Amazing ways to cut back on the costs of moving!

 

Let’s face it - moving to a new place is time-consuming, demanding, and of course, costly – especially if you are going to hire professional movers. If the idea of forking over your hard-earned money on moving costs doesn’t sound pleasing to you then you have come to the right place. Here are a few simple yet effective tips to cut moving costs. Let’s delve.

Sort your items out

The first thing to ensure is that the bags of items you are going to move shouldn’t become ‘baggage’. You will be surprised at how this simple thing will leave you with more money in your pocket. The fewer items you take with you the better and the cheaper. You see, the costs of moving to depend on many factors like distance, time of year, and weight of freight (total weight of items to be moved).

So freight weight is an area where you can save quite a bit of cash. If you have fewer items to move then your freight weight will be reduced which means lower moving charges. So, make sure you sort your items before packing and moving them.

Pro tip –

Get rid of things you have not used in 6-12 months.

Bonus tip –

This ‘sorting-items-out’ exercise will, apart from saving you money on freight weight, leave you with items that you can sell offline or online. Now, who doesn’t like more incomings?!

Be flexible

You may have never thought of this one but it’s wonderful and one of the easiest ways to cut back on the costs of moving. Choose an economical date and time to shift. This will work wonders for you if you are looking to hire a professional moving firm. Your chosen day of the move can make all the difference.

Bonus tip -

Try to not move during the “peak moving season”. It starts in May and goes up to August.

Choose a mid-week day or mid-month period as your moving date. So, start marking the possible moving days as per your convenience in September and April. Why so? Because the demand is usually lowest during this period of the year. So, there are higher chances of you hitting the jackpot with lower moving costs. Of course, you may not have the luxury of moving during this ideal time of the year. But, if you can and you want to save money then you should consider this hack.

Get rid of the garbage

It can happen that your friends or movers may accidentally shove those garbage sacks lying around into the moving truck only to add to your freight weight (and ultimately your costs of moving).

A dirty secret-

Moving companies won’t mind (at all) to collect your trash as it adds on to the weight of your goods (and their profits!).

Get quotes from different moving companies

Last but not least, before you officially hire a moving firm, ensure you have sufficient quotes (at least from three top movers of your choice).

Concluding tips-

One of the ways to determine the credibility of your moving company is to make sure the company conducts either an in-person examination or a video inspection of your belongings before they give you a quote.

Remember that if you are shifting out of the state or long distance, your moving costs will largely depend on the weight of your moving items. So be clear when telling your moving company as to which things you will and will not be moving to get the most accurate quote.

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Whether you need more storage or not depends on these 5 indications

 

A clutter-free home supports you in so many ways. It makes you feel pleasant, relaxed and it’s easy for you to get into your daily chores without any encumbrance. So, to help you start your journey towards a clutter-free home, we’ve listed the key signs you need to be aware of which tell - you need more storage. Let’s delve.

1. Overflowing cupboards

If your closet looks like an overcrowded subcontinent where the items fall out eagerly to hug you, it’s time to consider more storage.

You can make use of a self-storage unit to store the items which you don’t want to abandon but are taking a lot of space. In this way you can kill two birds with one stone – first, you will find the thing you are looking for in the closet easily as it’s neatly maintained daily; second, your things will be stored in a safe and organised manner in the self-storage unit until you need them back.

2. No space for your vehicle in your garage

This happens to many people. It’s a situation when you realise that your garage is no more serving its true purpose - to house your automobile. Why? Because it’s crammed with other things.

You must also take cognisance of the fact that storing lots of things (especially heavy and sharp ones) increases the risk of your vehicle getting damaged. And anyway, a garage plays an important role in protecting your vehicle from dust, debris, heat as well as bird poo-poo and so many other things. So, if you want to reclaim your vehicle garage you should consider other storage options.

3. Your things go missing

You might have noticed that when your house is full of stuff, it’s difficult to find daily items. This is especially true in situations where your search activity becomes a frantic scrambling process as you go about finding an item that is buried under the heap of clutter.

So, if boxes and containers or sacks have begun to take over your private spaces, it’s a sign that you need more storage. You can rent a self-storage unit that will allow you to make more space in your living room for example. You may want to consider self-storage especially for random things lying around your home that always come under your feet making you almost trip over (if you haven’t fallen yet!). 

