Tips for moving in the winter

Though the weather is unpredictable during winter, it is a great time to move and save on your moving costs, since; rental truck agencies and moving companies are more affordable during inclement weather. Even apartment hunting is much easier in winter. The ultimate aim of this article is to leave you well acquainted about keeping both your belongings and family safe during snowy weather move.

Precautionary measures to be taken before moving:

winter-tips

Keep snow at bay:

Make sure the walkways, sidewalks and drive ways are free from snow. If needed sand the area, in order to ensure safe moving. You can save ample moving time by clearing snow around your home and making your pathway anti-slippery. Usage of floor coverings protect your home’s floor from getting soaked and it also reduce the risk of injuries, since it provides good friction, when you carry hefty items out of your home. Large cardboard pieces are affordable alternative to rugs and carpets.

Check the parking area of your new home:

Considering the parking area of your new home is also paramount. Ensure whether there is enough space available for parking your moving truck at your new residence else it would be difficult to unload your items on time. Prior to your move, clear the snow and ice around your new residence’s parking area.

Set up utilities beforehand:

It is virtually impossible to stay at your new home without heat and lights during winter season. So set up all the utilities well in advance and also ensure that they’re functioning properly.

Be prepared with a back-up plan:

Preparing an alternative plan for a winter move is always appreciated. Inform your friends about your move so that they can help you in your move, incase if the movers are unavailable on the moving day due to bad weather. You cannot ensure that your road way is always obstacle free during winter season, being prepared with an alternate route will help you reach your destination without hassle. Inquiring highway authorities on current condition of your planned route may also help you take informed decision about your move.

Things to be packed for winter move:

Warm attires and extra gloves:

Sturdy leather jackets, sweaters, woolen socks, scarf, hats and gloves play a significant role in keeping you warm. Great care must be taken while packing your children’s clothing because it is the apparel that protects your little ones’ from harsh weather and wind chill. A pair of boots renders a helping hand to fight against the frosting snow.

Anti-slippery materials:

The anti-slippery materials give assurance for safe footing. Entrance and carpet area are the places that encounter lots of foot traffic on the moving day. Carry card board pieces and place it on your new home entrance, this way your place is protected from foot impressions and safety of your movers is also ensured as it act as an anti-slippery agent. Equip yourself with extra bags of salt or sand, since it makes walking on icy spots easy.

Keep snow shovel handy:

Snow is obvious during winter season. Keeping snow shovel within easy access help you remove snow around your new residence easily and instantly. Instead of loading it in truck, it is much recommended to load it in car that you’re using for your travel, ensuring shovel’s easy reliability.

Hot beverages:

Hot beverages such as tea, coffee and hot chocolate revitalize you during your winter move. Pack instant soup mixes and energy bars that make you feel refreshed. You might have packed spoons and cups in boxes and kept it inside your moving truck. It is highly impossible to unpack the box in between the move, so carry recyclable paper cups and wooden spoons for instant use.

Floor cleaner, rags, mop:

The mess created by the movers must be cleaned immediately. Employ yourself with floor cleaner, rag and mop for instant floor cleaning. Keeping your place clean and moisture free is very essential during winter, as it is the peak season when most of the bacterial infections emerge.
Be prepared with an essential box:
During winter season you may arrive quickly than your belongings. It is paramount to prepare the essential box that contains all your necessities that helps you stay trouble free at your new home.

Tire chains:

If you’re using DIY approach, you need to drive your car on your own. So purchase proper tire chains that let you drive smoothly on icy roads. When it comes to tire chains, never compromise in quality, also don’t hesitate to consult with mechanic for selecting suitable chain that perfectly fits your vehicle’s tire.

Carry emergency supplies:

Having ready emergency supplies such as flash light, jumper cables, roadside flares, emergency blankets, tow rope and ice scrapers, you can ensure your safety during your winter move. Carrying candles and matches, cell phone chargers, pocket warmers and emergency contact list, save you from dangerous risks.

Safety tips for winter driving:

Maintain a safe distance:

Make sure that there is enough distance between your car and the car in front of you, while driving on an icy road, where sudden brakes are virtually impossible. Always slow down your vehicles, when approaching bridges and overpass, to avoid unnecessary skids.

Check lights are working:

Accumulated snow and frost hides the road, even your vision during snowy weather, so you greatly need the help of lights while driving. Check headlights, brake lights and turning indicators are functioning properly. These lights enable others see you and for you to see them.

Control your speed:

Icy roads require a speed slower than the usual. Driving harshly on snow filled roads may end in disastrous accidents. Always drive your vehicle with good control, to reduce the possibilities of getting hit on black ice that is quite invisible.

The winter move gives you unrivaled delight and joy, if it is carried out with proper planning and organization. The moving tips furnished above helps you end up with a successful winter move.

Things you should never entrust to movers

Moving all your belongings safely to your new residence is the most tedious task of the relocation process that requires a lot of preparations and careful planning. Apart from your ordinary home appliances and furniture, there are some special items such as essentials, heirlooms and cherished possessions, which are the reminiscent of your beloved ancestors, must be moved only by you with great care. Though you book a trustworthy and reputed moving company, it is not advisable to entrust these things to them.

List of items you should always move by yourself:

Essential documents:

It is much recommended to keep your important paper works such as passports, driving licenses, medical reports, birth certificates, insurance policies etc, handy. These documents you may need immediately after the arrival to your new place. During peak season move, you may arrive early than your belongings, so it is wise to carry all the essential documents with you, instead of shipping it.

