Category: Movers

Moving guide and checklist to organize your move

Whether your move is inspired by a great job offer in a new city, a growing family, an empty nest, or a desire to upgrade your house, moving is inherently busy, complex and stressful.

This moving guide will show you what to consider at each stage of the moving process so you can make the best decisions for your situation and budget. Use the timeline at the end of the guide to stay on track.

Selling your home

Before moving into a new home, most people first need to sell their existing house. It’s often very difficult to time the selling of your current house with the purchase of your next house because of market demand, seasonality, and life events. We’re making this easier, allowing you to trade-in your home so you can buy and sell in one seamless experience.

Timeline

The earlier you can start to prepare for your move, the better. The first thing you should do is create a timeline for your move. Experts suggest two months is ideal, but circumstances (like a new job or selling an existing home) can influence timing. Use the timeline at the end of this article as a starting point, and add in other things specific to your situation as needed.

Budget

No matter how you do it, moving is not cheap. It’s helpful to develop a moving budget. This is especially critical if a new employer is not footing the bill. You’ll have to decide how much of the moving work you want to outsource versus how much you can do yourself to keep expenses manageable. Your biggest cost will be related to transporting your stuff from your old house to your new home.

 

Local Moving Guide

Do you plan to keep EVERYTHING that is in your current home?

Moving is a wonderful time to refresh your home’s decor. If you have a substantial number of items you’d like to get rid of, consider a yard or garage sale. Many neighborhoods do group Yard Sales to maximize traffic.  If you don’t have many items, have unsold items from your yard sale, or would rather not spend a Saturday schlepping your belongings out in the yard- consider donating to a local or national non profit.  Many of them offer pick up services and it is a tax deduction

Time to get boxes, tape, and padding supplies!.

If you will be packing yourself, it’s time to get started. But you can’t pack if you don’t have supplies will provide some complimentary boxes to customers. If you’re not using a professional mover, try a big box hardware store or department store. You can also occasionally find free boxes on Craigslist, Facebook groups, or at yard sales. Be careful to only use good, strong boxes in decent condition – moving boxes aren’t just to help transport your items, but to protect them, too.

Plan out your new living space. This is a great way to reduce your stress on moving day. First, measure your furniture: couch, chairs, TV stand, bookcases, bed, dressers.  Then take a tape measure to your new home and plan out where you will place your main furniture pieces. By measuring the space and large furniture ahead of time, you’ll be able to direct the move teams (or your friends and family) without hesitation, making for a faster, easier moving day.

Start getting familiar with your new community. Request information on schools, community programs, parks and recreation from the local Chamber of Commerce.

All travel arrangements (hotel, flights, car rental, etc.) for your family should be made at this time. Try to keep your plan flexible as possible to accommodate any schedule changes or delays.

If your move is job related, you should keep all receipts for moving related expenses in a designated moving folder. Many moving expenses are tax deductible if related to a new or current job, even if they don’t offer you a relocation package.

Finalize all real estate and rental needs. Make sure you have a copy of the signed lease, and all the related documents you need.

Contact your insurance agent to transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance. This can also be done ahead of time- sometimes the auto insurance premiums fluctuate based on your new address and commute to work.

All medical and dental records should be placed in a safe and accessible place. Be sure to include prescription, vaccination records and eyeglass specifications.

Plan on taking all important documents, such as wills, stock certificates, and other one of a kind items (jewelry, coin collection, photos etc.).

 

The Most Epic Moving Checklist in the History of Moving

Let’s face it, moving is stressful. That’s why we’ve created an epic moving checklist to help you stay on track. With some direction and this 8-week checklist for your upcoming move, you’ll be sure to have everything done between now and the big day, leaving you plenty of time to celebrate.

It’s important for you to plan for every aspect of your move. The good news? We’ve got you covered. We won’t lie–there’s a lot to do to prepare. Yet, you’ll be thankful you started early and had this epic moving checklist to ensure you stay on top of your to-do list.

1. Create a digital “moving” folder on Google Drive or Dropbox.

Take pictures with your phone of quotes, receipts, and records related to your move and store them in an online storage system such as Google Drive or Dropbox. You’re not going to be able to remember all of the details, so throw them in a document for easy reference.

