Posted by admin on June 23, 2011 under Before Your Move, Moving Tips | 
Moving or relocating is never an easy job even if it is just across town, but when you relocate across the country or to another state it can become a little more challenging. Relocating to another state can be job related, a change of scenery, a divorce or a host of other reasons. Whatever the reason will dictate the steps you need to take early in the planning stage and will also tell you how much time you have to relocate. Relocating is a good reason to have a yard sale or donate those items you no longer need to a store like Goodwill.
You can start to pack the items that you do want to take with you, but you do need to take special care with this type of packing because these items will be traveling in a moving van for quite awhile. It is not like you can pack a box, not tape it shut, and transport it across town. You should make sure that you have extra packing material, glass separators, etc. Anything to make sure that your valuables, dishes, and any other breakable items make it from point A to point B without breaking.
If you do not have a place to live where you are relocating, you may have to store your items in a storage unit until you do unless you make a trip to where you are moving to secure an apartment, condo, or purchase a home before you relocate. If you are driving across country, you do not want to be house or apartment hunting right when you get there. If you do have to store your items, there is another added expense not to mention having to either move the stuff yourself or hire a mover to move it to your new home or apartment.
Although this may be the most expensive way it might be best to hire a moving company to relocate your belongings. You can rent a truck and move yourself, but then you have your car that you have to get to your new destination. Some moving van you rent do have a trailer in which you can hitch to the moving van and tow your car. While this may be the cheaper route, you still have to do all the loading and unloading, and pay for the gas for the moving van. If you have children, this way of moving may not be the best idea.
Before you relocate, plan ahead and everything will run smoother.
Posted by admin on October 12, 2010 under Before Your Move, Moving Tips |
As with any other industry, the moving business is also filled with its fair share of moving scammers. There are a lot of moving companies that are out there; how do you decipher the ones you could trust to do business with? Even if you are in a hurry to move, we suggest that you hang tight, at least long enough to do your homework before selecting a moving company. After all, as the old adage goes “it is truly better to be safe than sorry”.
One of the first things that you would want to do the minute you make up your mind that you are moving is to locate at least three moving companies within your area. You can source these numbers either from your telephone directory or even an Internet search. With their name and numbers in hand, you should start seeking out each company through the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Website. The BBB is a very reputable and highly recommend website that serves as a benchmark for trustworthy businesses. The list of criterion that one has to fulfill before becoming a member of the BBB is one which expects the applicant to do everything from build trust, to advertise honestly, be responsive and embody integrity to name a few. All BBB members, once accepted, would receive the company’s stamp of approval which is usually placed on the moving company’s website. Find moving reviews from past customers.
The next way in which to check out the legitimacy and efficiency of a moving company is by asking them to provide you with references. The moving company should have a list of their previous clients along with their contact numbers which they can easily pass on to you so you can follow up with questions. Note that not every moving company would provide you with legitimate references. Some of these reference contacts can very well be a family or close friend of the movers. If this is the case, how would you know which contact is real and which isn’t? Moving gurus would advice that you get both the home and office contact number of the past clients as the office number can lead you to employees who can verify their identity.
Finally, ask your prospective moving company to provide you with information about their moving history. This should include information such as the years they have been in business; the amount of customers that they have moved over a period of time and how many moving trucks is on their facility. By answering these questions you would be able to get a clear view on the company’s longevity, popularity and if they have the right amount of resources to get the job done.
Posted by admin on September 14, 2010 under Before Your Move, Moving Tips |
If you are moving across town then most likely you will need a local moving company to help you with your move. There are many moving companies, but remember they are not all the same. There are many things to consider when selecting moving company in your area. This article will help you to find a reputable company for your move. Here is what you should look into when shopping for movers.
First of all find out how long they have been in business. The primary reason for this inquiry is that those companies who provide poor service and have bad customer services do not go far in the business. So the longer they have been in business the better probability that they offer good services.
The next thing you should check is whether the moving company is licensed and insured. This may seem obvious, but there are some companies who try to cut expenses so they can offer lower moving rates and will not have insurance at all. If the movers are not careful with your belongings and damage furniture and other expensive items then you are the one who suffers because there is no insurance available to cover you for the losses and damages.