Expensive jewelries:

Jewelries are the delicate items that are much prone to mysterious disappearance. During daunting moving process there are a lot of possibilities to miss or misplace your priced ornaments. Hiring reputed movers will not assure the safety of your jewelry, since there are no people in the world without awe for expensive items. Even if you book trust worthy movers, you may protect your jewelry from getting stolen, but damage- free ornaments shipment is not guaranteed. If you’re carrying out a DIY approach means ensure to store the ornaments in a separate fabric lined box to avoid tangling of chains and bracelets, gemstone break and surface scratches of your invaluable possessions.

Costlier electronics:

Expensive electronic gadgets such as laptops, digital cameras, smart phones, stereo head phones rank top the list of stolen items during a hectic relocation process. In order to protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft, it is better to keep your personal information stored gadgets along with you.

electrical

costlier electronic things

Summer move may create irrevocable damage to your heat sensitive electronics, so it is wise to transport such items in car that you’re using for your move, instead of moving truck. Expensive hefty electronics that include Plasma TV and personal computer cannot be moved on your own, so before loading them in truck, ensure that they’re well protected with sturdy card board boxes and padding materials that provide proper heat insulation.

Heirloom items:

Missing your ordinary house hold stuff will leave you stressed but losing your family heirlooms that embodies high sentimental value will leave you in long lasting grief. Whether it’s a costly diamond ring or broken wall clock, family heirlooms means a lot more than an item. So, immense care must be taken while packing and moving the precious keepsakes. You may safeguard these priceless valuables carefully but you cannot expect your movers to do so. To keep unnecessary frustration at bay, carry the heirlooms with you, never relay on movers.

Art works and prized collections:

The valuable collections such as foreign coins, age old stamps, rare pens etc, are never less than your expensive jewelries. Don’t risk the safety of your dear collections, by letting your movers to ship it. The delicate paintings and art works must also be transported only under your surveillance. In case it is too large to fit into a car, protect it with custom wooden crates, bubble wraps and plenty of foam sheets, before your professional movers load them inside moving truck.

Survival kit:

It is always wise to prepare and carry with you an essential box that includes toiletries, change of clothes, medicines and small tools. You cannot start you day without brushing or bathing and you cannot be happy at your new home, if you’re sick or met with injuries, so accompanying a survival kit is paramount.

Loose cash and credit cards:

While travelling you need to pay for road tolls, snacks and drinks and other unavoidable expenses. Keeping cash and credit cards handy help you get rid from the hassle of opening the locked suitcase every now and then.

Pets and plants:

The pet animals and plants are the two things that rank top among the most difficult things to move. Several precautionary measures must be taken while shifting these close to heart things. Never let your movers to relocate your pets, keep in mind that it may be valuable possession for you, but not for them. To ensure your pet’s safety, it is much recommended to keep them with you.

Avoid hazardous materials:

There are some items that should not be moved either by movers or even by you. Keep in mind that carrying hazardous materials such as kerosene, car battery, gas cylinders etc, may end up with unfortunate incidents. So, avoid carrying hazardous items as far as possible.
Even you carry some essential belongings with you most of the hefty possessions are shipped by movers. So, check the insurance policies of your moving company to ensure that your stuff comes under their norm. This way you can claim reimbursement for goods, in case of damage or theft of your belongings. Though your movers are highly professional, making your move successful is in your hands.

Right way to unload a moving truck

The delightful relocation process excites everyone, but it may become disastrous, if the unloading process is not done the right way. Paramount importance must be given for loading and unloading items safely, since no one wants their prized possessions to get damaged. For a safe and trouble free moving experience, it is much recommended to take some precaution measures, while unloading your goods upon delivery. Whether you’re choosing DIY approach or hiring professional movers, sensible and organized planning makes you’re move a smooth and successful one.

Things to be done before packing items:

Create a detailed floor plan:

It takes much time to arrange the unloaded items in your new home. Creating a floor plan of your new residence with markings of the exact positions, where your major house hold items must be placed, reduce the hassle of unloading and arranging goods at your new home. The thoughtful trick that gears up unloading process is that paste colorful labels on the door frames of your new home’s empty rooms and boxes that must be placed in those rooms, this way the goods boxes can be placed in their corresponding rooms easily without gulping time and wrecking nerves.

Sort help:

It is highly impossible to unload all your belongings from truck by yourself. In order to ensure the safety of your items, it is wise to sort help from either professional movers or friends, and also ensure their availability on moving day before itself. However the best option is to let professional movers do the jobs for you. Since, they are equipped with all the necessary items that are required for unloading all your belongings from truck and shifting them inside your new home. Another cool factor is that you can avoid moving injuries by hiring efficient professional movers.

Time management:

Relocation is a daunting task that requires ample amount of time, so a well ahead planning gives you relief from the moving stress. Several factors such as size of the boxes, weight of the boxes, number of boxes, experience of the professional movers, and availability of moving equipment decides the time of your unloading process. The weather conditions also play a dominant role, when you’re carrying out your move. So, manage your available time properly to get rid from last minute frustrations and enjoy a hassle free move.

Reserve a parking area beforehand:

Reserve an appropriate parking place for the moving truck well in advance, so that your goods can be unloaded and shifted safely within short span of time. It is well and good, if the vehicle is parked in front of your new home, since you can ensure the safety of your valuable belongings and also the long carry fee payment is avoided.

Be cautious:

There are possibilities of floor damage, when you unload and unpack your invaluable possessions into your new residence without using any protective materials. Usage of carpet film protectors, old blankets, large pieces of cardboard and rugs reduce the floor harm. Cover the stair case with some anti- slippery materials, to avoid unnecessary risks during unloading items. If your move is during rainy season, it’s better to change the floor coverings once or twice, not allowing the moisture to soak through the floor. The walls and doors must also be covered with corner guards and foam padding’s, in order to protect them from scratches.