2. Schedule in-home estimates with a moving company.

Get at least three estimates, if you can. If you’re doing a DIY move, check out our free discount with Penske.

3. Create a budget for moving expenses.

We know you want to hire professional movers, buy that new sectional and wine fridge, but priorities, right?

4. Read over documents from your movers before signing anything.

Learn about the documents you’ll be receiving ahead of time to avoid getting intimidated by contracts. We can’t emphasize enough how important this is, there’s a reason it’s #4 on our list.

5. Request time off work for moving day.

If you can, plan to take off and move on a Friday. That gives you the rest of the weekend to get yourself organized. Nice tip, right?

6. Choose a school for your kids.

Need a little help in the research department? Great Schools can help you choose the best school in your area.

7. Request transcripts for your kids from their current school for their new school.

Regardless of how far you are moving, the new school your child attends will need these. Arrive prepared so your kid(s) don’t get left behind.

8. Plan a garage sale.

Then, donate anything left that you couldn’t sell.

9. Plan how to move fragile or unusual items, such as guns, pianos, fine art, pool tables, safes, etc.

The movers you hire may not be qualified to move some larger (or more expensive) items, so you may need to hire a specialty mover. Make sure you’re aware of exactly what the movers you hired will and will not move.

10. Confirm your moving company is licensed and insured by verifying their Department of Transportation number (also referred to as a DOT number).

You have enough to think about when moving, make sure worrying about whether your belongings are safe isn’t one of them.

 

How To Move Locally – A Complete Comprehensive Guide

Whether you are moving locally or long distance, one thing is for sure, nobody likes to move for a hobby. You could be moving for different reasons like a better job, promotion or starting a new life with your partner. Whatever the reason is, each one of us has to go through the moving process at least once in our life. This is why you need to know the answers to basic questions like how to move locally or long distance. With this guide, learn the different modes of moving locally and a few tips to move without breaking the bank

Know the Different Modes on How to Move Locally DIY (Do-it-yourself) Moving

The best things about moving house locally, especially if it is a small move,  is that you can call on family, friends and even your neighbors to help you out with the move. This is probably the cheapest way to move locally. You are only moving a few miles from your current home so you can ask your friends and family to come along with their cars, or loan a truck from your friend (if you can find one) to help move some of our moving boxes. Plan a lovely meal in the evening, like a house-warming party and you might be able to convince them to even help you unpack!

Moving with a Truck Rentals

The most obvious thought when you think about how to move locally, especially if you have lots of stuff, is to hire movers to do it. Isn’t that what we all do? Well, if you are moving locally, you do have some options. You can rent a moving truck and drive it to your new location yourself. You will have to do all the grunt work yourself like packing, loading and unloading the truck. To help you out, you can either enlist the help of your friends or hire moving labor. While this method is not easy but it will certainly help you save substantially.

Moving Containers

Another “do it yourself” moving category option that you have is renting Moving Containers for your move. These companies offer “You load, we drive” service, which means you will still have to pack, load and unload the container, but you don’t have to manage driving the heavily loaded container. The company will pick it up from your old home and deliver it to your new place.

Hiring Professional Local Movers

The most stress-free and easy way of moving is by hiring professional local moving companies. They have all the equipment and well-trained movers who know how to deal with all your moving requirements while taking care of your belongings. You can choose to hire full-service movers who will handle all your moving tasks from packing to loading to unloading and unpacking. All you will have to do is direct the movers as per your requirements.

However, if you are on a budget, you can choose to handle moving tasks like packing yourself while hiring local movers only to load, move and unload your stuff to your new house. You can also customize your move by handling a few of the moving tasks yourself and asking the movers to complete the rest. In any case, here are a few moving services that local movers offer:

Professional packing, proper labeling and unpacking

Disassembly and assembly of heavy furniture items

Handling fragile items with Care

Moving truck and transport

Safety and Insurance

Moving special items like a piano, pool table etc.,

Additional services like flight services, long haul services, hoisting services, handyman services etc as per your moving needs.