4. Your guest room turns into a storage unit

Many people do this only to find themselves in embarrassing situations when they receive a sudden surprise visit from their good old friend or a dear family member. The room which is filled with boxes would have easily made for a pleasant guest room (or your private den!) had you moved those items to a self-storage unit. Many people also use the guest room to dump things they don’t need. But, why dump in your own house when you can recycle or sell it externally and have more space in your home? If you are in such a situation, it’s time you need more storage.

5. You have weighty things that you do not even use

Many things fall in this category – That big wide extra couch, rows of empty drawers, unused treadmill, old TV – all of this can be moved to a self-storage unit. Imagine the space in your house (and your mind) it will leave behind!

Besides, a self-storage unit is the best way to securely store for example excess furniture until you need it.

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Top 8 storage tips to store electronic devices safely (with bonus tips!)

 

Storing electronics requires special care and attention especially if you are going to store your devices in a storage unit for a long time. Here are some important storage tips to consider. Let’s delve.

Flick through manufacturer’s manual

Before storing electronics into a storage unit, we recommend you to go through the owner’s manual or the product website for precise information regarding storage for your devices.

Back it up

When it comes to storage for your devices, it always helps to be prepped for the worst-case scenario. You should take all the necessary precautions that favour your electronic devices to sit safe and undamaged in storage for a long period of time. It’s because electronics are not created to remain unused and without a power connection for long.

Hence, to make sure you don’t lose important data and information, we recommend you back up and store everything off-site. You can even store it online.

Store devices in boxes

When storing electronics in boxes, always make it a point to let weighty items sit at the bottom of the container. The smaller items should sit at the top of the heavy items.

Pro tip -

Fill the empty spaces with paper. You can also use linen. This will prevent electronics from moving and hitting each other.

Say no to plastic sacks

Plastic bags have the ability to retain moisture. If you store your electronics in such bags, it’s detrimental to your devices like circuit boards.

Bonus tip -

Worried about humidity interfering with the health of your devices? Place a couple of silica pouches. It will help the inside of the bag to remain dry.

Store in original packaging

When it comes to storage for your devices, storing electronics in original packaging containers is the best way to store your devices. They contain the necessary internal supportive elements created especially to hold and protect the device during storage and transport in vehicles and storage units.

Use pads

Storing electronics with pads is important to prevent scratches caused due to items rubbing abrasively against another which is a common occurrence during the transfer of goods in trucks. So when it comes to storage for your devices like television sets, PCs, and other big electronics, use pads to avoid the rubbing of items.

Pro tip –

Don’t place your flat-screen TV on the ground. Let such big electronics lean against the wall of your storage unit. And cover it with a cloth.

Label your devices

Here’s a great tip to avoid confusion after you separate wires and other trinkets (like mouse and keyboard) that are a part of your electronic devices.

First, keep the wires together and label each one of them with a specific colour marker that matches its device. Then store the parts together attached to their respective electronic device. 

Take out the batteries

Batteries and storage do not go well together. And this is serious. So, if you are planning to shove batteries into some box and toss it into a storage container, abandon it right away!

You see, batteries can’t lie around unused for long periods of time. If you leave batteries connected to an electronic item, it can damage the battery container and eventually the item itself. And if they are cheap AA type batteries they will burst if left for extended periods.

So, we recommend you to store disconnected batteries by themselves. Even better is to recycle old batteries and buy new ones after getting your electronic device back out from storage.

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Top trends in document management to rule in 2020

 

Although most organisations have moved from paper to digital documents via the document management system, many are still yet to unravel the full and real potential of digitisation. You get to tap into countless benefits like enhanced efficiency, least error, and easier access to information when you upgrade to the latest tools of document management.

Document management has progressed over the past decades. Current document management practices differ from what they used to be some decades ago. As we move into the new decade, the trends in document management will also see new highs and lows. While many of the trends in document management have stood the test of time, there are some which are relatively new. Here’s a list of some of those top trends in document management. Let’s delve.

Cloud computing

Cloud computing is expanding to different parts of the world at a mushrooming speed. 

Its benefits have impacted especially the IT sector around the globe. Naturally, document management systems of the world haven’t been immune to these advancements.