Keep your pathways obstacle free:

For safe unloading and shifting of goods, the pathway leading to your home must be free from obstacles such as debris, dead leaves, snow, mud, over grown bushes, tree branches etc. Place the already shifted items away from the path that you’re using for unloading other goods. At any point of time personal protection is also very vital. Wear comfortable clothes that do not restrict your movements, boots with anti-slippery soles, and gloves. The back support reduces the risk of strain and also don’t forget to use dolly that significantly reduce your unloading burdens. Children and pets may get injured or cause injuries, when they run around you while you’re carrying goods, so keep them at bay before starting the unloading process.

Tips for quick unloading:

Unload the items in right order:

Load the over-sized boxes first; so that it can be unloaded last, this way these boxes do not harm the miscellaneous items and fragile items that are placed above it. Once the loading process is over, secure the boxes with bungee cords, restricting the movement of the goods during transportation. While unloading, the breakables must be removed before the delicate household appliances. So that there will be enough space for other bulkier items to get out from truck. Unload the heavy furniture and wardrobe boxes at last.

Employ proper lifting and carrying techniques:

When you’re lifting heavy items, it is advisable to bend your knees and lift with your leg’s strength, instead of back. To avoid slipping of boxes, hold it close to your body and move with smaller steps. Bulkier items must be shifted, only through moving ramp or dolly. Don’t be in haste while unloading or unpacking as it will end up with serious consequences.

Rest the items in their designated places:

Rearranging the shifted materials several times is overwhelming, it is far better to arrange the items directly in their designated places itself. Make sure that no item left inside the storage area of the rental truck and every item is placed in its corresponding place. In case if you’re using moving company, check that the received items match with the inventory list. Once all the belongings are unloaded, carefully unpack the items. The plastic wraps, cardboard boxes, bubble wraps, plastic crates and other protective materials must be removed with great care and maintained at good condition, since you can use these items again, if there is a need. Give importance to dispose the waste moving supplies properly.

The moving advice furnished above makes the hard pressed unloading process easier and let your successful moving experience a memorable one.

Moving to a Beach Town

Beach towns are prime locations for vacations, businesses and residential movers. Coastal living allows you to spend your free time on the sand, in the water, by the water, enjoy water sports and take sun bath. Beach town offer you lot of benefits and opportunities that winter climates do not provide. Most of the people want to enjoy the sunny and warm weather. So, they move their residence to beach town. Here are few useful tips for exciting beach town relocation.

Pros of beach town relocation:
Pleasant and Enjoyable climate:
You can eliminate the hassle of wearing several layers of clothing and throwing salt or sand in front of your garage, in order to protect your car from getting drift on the ice. Beach town has a warm weather that allows you to swim, walk along the beach, smell the ocean air and pick up the sea shells. Beach town moving is great for water lovers, boating groups, fishing enthusiasts, golfing addicts and nature admirers.

Good for health:
People can be hale and healthy by living in a beach town. Ocean water can alleviate the skin allergies and it is good for rhino pharynx, sinuses etc. The air by the water is good for breathing and keeps you refreshed. You can enjoy the bliss of early morning sun that is rich in vitamin D, which has positive influences on the human body. Walking or jogging on the beach sand, the natural body shaper removes the dead skin cells of your body. Beach town moving benefits you to greater extent.

Kid’s welfare:
Beach town give more opportunities for your kids to mingle with others, play together and socialize. Costal living gives them a healthy environment and motivates them to play outdoor games, instead of playing computer games and watching TV.

An Excellent place for nature lovers:
Beach towns are the excellent place for site seeing. The place is ideal for watching sea side animals, birds and enjoying natural breezy climate. Nature admirers always have great love for coastal areas that are treasured with natural beauties such as sea shells, snails, fishes etc.

Tips for beach town relocation:
What to pack:
Opt for comfortable attire:
When moving to beach town carry enough casuals, in order to keep you more comfortable, but never ever over pack. Over baggage can be avoided by packing outfits that can be worn in multiple combinations. Do not forget to pack your swim wear, beach towels and sun hats. The hat protects you from the scorching sun, which cause skin tanning.

Sun glasses and sun screens:
Prolonged exposure to sun is extremely dangerous, so pack sunscreen with SPF15+ that helps you to protect from sun burns. You can get rid from the effect of UV rays, by using sunglasses that have larger lenses.

Be prepared with a beach bag:
The washable and spacious beach bag allow you to carry wet wipes, baby powder and Ziploc bags that secure your electronic items, wallets, wet swim wears and change of clothes.

Home appliances:
Carefully pack all the home appliances and furniture by using moving supplies and cardboard boxes. The safety of your belongings is ensured by packing it with bubble wrap and cushion padding. Renting plastic crates and pre used boxes from friends and neighbors enable you to carry out your moving process in a cost efficient way. For easy packing of the furniture, dismantle it first and then start packing. The fragile kitchen wares must be packed with the help of sectioned boxes. While loading into the truck, load the fragile items last, this way it can be safely unloaded first at your new residence. After loading, use rope or bungee cords to secure your belongings, so that the boxes don’t move during transportation.

Adapt to the weather:
When moving to beach town, you need to adapt to the beach weather that is pleasantly soothing and sometimes humid and muggy. Constantly monitor your health and keep right precautions and care handy, if you feel that your body do not accommodates the change of weather.

Do research:
Select proper beach town based on availability of resources and also assess whether the place is suitable for you. Get help from moving consultants for choosing better place.

Look for assistance:
Keep in mind that relocation is not one man affair; it is fair to have movers to assist your relocation process. Before selecting the movers it is good to check their credentials, this way you’re less likely to get scammed. The reputation of your movers can also be checked in official transportation sites such as my moving reviews, yelp etc, which give you clear idea about your moving company through reviews and ratings. For cost efficient move, try to get quote from at least 5 companies, so that you can end up with suitable company that fits into your budget.