Storage services

 

Local Moving Guide & Checklist

Nothing make a move easier than being prepared and organized.   If you are like most people, you haven’t moved in a while and don’t even know where to start.   Since our mission is always to make everyone’s big life transitions as easy as possible- we have created a Local Moving Guide and a Local Move Checklist Planner to give you all you need to prepare for your best relocation ever!

Think of the time frames on this Local Moving Guide as deadlines- if you are able to work ahead of time; do it! Being ahead will only take more stress and pressure off you to be ahead than it will to be working on things at the last possible moment.  This is especially true in peak moving season, which runs from late spring to early autumn.  The more advance notice you can give your mover, the more likely they will be in accommodating the move day you want.  Many of the country’s top moving companies are booked over a month in advance, in busy/ peak season.  Don’t wait until the last minute and get stuck with the only mover in town with availability left on their schedule.

Once your move is complete- take your time settling in.  You likely could use a break and making rash decisions when settling in will result in a disorganized home.  Think on where the items were placed in your old home.  Did it work well in that location or was it always just a bit ‘off’?  Be aware that you may want to try a few locations for things before fully committing to it- like for artwork or which cabinet you keep your plates in.  Unpack most commonly used items first, give them a ‘home’ in the most convenient and accessible locations- and work from there.  You’ll be all settled in and loving your new space in no time

Mover Job Description

Helping customers at their homes or businesses, movers prepare items for transportation to another destination. While some run their own businesses, movers often work for professional moving companies that service a specific area. On a team with other helpers, they help prepare, load, and unload items, and some also drive the moving truck. Movers work a physically demanding job that requires heavy lifting, and they sometimes work on nights and weekends to meet customers’ requests. Employers look for candidates who are physically able to do the work and provide the necessary training for qualified individuals.

Mover Duties and Responsibilities

While a mover’s day-to-day duties and responsibilities are determined by where they work, there are many core tasks associated with the role

Pack and Prepare Items

At the destination, movers help prepare and pack customers’ items to prevent damage during transit. Their tasks include taking apart furniture, wrapping items in bubble wrap or stretch wrap, putting loose items in boxes and sealed bags, and using straps and cardboard sheets on large items.

Load and Unload Items

Movers use equipment like dollies and ramps to load customers’ items from their buildings to the moving truck. They arrange items in the truck to fit the load and prevent objects from falling or getting damaged. At the destination, movers take the items off the truck and place them in the location the customer requests

Take Inventory

Keeping track of the customer’s items to make sure nothing gets lost or damaged is an important responsibility that movers have. They write down a description of each package or item at the customer’s location before starting loading. Movers check this inventory when they reach the destination to ensure they unload all the items.

 

MOVERS COMPANY POLICIES

now, it’s a lot to read. But it is very important information that want to make sure every customer understands. Over the years have run into all kinds of people who have asked us to do all kinds of things (even if it was a bad idea and we said so at the time). When are on the clock we work for you, and will make every effort to do what you ask. However, please be advised that certain things you may ask for come with certain risks, and cannot be responsible for the results of these requests… So as you read this, try to put yourself in our shoes- imagine what circumstances might have motivated us to add a particular policy.

Guidance, walk-trough and payment. The customer or his representative must be present during the move at all times. need your guidance! It is customer’s responsibility to do a final “walk-through” of the premises to ensure have taken everything. time runs continuously until all tools and equipment are back in the truck and payment is completed. Having your cash, personal check or credit/debit card ready will save you time and money

Long distance/interstate moves. require cash or money order/cashier’s check at the time of delivery for any balance due on long-distance moves. If you wish to pay using a credit or debit card you must inform us prior to your delivery and make appropriate arrangements with office. charge 3% convenience fee for this service. The delivery drivers for long-distance moves cannot process/accept any forms of payment other than cash, money order or cashier’s check. For all interstate moves require 10% deposit to secure crew and truck for your move (see our policy on deposits, section ‘very strict policy’), another 40% due at the pick up time and 50% balance due at the delivery before unloading

Parking arrangements. Customer is responsible for requesting moving permits if ones may be required. can only recommend getting permits for all moves as they guarantee parking the moving truck as close as possible to your doorway. Because you are familiar with the parking situation on your street, you must decide if you need one or if you can manage parking on your own. In most cases require 20-40 feet to park the truck. Please get moving permits if you think movers may have trouble parking at your address or let us know, so can take appropriate arrangements for you.

