This week, I’m going to give you tips on how to organize a storage unit like a pro.

After you move, and you still have to store some of your personal belongings, rent a self-storage facility near you and make sure it’s a climate-controlled facility. Once that is completed, follow these tips:
• Inventory – Create a list of all of your belongings. After months and years go by, it’s easy to forget what you have in your unit. Use a spreadsheet and list all your furnishings.
• Clear bins – Consider using plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes. Both are fine but clear bins make it easier to find your items.
• Frequent items – If you have items you plan on using during the year, make sure they are placed near the front door of your storage unit.
• Furniture in the back – Store large and heavy furniture items in the back of the unit. Larger and heavier items should always be on the bottom to allow for lighter items to store on top to minimize damage.
• Disassemble furniture – To maximize space, take apart large furniture items prior to putting them in storage. I’d store all items upright vertical except for beds that should be down flat. This provides you plenty of more room.

Use these simple tips to become a storage unit pro.

Safe moving!

2020 was to say the least, a very tough year on everyone. We made a lot of changes throughout the year, but the one thing that never changed was Rainier and Rainier’s staff’s dedication to giving back to their community. In support of the local DAWN organization and spearheaded by our very own Carrie Bredeson, the Rainier team pulled together and managed to give one family in need a very merry Christmas. DAWN (Dawnrising.org ) supports, empowers and shelters survivors of domestic abuse in King County, WA.

I am proud of our team, and thankful to DAWN for all the amazing work they do year-round. We encourage you to look them up and join them in supporting local families in need.

The below is a very sweet note form the family we were so very blessed to be able to share the holidays with.

For most families, no aspect of a move overseas is more important than the education of school-aged children. Most parents believe that an education abroad will be inferior to that at home. Here are some tips for you when selecting an international school for your kids:
• Research – Before you leave, do your research about what is available in your new country. Many countries with expatriate communities offer international schools that teach the same or similar to the curricula based on familiar models.
• Local schools – Some local school systems in other countries offer the same type of curricula including in their native languages. English is popular over the world so there are plenty of options.
• Lessons – If the school doesn’t offer everything your child would like or you prefer, there are teachers available that can teach specific courses outside of the school system.
• Plan ahead – Begin the process of looking for an international school right when you know you’ll be moving your family overseas. International schools sometimes have limited enrollments and or limited enrollment periods. Look into possibilities long before your move.

Safe moving!