With the flip of the internet switch, cloud computing allows you to access your documents at your chosen destination (computer and location) from anywhere in the world. Cloud solutions empower your business to scale up, speed up, and become flexible. This trend in document management is going to further rev up as it’s a never-seen-before kind of situation where both operating expenditure and capital expenditure can be reduced at the same time using cloud computing.

Enhanced budget-friendliness

The wide-scale adoption of the online document management system has spawned more competition in the market. This is always a good thing for consumers as they get more and more options. There was a time when cutting-edge document management systems used to be so costly that organisations ruled them out. The vendors of today realise that for their document management system to be accepted globally, the first box needs to check its – affordability.

The revolutions in cloud computing and technology have paved the way for organisations to buy the latest document management software without having to break the bank.

Now, you get to see a plethora of sophisticated document management solutions at greatly reduced, reasonable costs.

Apart from lower up-front expenditure, document management helps an organisation to save more cash. It is a device that can help your business to entirely overhaul tedious, time-consuming manual processes.

Smarter robotisation

One of the hottest catchwords in the realm of document management is automation powered by robots. It’s called robotic process automation (RPA). What does it do? RPA uses specialised computer programs to automate and systematise regular business processes.  

This may sound ultramodern, but all it does is empowers the application to track and learn to execute tasks by observing humans at work.

The document management system embedded with such automated technology for instance can track the keystrokes of a person and mimic human activities. The system is intelligent enough to learn via machine learning and eventually take over and execute the mundane repetitive tasks which humans no longer need to take up.

Document management is not boring

Last but not least, document management as a process is getting exciting. Gone are the days when document management systems were dull. Today, they can record data faster, automate tasks more efficiently and even convert your document archives into valuable information. Document management systems are making business processes and the execution of tasks more enjoyable. So, if you don’t have one, get a document management system to make your business more cost-effective, adept as well as profitable.

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How to make moving a pool table a fun hassle-free experience?

 

Are you shifting to a new home? Then you may be planning to pack up and move your pool table along. Ideally, you should always take professional help. But, if you are gung ho about doing it yourself then here are some tips that will come in handy. Let’s delve.

 Get your hands-on the right set of moving tools

Let’s get this straight - moving a pool table is no joke.

So, first things first – if you are going to move a pool table without a pair of expert hands then you need to gather mandatory tools to disassemble your pool table. You can begin with getting the toolbox which would include a power drill, tapes, a screwdriver, a good quality socket wrench, and lots of thick moving blankets to provide protection and padding to the pool table.

Critical tip: The last thing you want to happen is finding yourself tearing your hair out over mismatched or lost bits and pieces of your pool table. To avoid this mess always label every part. We recommend you to have lots of labelled sleeves handy in which you can drop the parts of your pool table.

Measure 

It’s important to measure the length and breadth of your home’s doorways (or whichever place your pool table is going to pass through).

 

Pro tips –

Before you disassemble and move a pool table, estimate the amount of space you’re going to need for moving a pool table without rendering any damage to it.

Utilise a measuring tape to calculate the dimensions of the doorway, hall, stairway – every path that is going to be a part of your pool table maneuver.

This step is critical to move a pool table safely out of its current place to its new space.

Don’t forget to make sure the new place where your pool table is going to be moved has enough room to hold the pool table.

 

Bonus tip-

Before you move a pool table, cover its edges with foam or cloth padding. This will keep the edges from scratching and scraping the surface of doors and walls.

What all to disassemble before moving a pool table?

If you’re thinking to move a pool table intact forget it – especially if you’re going to move it to a distant location. Even if you’re moving a pool table a few blocks away, it’s much easier (and safer) to shift the pool table only after disassembling it.

 

Pro tip-

Follow the steps of pool table disassembly (to a tee) in the manufacturer’s instruction manual. After reaching the new location the same manual will help you to reassemble your pool table without damaging it if you follow the instructions judiciously.

 

Conclusion-

Last but not least, when in doubt, reach out to a professional moving company that will ensure your pool table stays intact from the moment it steps out of your old place till it lands in its new home. Remember, pool tables are complex structures that require an old hand and a methodical mind to carry out their safe maneuver. So if you’re not sure then it’s better to not attempt to move it only to find it in shambles. Expert help always saves the day!

