Tag Archive for: moving

Removalists vs. Truck/Trailer Hire

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The time has come, you’ve decided to hire a self storage unit for your excess items. Whether you’re wanting to store furniture, paperwork, sentimental items or anything else, a storage unit is the perfect storage solution. 

Now that you have your storage space ready to go, how are you going to get your items there? If you don’t have your own trailer, you may want to hire one. Or, maybe you don’t feel comfortable driving with a trailer attached so you opt for a removalist. Which option’s better though, hiring a trailer/truck or getting a removalist? Let’s compare the two.

What is a removalist?

You may be new to the moving game; therefore you may be unaware of what exactly a removalist is and does. A removalist can help with a range of things when it comes to moving into a new home or self storage unit. Most removalist companies will offer services from full, partial, to rent a truck and do it yourself. A moving company will take full responsibility when transporting your possessions (most of the time). They can organise/pack your boxes, load them into the truck and then unload them on arrival. Some removalists will even unpack your boxes and organise furnishing if requested. 

What is truck/trailer hire?

As the title mentions, truck or trailer hire is as simple as that. There are many hire companies that offer a range of options such as; trailer hire, Ute hire, van hire and truck hire. When opting to hire a truck/van, the hire fee will often be charged by the hour, a daily rate or by distance travelled.

Cost

Depending on how you go about doing it, moving items from one location to another can be a costly task. You need to consider factors like; how far you need to travel, how much stuff you have and the size and weight of your items.

Hiring removalists to complete the entire task can be easier than trying to do it yourself. However, it can be costly. The cost of removalists varies significantly depending on many factors. Prices can start from as low as $80 an hour or be up to as much as $170/hr. 

In addition, renting a removal truck, trailer or van is a more affordable option. A rental truck/vehicle can be as little as $20-$30 for 8 hours, then an additional charge per mile, which is usually 60cents-$1.30. If you’re working on a budget this would be your ideal choice, especially if you have minimal stuff to move and not as far to go.

Most importantly, always keep in mind how far you need to go and the amount of stuff you need to move.

What’s more convenient?

Depending on how far you have to go, how much stuff you need to move, and of course what you can afford. If you’re moving lots of heavy items or are limited on how much time you have to get the job done, hiring a removalist would be more convenient. Whereas, if you have minimal stuff to move that isn’t as bulky, hiring a rental truck could be the better option for you. 

It also depends whether you’re the type of person that likes to get the job done them self. Or someone who prefers to kick back, and have it done for them. 

Time 

When moving into a self storage unit you also need to consider how much time you have to complete the task. Professional removalists can complete the task quickly and efficiently. Whereas doing it yourself may take double the time if not more. 

If you were to hire a truck/trailer and do it yourself, you would take time to: 

  • pick up the hire trailer/van
  • drive back to your home
  • pack the van
  • drive to the storage facility
  • unload
  • return the truck/trailer

In addition, a professional removalist would:

  • arrive 
  • pack the truck
  • drive to the storage unit
  • unload the truck

Which option is best suited for what you need?

Furthermore, choosing whether you want to use professional removalists or hire a rental truck/trailer can depend on many factors. These being; time, budget, location, convenience and amount of stuff you have. It also depends on whether you rather complete task yourself or sit back and have it done for you. Additionally, the most important factor to consider would be cost as both options can vary significantly. 

If you’re looking to rent a moving truck/van Store Ur Stuff have partnered up with SA business Cut Price Auto Rentals. Cut Price specialise in truck hire of all sizes and will make the process of moving into a self storage unit stress free and easy.

Looking for a self storage unit in Adelaide? 

Store Ur Stuff offer safe and secure self storage, both indoor and outdoor. Not to mention we are conveniently located on the corner of South Road and Cross Road – view our storage solutions online and enquire today! Or alternatively, call us on 08 8371 0000 for all your storage needs.

Moving Boxes

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Moving boxes are an essential item when moving house. They keep all your loose and fragile items together and protected while in transit. However not any old cardboard box will do. It is important that you invest in quality moving boxes to transport and store your items. Boxes designed especially for moving will better protect its contents in the move. These boxes are also made out of double corrugated cardboard to make them stronger to handle heavy household items such as books, crockery and knick knacks. They are uniform in size making them easier to stack more steadily. As mentioned in organising your storage unit, boxes stack easily which is important to consider when stacking them into a moving truck as well as a storage unit.

Where can I get moving boxes?

Most self storage facilities and removalist companies stock a range of moving boxes to purchase. Many people see purchasing moving boxes an additional expense in an already very expensive period. Some storage facilities sell second hand boxes which will cut some of the expense. When purchasing second hand cardboard boxes make sure they are still in good condition and the strength of the box has not been compromised where sticky tape has been removed or by dents and tears. Also ensure there is room left on the cardboard box for you to label them clearly. Some facilities even buy back your boxes once you have finished with them, making the expense minimal in the long run.

