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February 27, 2023

Moving homes can be a stressful process. There are a lot of things to consider and prepare for the big day, and the day itself is packed full with much to do. But this is really a breeze in comparison to moving between towns as well as houses. If you're preparing for a long-distance move, then a portable self storage container is the type of resource that will make your life easier, while decreasing the amount of work involved with your move.

At Cubeit, we provide tenants with portable storage containers all across Canada, and we know how valuable the time saved with these units can be when moving, especially when moving long distances. We've compiled the best tips below to help you get ready for your big, long-distance moving day.

Why portable is better than a traditional storage unit

Your first plan of action when preparing for a long-distance move is to make all the necessary arrangements: order packing supplies, rent a truck, arrange a self storage unit, and begin preparing your belongings. And here's where the portable storage container already saves you some steps: there's no need to rent a truck when your storage unit moves with you.

Portable storage containers are practically made with long-distance moving in mind. They're the perfect complement to a long distance move because, with one, you can avoid the hassle of renting a truck and dealing with returning it (especially if it needs to be returned to the same place you rented from).

While this is an excellent reason to rent a portable storage container, this merely sets up what the unit can really provide your move. With a portable storage container, it can be dropped on your property well in advance of your moving date, allowing you much more time to load the unit at your own pace. Take your time, and load carefully – you have as much time as you need with a portable storage container.

Taking your time will allow you to manage the physical labour involved much more easily. Rather than having only a day to load the rental truck, you have oodles of time with a portable storage container. But not only does it allow you to take your time with loading, it also cuts the amount of loading in half completely.

Seriously – a portable storage container literally cuts the load time in half. Rather than needing to load the truck, then unload it into your storage unit, with a portable storage container, the truck is the storage unit – both are accomplished at the same time! If there is any time between moving out of the old home and into the new one, which can often be the case when moving long distances, then the job is halved with a portable storage container.

If you want the easiest long distance move possible, then a portable storage container is certainly the answer for easy.

Preparing your belongings for long-distance moving

Preparing your belongings properly for long-distance moving is important. We always suggest packing things in boxes if they can be, as boxes are easier to load with, and keep items safe inside – if they are well-packed.

For every box you pack, use clean paper to wrap items in. Newsprint will likely rub ink all over the contents, and bubble wrap can trap moisture and create mould growth, so paper is typically the best route for the majority of items. Before placing any items inside the box, line the bottom with crushed/crumpled paper. If items are at all fragile, then wrap each item individually in paper as well. Packing items tightly together will prevent them from moving inside. With a full box, add more crushed paper in the top of the box, especially the corners, to ensure the box's durability.

For larger items, you should be wrapping them in moving blankets (you can use old linens and blankets as well – the thicker, the better, of course). Use packing tape to secure the blanket to the furniture, but avoid taping directly to the item, instead pulling tape tightly around the entire piece, taping the tape to itself on the other side. With upholstered furniture, be warry of taping to tightly, as this could leave a mark on the fabric.

Once your items are ready to be loaded, begin with large, heavy items first, to serve as base for smaller and lighter items to be placed on top. Try to bring a variety of items at all times, providing large, heavy items along with small, light ones, so whoever is loading has the appropriate pieces at all times. Like packing boxes, load items as tightly together as possible, filling any gaps that you can, to prevent any movement during transport. This is more important when travelling long distances.

If you are going to require access to certain items, then plan in advance to leave those until closer to the end of the load. If there are a lot of those items, consider creating aisles for access, utilizing shelving units to help create those. There's nothing worse than needing something you can only access if you have to empty the majority of the unit to get at it.

Investigate insurance

Insurance is a must for any self storage unit along with portable storage. The first place to look is to your homeowners' policy to see if items outside of the home in transit are covered. Speak with your insurance agent to be sure you understand that coverage.

If additional coverage is required, portable storage insurance can be as little as $19.99/month, and will cover the portable container itself, both on your property and in transit, as well as all of your belongings contained within it during this time. A small cost can go a long way if something misfortunate was to occur, so this is something you really should be acquiring if your homeowners' policy does not cover you.

And with that, you should be ready for the easiest long distance move you've ever had to go through. For more information and advice on portable storage containers, insurance, and long-distance moving, please speak with your Cubeit advisor today; we're sure to help make your long-distance move as easy as possible.