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Great tips for dreamlike attic conversions

 

Attics don’t get a lot of attention. Often stacked up with just-in-case paraphernalia that hasn’t (and may not see) seen the light of day for decades. However, it is a space that is ripe for renovation and conversion. Here are some easy yet effective tips to clear your attic of clutter and turn it into a multi-use, mesmerising space. Let’s delve.

 

Various options

The idea of attic conversions is a great way to add an extra room, be it for another cozy little bedroom, a bathroom, an office, or a playhouse.

 

Are there any obstacles?

Look at hurdles like a water reservoir or a chimney installation that might need to be dealt with or rather moved. Then, check the roof – is it designed in such a way that it limits vertical room around the space thus calling for a roof revamp? If yes then make sure the roof is weatherproof and properly insulated.

 

Bedrooms make for great attic conversions

Use space around your attic to turn into a bedroom – it’s a highly popular idea! Can there be a better way to add value to your house and that useful extra space all at once?

 

Pro tips –

Take extra care when choosing the blinds when using the space in your attic to create a bedroom. You want to choose one which prevents light from seeping in from the windows of the roof as the light can be bright enough to wake you up from a sound sleep - you don’t want to be alarmed at the crack of dawn – do you?

You can choose from a variety of options when it comes to blinds for the windows of the roof — but considering it is a bedroom, you must go for a blackout blind – it will keep light from permeating through the sides.

Who doesn’t like extra clothes storage? As you go about attic conversions, use space to get yourself some extra freestanding (which means not attached to or supported by another structure) closets and shelves!

 

Can a bathroom be one of the great attics conversions?

Absolutely! It stacks up against all the more so as an extra bathroom in the attic means another private space of retreat where you can rejuvenate and get away from daily humdrum or din and wash away those blues - as you please! To top it off, an attic bathroom doesn’t need much space.

Having said that, you must ensure there is sufficient headroom though. You don’t want to bang your head as you rejoice in joy standing (or dancing) in the bathtub.

 

Escape to your private living den

Do you want to have the perfect retreat in your house? Make it a part of your attic conversions. You will never regret converting a part of your attic into a privy place for yourself far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Even if we all like to socialise we do need time by ourselves to recharge – so this little byproduct of attic conversions will go a long way in rejuvenating you.

 

Pro tip-

Keep it casual by adding a classic sofa coupled with a mismatched easy chair that has neutral colours. Top it off with a pouf and rug and voila! Your private den is all set to tuck you (and your loved one) in!

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How To Store Comic Book Collection Like A Pro

 Comic books: They are as much about hoarding as they are about paging through. But how do you amass a comic book collection without it spiralling into a giant mess? Is it possible to be tidy and nerdy all at once without breaking the bank? Yes, it is! We have some good news for you in the form of a quick but proven list of tips to help you store comic book collection like a superman. Read on!

Store comic book collection the right way

Storing comic books is not rocket science. It’s just common sense – which is hard to come by. 

Firstly, you should treat your comics with respect – file them neatly in a spacious cardboard box or container which is sold for this very purpose. 

Then tuck the loaded box away in a place that is dry and relatively climate-controlled. No no, don’t throw a wobbly here trying to imagine paging through weather-intensive articles. Climate-controlled simply means that you need to store comic book collection in a space that doesn’t have extreme heat or humid conditions. Or in other words, the natural environment that is conducive for human habitation is perfect for storing comic books. And no amount of cold weather is a bother for your dearest comic books. 

Looking for a special place to store comic book collection? Nothing like that exists and is ever required! Just empty up the back shelf of your closet and voila! You have a better than the perfect place for long-term storage of your comics! 

How to store?

Now that you know where to store comes the next step in storing comic book collection in the safest way – how to store?

Needless to say, it is always recommended to store comic book collection off the ground. In this way, the comics are less prone to the dangers of leaks and spills and various other accidents. 

Remember that a big box loaded with comics can be quite heavy. So be mindful of the shelf capacity (and the storage location) and the person (or yourself) who is going to lift the box to pull out the comics to read. 

Pro tip – Just do this one thing always - Keep your comic books in a place that will be easily accessible whenever you want to page through the awesome literature. If you want to flaunt your comic book collection then use polybag slipcovers. They will keep your comics protected against dust that can take away the charm of your comics once they settle onto them. Besides, keep your comics away from direct sunlight exposure and they will get along just fine. 