Top beach town locations in United States:
Florida:
It is the picture perfect beach town destination. Florida is one of the top affordable beach town locations that boast commercial fishing. It is the perfect choice to escape from the hassles of busy city.

Cayucos, California:
Cayucos, halfway between the San Francisco and L.A. is a delightful beach town, which have beautiful beaches and beautiful people. The ultimate beach town destination, give you an instant relaxed vibe.

Myrtle beach, South Carolina:
Myrtle’s scenic beaches and lively community attract millions of visitors every year. It is one of the sought after beach town, since it offer several amenities.

Cape cod, Massachusetts:
It is the iconic north east beach town that allow you to enjoy long walks on the beach, lighthouse peeping, whale watching, sailing, surfing, bird watching and photography.

Naples:
The Naples is treasured with aquamarine waters, white sand beaches and palm trees dotting the shore line. This exquisite tropical destination resembles that of a paradise. The warm weather of the place promotes outdoor activities to great extent.

Santa Cruz:
Santa Cruz is a most popular beach town, known for its rocky coast and picture perfect ocean views. It is the wonderful surfing destination that grabs the attention of people all around the world.

The above furnished information helps the beach town movers to carry out their move in a stress-free manner.

Why, when and how of writing a moving review

Selecting a reputed moving company is probably the biggest decision to make during a move. By writing an honest and factual review of your movers, you’re helping millions of people just like you to choose a better moving company. Whether your review is positive or negative, it should always be genuine valuable information that helps the consumers to make a right decision. Moving review is mutually beneficial to both the consumers and moving companies that work hard service your moves.

Valuable reasons to write moving company’s reviews :

Moving review let you to take informed decision :

A genuine and information packed moving review doesn’t gain anything for the reviewer, but does help others make an informed decision. The best online reviews give you information about the professionalism of the crew and whether or not the packed boxes reached their final destination safely. Moving review let you know what to expect from the movers, since consumers have reasonable expectations regarding the scope of the moving company’s work.

It helps local small business movers :

The well known branded moving companies need not want any advertisements and promotions; they simply get hired based on their credentials. Local and small movers may not get hired, unless they are backed up with plenty of positive reviews. If you’re satisfied with the service of a lesser-known company, you can favor them by writing glowing positive review, so that their dedication and hard work will be rewarded with more business.

You can identify careless workers :

If you come across multiple negative reviews about a moving company, then that company is prone to a culture of carelessness. Keep in mind that there is no use in completing a move, if your belongings are damaged or disappeared during the moving process. Moving review informs you how well the moving company responds to damage and missing items.

Moving review help you get the best quote :

Finding a moving company at a reasonable cost is a daunting task. Moving review helps you in finding a cost efficient mover with excellent sense of customer service. Hiring company based on cost alone, may save you couple of bucks but safety of your belongings is ensured only by good professional moving company.

Moving reviews prevent scams :

If you’re choosing a mover based on their own website then you’re more likely to get scammed. Checking the moving company’s ratings in reputed transportation sites will prevent you from scam movers. You can bring more business to the deserving good moving company with powerful positive feedbacks and drive the bad ones out of business.

How to write a good moving review :

Approximate your information :

Don’t be super specific in giving your personal information, this way you can ensure your personal safety. Include approximate date, time and location of your move.

Mention about customer service :

Give clear idea to the reader about the effectiveness of their service. Do not forget to highlight the special qualities of your movers. Also, mention that whether your movers are courteous, loyal, helpful and answering your questions or gruff and rude.

Special mention to the punctuality :

Moving review should include how your movers handled the unavoidable situations such as traffic and unexpected weather condition, were your belongings shipped on time and do they maintain punctuality for all their appointments including estimate, moving day and delivery.

Notify the extra payment :

Let your readers know whether your move is within the estimated budget or you were subjected to any extra payment. By writing this issue, you can save number of consumers from fake movers. If you encountered any unusual procedure or unexpected elements, mention that also.

Rank your mover :

Assess your moving company based on satisfaction of their job service. Do not hesitate to recommend good moving companies to others.

Write the original fact :

In spite of all positive reviews, if you had a terrible experience with a high end moving company then you need to be bold enough to address it in your review. If you also felt that a dull company with negative reviews changed their state and doing good job, encourage them with positive feedback and suggest them to others.

Avoid derogatory language :

Though you witnessed tough situation with your movers, do not use derogatory language to describe your frustration on them. Resist your urge to use too many exclamation points or using profanity words as this may get you a disrespectful impression, despite of your true facts.

Employ detailed information :

Simply writing “good company” or “did great job” has no effect. Try to give detail information about the moving company’s involvement towards the work. When you’re posting your review, avoid spelling mistakes as the silly spelling and grammatical errors will make your narrative less serious.

Judge the situation :

Before writing anything ill about the movers, first judge whether it was an unavoidable accident or truly caused by moving crew’s neglect and carelessness. Movers have to overcome lot of difficulties and hurdles to gain good name, so it is not fair to judge them based on one single unpleasant event.

Give your own experience :

You can write review, only if you have been the customer of the moving company you are reviewing. Do not post reviews for your friend’s and neighbor’s experience, since you have to take full responsibility for what you’re writing as review content.

Take time :

A customer’s feedback is extremely valuable for a moving company. Their service gets improved based on public opinion only. So, take enough time to write moving review. Make sure that your information is crisp because readers do not engage in reading lengthy paragraphs.

Be forgiving :

If the moving company apologizes for their mistake and offer you reimbursement, accept it and call it a day. In an event of any unfortunate moving experience post your negative review only once; do not tempt to get into any nasty back-and–forth over the online review boards.

The moving review helps you to a greater extent, if you don’t have any personal recommendations for selecting moving companies.