Due to the nature of moving service providers which have numerous competition, there are different ways in which the moving company will provide estimate for your move. One case is they will try to come out with a better value, so some will provide an hourly rate and quote less time than it in reality will take to relocate your home. As you imagine, if it takes longer than you were quoted you pay for the actual time. The main goal is to get a written estimate for the move, number of movers, hours, what’s included in the quote, and etc. If you have an awkward feeling about the estimate, either clear up it with their representative or contact another moving company.
References are also an important part when selecting a moving company. Particularly for larger moves ask for a list of people you can call just to affirm how they performed for them. This is your time to decide if you are able to anticipate to get the same type of service the references stated to have received. Keep in mind, the moving company will only give you the list of happy customers, so besides their references you should check with the Better Business Bureau and other moving blogs and sites.
If you call a company and get casual “hello” then you should go call the next company. The representative should be able to address all your questions and provide you with an estimate in a professional fashion.
Posted by admin on August 31, 2010 under Before Your Move, Moving Fragiles, Moving Tips |
One of the ways that you can guarantee that your move would go smoothly is if you work very closely with your moving company. Like you, your moving company wants to ensure that your items get to your new location on time and in a safe fashion. When you work along with them you are not only ensuring the safety of your items but you are also making the move a stress-free one on both you and the moving company.
You can commence your relationship with your movers by letting them know exactly what you want and do not want for your move. For instance, if you do not wish for them to send moving laborers because you would be employing the services of a few friends then let them know way ahead in advance to see if the moving company agrees with your decision. The last thing that you want is to end up in direct conflict with your movers which may ultimate mess up the communication and relationship with the two of you. Similarly if you need the movers to assist in packing items for your move, you need to inform them as soon as possible and find out how much it would cost to do so.
The best of even moving plans can go awry so if you may have to postpone your move, do not wait until last minute to let your movers know about it.
In addition, inform your movers ahead of time about the places that they can park and load and unload on your property. There are those who live in some areas where it is difficult for moving trucks to park or for them to even get permission start loading the vehicle. In this instance, you must ensure that you make the necessary arrangements with those involved who can give you and the movers clearance to be able to park and load. If you live in an area where parking is only allowed on the street of your building then you would have to contact your city so that they can grant you permission to do so. This should be done days before moving day after which when permission is granted, you would need to notify the movers as soon as possible.
Also get information about parking and unloading from your new residence as well in order to eliminate a long wait time when you arrive.
Next, if you have fragile items such as antiques or even family heirlooms that need special care or packaging, let your movers know about it. Chances are they because of the fragility of the items they may not be able to relocate the items for you but they may be affiliated with a moving company that specializes in moving valuables.
Above all, remember to be courteous to your movers and respect their expert opinions should they render them to you. Accommodate them as much as you can by providing them with enough water and liquids to keep them hydrated during the move.
Posted by admin on August 7, 2010 under Before Your Move |
Start planning early! Summertime is usually the busiest season for the moving companies. The first and the end of the month are normally busier than mid-month, regardless what season it is. During that time period the need for moving companies and rental trucks is heavy. If you can schedule your move between the months of October and April, you will get lower moving rates and better availability.
If you’re moving with children, it’s preferred to hold until the completion of the academic term. For younger kids, relocating to a new school will most likely not make any academic troubles. Even so, it perhaps harder for older kids and teenagers to change schools in the middle of the term. Older kids will also have acquired firmer bonds to their friends and may have more difficult time adapting if moved mid-term.
Make sure to schedule an on-site moving estimate before you hire a mover. A moving company’s representative should visit your home and make an inventory of the items that you are planning to transport. He will then produce a written moving quote for your review.
Select the items you would like to move and what will be junked or donated to charities. Check all rooms of your home before the moving consultant will come. Show the consultant everything that you’ll be taking with you. Don’t be shy, ask all those questions you had in mind.
Effective communication with a moving company is an important element for a successful move. Make sure all items are listed on the inventory sheet. The representative will prepare a moving estimate which will include moving charges and the fees for extra services that you may request. Remember that if you decide to move more items or take less items the total amount of your move will alter. If you are going to make any changes to your move, notify the moving company before the moving day.
If you pack your goods yourself, the moving company will not take responsibility for damages to boxes packed by you. However, if there is visible exterior damage, mention it on the inventory list of your shipment. The crew leader has the right to decline any box that may be improperly packed. If the movers have to re-pack boxes that you have packed, extra fees will apply.
There are also some items moving companies are not allowed to move because state rules and regulations.