Which moving boxes will I need?

If you have ever gone to a self storage facility to purchase moving boxes you will notice that there is a large range and almost a box to pack anything. There are speciality boxes like bike boxes, golf boxes, wine boxes and even map boxes. There are standard moving boxes you can use to pack most things, however there are some speciality boxes, like a TV boxes, that is worth the expense to make sure the item inside arrives safely. The right box plus bubble wrap, butchers paper or filing should be used to ensure the contents are not damaged during transit. Store UR Stuff’s recommended removalists Relocation Guys also recommend limiting the maximum weight of a moving box to 15 kilograms.

Tea Chest

The dimensions of the Tea Chest Box are 61cm (height), 51cm (depth) and 41cm (width). This box is particularly useful for packing bulky but light items such as clothes, shoes, bed linen and cuddly toys you’ve yet to grow out of. It is important not to fill the box with heavy items as they will be too heavy to lift.

Book Carton

With double thickness walls and dimensions of 40.6cm (length), 29.8cm (width) and 43cm (height), the Book Carton storage box is ideal for storing breakables and fragile items.

Picture Carton

Picture Cartons are ideal for storing frames, mirrors and pictures. With dimensions of 104cm (length), 7.5cm (width) and 77.5cm (height), making it the perfect storage box for your flatter possessions. Additionally, you may not think you need to use moving boxes. Although, it’s essential to do so as it will keep your possessions protected from any possible damage whilst in transit.

Port-a-robes

Port-a-robes are an essential large moving box when it comes to the storage and transit of clothing. Especially valuable clothing items. Additionally, this moving box enables you to hang clothes up with dimensions of 59.4cm (length), 47.6cm (width) and 109.9cm (height). Also, Port-a-robes help to protect all garments from potential damage, making them a great choice of packing materials. Lastly, this method of clothing storage allows airflow through the box, helping to avoid any moisture being trapped inside.

Lay Flat Wine Boxes

The Lay Flat Wine packing boxes are an ideal choice for the storing and transit of wine. These moving boxes are able to keep your wine safe and secure due to moulded inserts holding the bottles in place. Also, this storage box complies with Australian Post Parcel dimensions. Therefore enabling you to use for postage, transit and storage. Overall, the Lay Flat Wine boxes are an essential packing supply for the transit of wine.

Labelling Moving Boxes

When using moving boxes you should always use labels. This is a great way to keep your possessions neat and easily accessible. Additionally, labelling boxes will make it easier to find things once placed among other moving boxes. Furthermore, another great tip is to create an inventory listing what is contained in each box, and then keep a copy of that inventory. This will enable you to locate possessions without the hassle of sorting through multiple moving boxes.

Quality of Moving Boxes

Although the cheaper option may seem better, this is not always the case with cardboard moving boxes. Cheap moving boxes can sometimes cause more hassle due to not being able to hold much weight. As well as not being secure or fully sealable. Therefore, if you’re wanting to ensure your possessions are going to be safe, opt for the higher quality boxes. Or otherwise purchase moving boxes through your storage provider. That way you’re able to receive help with choosing what’s best for your needs.

Furthermore, when it comes to moving house it is best to ensure you use the best storage supplies. Quality cardboard moving boxes will help to ensure your possessions are safe and secure whilst in transit. Along with this, labelling your moving boxes is also a great tip to make it easier for you to locate possessions once unpacking. Lastly, for more tips and information visit our moving boxes page, or keep an eye on our blog page.

Wine Storage

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Most of us purchase a bottle of wine to enjoy right away but for those special wines that we want to cellar there are important rules for red and white wine storage to ensure your wines age well and increase in flavour and value.

Wine Storage Environment

Some winemakers have earned a reputation for creating wine worth aging, certain regions and certain type of wine age better than others, but the majority of wines on the market today are manufactured for immediate consumption and are not designed to age.

These wines are still of high quality and can be stored for 8 – 12 months or so without significant loss of quality as long as temperature, humidity and light of the area is considered. Though some wineries have earned a reputation for creating wine worth aging, additionally, certain regions and certain types of wine age better than others.

Temperature for Wine Storage

The ideal temperature to store wine is between 12-14°C. This temperature needs to remain constant all year round for optimal wine storage conditions. It is not recommended to store wine in the kitchen. This is one room in the house where the temperature can vary through out the day. That is when the oven or stove is on the temperature in the kitchen will heat up. If possible, the temperature should not fluctuate more than 2-3°C.