Moving tips for local moves

Whether you move across a country or across a street, moving is always a daunting task. Even, the Employee Relocation Council reported that relocation is considered to be the third most stressful life event. Lack of proper planning is the prime cause of moving stress. Here are few tips to save money and time when you’re moving locally.
Plan ahead :
Start the moving preparation as far in advance as you can, since it is time consuming and detailed process. In order to make your move ultimately simple and less hectic, activities such as, changing over your utilities, acquiring packing supplies must be done beforehand. Reserve the professional movers as soon as possible because last minute booking will result in unavailability of the movers and also you should pay a pretty steep price.
Concentrate on wise packing :
Spent ample of time in carefully packing your items, keep in mind that it is overwhelming to pack up the entire things in your home or apartment in one or two days, so pack well in advance. Before you start packing quickly sort through your belonging and unload the seldom or never used stuffs. The garage sale will fetch you some instant cash and eliminate the hassle of packing unwanted items. Ask for pre-used boxes from your movers and in case if you are doing the packing by yourself rent the plastic crates and moving supplies, instead of buying new one, this way, the money can be saved to greater extent. The safety of your breakables is ensured by padding it with bubble wraps.
Rental truck :
If you are relocating by DIY approach then you need a rental truck to shift your belongings. The rental truck companies charge you based on the mileage, if your move is short, you may save money by booking trucks that offer you cheaper rental rate. Be aware of the company’s insurance policies and what it actually covers, since, most of the companies offer you reimbursement with high deductibility and only covers certain types of damage. For instance, roof damage is quite common but it is often left out. By reserving the truck far in advance, you can ensure the truck availability and you can also choose your own convenient pick up and drop dates. While loading the items, first load the furniture and then heaviest boxes, thirdly load the breakable items so that during unloading process the breakables are unloaded first without getting damaged. Hire the truck based on the volume of the goods, renting smaller truck and making multiple trips makes you to end up with additional charges.

Label the belongings :
Labeling the boxes informatively helps you to keep track of your stuff. The hassle after the move can be eliminated by simply writing the room names on the boxes with marker so that it is easy for you to unpack the items and place it in appropriate place. Instead of manual labeling, the boxes can be labeled electronically by using mobile inventory software. The home inventory tools mobile app helps you to maintain a detailed database of your stuff. The encoded labeling with QR codes is another useful method. Since, it is annoying to fit the entire inventory on the label and you may also feel discomfort able to expose the content of your box, if it contains expensive items, in such cases the QR code labeling is a decent solution.

Look for helpers :
The moving can be miserable experience if you do it alone. Getting help from friends and neighbors makes the move much easier and faster. If you have enough friends, schedule your friends in shifts and get your work done, do not commit your friends to a full day of physical labor. For a local move, instead of hiring movers, getting help from friends and neighbors is a wise choice. Taking photos of the connections of your home appliances helps you to easily install it in your new home since these photos give you a detailed description about how the wires are connected.

Keep your essentials handy :
During peak season move, you may arrive quickly than your belongings, so keep your essentials such as spare dress, toiletries etc within easy access. In order to ensure the safety of your laptop, it is always advisable to transport it along with you, this way you can minimize the risk of getting it damaged or stolen during the move.

Cut down the boxes :
Trashing the unwanted items makes the packing process easy and it also reduce the number of card board boxes. The professional movers charge by volume of your goods, purging your possessions helps you to save money. Moving is the great time to unload the unneeded furniture, sell it on Craigslist. Do not forget to make a prior visit to your new residence before the move to ensure that the furniture properly fits into your new home to avoid unnecessary frustrations.

Prepare moving checklists :
A stress free moving can be experienced by preparing a checklist that covers every aspect of your move. Check list helps you to carry out the moving process in a well organized manner and the risk of missing things is greatly minimized.

Hire professional movers :
DIY approach or involving friends in moving process may save your money but the safe move is provided only by the professional movers. The unfortunate injuries during the moving process can be eliminated by hiring professional movers because they have undergone rigorous training on moving process and they stick to moving ethics. Do online research and find out the suitable movers, who fits into your budget. The selection process can be made much easier by getting referrals. Before choosing the moving company, get quotes at least from five companies, in this way you can hire a cost effective movers. Once you select your moving company sign a contract with them and the agreement should list all the needed supplies, number of trucks, total cost and the total number of boxes you are loading inside the truck etc. While signing the contract ensure that you sign a filled agreement without any blanks, to avoid the moving scams.

Invaluable moving tips for college students

The moving experience can be both exciting and stress full for a college student. It is quite challenging for students to leave behind the comforts of home in favor of a cramped dorm room. With organized packing and a support team to help with the move, the hectic moving process can be made simple. Here are few tips that help the students to set up their new living space with minimal stress and hassles.

Do not over pack :

Keep in mind that the dorm room is a small living space and you can’t stuff everything you bring, so keep your packing simple. Pack your belongings in suit cases or sealed cartons, since, it can be moved easily and quickly. To avoid unnecessary frustrations, do not bring loose belongings. During the peak season move, the shipped belongings may not be immediately available, it is wise to pack the essentials in a separate box and bring it with you, instead of shipping. Label your boxes with your name and address both inside and outside, this way you can reduce the possibilities of getting your box missed or mixed up with other’s belongings. If you want to bring some furniture, opt for bean bags and small disassembling type chairs. While packing electronic items, pad it with bubble wrap to protect it from damage. In order to make unpacking easier, pack the similar items together. The over sized boxes are hassle to carry, so don’t get yourself into trouble by over packing.

Shipping of the goods :

Hire reputed shipping agent and insure the goods before shipping, signing contract helps you to avoid the moving scams. Ensure that the company is offering reasonable quote and do not forget to mention it in the contract. Unless you’re moving overseas, the most inexpensive method to get your stuff from home to college dorm room is rental cars. This self serving move is highly cost effective, since, you’re not paying for any movers and you are reducing your work load by getting help from friends and neighbors.

