Monday, November 28, 2011

Managing Home Emergencies with Moving Containers

Weather-related catastrophes were once relatively rare events, but these days local newscasts report a story almost nightly about some unfortunate family, neighborhood or city that’s suffered a tragic event caused by wild weather. Homes damaged by falling trees, neighborhoods evacuated because of wild fires, tornadoes ripping through towns, homes submerged after endless days of rain and other terrible events are becoming more and more common and because of these emergencies, a great number of people are often faced with recovering from a disaster. And one of their prime concerns when trying to recover from one of these devastating events is figuring out what to do with their salvageable belongings. This is one area where moving containers have become an invaluable solution.
In recent years, portable storage containers have expanded beyond their originally-intended use of helping people relocate. These secure storage pods are now often used before and after large-scale disaster situations to keep homeowners’ belongings safe by providing them with the storage space they need to salvage their lives.
Meanwhile, moving containers have also been used by government agencies to help deliver food and supplies to regions hit by disaster. Whether used as a makeshift health clinic or as a means to get fresh food and water to a devastated city, these portable storage containers offer a durable and practical solution.

Personal Emergency Use of Storage Containers

Storage containers aren’t only used for large-scale disasters; they can also be a tremendous benefit to individuals, families and businesses suffering through an isolated incident. Such situations include recovering from a fire, flood damage or from a tree falling on the home or building. In these events, having a secure place to put your belongings is the key to protecting them from additional damage.
While these storage pods are certainly beneficial in emergency situations, in truth, there are many different scenarios where a homeowner may need the use of a portable storage unit besides helping them relocate. Common uses besides emergency relief and relocation include using the pod to store furniture while the house is being fumigated against insects or rodents, using the storage container to help manage a divorce or simply using the container to store a room’s belongings while you renovate.
If you need a portable storage unit to help you manage a crisis in your life, simply contact a mobile storage provider and arrange for them to drop off however many containers you are going to need. The company will transport the moving containers directly to your home and place them wherever you instruct them to. Fill up the containers with your belongings and they’ll be safe and secure for as long as you need them to be.
Once intended solely for relocation purposes, portable storage containers have now become an all-important life-saving and life-salvaging resource for helping people and communities recover from various natural and non-natural disasters. Of course, these containers still offer one of your best options for moving your belongings, so even if you’re not faced with recovering from a tragic event, you can still enjoy the benefits of these convenient containers when it comes time for you to relocate. 










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Moving Container FAQs

Portable moving containers offer a viable, cost-effective way of moving or storing your household items, but many people still have a lot of questions about using these storage pods. We’ve compiled and answered some of the most frequently asked questions related to storage containers so you can find the answers you’re looking for.

Where will the storage container be placed?

The storage container company will place the moving container wherever you tell them to within reason. These units are designed to fit easily on a driveway but many homeowners who keep their cars in the garage will find it more convenient to have the container set along the curb. If your driveway has a slope, the storage container will be deposited so that the opening is facing the upward slope of the drive.

Can I move the storage container after it has been dropped off?

No. While the storage container does have wheels, the wheels get locked into position after the container is delivered and placed. Because of this, it is important to tell the representative that’s handling your order exactly where you want the driver to deposit the container, especially if you’re not going to be home when the delivery is made.

Can the moving container be locked?

Yes. Depending on the company you choose, you will either be supplied with a key for your individual moving container or you can use your own personal lock to secure the door on the container. In either case, you are the only person with the key to your moving container so you can be sure of its security.

What is the moving container made of?

This is also determined by the moving company you choose as there are many different types available. Companies like U-Haul and Door-To-Door Storage use containers made from construction-grade wood while companies like PODS and U-Pack offer containers made from steel and aluminum. Meanwhile, the containers offered from 1-800-Pack-Rat are all steel and those from Smart Move are made from a special type of heavy duty plastic.

Are my belongings insured inside the container?

In many cases, homeowner’s insurance will cover the items while they are stored on your premises inside the storage pod or while the pod is in transit to your new home. That said, it is recommended that you check with your insurance agent to make sure your policy offers that benefit. If the storage container is going to be held in the moving company’s warehouse for a period of time, then the moving company may offer you a contents insurance policy through a third-party provider to cover the items while in storage.