Mylar sleeves 

If you haven’t heard of them or used them yet then know that they are the best bags available out there to store comic book collections. It’s because they cut down on the quantity of air that can get in touch with the comic and cause its papers to turn yellow, yellow, dirty fellow! Besides, mylar bags or sleeves are not as fragile as other types of comic plastic sleeves. While mylar sleeves cost significantly more than other plastic bags, with the extra protection that they offer they’re is well worth your time and investment.

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Easy Tips To Store China Wares In A Safe Manner So That It Lasts Long

 

If you’re one of those looking to store the delicate new china that you have bought for the holidays, or perhaps inherited from your grandmother’s vintage china wares, here are some simple, yet effective tips to store china wares in a way that they’re safely tucked into their safest storage homes. Let’s delve.

Wrap them up

It’s important to store china wares in plastic wrap to thwart damage. So after you hand wash your china items, wrap them up in plastic sheets.

Pro tip – Remember to wrap small stacks of plates or bowls or whatever you have instead of larger collections in one pile. Don’t stack up more than 12 plates on top of one another. You will see if you pack more there are chances that some of them (especially the one in the middle) may get snapped. You don’t want that to happen!

Why wrap?

Wrapping up the chinaware in plastic creates space and a certain kind of air pocket above the plate. So the plate on top of it rests on the air pocket instead of lugging its weight on the plate below.

Store china wares vertically

Are you planning to store your china wares on shelves? Then you must invest in good quality shelves that will allow the china wares to stay sturdy. Cheaper shelves won’t hold up neat as china weighs down a lot once stacked up. We recommend you store china wares vertically as that way they will be less prone to break under pressure due to sudden jerks and shakes.

Store china wares on their sides

Placing china wares particularly plates and bowls on their sides is the safest way to store them. It’s because the edges of the plates are made in such a way that they are usually sturdier than their centers. The same bears true for china bowl too, but you will want to use that extra padding wrapped around them so they don’t bump against the walls inside the container.

How to store china wares - teacups and glassware

What’s more happening than a tea party with vintage chinaware?!

So, if you’re a tea lover and love collecting china teacups, here’s a great tip to keep those delicate glasses protected against damage via long-term storage in caddies. Yes, you heard it right – those to-go small beverage storage containers – typically one with divisions. You can easily get these caddies at any fast food joint- and trust us – it’s a cheap (but effective and absolutely safe) way to store china wares! They hold teacups safely inside the crates.

Having said that, if you are looking to store your china teacups in a way that you want to use them often then we recommend you to invest in a good quality glassware rack or a closed cupboard. It will keep the dust particles (which usually build quickly) off of your chinaware.

Some concluding bonus tips!

The rule of thumb to consider when storing chinaware or for that matter any item is that the heavier the thing, the smaller the container it should go in.

You should upgrade your storage space from a cardboard box to a plastic container. Not only does it protect items against water damage, but also lasts for years to come.

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4 key ways to effortlessly manage your self-storage unit in Dubai (with bonus tips!)

 

You’re moving to Dubai with all your belongings and on the very first day in your new house, you realise there’s not enough space to accommodate everything. How’s that for a real bummer? But no worries. We’ve got you covered. Here are some effective tips to manage a self-storage unit like a pro. 

Let’s delve. 

1. Use boxes of similar sizes and label each of them

You should start by picking the ideal boxes which are-

a) Sturdy

b) Same-sized or no more than two different dimensions

Next, stack the boxes as per their heft. So place the heaviest boxes towards the base of the unit and work your way up.

Label each of the boxes in a way that will indicate what’s exactly in each box.

Bonus tip-

To avoid confusion, place items of the same origin together. For instance, don’t club your swimming costume with winter blazers! You will thank yourself later when you find everything you need for your Christmas party in a box labelled Xmas party supplies!

2. Carve a place to walk

Depending on the size of your self-storage unit in Dubai, creating a pathway that will enable you to maneuver around and pull out what you need. This is extremely important if you want to reach out to items tucked in the back of the storage unit.

It also lets the airflow throughout your storage unit which is beneficial for the stored stuff. 

If at all you are not able to create any such space to move around and sort your things then consider switching to a bigger self-storage unit in Dubai. 

3. Jot down everything on a list 

This is yet another important thing to do to manage a self-storage unit efficiently. Have an exhaustive list made that covers every item in your self-storage unit in Dubai.