Keep tools handy :

Being prepared with tools and other helpful extras such as screws, screw drivers, hammers, nails etc, will help you to set up loft for your bed or assemble furniture. You can also make simple repairs by using these handy tools. Keep in mind that the comforts of home are not available in dorm room, keeping the useful tools within access will smoothen your move-in process.

Consider the weather :

Before your move be aware of the prevailing weather conditions of your new living space and pack the seasonal clothing accordingly. If you have chosen a late fall move then the climate will be very cool, packing light weight sweaters, long sleeved shirts and jackets helps you to get rid from the feel of shivering.

Toiletries and bedding :

The toiletries are very essential wherever you go, since; you start your day with toiletries such as tooth paste, brush, soap, shampoo etc. your mom is not going to do your laundry anymore, so pack yourself with enough detergents. It is good to pack both toiletries and bedding far in advance. Your day ends with bedding, so it must also be given paramount importance. Accompanying blanket, linens, mattress cover and pillow will give you feel-home comfortable.

Avoid hazardous materials :

Do not pack hazardous materials that are flammable such as kerosene, gas lamps, immersion coils and open coiled appliances. These items catches fire easily, you’re safety is ensured by prohibiting these harmful materials.

First- aid kit :

The first aid kit containing band-aids, pain reliever’s helps you lot when you’re outside your home. Untreated small wounds will end up with severe pain; keeping first aid kit handy favors immediate medication to injuries.

Resist shopping :

Instead of prior shopping, it is best to shop with your roommates after your move. Advance shopping will end up with stocking up on the necessities that you won’t need. When you shop with your roommates, you can split the cost and buy things, which are actually needed. Making prior visit to your dorm room, give you an idea what should be brought and what should not be brought, this way you can save both money and time.

Move-In day :

For a peaceful moving experience, plan your move on mid-week date, avoid weekend move, when everyone else will be moving for a vacation. In order to protect yourself from the scorching heat, opt for early morning or evening move. Your college may offer limited dollies, bringing your own dolly, makes the transport job simple and save you from long waiting times. Since, most of the moving happens in summer, follow a strategy for unloading. Ensure that you load the temperature sensitive items last, so that you can unload it first.

Give preference to utility services :

Setting up the essential utilities such as phone, cable and internet before the moving day, helps you to get rid from unwanted last minute frustrations.

Look for discounts :

Several stationary and grocery shops, moving companies and restaurants offer discounts for students. It is wise to carry your college I.D wherever you go and make use of these offers. Sort out your belongings and find the items that you seldom used and opt for a garage sale or yard sale, which fetch you instant cash. As a student save money whenever and wherever you can, this way you can ensure that your expense do not exceed your planned budget.

Organize your activities :

Once you moved in, first and foremost thing you want to do is decoration. Make sure that you give more preference for arranging your couches, beds and closets, instead of hanging posters and pictures. Develop a floor plan of your apartment or dorm room, before arranging your furniture, so that you need not break your head, to get them rightly placed. Placing the big items in the appropriate place, before the fun stuff goes on walls and shelves, makes your living place clean and tidy.

By following the above guidelines you can eliminate the stress and hassles of moving and make your successful moving experience a memorable one.

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10 things to consider before hiring a professional mover

Much of the stress that comes with moving can be relieved by knowing and understanding your rights, before hiring a professional mover. Even, the moving companies are required by the law to provide their customers with federal publications explaining the moving process, in addition to their rights and responsibilities. Being aware of your rights, helps you to stay away from moving scams and make your moving experience a blissful one.

Ask for proper Estimates :

The moving company provides you with three kinds of estimates:

Binding: The final price of the move may exceed the estimated cost.

Non-binding: The final cost must be exactly the estimated cost.

Guaranteed-not-to-exceed: The final cost must be lower than the amount in the estimate.

You can select your comfortable estimate and make sure that the estimate is in writing, rather than verbal. Insist on on-site estimates and avoid upfront payment of cash. Deal with the moving company that inspect your home and prepare in-home estimates because only scammers tell their estimate over phone and demand extra fees by holding your belongings. As per “Consumer Protection Act”, it is offence to hold customer’s possessions, you can file a complaint against your mover and they will be punished under the section of “paid under protest”.

Consider the contracts :

To protect yourself from getting cheated, make sure that the estimate quoted by the moving company is a part of your contract, so that mover cannot charge you more than the quoted cost. The contract must include mover’s name, permanent address, description of their services, cost of the move, date of delivery, size and value of items that should be moved etc. Under the law of CPA (Consumer Protection Act), the contract must be in writing and it should be signed both by the customers and the movers.

Bill of lading :

The bill of lading is a receipt, which is issued by the movers to the consumer, after loading the items in the trucks. This receipt contains the information about the owner of the goods and all other estimates must be attached to it, before commencing the shipment. The moving company should also give inventory of house hold items, when loading the items in their transportation vehicle.

Reimbursement for your lost or damaged goods :

The moving company takes full responsibility for the damaged and disappeared items, during the move. All the moving companies have three levels of reimbursement options.

Minimal reimbursement: You are paid with 60 cents per pound for the items that is lost or damaged during the move.

Depreciated value: You are paid with the actual value of your goods.

Replacement value: The moving company will be ready to give anything that you declare as replacement.

It is mandatory for the moving company to specify the level of reimbursement for the damaged items in the service agreement, if they do not mention then they are liable to give full replacement value. The moving company is also liable to repair your damaged items, instead of replacing it with new one.

Claim for loss :

If you notice that any of your belongings are missing or damaged, you can file a written claim against your moving company, and the company should provide coverage for your loss, within 30 days. Once they receive your claim, the moving company will send you an acknowledgement receipt within 15 days. If the claim is not filed within 60 days after shipment, the company need not pay for the customer for the damaged goods.

