Packing Supplies

When you’re moving or storing those extra items you can’t part with, securing durable, affordable boxes and moving supplies is one more item you don’t have space for on your to-do list.

Personal Mini Storage stocks boxes and packing supplies at many of our storage facilities for our customers’ convenience. Call ahead and we can have your boxes waiting for you when you come by! We have a broad selection of specialized boxes, including dish pack boxes, file storage boxes, and wardrobe boxes. We offer very competitive pricing on all of our retail products.

Boxes

When you’re moving or storing those extra items you can’t part with, securing durable, affordable boxes and moving supplies is one more item you don’t have space for on your to-do list.

Personal Mini Storage stocks boxes and packing supplies at many of our storage facilities for our customers’ convenience. Call ahead and we can have your boxes waiting for you when you come by! We have a broad selection of specialized boxes, including dish pack boxes, file storage boxes, and wardrobe boxes. We offer very competitive pricing on all of our retail products.

Pro Tips For Packing & Moving Your Plants

Guest post by Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp.

That 4-foot tall monstera belonged to your grandmother, and you’ve kept it alive for the last decade. Or there’s an iris in the garden you paid top dollar for because of its exquisite peach color. Just like your fine china, house and garden plants need special handling during a move.

Be sure to check with your destination city about restrictions on moving plants there. Most states have regulations banning certain plants because of threats of insects, diseases, or invasiveness. For example, moving to Florida with house plants requires a certificate of inspection. Some plants, such as citrus, are banned altogether.

A Few Weeks Before The Move

Before digging garden plants, make sure they will survive in their new home. Check the USDA plant hardiness zones of your destination to see if your beloved plants can make the trip. Lilac bushes that thrive in Colorado won’t bloom in Florida. The same goes for a bearded iris or pear tree.

As for your gerbera daisies or coreopsis? Dig those garden plants and move them into pots. You can also put them in plastic grocery bags and store them in a shady place, making sure they get plenty of water before the move.

Inspect houseplants to make sure they aren’t diseased. Give them a quick shower to wash off any insects that might be there. The last thing you want is to pack pests.

Packing Plants

The riskiest plants to move are large ones. That’s because it’s so easy to smash a branch or two – or even break the plant in half. Whether from the garden or house, wrap a large plant with sheets or blankets, starting at the base of the plant or the pot. Staple or tape the wrap so that it is snug against the plant. Bubble wrap can also be used as plant protectors inside the blanket or sheet.

Place smaller pots in boxes or reusable shopping bags. Try to make the pots snug in their box or bag. Wedge crumpled newspaper, craft paper, towels, or bubble wrap around the pots or plants to keep them from moving about.

Moving Plants

Keep in mind the timing of your move. Whether in a car, van, or moving truck, plants need a reasonable temperature to survive. If it’s a long trip, you’ll need to consider your stops to eat or overnight stays. Intense heat and cold temperatures may cook or freeze your plants left in the car. Consider moving all of them into your motel room for the night and reloading them the next morning.

If moving in winter, allow the soil in the pots to go dry. This protects roots from freezing. You can insulate them from the cold with tenting blankets or newspaper over the plants.

In summer, water the plants well. Consider packing a cooler with ice packs, which may come in handy if the temperature inside your car climbs during unexpected stops and slow-downs.

Unloading Plants

Your plants should be the first items you unload. Remove the wrapping and inspect for any damage. Give them a light shower and place them in a bright window. Allow houseplants to acclimate to new and different light and temperatures before moving to their permanent spot. Water as needed.

When moving garden plants outdoors, get to know the lay of the land. Put the pots in a partly sunny or shady area until they get used to their new light and temperatures. In summer, plant as soon as possible. In winter, stow the plants in an area protected from wind and cold. An unheated garage is ideal. Garden plants can be held in pots for several weeks if need be. Water as needed.

Give Them Time To Adjust

Like people, plants need time to adjust to their new home. Don’t be surprised if the plants look a little rough or seem slow to respond to their new surroundings. Prune the dead branches or leaves, and give them a little extra TLC. Plants are incredibly resilient, so they’ll likely bounce back before you know it.

If you’re planning a move to Florida, Personal Mini Storage can help with 46 locations in the state offering convenient self storage, U-Haul rentals and moving supplies to help keep all of your belongings (including plants) safe.

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Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp award-winning garden writer, editor, and guest speaker at horticulture industry events. Known as a hortiholic, she frequently says her eyes are too big for her yard. She blogs at hoosiergardener.com.

17 Places To Find Boxes For Your Move

There are few things that are more of a hassle than moving. Not only do you have to decide what you’re going to keep and how you’re going to dispose of what you don’t, you face the unenviable (some would say dreadful) prospect of having to pack. And a key component of packing is having something in which to pack things. Fear not, help is near. Whether you want to buy packing containers or get them for free, this useful guide can make the job easier.

Boxes for Sale / Free

There are dozens of places where you can purchase packing boxes. You may actually be surprised once you see what’s available at a very reasonable price. If free cardboard boxes are your objective, here are some of the best. Many of the places recommended as a resource for free boxes are also places where you can buy boxes, such as office supply stores.