You may know clearly what you’re packing and storing at the moment, but a year later, your memory may not be as clear. It’s better to be safe than sorry, right?

Bonus tip-

1. Start jotting down things as you start packing then add each item as you work your way forward.

2. Digitize your list and come back to it every time you need to consider or look for an item. Say bye-bye to futile trips back home for something that’s likely sitting in your storage unit!

3. Create a map of your self-storage unit in Dubai to identify exactly where everything is placed. Trust us, it will help you in a great way! Keep one copy with you and stick one inside on the wall of the unit to use it as a reference. How cool, isn’t it?!

4. Arrange as per usage  

What this means is organise and place your things according to the frequency with which you will need it. Prioritise. Place the ones you are going to need more often towards the front. 

For instance, if you live in a compact space and often have overnight friends or guests visiting you then probably you might want to store that air mattress straight up front!

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Want to break up with your furniture for good? Top 5 ways to do it right!

 

Want to break up with your furniture for good? Top 5 ways to do it right!

Getting rid of furniture easily is not easy for many reasons. Perhaps many postpone avoiding dealing with the tediousness of it all, especially heavy furniture. But we’ve got you covered. Here’s a curated list of effective ways to get rid of furniture easily including those clunky, redundant ones. Let’s delve.

1. Sell your furniture

If you’re a furniture hoarder it’s time to do away with some of it by selling it off. How to categorise furniture suitable for sale? You should sell your furniture if it is-

• Still in good condition

• Taking up too much space

• Blocking important points in your house like the entrance

• Lying around for years or months and the only beings that are using it are insects and bugs.

• Has been in hibernation in the attic or garage to the extent that it is now surrounded and encumbered by cobwebs. You might as well sell it off and get some money to buy things you need!

Where to sell?

You can sell it online through platforms like OLX or Facebook Marketplace. Once you go to the website, all you need to do is click pictures of your furniture that you want to sell, upload them, and voilà! Your ad is ready. 

Pro tip – add a description with key details like the material of the furniture, condition, and that you clean it frequently to attract buyers from the get-go. Just make sure you always follow secure online selling practices – meet in a public place whenever possible and don’t hand over your furniture until you receive the payment in full.

Another option to get rid of furniture easily is to sell it to a second-hand furniture shop or a place that accepts used furniture.

2. Donate them

If you don’t want to make money out of it and rather want your furniture to go to someone who needs it then donating it is the way forward. You can donate your furniture that’s still in a durable condition to a local charity. Many charities would even come over to your house and collect it if you don’t want to move it yourself. Or you can simply give it to your friends or relatives in exchange for blessings, thanks, and more importantly a stronger bond of love and affection.

3. Recycle your furniture

This is another way to get rid of your furniture easily. Especially if your furniture is too quaint or damaged to donate. That doesn’t mean it has to find its way into the landfill. Recycling furniture lowers the need to extract, refine, and process raw materials all of which trigger substantial pollution of the air and water. Besides, when you recycle you make a significant contribution towards saving energy and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, which in turn helps to tackle climate change.

4. Store your furniture

If none of the aforementioned ways works and you’re still adamant about doing away with your furniture but wants to retain it then here’s a surefire way to get rid of furniture easily. Simply send off your furniture to a storage unit.

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How to protect your packages and prevent them from being abducted?

 

The holiday season is fast approaching, are you worried about porch pirates who may come and steal your precious package off the front door? Don’t worry we’ve compiled a list of ways to protect your packages from being stolen. Let’s delve.

Track your courier

Perhaps this is the first step you should take to ensure your package is safely delivered in your hands. 

Most courier companies allow you to track your parcel's shipping status. Having said that, your shipment may get delayed especially during this busy period ahead of the winter holidays.

After confirming your package delivery date, if you don’t receive it on that day, contact your shipping company right away.

Fix a camera

Now, security cameras can’t guarantee your package's safety. Thieves can still swipe your package. But, it will surely deter them from snagging it away if they see a doorbell camera or a large camera. If God forbid, a package of yours gets stolen, the camera's recording will help the police to track the thief down.

Pro tip – When installing security cameras, you’ll want to fix larger ones that cover every possible vulnerable space near your porch. The more space it can cover, the better. It’s a better deterrent than doorbell cameras which are good but not conspicuous enough to scare away the thief. Besides, if you have a big dog who’s trained to scurry the thieves away, nothing like it!