Inquire the moving company :

Don’t hesitate to inquire your moving company about its insurance policies because most of the companies have policies that do not cover the items that you have packed. Ask your movers to show the storage space that they are using to store the items, this way you can ensure the security of your goods and minimize the possibilities of additional charges. Verify the license of your moving company to check its reputation. Dealing with licensed and insured company makes your relocation process easy.

Ask for copies of the documents :

Before signing any agreements, make sure that you read the entire agreement, also check no page is left unwritten. Ask for copies of all the documents you sign, especially bill of lading, which contains the entire details of the transaction and avoid dealing with the companies that refuse to give copies of the documents.

Get written “Order for Service” :

Getting the order for service in writing will save you from charge disputes. If you want to shift the items that are not included in the service agreement, then you can ask your company for “order for service” option, in which they shift the extra items for additional payment. Make sure that the order for service is written, to avoid ending up with doubling of the cost after the move.

File complaint :

The dispute with the company can be solved by writing a complaint letter to the company, explaining the issue, if they are not ready to hear your problem then a complaint can be filed against the moving company in the official website of the transportation department www.puco.ohio.gov. The PUCO (Public Utilities Commission Ohio) will help you in resolving your complaint with the moving company.

Be aware of moving scams :

Do online research and find minimum three professional moving companies in your locality and get multiple bids, so that it is easy for you to choose the right mover, who fits into your budget. Look for companies that have been in moving process for at least ten years. During peak season, scammers come out large in number, so checking the reputation of your moving company is very important. If you suspect your movers, call BBB (Better Business Bureau) and check the rating and the number of complaints your movers has on file. If you’re aware of fake movers and have knowledge about moving scams, then you’re less likely to get scammed.

By knowing your basic rights and responsibilities, you can make your move hassle-free.

Ways to avoid scam movers

Whether your move is short term or long term, it’s over whelming and usually takes place during a busy time in your life. Now-a-days, the moving industries are much prone to scams. There are many unscrupulous movers, who hold your belongings and demand more cost than the estimated one. Hiring a scam mover is like leaving your home unlocked when you’re on a vacation. Here are some basic guidelines, which helps you to avoid scam movers.

Don’t let the moving company to hold your belongings:

The scammers come out in large numbers during summer, the busiest season for the moving industry. The scam movers do not stick to the quoted cost, they will double the estimated amount with no validation, and if you refuse to pay the extra amount, they hold your belongings. This is similar to “hostage” situation. Insisting on an on-site estimate and choosing a reputable moving company are the best options to get rid from moving scams and charge disputes.

Check the mover’s credentials:

Approach a company after a cross check

Approach the company after a quick check on the company’s previous moves and licensing policies.

If you hire a moving company for your relocation, it is good to pay a prior visit to their office and meet the movers in person, since many disreputable movers are operating from fake address. Look for a company that offers transport truck for your move, the companies without their own rolling billboard is a definite red flag. During peak season move, you may come across many unlicensed, inefficient, jump-up moving companies, so before hiring, check out the reviews of your movers. In order to protect your items from getting damaged or disappeared, it is recommended to get everything clearly written from the movers, before boarding your belongings on the truck because scam movers refuse to put everything or anything in writing. You can also check the authorization of your moving company by verifying its Pro-Mover certificate, issued by AMSA (American Moving and Storage Association).

Aware of your insurance liability:

The Law says that for damaged or lost goods the movers are required to cover up 60 cents per pound, you can even claim additional amount based on the nature of damage. Sign up for extra insurance for the most valuable possessions. Make sure that your moving company has proper insurance norms by checking in protectyourmove.gov, an official site of the Department of Transportation, which gives information such as moving company’s license number, insurance policies, number of drivers, number of trucks and service ratings. This site helps you to identify the fake movers, who charge upfront for moves and give estimates over phone or on-line.

Ask for references:

Relocation is not a one-man’s affair, so ask your friends and neighbors, who have recently shifted, to refer a reputable movers. Even real estate agents are a great source for finding reputable movers. If you are hiring a moving company found online, ensure that the address published in their website, really exists. Prepare a list of services you need and hire a mover who can accommodate your needs at reasonable cost. Your money can be saved by getting multiple estimates and ensure that the estimate is done at your home.

Double check the moving contract:

Make sure that your agreement is listed with all the details of your transaction that includes delivery date, needed moving supplies, and a complete list of your belongings that you’re going to move and don’t forget to mention the cost quoted by the moving company to avoid unnecessary arguments at the end of your move. It is also mandatory to specify that no additional fee must be charged by drivers as tips or for other allowance. Before you sign a contract, it is important to know your company’s claim process, whether they have their own claim agent or outsource it to a third party. In order to stay away from scammers, never sign contract with blanks, always ensure that the agreement is filled before signing it.

Employ binding estimates:

Look for companies that offer binding estimates, where the final total cost should not exceed the estimate price. The binding estimate, financially safeguard the customers and reduce the addition of multiple fees, after the shipment of the goods.

Be available:

Spent ample of time with the movers and constantly monitor them while hefting your furniture and other valuables. Most of the scam movers abandon your belongings in a private storage facility and fold up shop, while you’re awaiting the delivery. So, being in the premises, will save your possession from getting damaged or disappeared, also be in touch with the movers throughout your move.

Stay away from moving brokers:

When you deal directly with the moving company without any intermediate brokers then you’re less likely to get scammed. Many fake brokers, doing on-line scam by setting up fake slick- looking websites.

Don’t load your goods in unregistered trucks:

The reputed moving companies have their trucks etched with their company logos. The trucks that are left unnamed and movers dressed in un-uniform are the clear indication of scammers. After unloading the goods from the truck, open the box in presence of the movers, to check for obvious damage, if any, you can deduct your moving charge.