Heat can damage wine with wine show judge, Adam Walls, saying hot temperatures can cook the wine resulting in the wine losing its freshness. Heat can also compromise the seal of the wine which can lead to oxidation. Oxidation allows more air/oxygen into the wine. This can lead to wine evaporating leaving a low fill level and an oxidized flavor. Do not store wine in non insulated sheds or garages due to excessive fluctuations in temperatures. Avoid areas near heat sources such as heaters or electrical items that generate heat. Also high areas, such as on top of a cabinet, where hot air rises.

Wine Storage Humidity

Ideal wine storage conditions would maintain a 50% humidity level. That is humidity below about 50% is getting too dry and levels above 50% too damp. This maybe difficult to achieve. As long as the storage area has relative humidity levels ranging between 60-80% the wine should not spoil.

Dry conditions dry out the cork, causing it to shrink which can lead to oxidation. The majority of wine produced in Australia today are screw cap sealed. This alleviates the risk of the cork drying out. Wine storage areas that are too damp do not necessarily ruin the wine, it can lead to mold and mildew growing. This can ruin the storage area and wine labels.

Moreover, bottles with corks must be stored on their side. Screw caps can be stored in whichever way (standing up or lying down) suits you best.

Wine Storage in the dark

Do not store wine in direct sunlight. According to The Fine Wine Reserve although wine bottles are designed to protect the wine inside, UV light can break down the molecules that create the special flavors of a wine. This occurs more commonly in delicate white wines like Champagne, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Do not store wine on window sills or bench tops. If storing in wine racks ensure they are placed out of direct sunlight. Areas in the house such as under an internal staircase or the bottom shelf of a cupboard or pantry are better.

Wine Self Storage

Your average wine drinker need not be too concerned about climate controlled secure self storage areas for their wine collection if seeking short term storage options. Wine can be stored short term safely in a insulated storage facility. When moving home for example, wine can be stored in wine boxes and placed in your storage unit.

If storage is for an extended period of time, a climate controlled purpose built wine storage facility should be used. This is also the case for collectors and enthusiasts of wine storing and aging fine wines. These places ensure the temperature, humidity and light remain in the optimal range for your special collection.

What does Booze Brothers say about wine storage?

Booze Brothers Bottle Shops are filled with passionate wine enthusiasts and we asked them for some of their top tips on wine storage.

Booze Brothers Manager (at The Duck), Duane says “Wine should be checked and turned regularly. If possible, store red wine in a climate controlled environment like a cellar. Good reds can be stored for up to 10 years, if a wine reaches it’s optimum it will slowly decrease from it’s best potential so remember to drink at special occasions and enjoy the rewards of your cellaring.”

Want to learn more about wine and wine storage?

Hitsa Industry Training and Employment provide a short 2 day course, Provide advice on Australian wines. If you are working in the wine industry, hospitality or just enjoy wine as a personal hobby this course will further your knowledge on handling, storing and evaluating Australian wine products.

Tips and tricks for organising your self storage unit

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Make the most of your self storage space

Packing a storage unit takes nothing more than common sense. However, storage is usually used at a time of desperation and common sense does not always prevail. So below is a little list of what seems like common sense to help you make the most of your storage space.

Tips and Tricks:
  • Make an inventory of everything you are storing. If possible, take photos and list the estimated replacement value of each item
  • How often do you plan to access your goods? This will determine how you will pack your self storage unit and what you will pack together in each box. Keep items you want to access close to the front
  • Wherever possible, use boxes for your packing. Boxes stack easily and sealing them will protect your items from dust or dirt
  • Label all of your boxes. Consider labeling some or all sides of each box so you can easily see what’s inside, regardless of how you stack them in your unit
  • Seal boxes with tape to keep the dust out
  • Clearly mark boxes that hold delicate items as FRAGILE

Self Storage Units Shelving | Store UR Stuff

Self Storage Units Shelving | Store UR Stuff

  • Fill boxes to capacity where possible, as this stops things from moving around. Don’t make them too heavy as this will make them hard to lift, and you risk the bottom of your box breaking with the weight
  • Full boxes will be sturdier to stack in your unit
  • Place your heaviest boxes at the bottom of your stack
  • If you regularly need to access your items whilst in storage consider shelving so that your items are easily visible
  • To make the best use of your storage space, dismantle furniture and fill anything that is hollow, such as wardrobes, washing machines or fridges, with small boxes and other items
  • Wedge the door of the kitchen appliances so that they can’t shut. This will help avoid mildew or odour build up
  • Store all bolts, nuts and screws to any dismantled items in a zip-lock glad bag and tape it to the item you have removed them from
  • Get a professional to stack your storage space. Removalists are experienced in getting all your items into their truck and stacking a storage unit is pretty much the same. They will ensure you are using every square inch in your unit

Please feel free to add to this list by leaving a comment