Mention instructions as to where to drop it off

You can simply add instructions to keep your shipping company from dropping it near the front porch where the chances of theft are higher. You could rather ask them to leave your stuff near a side door or someplace that is not accessible to porch poachers.

Mention another safer drop location

The best way to keep thieves away is simply never to have packages dropped near your porch or at your entrance especially when you’re not available to receive it. Protect your packages by having them delivered to some other location where someone you trust is physically present to receive your package. It’s a simple yet safe way to avoid letting your package fall into the wrong hands!

You can consider the following options when delivering your package to an alternate address-

1.      You can request your friend or your trusted neighbour to receive your courier. They will pick it up for you whenever it arrives thus ensuring no theft happens.

2.      Reroute it to your office. Your workplace is where there’s probably going to be responsible for staff and security arrangements. They will ensure the safety of your package. Or, you can simply ask a colleague to collect it for you!

There are other ways to protect your packages and prevent them from being stolen which are worth considering. Amazon Key, for example, provides in-garage or car trunk drop off. You may want to try this option if you want to consider something else than Amazon’s in-home Key delivery service. (But then again, you need to see if you’re okay with a delivery guy gaining access to your garage or home to drop your package.)

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Top summer storage tips for students heading home!

 

Do you know what brings more joy in students than a recess bell? The announcement of the summer holidays! If you’re one of them maybe you don’t want to cart all your stuff with you. Or maybe you want to. In any case, our summer storage tips will help you store things easily and affordably. If you’re a parent you can add these tips to your bunch of storage hacks and impress your kids! Let’s delve.

Sort out your things

In retrospect, we would all agree that each of us needs only so many things, rest is just extra baggage, the weight of which is overwhelming at times. Time to let it loose and experience the joys of minimal, responsible living. The earlier, the better.

So, the first step to prepping for student summer storage is the act of tidying and organising things by separating them into categories. For example, you can place things in these two categories – things I need, things I don’t need. In this way when you’re done sorting, you will have far fewer items to pack for summer storage. And the money you would have had to spend on expensive storage spaces for things you don’t even need will be saved for movies, treats, or summer camps! What to do with things you don’t need? Donate them, throw them away, or give them to your friends or relatives who need it.

Safety tip – When storing in storage units, don’t store lethal items like paint, gasoline, and weapons. Avoid keeping food and plants too as they will invite vermin.

Need help? We, at Du-store specializes in providing storage facilities for commercial and self-storage purposes. We offer storage units available in a range of sizes so that you get a flexible experience. We give security the utmost priority with 24*7 guards maintaining track of all the visitors, CCTV surveillance, and insulated doors. Our team vows to deliver a smooth user experience and lets you access your goods anytime you want, via the 24-hour access facility.

Now read on to learn a few packing etiquettes that will ensure your items remain intact, tidy, and secure.

1.       Pack and horizontally place your books. Pop them into a sturdy box; opt for a smaller box always. When you store books in a vertical position, it can hurt and warp the spines of your books.

2.       Place your clothes in clear plastic boxes or new cardboard ones. Don’t store in grocery containers as they can still retain food residue or stains which can ruin your outfits.

3.       Wrap items like glasses, dishes, and plates with bubble rolls. If it’s paper then use plain sheets. Don’t make use of newspapers especially for precious items as they have a nasty habit of leaving behind a print mark on the items they come in contact with.

4.       Arrange hefty items near the base of the box. The lighter objects should take the middle or top portion of the box.

5.       Last but not least, after the boxes are packed, seal them with packing tape before you pop them in for storage.

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Getting It Right From The Get-Go: 5 Easy Tips For Storing Exercise Equipment

 

We all know that a gym or exercise equipment is not cheap. You may have had the best intentions to install your own in-house gym and use it consistently. But, with time, priorities might have changed. Whether you are considering downsizing to a one-room apartment or tucking things away into a storage unit to make room for a newborn, our tips for storing will do you and your valued exercise equipment a solid. Let’s delve.

Get equipment that folds and bends

A crucial aspect to look into when buying exercise equipment is to check whether it folds or can be maneuvered easily. For instance, you like the looks of that gym rebounder, but if it’s not foldable and doesn’t have a designated area in your house, where will you store it? It makes sense to get flexible exercise equipment, as much as possible. You can easily store them behind doors, furniture or under your bed!