Pay for weight not cubic feet:

Make sure that your movers are charging you by considering the weight of your goods, instead of the space occupied by your belongings. When it is charged for weight, we can cross check the cost by measuring the volume of the goods whereas it is difficult to do the same when charged based on the space occupied by the belongings.

Charge on the basis of weight of the goods

Don’t pay cash before the move:

If you settle the deal by paying cash before your move, and if the company does not provide you the receipt, then there is no evidence of the paid transaction, and the moving company can disappear with your possessions, pretending that no transaction ever happened.

You can enjoy hassle free move by being aware about the common scams carried by the movers and by following the above tips you can end up with a secure and sound relocation at reasonable cost.

Moving strategies during peak season

The peak season is a challenging time for both movers and moving companies. The term “peak season” often implies summer time. When the season gets warmer, families will move for vacation. People often choose to travel in summer, in order to avoid accidents during winter due to slippery roads and snow. During this period the moving companies should compete with each other to provide services to people who are moving for a break. For a hassle-free moving experience, it is good to plan early. With the well organized pre- planning, you can beat the moving rush.

Reasons:

Successful movingClimatic conditions:

The summer season is preferred by movers because it offers a safe and easy driving experience reducing the risk of accidents that are caused by snow filled roads and frozen hands and feet. It is very difficult to relocate from one place to another in snow storm or freezing temperature, hence summer is the best time for moving.

Seasonal work:

Many people move in summer, in order to find temporary employment. So, to stay close to their work place, they need to relocate. Companies usually shift their employees in warmer months, when the business encounters temporary decline.

End of the academic year:

Summer break gives a good chance for the children to relocate, to find new school near the newly shifted residence.

Real estate:

There are more number of houses for rent in later spring than autumn season, which gives wide choice to choose your appropriate home.

Reduction in moving cost:

In order to attract customers, many moving companies offer excellent discounts during summer, when the number of relocates reaches its peak.

Whale of time available:

Since it is a vacation period, you can spend plenty of time in arranging and organizing your move. The possibility of missing items and making hasty decisions are reduced to a great extent.

Tips to prepare for peak season move:

Early planning:

Making an appointment

Booking your move prior with a moving company is the best way to make sure everything will go as planned.

Planning as early as possible is the key for a successful move. If you are going to relocate during the peak season, it is good to book the moving company, a month early. Through early reservation of the moving company, you can set up a convenient pick-up-date. Always keep in mind that the delivery date is not guaranteed during peak season. It is advisable to visit the moving company a week before the agreed date, to ensure everything goes smooth according to the plan. It is also important to confirm the availability of professional moving crew on the prescribed date.

Do conscious packing:

There is great demand for moving supplies during peak season. The packing process can be carried out easily by using the moving materials like packing tape, bubble wrap, padding items, tape dispenser, cardboard boxes, and moving blankets etc. For proper and efficient packing, keep the moving materials handy. Start the packing process a week before the moving day. Spend at least couple of hours every day to pack your valuable possessions, in order to avoid hectic last minute packing. Get lists of non-allowable items that cannot be shipped by your moving company and don’t waste time in packing them.

Choose trustworthy movers:

The moving professionals from a trust worthy and reputed company can reduce the laborious work of relocation process to a great extent. But selecting a trustworthy mover is a great deal. Get quotes from several moving companies in your locality and select the best one that fits into your budget. The business of moving companies, shoots up during the peak season, they are liable to sign up for more jobs. So, ensure that the mover’s trucks and other requirements for moving are appropriate, to avoid unfortunate conditions. During peak season it is possible to get caught into the “moving scam”, so double check the documents of the movers.

Avoid hazardous materials:

When moving in hot summer months, avoid carrying hazardous materials that explode or catch fire easily. For instance, if you’re relocating your gas cylinder in hot summer, it gets overheated and may explode. Don’t pack materials that can melt at high temperature, as it can spoil or warp the container.

Consider the weather:

It is very important to stay cool and hydrated, if you are relocating in hot summer. Keep in mind that the scorching heat is going to accompany you throughout the moving process. So, dress in light –colored and comfortable clothes, on moving day. Consume plenty of water, as it keeps you hydrated. In between the moving process, intake of the wholesome snacks, granola bars and fruits, helps you to retain energy. If you or the movers involved in relocation process feels too hot, placing cold wet towel, on the back of the neck, lowers the body temperature and gives quick relief from heat. Moving in hot sun may cause discomfort to your skin. Protect your skin from sunburns and tanning by using quality sunscreen lotion.

Stay healthy

Boost yourself periodically by drinking water or other energy drinks. Avoid aerated drinks while moving.

Prepare essentials box:

During peak season your shipment may be delayed, due to busy roads and limited storage spaces. You may arrive at your new residence before your belongings, so ensure that all your essentials travel with you. Prepare a separate essentials box that includes all the items you require to survive for a week. By doing this, you can survive in your new home immediately, without expecting the arrival of your belongings.

Packing materials to be kept handy

Be self-sufficient with packing materials as during seasonal time these are first to go out of stock!

Mind the documents:

Don’t forget to carry your relevant papers and documents, while moving in high season. Always make sure that your professional movers also carry their license, vehicle registration and insurance papers. Retrieve the medical and school records; notify your change of address to neighbors. So that it is easy for you to access your postal letters, payment bills etc.

Prefer early morning move:

During summer, the heat intensity is too high. So try to load all your possessions in the truck before the sun rise and move as early as possible. It is wise, if you get your truck parked in front of the home the night before you leave so that you can start loading your household items in evening or before the dawn of the sun.

By following the above strategies, your relocation process during seasonal time becomes easy and blissful.