figure out how many boxes of belongings and/or how many rooms of furniture you want to put in storage.  A good rule of thumb you can use as your guide is that a 25 square foot storage area will typically hold either a few pieces of furniture or the boxes from a single room. On the other hand, a 200 square foot storage area will hold the contents of a five-bedroom house. This includes furniture, boxed items and even appliances.

Be careful how you fill your storage unit. Make sure that your appliances and other belongings are clean so that you don’t accidentally attract ants, roaches or worse into the unit itself. You should know that public storage facilities won’t allow you to put away the following items:

• combustible, flammable hazardous or toxic materials such as gasoline, oils, biological waste fireworks for weapons
• unregistered vehicles
• more than four tires
• plant or animal products

Remember to pack all small items in boxes to prevent breakage and dust and to clearly label everything. Put all valuable items toward the back of the unit to make them harder to find in the unlikely event a thief enters your unit. If you think you will need any of the items while they are in storage, put them towards the front of your storage area to make them more easily accessible. Leave a walkway through your stored items so that you can reach them more easily.

Finally, don’t forget to look into insurance. Homeowner or renter’s insurance won’t usually cover items in storage and a storage facilities insurance only protects the structure of the unit itself. For a small fee, you can add insurance to your monthly storage unit costs that will protect your belongings against theft and water and fire damage.

Lone Star Self-Storage can help simplify your next move by offering you self-storage units that are affordable, safe and well-maintained. We are Austin’s trusted source for all types of storaging needs: call us today and experience the Lone Star difference!

Getting a home is great, but finding a safe, secure and inexpensive self-storage facility is even greater. Call Lone Star Self Storage today.

Before you even begin to think of packing your things for a potential move, consider the following:

• Keep to your budget and don’t be tempted to take the first good deal that comes your way. Ask yourself not only whether you have enough to buy the property, but also whether you have enough to take care of any home improvements the house may need.
• Visit the property yourself and take a look around the neighborhood. Think twice about moving into a home that’s surrounded by vacant lots, other foreclosed homes or is in a high-crime area, as these factors will lower the resale value.
• Remember that the longer a home has been vacant, the more repairs it will likely need, such as roofing work, or kitchen or bathroom remodeling. Also bear in mind that insect populations grow over time, which increases the possibility of structural damage to the home.
• Check for leaking pipes: water damage can cause mold to form in the walls of a house, and is usually very expensive to fix.
• Get the house inspected before you buy. It may cost you a little money, but the results could save you from investing in property that will become a serious financial liability.

Staying aware of the potential pitfalls foreclosed properties presented to new owners will help you get a better deal while sparing you the trauma of surprise costs. When you do find a home that’s just right, Lone Star Self Storage can make your moving day easier. After all, you never know when having a little extra pre- or post-move space for your belongings will come in handy!

After (or before) a garage sale, consider Lone Star Self Storage for your items.

As you pack each room, make sure that you box only those things that you absolutely need: place all other nonessential items to the side. You can either donate these “white elephants” to charity, give them away to friends and family or have a garage sale. The advantage to selling your items is that you can make a little money to help cover the costs of relocating.

Putting together a garage sale isn’t difficult. To set up, you’ll need a large folding table where you can display your wares, a trustworthy person to watch over the items during the actual sale, and lots of spare change. To make sure your items get sold, you’ll need to price them with bargain hunters in mind. You’ll also need to be willing to negotiate on prices and consider offering discounts on multiple purchases.

When you arrange your items, make sure they are all visible. Resist the temptation to hold a few things back for later display and remember to group similar items together. Place the tallest items at the back of the table and the smallest ones towards the front.  You can put large and/or heavy items on the side of the table or perhaps in the front. Whatever way you choose, be sure that buyers can get close to what you’re selling if they want to examine them to any extent.

If you have things you really don’t want to sell but don’t have room to take with you, consider getting a storage unit at Lone Star Self Storage: we have storage areas to suit every need and every budget. For belongings that matter, contact us today.