Can the moving company help me load the container?

Most moving container companies have experienced movers available if you need help loading or unloading your moving container. This is usually an added-cost service, so always ask the representative prior to accepting help from the professionals.

Can moving containers be transported overseas?

Some moving container companies do offer International shipping and delivery, but not all do. Always check the company website or call and speak to one of their customer service representatives to find out if the company you’re interested in provides this service.

Is there anything that can’t be stored in a moving container?

Yes. Each moving container company keeps a list of non-allowables, or items it does not want stored in its containers. These typically include any hazardous, flammable or corrosive materials, any live animals or plants and any non-preserved fresh or frozen foods. 










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Moving Container Non-Allowables

There's no doubt that moving containers make the act of moving your home much easier and more organized. But these containers aren't made to hold absolutely everything in your home. In fact, some companies have disclaimers which list exactly what you can and can't store in these storage pods.

Storage Container Restrictions

Most storage container companies will typically have restrictions in place that prevent you from using their storage containers to store hazardous materials and perishable items.

Hazardous Material List

Hazardous non-allowables include any substance or material that is flammable, corrosive or explosive. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Aerosols
  • Chemistry sets
  • Sterno
  • Fertilizers
  • Ammunition
  • Kerosene
  • Gasoline
  • Nail polish and nail polish remover
  • Car batteries
  • Paint thinner
  • Propane tanks
  • Household batteries
  • Cleaning solvents
  • Paints
  • Poisons
  • Motor oil
  • Charcoal
  • Charcoal lighter
  • Ammonia
  • Darkroom chemicals
  • Fireworks
  • Swimming pool chemicals
  • Bleach
  • Lamp oils
  • Pesticides
  • Matches

List of Non-Storable Perishables

Perishables are also not allowed to be stored in moving containers as these containers can be placed in storage for a while, in which time the perishable items will die or spoil while in transit. Perishables include, but are not limited to:
  • Animals
  • Plants
  • Frozen foods
  • Refrigerated foods
  • Fresh produce
  • Any food containers that have been opened
Another common problem is mold growth in an unplugged, stored refrigerator. To help reduce this risk, empty and clean your refrigerator and freezer and allow them to fully dry for 24 hours with the doors open.

Additional Things to Keep Out

While portable moving containers provide one of the safest and most secure methods of moving, there are some important items that you should never trust others to handle, especially if you’re expecting the container to remain in storage for a period of time. These include items of personal importance or sentimental value, such as:
  • Birth, death and marriage certificates
  • Family videos
  • Address books
  • Business information
  • Stocks, bonds and IRAs
  • Financial documents and checkbooks
  • Deeds
  • Insurance policy documents
  • Important computer disks
  • Wedding photo albums
  • School records
  • Prescriptions
  • Cherished photographs
  • Cash
  • Personal and professional files
  • Safe or lockbox
  • Vehicle titles
  • Health records
  • Cell phones
  • Car keys
  • New home keys
  • Jewelry
  • Laptop computers

Insurance Coverage for Your Items

Even with your most valuable commodities kept outside of the storage container, you will no doubt still have a lot of valuable items stored inside the pod, including furniture, appliances, clothing and electronic equipment. It’s important to note that many homeowner insurance policies will cover these items not only while they are held in the storage container at your current place of residence but also while the items are in transit to your new home. That said, not all policies offer this benefit, so contact your insurance provider to find out if your policy offers this coverage.
If your moving container is going to be stored at your chosen moving company’s warehouse for a period of time before it is transported to your new home, then you can purchase a contents insurance policy through a third-party provider to cover the items in the storage container while it’s in the hands of the moving company. 