1. Online providers such as ULINE, The Boxery, and Uboxes are just a few to name. Not only individual boxes of all shapes, sizes and specs, many online stores sell complete moving kits, with a pre-selected assortment of boxes and additional moving supplies (like tape, bubble wrap, marker etc).
2. Many self-storage facilities offer a variety of boxes and moving supplies plus they can also help you with a moving truck if needed.
3. Big box retail stores, like Home Depot, Wal-Mart, or Best Buy.
4. Office supply stores like Office Depot or Staples.
5. The U.S. Post Office. Yes, they sell boxes but they also throw a lot of boxes away.
6. Grocery stores and supermarkets.
7. Restaurants, especially fast-food restaurants. They receive almost all their food in boxes, and they always have plenty of boxes to recycle.
8. Bookstores.
9. Friends and neighbors. You’d be surprised how many of your friends and neighbors even have boxes lying around from their last move, or know someone who does.
10. Liquor stores.
11. Appliance Stores and neighborhood hardware stores.
12. U-Haul. They actually have a free online Site called U-Haul Exchange where you can search for folks who are giving away (or selling) moving boxes and supplies.
13. Craigslist. You can find anything in the Craigslist free section, including people who are looking to give away boxes of all shapes and sizes.
14. Apartment complexes. People are always moving in and moving out.
15. Office buildings. As tenants receive deliveries, they are always discarding the boxes that the goods came in.
16. Computer stores.
17. Alleys and dumpsters. Leave your pride at home and cruise the local alleys and do some dumpster diving. However, be aware that anything you pull out of an alley or dumpster could be carrying some unwelcome baggage in the form of dirt and germs. If you can find a “recycle only” dumpster, your chances are much better of hitting pay dirt.

Finally, when you go looking for free boxes, take the time to do it right. Approach the manager and explain what you are looking for and ask him or her to set some boxes aside for you. And remember to first go to the places where you shop or work, places where they know you. With the right approach, your search for boxes can be both rewarding and fun.

10 Moving Tips for a Smooth Transition

Moving can be a daunting task. Between sorting items, packing boxes, and the actual move, the process can quickly become overwhelming. However, with the right strategies and little help from Personal Mini Storage, your move can be not just manageable but smooth. Dive into our 10 moving tips, to optimize your experience and save you from common moving mishaps.

1. Start the Countdown Early

Sketch out a moving timeline well in advance. By laying out a detailed plan week by week, you can allocate specific days for sorting, packing, and other essential tasks. This organized approach can significantly reduce the usual stress associated with moves.

2. Declutter and Use Self-Storage

Before you even pull out the packing tape, take a day or two to sort through your belongings. Decide which items can be stored, donated, or sold. For items you’re sentimental about or seasonal goods that you don’t require immediately, consider self-storage solutions.

3. Invest in Packing Supplies

Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape to ensure your items are safe during transit. We provide all moving supplies that are essential for your move. Use a U-Haul truck to gather everything and make it one trip to stay efficient.

4. Label Your Boxes

A well-labeled box is a lifesaver. Not only should you indicate the contents, but also prioritize them (e.g., “Open First”). Each box should have a clear label indicating its contents and the room it’s destined for. It not only helps in unpacking but also helps if you decide to store certain boxes.

5. The Essentials Box is Crucial

The first night in a new place can be disorienting. Prepare a clearly marked ‘essentials’ box with items like toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen utensils, chargers, and crucial paperwork. This box should be the last to load and the first to unload.

6. Inform and Update

Inform crucial services about your move. Whether it’s your bank, friends, or subscription services, ensure they have your new address.

7. Wardrobe Packing Hacks

Your clothes can double up as protection for fragile items. Think socks for glasses or shirts for plates – a perfect way to minimize breakage and efficiently utilize space. Not only does this provide excellent protection, but it also reduces the amount of additional packing materials needed.

8. Prep Your New Home

Visit your new place before the move, if possible. Ensure utilities are set up, do a deep clean, and maybe even chalk out where major furniture pieces will go. This foresight can save a lot of time on moving day.

9. Kids and Pets: Plan Ahead

Moving day chaos is easier for adults to handle than for pets and kids. Talk to the kids about the move, get them involved in packing their things, and maybe even let them design how their new room will look. Consider arranging a day’s stay for both kids and pets with friends or family.

10. Properly Pack Plants

Place each plant in a box that’s large enough to comfortably accommodate it. Poke some holes in the sides for ventilation. If the plant is tall, place bubble wrap or newspaper to cushion and stabilize its base within the box. This ensures the plant remains upright and doesn’t get crushed by other items during the transit. On moving day, keep these boxes open for sunlight and fresh air, and make sure to position them last in the moving vehicle, so they are first out at your new home.

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Transitioning to a new home is more than just a physical move; it’s an emotional journey. By teaming up with Personal Mini Storage, you get more than just storage solutions – you get a partner dedicated to making this chapter of your life as seamless as possible. Embrace the move with the assurance that you’re well-prepared and backed by the best in the business.