Loading/Unloading. If Movers is only providing loading or unloading services, are not responsible for any damages, which may occur in transporting the furniture and is released of all liability after loading the truck prior to unloading. are only responsible for items in our immediate care, custody and control.

 

MOVING COMPANY

Loading & Unloading

Besides being the best long distance movers, are also well-known for providing loading/unloading services at a fraction of cost. attentive and well-trained crew will ensure that you have full convenience when loading & unloading your goods to and from the trucks.

professional team will quickly arrive at your location and ensure that your valuables are rearranged, packed, loaded, or unloaded with safety and agility. will make sure that your goods stay safe from any kind of breakage and scratches that usually occurs when handling bulky items.

Treat Your Valuables Like Our Own:

At Movers, understand how tiring and risky it can be to manage the commodities while moving. The rearranging, packing, loading, and unloading of goods requires a lot of manpower and attention to detail so that nothing is left behind.

Whether you are shifting your business or home, one or two people cannot manage to do all of this. However, with the help of super commando crew members, can pull off everything in just one day.

Everyone at team goes through rigorous training and years of practicing to reach a point where they can handle clients’ valuables with the utmost care. So relax and let us take the burden of moving on capable shoulders; treat your valuables like our own,

 

Moving Labor Services

About 15% of the people in the United State of America move every year. Whether it’s a local move or long distance move, there are many different options in relocation industry; possibilities on moving services are at an all-time high. Hiring moving labor services is another good option for families that are planning a cross-country move. It is something between full-service moves and do-it-yourself moves.

all know about the full-service moves. Full-service moving companies provide almost everything you need for relocation such as packing your items, disassembly of your furniture, loading the moving truck, driving to your final destination and unloading your household belongings. Usually, the moving quote also includes basic liability protection for your household items. Full-service moves are much more expensive than doing everything yourself, but this is the best option for people with busy schedules.

If you have enough time and are able to lift heavy objects, you can also go with a do-it-yourself option. With this option you are going to do everything yourself: renting and driving a moving truck, packing, loading and unloading your belongings. If you have a couple of friends or family members to help you with your move, then this will be the least expensive moving option available on the market. This option also gives you total control over your move. If you have decided to go with do-it-yourself move option, there are many helpful tips on our site such as how to move your furniture, how to load and unload your rental truck and much more.

There is also another option available in addition to those two above-mentioned options which can save your back, your expensive furniture, and money. You can hire professional local movers to load and unload your rental truck or mobile container. Moving labor services are charged by the hour. This service is more expensive than the do-it-yourself option, but there are many benefits of using a moving labor service.

Moving labor service providers are trained and experienced movers that can efficiently load and unload your belongings. They will also maximize the space in the rental truck, which will save you from renting another or larger truck. On our website, you have a possibility to read the past customers’ reviews about the certain moving company before hiring them.

 

Loading and unloading services

If you decide not to have movers to move you, this is another option for you where the company will bring a portable storage container to your home where you can have your items stored if your new home won’t be ready, you don’t have a new place to live, or traveling across country, etc, and the company will take away and store the container at one of their centers until you are ready to have your items back at your new location.

They will pick up and deliver the storage units to you, and most portable storage companies will let you keep the containers for up to 30 days depending on what company it is, or until you are done loading or unloading the storage units for pickup, and will come in and take the containers away

Need help moving into or out of a self-storage unit? Not a problem for Movers! fast, friendly, and professional movers will help you out. You tell where your self storage is located and we will do the rest. skilled know how to pack your unit properly to ensure that no space is wasted. will protect all of your fragile and/or valuable furniture as well.