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Paul on the Move in Iowa

For native Iowan Jackie Fleming, 78, it has been a confounding political season. With about five weeks to go before the Iowa caucuses, the lifelong Republican has switched allegiances three times - from Rick Perry to Herman Cain to, for the moment, Newt Gingrich.
Still not absolutely sure, she attended last weekend's Thanksgiving Family Forum in Des Moines, hoping to get a better read on the six candidates participating.
Her friend sitting beside her at the forum had no doubts about his allegiance.
"I supported Ron Paul last time," said Chris Johnson, a 27-year-old maintenance supervisor, "and I'm supporting him this time. The only difference is, I'll be working harder for him than I did in '08."
Johnson worked as a precinct captain three years ago.
With the caucuses looming, the two Iowans embody the general tenor of the Iowa race and the particular state of Paul's campaign. Thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of young voters like Johnson, the Texas libertarian finds himself in a virtual dead heat in the latest Bloomberg News poll of likely caucus attendees.
Atlanta businessman Herman Cain was at 20 percent, Paul at 19 percent, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney at 18 percent and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich at 17 percent.
Hard to choose
The Iowa poll also reflects the race's fluidity, with 60 percent of respondents saying they could be persuaded to back someone other than their first choice and 10 percent undecided. Among likely caucus-goers who say their minds are made up, Paul leads with 32 percent, followed by Romney at 25 percent and Gingrich at 17 percent.
Paul, 76, relying on what experts are calling the best organized grass-roots campaign in the state and spending heavily on television advertisements, could win the Jan. 3 caucuses, just as dark-horse candidate Mike Huckabee won in 2008.
"He's second in New Hampshire. And of the people in top tier, he has the most passion behind his candidacy," said GOP political strategist Matthew Dowd on ABC's This Week last Sunday. "I would not be surprised at all seven weeks from now that Ron Paul wins the Iowa caucuses and goes into New Hampshire, disrupts this field even more."
Said Drake University political scientist Dennis Goldford, "He finished fifth the last time, and a lot of people would be surprised if he didn't do better this time."
Of course, Huckabee's victory in 2008 did not secure the nomination for the Baptist minister and former Arkansas governor, and it is doubtful it would secure the nomination for the Texas congressman, either. Still, Goldford said, it is essential that Paul do well in Iowa if he is to stay in the race.
Iowa voters pride themselves on thoroughly assessing the candidates and then winnowing the field for the rest of the nation.
"It's vitally important at this point for Cain and Perry and Bachmann and Santorum," Goldford said. "Unless Romney goes all out and fails, that looks bad, but, otherwise, he can win without Iowa. And Gingrich has national stature among Republicans, so Iowa's not essential for him. But it's hard to see how the other four go anywhere without finishing in the top three in Iowa."
Goldford noted that Paul's high-water mark, so far, has been his second-place finish right behind Bachmann in the Ames straw poll in August.
Low turnout may help
About 119,000 turned out for the state's Republican caucus in 2008. Experts are predicting a smaller turnout in 2012.
"The smaller the turnout, the better the chances of a highly disciplined candidate like Ron Paul," Goldford said.
"The Iowa caucuses are all about identifying an intense group of supporters willing to go out on a cold January night, and Paul's people are usually willing to do that," said Cal Jillson, a political scientist at Southern Methodist University.
Iowa's conservative Christian voters also are motivated, and Paul's contrarian views on social issues and matters of church and state have made him an outlier with that bloc. A few days after last weekend's Thanksgiving Family Forum, Bob Vander Plaats, president of the Family Leader and an influential voice among Christian conservatives, announced that neither Paul nor Cain would receive the organization's endorsement.
Paul, who has announced he will not seek re-election to a House seat he's held since 1996 - as well as three terms in the 1970s and 1980s before temporarily retiring from politics - insists he is the true Republican in the race.
"Take a look at the Republican platform," he told the Des Moines Register editorial board last week. "They talk about personal liberty, a balanced budget, limited government, a strong national defense. They want free markets. I'm the best on all of those."
Even his admirers, however, question whether he can expand his base enough to become a true contender. "I don't disagree with Ron Paul," Fleming said at the Des Moines forum, "but I just don't believe he's electable."
Jillson agreed. "Paul is no threat to win the Republican nomination," he said. "His intense 10 percent is both a bottom and a top on his potential. As the field thins after Iowa, 10 percent will look less and less consequential."









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How to Pack a Portable Moving Container

Packing a home for moving is something of an art form. There are those who can do it well, and then there are the rest of us, who have a hard time packing our own lunches effectively let alone an entire house. Moving containers, however, help to make the job much, much easier.

Packing essentials

As in every job, having the right tools serve to make the job that much easier to do and packing and moving are no different. Before you start packing your furniture and housewares into a portable storage container, you should have:
  • A dolly
  • Loading straps
  • Paper pads
  • Furniture pads
  • Stretch wrap
The stretch wrap, loading straps and furniture and paper pads will help keep your items safe and free from damage. The dolly is of course, a must-have tool for moving heavy or cumbersome appliances and pieces of furniture.

