Posted by admin on November 17, 2011 under Long Distance, Moving Tips | 
This is a guest post provided by AmericanMovers.Org, a portal of long distance movers.
There are various costs to consider when you decide to move. If you hire a mover, you will need to pay for the pick up, transport and unloading of your household goods. You may want to also have the movers pack your things, which will increase the cost but will result in a faster, easier move, depending on your timetable and specific needs. The cost of transporting your household using professional moving company is determined by the number of items, rooms and the total weight of the shipment.
For a two-bedroom home, an average cost would be 4,000 pounds, but keep in mind that this is just an estimate. A four bedroom home might weigh 13,000 pounds or more. For the sake of comparison, if you move a four-bedroom home from Albany, NY to Denver, CO and it weighs13,000. pounds, it would cost approximately $11, 500, based on a professional moving company calculator. It is always helpful to get as many moving company estimates as possible as well.
Another consideration is insurance costs, which vary according to the value of the items. If you have many antiques and other valuables, be sure to take clear photos of each item and write a description of it as well, in case it is damaged or broken and you need to prove that it was in good condition before the move. Get the best insurance coverage that you can afford. You must be covered or make sure that your North American movers are.
Some people drive rental trucks themselves, which is generally less costly than using a moving company, but renting a truck requires time, a driver or two, packing the truck yourselves or paying someone to load it, then there is the time factor. Do you have the time to take off work to drive across the country? What about the price of gas in the states that you will be travelling through?
When you arrive at your destination will the unpacking be done by you, or will you have help? In some cases, the expense of replacing your furniture in your new location is less than the price of taking it—only you can decide if that solution is right for you. If you have a lot of boxes and other items that will need to be stored, that is another expanse to calculate before you move.
Posted by admin on October 17, 2011 under Long Distance, Moving Tips |
As if the anxiety of moving long distance does not overwhelm you enough, you have to also set aside time and patience to start packing for your move. Packing for a long distance move usually involves doing so with great precision; you want to ensure that the items are packed and properly padded so that the long distance movers you hire get everything there in one piece. In light of this, packing for long distance should always commence some eight weeks before moving day.
One of the first things that you would need to do is to clear the clutter from your living space. You may have a few items laying around that you may not have used in years; this is time to get those items out so you can sell it through a garage sale or give them away to family and friends or your favorite charity.
The next step would be to get packing supplies. If you are in need of boxes, your local grocery store should have those in abundance. Ensure that these boxes are sturdy and can withstand the move across country. Other supplies to get include moving blankets, storage bins, note pads, plastic wrap, markers, tape and labels.
Packing experts would tell you that when packing, you should start room by room. This is to make sure that all your household items are not in a muddle which would make it harder to sort out when you get to the new house. As you pack each room, you should label the box and container by the room’s name for easy access.
Begin throwing out items as you go along as well. In the kitchen in particular, you may need to go through your refrigerator and cupboards and get rid of all the expired items. Next, wash, dry and pack the appliances from the kitchen; if there is a breakable item like a blender then you should either wrap it in moving blankets or wrap it within several sheets of newsprint paper. The same goes for your plates, glasses etc. and your other breakable wares.
Computers should go back in their original boxes if you still have them. If you don’t then you can fit it snugly in another box along with pieces of foam at the corners to hold it steady. You should also pack your printers and appliances the same way that you pack the computer. This would prevent your household items from moving around this way and that in the truck, which can ultimately lead to damage.
Pack each item neatly in the box and tight enough so that the items would not move around when the boxes are sealed. In some cases you may be moving with a family heirloom such as a chinaware set or other fragile items. You simply wrap them all in a towel so that it would not shatter during the ride.
For packing larger items, both shrink wrap and moving blankets should be your friends; they can protect your furniture from the weather.
As you pack don’t forget to label the box or storage container by the name of each room. When you have completed packing from each room, you should then relocate the boxes and storage container to a room in your house that does not have much people traffic. This would make it accessible and less stressful for the movers when they get there.
This articles was provided by FindGoodMovers.com for our readers, a moving portal for local and long distance moving companies.
Posted by admin on December 23, 2010 under Illinois |
Thinking of moving to Chicago might be one of the finest conclusions you will ever bring to your lifestyle. Not only it is among the most vivacious and diverse urban centers in the world but is also one of the cleanest places you will ever travel to. Next time you visit Chicago have a look around and you’ll see a ton of freshly planted trees, green rooftops, and just a very green conscience city doing its best to create a difference in the peoples live.
One of the features that makes the city so unique loved from any other city are its neighborhoods. Chicago is dissimilar than any other city, it is uniquely formed and sketched by its neighborhoods like Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Logan Square and River North.
Then when you add up in what it has to offer with its arts, architecture, music and sports teams such as Bulls, White Sox, Black Hawks no wonder college graduates move to Chicago. There are lots of colleges that have their own limited spot particularly the nearby Big Ten Schools. It’s a legitimate advance for a graduate to relocate to Chicago and find a job in a field of study because of the lifestyle and capability Chicago offers.
So the question is where are you going to live and how are you going to move? With hundreds of moving companies and rental agencies to select from, how does one make a decision on a mover and neighborhood that is best for you and your needs? Certainly you will find many rental agencies and movers in Chicago but putting your living experience and belongings in the hands of someone who you don’t know can be excruciating. And going through this route alone is not only a trouble but very time taking, going through all companies to hire from looking for the best deals.
Making a conclusion like finding a new apartment or a moving company in Chicago can really make or break your experience. Luckily there are agencies such as Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Bureau and the service is always free.
Whether you are moving and trying to settle in the city for the first time, or simply searching a change, the decisions you reach for your living should be right at the top of your list before you move to Illinois. Find the right home in the good neighborhood, and you’ll get the best time and experience of your life here.
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.