Invest in sleek pull-up bars

A pull-up bar is a great piece of exercise equipment for your home gym. It takes very less space. You can simply hang it from your doorway. You can use it for a variety of workouts involving your abs, limbs, arms, and so on.

The rear of the door

Our eyes are at the front, therefore, we often tend to miss what’s at the back. Consider the ample area behind the door. We recommend using that space for storing exercise equipment.

Pro tip – Hinge an over-the-door hanger to let your washed yoga mats and flex bands hang dry. It will prevent them from getting tangled inside drawers or baskets.

Get multi-purpose furniture

When you don’t have any more wall space and floor space to use, it’s time to get creative with your tables and chairs. For instance, getting an ottoman will solve two purposes – sitting and storing exercise equipment. You can store gym bungees, bands and weights inside the ottoman while you use it as a chair.

Think high as well as low

Don’t look at the floor as your only storage medium for storing exercise equipment. Look up. There’s so much space over ceiling and walls that can become your storage hubs with a little help from mounting hooks, racks and pulleys!

Tuck seasonal things away in self-storage units

Move exercise equipment you pull out only during specific times of the year into storage units. It’s the best way to free up space in your house!

We, at Du-store, specialize in providing storage facilities for commercial and self-storage purposes that include personal, business, and vehicle storage. We offer storage units available in a range of sizes so that you get a flexible experience. 

We give security the utmost priority with 24*7 guards maintaining a track of all the visitors, CCTV surveillance and insulated doors. Our team vows to deliver a smooth user experience and lets you access your goods anytime you want, via the 24-hour access facility.

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4 Easy Tips For Seamless And Effective Cleaning Of Your Storage Unit (With Bonus Tips!)

Are you planning to clean your storage unit? If you are doing it for the first time and are all gung-ho about it, you wouldn’t know the chaos and trepidation associated with emptying a storage unit. Don’t worry. Our tips will help you sail through the process of cleaning, reorganizing, and emptying a storage unit. Let’s delve.

1. Store in plastic containers

To achieve a clean storage unit, it pays to use plastic boxes to pack up and store your valued possessions. This habit makes for an easy-to-clean process. If possible, avoid cardboard as it forms crevices and cracks making it easy for dust and moisture to get inside and damage your stuff. Air-tight, plastic cases are the best. They’re easier to clean. 

Bonus tip 1 – Don’t forget to check your stuff especially if you stay in a humid area where there’s a risk of items running dry.

Bonus tip 2 – Store your linens in vacuum-sealed bags that limit environmental damage.

2. Sort stuff out 

Sorting sorts your life. We recommend categorizing your items into the following – 

• Retain 

• Retrieve

• Resell 

• Recycle

Easy to remember, it can be your cleaning mantra!

The idea behind this technique is to use 3 empty boxes to separate things from things. 

• The retain box will hold the items you want to keep in storage.

• The retrieve box will have items that you want to pull out from your storage unit and bring back home.

• The resell box is for items you want to sell or maybe donate.

• The recycle box hosts good-for-nothing items that are broken, damaged, and beyond repair.

3. Keep at it till it’s done

Do you know what is the biggest mistake when emptying a storage unit? To not get the work finished in the scheduled period. In this case, it’s best to take help from a professional, reliable organizer. Somebody who could clean out and empty a storage unit for you so that you don’t lose your focus.

Pro tip – don’t hesitate to ask your friends for help, trust us, it’ll make the rather boring process fun and less tiring when your friends join in.

4. Decluttering made easy

Don’t make a headlong dash into large-area-cleaning in a haphazard manner. We advise you to start with one small area, finish cleaning and re-organizing it, and move on to another small area. Remember, a big jigsaw puzzle is solved only by joining one piece at a time. 

We, at Du-store, specializes in providing storage facilities for commercial and self-storage purposes that include personal, business, warehouse, and vehicle storage in Dubai. Contact us for storage units available in a range of sizes so that you get a flexible experience. 

We give security the utmost priority with 24*7 guards maintaining track of all the visitors, CCTV surveillance, and insulated doors. Our team vows to deliver a smooth user experience and lets you access your goods anytime you want, via the 24-hour access facility.

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