Preparing items for the moving container

Before you start loading up the moving container, you should use the packing tools to prepare the items. Wrap your upholstered furniture with the stretch wrap to protect it against damage and dirt. Use the paper pads and furniture pads to wrap items that may scratch other items or ones that are at risk of getting scratched themselves. In order to protect your wrapped furniture even more thoroughly, place it on top of a furniture pad when loading it in the moving container.

Tips for loading a portable storage container

The heaviest, bulkiest items should be loaded first in the storage pod. These include the refrigerator, washer, dryer, couches, loveseats, etc. Fill in the spaces between the larger items with packed boxes. This will not only increase your packing efficiency but it will also add stability and reduce the risk of the larger items sliding around.
Pack the heaviest boxes on the bottom with the lightest boxes being saved for the top and maximize your space by packing from floor to ceiling. The tighter you pack the boxes, the less likely things will shift while in transit.
Think about the weight distribution of your items while you’re packing the moving container and try to keep the weight evenly distributed from end to end and from side to side. If you place a heavy refrigerator in the far left corner of the storage pod, place something of similar weight, like a couch, in the far right corner to help keep everything balanced.
If your storage container has a plastic, translucent roof and it is going to be stored outside on your driveway for an extended period of time, cover the items on the inside with cardboard or another type of material in order to protect them from exposure to light.
Throughout the storage container, there are points where you can install loading straps. Use loading straps at each point to secure the items inside the portable storage container but be careful you don’t tighten the straps too tightly or you may damage your items.
Practicing good packing techniques is an all-important component in a stress-free move and it helps ensure that your items will arrive in the exact same condition as they were packed. Take the time to do the job right, with the right tools, and you’ll find the process of moving to your new home much easier than you might have imagined. 










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College grad steps out on own after home move-back [Commercial-News, Danville, Ill.]

By Jennifer Bailey, Commercial-News, Danville, Ill.
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
Nov. 27--DANVILLE -- When Cortney Auter graduated from college and landed a job in her field of choice, she thought her "adult" life was starting off pretty good.
She never thought she'd have to move back in with her parents because of student loans and other bills. But that's what happened to the struggling–to–be-independent woman.
Auter, however, is not alone; and she's now a success story.
According to the U.S. Census, more young adults are living in their parents' homes. Between 2005 and 2011, the percentage of men age 25 to 34 living in their parents' home rose from 14 percent in 2005 to 19 percent in 2011 and from 8 percent to 10 percent during the same period for women.
After almost two-and-a-half years living at home with her mother, Laura, and commuting to work in Urbana, Auter moved out in September and is now living with a roommate in an apartment in Urbana.
"The price of gas ended up almost equaling a rent payment, so I moved out," she said.
Auter, 26, a graduate of Eastern Illinois University, started out at Danville Area Community College.
Neither of Auter's parents, who are divorced, had gone to college, but they told her it was important for her to do.
Auter said she attended DACC to save money and was fortunate enough to receive a federal Pell grant, which doesn't have to be repaid.
Once she started attending EIU, however, she had to take out student loans.
Auter admits she could have been more careful with the student loans, but "I really had no guidance on what I was doing. I take full responsibility for this, and I have made my payments every single month since."
Once she graduated in May 2008 with a degree in family and consumer sciences, Auter, then age 23, had to move home because of her student loan debt. She couldn't afford to live on her own. She was faced with owing about enough to buy a house with her student loans, in addition to credit card debt with books, groceries and other things.
Auter had the chance to study abroad, and when she returned home she worked in Danville at a counseling job.
Auter helped with some bills at her mom's home, such as for food, and paid all of her own bills -- student loans, credit cards, cell phone and health insurance.
She slept in her old room. Her mom didn't enforce any curfew or new rules.
Auter then found another job in Urbana and started commuting.
She was able to move out of her mother's home only because she worked 40 to 60 hours a week. She worked overtime, cut back spending on "fun stuff," budgeted and saved money.
"It's difficult and I really struggled emotionally while living at home. I had various emotions: I was a failure, college was a stupid choice (and) I would never be independent. It was very difficult and my heart goes out to those who are still struggling with this situation," Auter said.
"I'm not complaining or asking for people to feel bad for me. I'm proud of how hard I've (worked)," she said.
She also says her situation is easier, because she's single and doesn't have any children.
"Personally, I felt better about myself and my life," she said about moving out of her parent's home. "I felt a lot like a failure moving back home."
Auter just had a need, as most college graduates do, to support herself and have her "own" space.
"I'm an adult now," she said. "I would get really hard on myself."
She never thought she'd move back home after graduating college.
"I thought once I graduated I'd be able to fully support myself. It's what is expected," she said.
Auter is now on a good financial road due to some of the current laws passed for student loans that helped lower her payments.
Student loan repayment law changes were aimed to help students cap their loan payments, consolidate loans and reduce interest rates.
Auter currently works at Cunningham Children's Home in Urbana as a direct care counselor.
"I am very happy and blessed to have a job," she said.
She doesn't see herself ever having to move back in with her parents.
Her advice for others is to "be very aware of the costs of college. Student loan debt is a different kind of debt. Be careful with credit cards."
She went into the student loan process blind, she said.
"Do your homework and learn more about (student loans) and the process. Don't realize too late what you got into," Auter said.
She said "private loans are not willing to work with people, (but) federal loans work with you."
Even though she's moved out, that doesn't stop Auter from coming home often to see her mom and do her laundry.
Auter also realizes how lucky she was to have her mother, or she could have fallen further into trouble.