How to Choose the Best Long-Distance Movers

As if moving long distances wasn’t enough of a hassle (to say nothing of the stress factor) – finding a trustworthy company to ship your valuable goods over many miles, can seem like a gargantuan task. There are plenty of horror stories circulating about cross-country moves gone bad. They typically involve dishonest outfits who either aren’t moving companies at all, but merely an Internet front to steal your money and/or goods, or moving companies who hold your possessions hostage until you pay more than agreed. Either way, that’s not a path you want to go down. To help you stay as far away as possible from any shady transport companies, here are some suggestions for choosing the best long-distance movers.

Confirm They’re Licensed and Insured

You wouldn’t dream of taking your car out on a long distance trip without having the proper insurance, would you? Imagine the horror if you got into an accident (even just a fender-bender), 1,000 miles from home. Now imagine that same scenario, except it’s a large moving truck with all of your belongings inside. They might be damaged at best – and at worst, destroyed. You would want to be compensated if this type of scenario occurred

USDOT Number

Hiring a properly insured moving company is important regardless, but it’s especially imperative if you’re having your goods hauled over long distances – where anything can happen along the way. The best way to discover the insurance status of a prospective moving company is by tracking their USDOT number. They receive this from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a subset of the United States Department of Transportation.

Look around each prospective moving company’s website – do they clearly and openly have their USDOT number displayed for consumers? Some companies might require you to call and request this information. If the website makes no mention of it, or you call and can’t seem to get a straight answer – this is your first red flag that this company is not entirely legitimate.

The FMCSA Website

You should be able to easily obtain the USDOT number and use it on the FMCSA website, to look up pertinent information about the moving company in question. This will include if they have any complaints filed against them or if they’ve incurred any safety violations while operating. The best place to check is the FMCSA’s Search Movers and Complaint History page. This site enables you to search interstate movers not only by USDOT but also by company name (even partial name) or MC number. This MC number is attributed to them when they register with the FMCSA and receive “authority to operate” as licensed movers.

 

How to Choose a Long Distance Mover

When moving across the country, the first thing you must know is that hiring a moving truck and driving that big moving vehicle across multiple state lines is not a good idea. Actually, it often turns out to be a bad idea because of the high DIY moving costs and increased risks when moving long distance without professional assistance.

As you can imagine, there’s a huge difference between moving 200 miles and moving 2,000 miles until you reach the new home. Be mindful that the move distance will not only determine the final moving price to a great extent, but it will also influence the way you assess the relocation risks before you move out.

Why hire a long distance mover?

Before you start preparing for your house move, it’s important that you take the time to think about how exactly you are going to handle the house moving project. To make an informed decision, you’ll need to take a closer look at several key points, the major one being the DISTANCE between Point A (the current home you’re moving out of) and Point B (the destination home you’re about to move into soon).

Self-move expenses. The cost of renting a moving vehicle of the right size and purchasing the required insurance is the first step. Then add the cost of fuel, road tolls, parking fees, meals and lodgings along the trip as well. Factor in the cost of all the packing supplies and the price of renting or purchasing the necessary moving equipment (a moving dolly). Finally, set up a contingency fund because you never know what may happen on the road to your new home.

Risks and dangers. Driving a big rental moving truck across multiple state lines is a risky business, especially if you’ve never done it before. Each driven mile increases the risk of something bad happening on the road. Sustaining personal injuries or inflicting property damage are two other highly undesirable scenarios that will further complicate the risk assessment task when moving without using the services of a long distance mover.

 

How to Choose the Best Long-Distance Moving Company

Deciding which long-distance mover or company is best for you can be a difficult task. Knowing what to look for in a long-distance moving company can bring some relief to your moving situation. Here is a list of our top 5 things to consider when choosing your long-distance moving company.

Never be scared to ask a company for their license and proof of insurance. It is the law that a company who offers long distance moving services be licensed and insured, if they are operating without a license it means they are going against strict regulations. A company who operates without insurance or proper coverage is putting your belongings at risk in the event of a theft or accident where your items could be stolen or damaged. You can check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website for licensing. However, a company that won’t provide you with this information and these documents without you having to do your own research should be avoided.