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Four Alternative Uses for Moving Containers

Initially designed to offer homeowners an easy and affordable way of moving their home’s furnishings from point A to point B, portable moving containers have grown to become useful in a variety of ways. Here are four alternative ways moving containers can be used to make your life or business easier and more organized (not including moving your home’s furnishings, of course).

On-site equipment storage

These days, construction companies, landscaping crews and other territorial job fields require a lot of moving around from place to place. That means that the equipment has to be moved from place to place as well and that can take a lot of time and effort, both of which cost the company money. But today’s savvy businesses are now utilizing portable storage containers as an affordable means of not only storing their equipment when its not in use, but having it delivered to the job site as well.
By storing the equipment in a portable moving container, it is kept safe and secure when it is not in use and when a job arises where the equipment will be needed, the moving company will deliver the box directly to the site where it will stay for the duration of the job. Once the job is complete, simply arrange to have the storage pods picked up and they are ready to be delivered to the next job site.

Temporary storage for the home

One of the most common uses for storage containers is as a temporary source of extra storage. Rather than spend the money on a shed that will ultimately take up a chunk of real estate in the back yard, homeowners can rent a storage pod for a period of time and use it for a variety of reasons, including:
  • Room renovations
  • Cleaning out the garage
  • De-cluttering the home
  • Sorting out an estate
  • Extra storage for the home office
  • Preparing the home for the real estate market
  • Home damage and emergency storage
Each of these tasks requires limited use of the portable container so costs can be kept to a minimum. Once the task is complete, simply call and arrange to have the storage pod removed.

Mobile field office

If you’re in charge of a big job in the field, there’s no better way of keeping tabs on the progress than by using a mobile field office, and portable storage containers provide just the right amount of room. The moving container company can deliver the storage pod to your exact job site on the day you need it there and in no time, you’ll be running the show hands-on so you’ll know the job will get done right and on time.
Portable moving containers make ideal mobile field offices because they offer plenty of room for a desk and necessary office equipment, plus with the translucent ceilings offered in some models, they allow in plenty of natural light. They also offer the benefit of being weatherproof and have the capability of being locked so your office equipment remains safe and secure while you’re away from the site.

Business storage

Businesses are constantly in need of cost-effective storage solutions and whether you need to offload excess goods or you’re looking to protect capital assets during a period of transition, storage containers offer a flexible solution. Other business uses for moving containers include temporary warehousing of products while swapping out seasonal inventory, dry storage for excess equipment, office furniture and surplus supplies and a host of other business-related storage needs.
As you can see, moving containers offer a full range of uses outside of their original intention. No matter what you’re looking to do, if you need extra storage or a means of moving a lot of items quickly and efficiently, portable storage containers are the ideal solution. 










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