Compare Costs and Quotes

Companies compete by offering different moving services at different prices. Though cost is a deciding factor in many cases, you should do more than compare costs. You will want detailed quotes and estimates in writing. Make sure that you go over the estimate or quote to see what is included that you will be charged for. Don’t get stuck with a company that will end up charging you a bunch of hidden fees. A company that is not transparent with their costs is one that is not reliable.

Do their Options Include Moving Pods?

Moving pods or moving containers are considered a cheap and effective alternative to traditional moving companies. The weather-resistant containers are able to withstand any weather condition and will keep all of your items safe through your long-distance move. If you are home hunting, they also provide an easy way to store your belongings during this period when you don’t have a permanent residence. Many companies now include an option similar to this due to the moving containers growing popularity. Ask your moving company if they have this option available.

Are the Movers Experienced?

When it comes to interstate or long distance moving, experience matters. There are many details that long distance movers have to consider that are not involved in or part of local moves. Something like crossing state borders will require more paperwork and additional licensing. Long distance movers take on a bigger risk by carrying your belongings for longer amounts of time. For reasons like these, you want to pick the moving company that you can trust with your time, money and belongings.

 

Things To Consider Before Choosing a Moving Company

We all know how moving makes us feel; most of us find it extremely stressful, time-consuming and expensive. Moving companies are supposed to make the process smoother, easier and less stressful, but when we make the wrong choices things can go South very fast. It can be quite a nightmare when it’s done wrong;  especially if we make bad decisions in hopes of saving money, cutting corners to

save time or get the wrong advice trust. Here are five things to consider when choosing a moving company for your next relocation.

Thoroughly research moving companies

Quite often we hear that we should seek recommendations from trusted friends or family members when looking for a moving company. Unfortunately, this decision may be just as bad as closing your eyes and picking a number out of the local phone book. This is because we tend to trust rather than verify when it comes to these kinds of recommendations. If you do follow through on a recommendation do all the due diligence in terms of research anyway.

Get written estimates on all bids

Let’s say you’ve contacted four moving companies in the area and each one has promised to send you a ballpark figure by phone or email. Be sure that all final bids come with a full estimate in writing with all the parameters filled in based on your conversation. In order to make an accurate quote, a moving company must have all the appropriate details of your move.

Work with a licensed moving company

There’s nothing wrong with having your cousin and brother-in-law bring their truck around to help you move across the street or down the road. Of course, you are responsible for the health and well-being of your family and friends who help you through the move. When it comes to hiring a moving company, be sure that they are licensed and bonded as well as fully insured.

Interstate moving companies should have the proper credentials

Long-distance moving projects should bury even greater scrutiny when it comes to choosing the right company for the job. Interstate moving companies should be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can access their license information online. Ask the salesperson for complete documentation of the company’s credentials.

 

How to Choose the Cheapest long Distance Moving Company?

It is quite a question these days as to how we can choose the best and the cheapest long distance moving company. Trust is something that is so lacking in our society. Hence finding a trustworthy moving company is very vital. The longer the distance is the harder to find a good mover.

What qualifies as a long distance move is any move that crosses state lines. Either interstate or a state to states move. As interstate moving connects with numerous states, it is bound to federal regulation. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is a division of the United States Department of Transportation that controls interstate moving companies which are very good news for you. Hence before you hire a mover, kindly ensure that you use basics provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enabling you to obtain a registered and a credible mover with experience and good credentials.

Working out the distance

Finding the perfect moving company is not an easy task. However, firstly work out the distance of your move. Then it is a question as to whether you need to move by road, by sea or air. While the move by sea and air are expensive, the best method will definitely be by road. But the choice is yours!

Working out a budget

You are obviously going to a new location with a bunch of unknown people and plus, you might worry about the expenses that will incur with regards to the move. Start working out a budget to suit your purse. But remember if you are moving because of work, then there is an allowance that your employer has to pay you towards the moving. Also, bear in mind that it is tax deductible if you are moving more than 50 miles for at least 40 weeks (basically 10-12 months). Did you know that the Internal Revenue Service gives a deduction for any moving expense which includes travel and lodging in addition to the expenses paid by the employer?

Working out the details

Since you have now worked out a budget and you are well aware of the facilities you can have in getting your moving costs reimbursed, now it’s time to work out the details.